Mostrando resultados por autor "Bruce Joffe" en Todas las categorías

"I want to take you on a musical travel of sorts." Beginning in the 18th century and spanning the centuries through today's modern music, here's what you want to know about Portugal's music ... interspersed with Youtube links that complement the brief narrative.

Seeking to relocate abroad? Are you considering the sun-kissed lands of Iberia: Spain and Portugal? You definitely should ... as both countries offer a high quality of life and a lower cost of living. While Spain and Portugal share much in common, they also are very different. Here's a concise examination of the similarities and differences between the two in terms of what really matters to relocation: culture, language, places of interest, cost of living, etc. This book is the perfect place to begin your expat or immigrant journey and help you choose whether Spain -- or Portugal -- is for ...

What's not to like about Portugal? Who wouldn't want to live here? That all depends on who you ask. Believe it or not, there are thousands of people disenchanted — or even disgusted — by what they've experienced in Portugal. So many, in fact, that there are several (private) Facebook groups where people can post and comment freely about what went wrong for them while living in this country.

In a world where the USA's isolationist policies have left many feeling disconnected, "Portuguese Passports" follows the journey of an American couple navigating the labyrinthine process of obtaining dual nationality in Portugal. Amidst bureaucratic challenges and cultural misunderstandings, they uncover not just the privileges of a Portuguese passport, but also the resilience of human connections across borders. As they strive for a new beginning, their story reflects the complexities of belonging in an increasingly divided world.

Secession, a term that resonates deeply within American history, refers to the act of a state withdrawing from the Union. This concept has emerged in various forms throughout the nation’s past, often driven by political, economic, and social motivations. The debate surrounding whether states should secede from the United States is not merely theoretical; it raises important questions about governance, identity, and the very fabric of American democracy. States like Texas, California, Alaska, and Vermont have entertained the notion of secession in modern times, reflecting ongoing ...

"Spain & Portugal - Before You Go" offers an insider's guide to navigating the quirks and complexities of life in Spain and Portugal. Drawing from personal experiences, the author highlights practical tips on everything from local customs and driving rules to healthcare nuances, while also revealing unexpected challenges and delights of each country. This essential read prepares travelers and future residents for a richer, more informed experience in these vibrant nations.

After owning a vacation home in southern Spain for 18 years and two properties in Portugal for over six, we’ve started to notice and track a variety of not-so-subtle lifestyle differences between the two countries. When or if comparing your expectations or experiences with ours, please bear in mind that we live in towns and villages – not coastal cities – where our neighbors are natives, and many don’t speak English. We’re comparing typical suburban settings, not urban ubiquities, between the two countries.

Sacred Texts, Sacred Lives explores biblical texts concerning same-sex relationships. The book challenges traditional interpretations that marginalize same-sex relationships and seeks to provide a framework for understanding these relationships as part of the divine creation. Historical perspectives on homosexuality in religious texts are examined to understand evolving interpretations, while a comparative analysis of different religious views on homosexuality highlights diversity in beliefs. The book emphasizes the impact of scripture on LGBTQ+ lives and the need for inclusive theological ...

We’re on your way home, back to Portugal. Our car-minivan-van-caravan is filled almost to the brim with two humans, two dogs, food and purchases we’re taking back with us on the motorway. The sweltering heat is hovering around 45 degrees and it’s muggy, to boot. Two days earlier, we’d replaced the battery; now, a light on the dashboard indicates in Portuguese “Verificar bomba de óleo” (Check oil pump). Seconds later, a different light comes on in all capital letters in red: “STOP!” The language is universal. We pull off onto a median strip and turn of the engine, which is ...

Who's the rude ones: us or them? “Traffic jams, badly behaved children, disagreements between couples, red tapes, and queues all add up to make the Portuguese the mount irritable, bad tempered, and explosive nation in Europe.” This was among the shocking results of a public survey carried out in 17 countries throughout the European Union by Reader’s Digest in conjunction with leading universities. The leading question made in the survey was this one: “What irritates Europeans the most?” According to Jorge de Sá, professor of sociology and an expert in vox pop surveys, the ...

Tipping has been one of those difficult adjustments for me to make, now that we live in Portugal and Spain. While I am tempted to use the same rule of thumb that guided my gratuities in the USA – 20% for good service, 10-15% for acceptable, less for less – I am seeing how awkward even appreciative workers here may feel and react when given a tip based on these percentages.

Here in Portugal, there are more than 500 groups just for “expats.” They cater to every possible want or need: buying property or second-hand furniture, advice on visas, home renovation, caring for the land, restaurant recommendations, hiking and horse riding, local events and happenings, rehoming pets, connecting women, connecting singles, connecting various LGBTQ immigrants. If you can think of a niche or particular interest, there is a Facebook group for it.

Geography plays a significant role in shaping the culture and lifestyle of both Spain and Portugal. While both countries share the Iberian Peninsula, each has its own unique landscape, language, culture, and customs. Is either country — or both! — a good fit for you?

Spending less than $20,000 per year on comprehensive health care, car and property insurance, taxes, heating and air conditioning, furnishings, water, twice monthly cleaning, trash pick-up, and all living expenses, we’re maintaining three properties — two in Portugal and one in Spain — on my early retirement Social Security payments of $2,250 (about €2,100 at today's exchange rate) per month.

In an era where the flicker of film can ignite movements and the sway of a storyline can shift societal perspectives, LGBTQ+ cinema stands as a vibrant beacon of representation, resilience, and revelry. From coming-of-age tales that tug at our heartstrings to quirkily comedic shorts that make us laugh until we cry, we see how these cinematic gems resonate far beyond the screen. These films often serve as both mirrors and windows, allowing viewers to see themselves or gain insight into the lives of others. They navigate the trials of love, identity, and self-acceptance with a delightful ...

As two of the most Catholic countries, religious holidays are bountiful in both Spain and Portugal, where many of the same feast days and ferias are celebrated. Of Portugal’s 13 annual legal holidays, seven – more than half – are religious. Spain has ten national holidays of which seven – 70% -- are also based on religious observances.

Consider this scenario, one quite familiar to everyone seeking to move abroad to Portugal (and Spain). One of the indispensable requirements of obtaining a residency visa is documenting that you have a dwelling … at least for your first six months here. You can rent or buy. Your choice. Though some opt for renting, knowing they will have to relocate when their lease is up, it’s a sensible choice—especially if you have few household items and worldly goods to transport. You’ll have a chance to live up close and personal and understand the lay of the land as you explore other ...

Although Portugal provides universal health care to its citizens -- and foreign residents! -- many of us choose the augment this coverage with private health care insurance ... the annual premiums for which lately have skyrocketed! Nevertheless, you do have options for the coverage you need at a price you can afford for you and your family. Here's a comprehensive list of private health care insurance providers (with links to their coverage and cost sites online) where you can get the biggest bang for your buck. Remember: It's not health insurance you need ... it's health assurance!

It’s been well over six years now since we relocated to Portugal from the USA, time enough to evaluate our life and experiences here. Overall, we do love Portugal—for what it is, not for what it’s not. Too many people focus on the reasons why they’re leaving their homelands, rather than why they’ve chosen to live in another country. Some people are thrilled to acculturate and absorb Portuguese culture; others, however, are unable to adapt to the ways of their adopted country, and shuttle back and forth as foster children… ultimately deciding that Portugal isn’t for them. ...

The European Union aims to enable EU citizens and legal residents to study, live, shop, work, and retire in any EU country while enjoying products from all over Europe. To accomplish this, it ensures the free movement of goods, services, capital, and persons in a single EU internal market. Sounds like a great idea! By removing technical, legal, and bureaucratic barriers, the EU also allows people to trade and do business freely in this single market. That’s all well and good. But moving beyond principles to practice, let’s see if and how this market actually works. To simplify matters, ...