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

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, ...

"There has been a very concerning rise in far-right racist attacks in Portugal, confirming that the hate messages are fueling more aggressive tactics that target human rights defenders from racial minorities,” states the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), calling for an urgent institutional response. Religious discrimination and hate crimes are on the rise in Spain, as well, pushed by rhetoric from far-right political movements.

Wherever you want to buy (or rent), the same general rule applies: Housing costs more in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, Silver Coast and their suburbs (Portugal) ... or Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza, and Málaga (Spain) than comparable inland properties. But, if you know what you want and are willing to reside away from the major tourist traps, you can get one heck of a deal in both Portugal and Spain. Whether you're looking to live in Portugal full-time or seeking a vacation retreat that you can rent out when you're not there, Portugal offers many "soup-to-nuts" opportunities for less than US $...

They say that people in the Alentejo remember what the rest of the world has forgotten. I must admit, I have used that as a lead more than once. But after the last few weeks, I saw that it was rather true. My family and I spent seven weeks living in the Alentejo—we bought a rural farmhouse not far from Estremoz—and transplanted ourselves into an area where we knew no one.

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 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 ...

You're relocating from the USA to Portugal or Spain. So, relocating across the Atlantic becomes a major matter of logistics. Here are the vital steps before, during, and after you travel to prepare for moving your dog(s) or cat(s) to Iberia with you. Not only are the rules are regulations, laws and legalities covered, but also what you need to know in terms of your pets' health and welfare abroad. Included here, too, is a special bonus: a read-aloud children's story about how a dog's life in Portugal can differ substantially from what we're familiar with in the USA.

"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.

Peering through the peephole of Spanish, because it’s my familiar tongue, I try to unpack the mysteries of how the Portuguese language works—and why. But my Spanish also causes obstacles, hurdles, and stumbling blocks. People constantly remind me that I’m thinking – and talking – in Spanish.

Imagine relocating to a different country where you don't even speak the language. So many things you need to buy--including, first and foremost, a car to take you around. You shop the local online classifieds and find the vehicle you want. After following all the instructions -- and receiving all of the paperwork and documentation -- you learn that you're the latest victim of spamming: Internet thievery. How did this happen? What can you share with others to warn them to be careful? Read the learning lesson one new Portugal resident from the USA learned ... the hard way.

Living in Portugal, one learns to be patient. The bureaucracy is tedious, never ending, and long-winded. It's frustrating enough when dealing with government agencies ... but systematic negligence and incompetence when dealing with retailers and service providers are legion. ANACOM, which regulates and oversees Portugal's communications sector recorded more than 125 thousand complaints against communications providers in 2020 alone. MEO received the most complaints, with 35% of the 87.6 thousand complaints about telecommunications, followed by NOS with 32%, Vodafone with 30%, and Nowo with ...

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 ...

Sometime around two years ago, our house in Portugal — Alcains, Castelo Branco to be precise — was broken into while we were away for a month. Upon returning and investigating, we knew we had been victimized and needed to inform the police. We went to our local police station and reported the crime. Eighteen (18) months later, we received a registered letter from the courthouse (tribunal) in Castelo Branco informing us that we were required to appear as witnesses two months later (17 October) in the courthouse. The fines and penalties for not appearing without providing acceptable ...

Truth be told, Portugal is being oversold. "The sales gimmick of Portugal having the best beaches in Europe, the warm weather, low cost of living, and hospitable people was charming and very appealing. However, as reality set in, I discovered a different picture--more of a western country being operated as a third world country, or an eastern bloc bureaucratic central system," said one critic.