Why Portugal?
The first thing people ask when we tell them we're moving to Portugal is, "Why Portugal?" We say, "Why not?" It's a gorgeous place that, for reasons unbeknownst to me, doesn't make it on people's bucket lists.
As part of Western Europe, it doesn't have the same swag that, say, Spain or France or even Germany have.
We’ve traveled more in Europe than anywhere else in the world, including our home country. There’s something about the European lifestyle that feels familiar yet alluring, romantic even. I remember the first time I saw images of Portugal on an episode of The Bachelorette in 2010. Immediately, I thought, "Wow, that place is gorgeous. Why don't more Americans go there?"
I visited two years later and fell in love, and still friends and family asked, "Why did you go to Portugal?" Even the local Portuguese people asked me why I chose to go there instead of somewhere more popular! Well here's my answer...why not?!
While the country is growing in popularity and tourism and is currently a magnet for expats for various reasons, one thing I love about it is that it's still a little under the radar. A little off the beaten path. And that is part of what makes it so appealing.
Following are just a few reasons Portugal won out over other relocation destinations.
Safety First
The Global Peace Index has ranked Portugal in the top 17 most peaceful countries in the world for the last 12 years, and in the top five for the last four years. Portugal’s 2019 ranking was the third most peaceful country in the world. In 2019, The United States ranked 121.
On a more personal note, in 2012, two girlfriends and I spent six days driving from Porto to Lisbon and never once felt unsafe. We got a few stares from the older generations as we sipped more Vinho Verde than the locals and outdrank some British sailors, but we never encountered even a single dicey situation, which is more than I can say for NYC, Chicago, Austin, or even London.
Seafood Seconds
And thirds, and fourths, and fifths. And then follow that with a “dessert” steak sandwich and that, my friends, is how Anthony Bourdain taught us to enjoy the deliciousness that is Portuguese cuisine. Growing up on the Gulf Coast in Texas gave us a love for seafood, and Portugal has no shortage of that along with many other local delicacies.
Restaurants, Bars and foods to enjoy
Vinho Always
The first time I visited Portugal, I discovered the wonder that is Vinho Verde (green wine). If you haven’t tried this Portuguese specialty, I suggest you stop reading, head to your local wine shop, and ask for their best bottle of Vinho Verde. I’ll meet you back here . . .
While there are many varieties ranging from white to red and even rosé, the Vinho Verde I fell in love with is a slightly effervescent white wine that goes with everything and you can drink all day. And do they!
In addition to Vinho Verde, Portugal is also famous for its Port wine from the Douro Valley region and Ginja, which is a sour cherry liqueur often served in edible chocolate shot glasses.
Needless to say, I’m very much looking forward to learning about, ahem, drinking all the wine Portugal has to offer.
Read the full article here
Article written by guest blogger Allison Baxley.
Author of the fabulous website Renovating Life A Quality of Life Improvement Project
Vinho always
The first time I visited Portugal, I discovered the wonder that is Vinho Verde (green wine). If you haven’t tried this Portuguese specialty, I suggest you stop reading, head to your local wine shop, and ask for their best bottle of Vinho Verde. I’ll meet you back here . . .
While there are many varieties ranging from white to red and even rosé, the Vinho Verde I fell in love with is a slightly effervescent white wine that goes with everything and you can drink all day. And do they!
In addition to Vinho Verde, Portugal is also famous for its Port wine from the Douro Valley region and Ginja, which is a sour cherry liqueur often served in edible chocolate shot glasses.
Needless to say, I’m very much looking forward to learning about, ahem, drinking all the wine Portugal has to offer.
To read the full article click here
Article written by guest blogger Allison Baxley, author of the fabulous site Renovating Life.