the hot goddess

Simple Pleasures in a Midlife Move

Ola! Estou aqui! My midlife move to Portugal is exceeding expectations. Internet, utilities, and cell service continue to challenge in this rural central Portugal town on the Silver Coast, but there are so many astonishing acts of kindness and signs from the universe that have blown me away. You will be amazed at my stories of the loving generosity of strangers here! I will post details later about logistics, suggestions to consider when moving, and meeting people in a foreign country. For now, I will share snippets in pictures. I hope this finds you well. 💜

Tired but happy on my living room patio
Earlier this morning. Simple pleasures of things from home (snarky coaster and incense burner) and instant coffee from a borrowed mug. I love gazing out at the fog.
But nothing beats this view!
My backyard
I LIVE here. I am not on vacation. Still hard to believe.
My gated front yard of the condo complex
Sunset from my master bedroom balcony
The neighborhood
Also the neighborhood. Pinch me.
There are many contemporary homes here…
…Alongside very old homes
Cell service? Internet? HAHA!
My next-door neighbors
Walking uphill after mimosas ($2.50) at the neighborhood beach bar that has WiFi. (Note to self: “You are not on vacation, you are not on vacation, you are not on vacation. YOU LIVE HERE!!!!)
Another sunset at home
A nice walk
Good night moon
Mornings start off foggy…
…and then this
Neighborhood church
Just wandering. These hills are no joke on my knees, especially carrying two heavy bags of groceries and a backpack. They didn’t look that bad, but then…Ouch.
Nope. Not this way.
Never gets old.

If this post goes through with all these pics I will be amazed. Fingers crossed. I have missed reading all your posts, and look forward to catching up when I can use lots of data scrolling. Right now I am using a neighbor’s WiFi. Neighbor: “I left my door open for you to come in and use my WiFi. Here’s my password.” Unbelievable kindness and generosity here.

Until later… Happy Friday! (Feliz Seixta-Feira!) For more information on my move and preparations for a new life in Portugal, check out my Midlife Expat Learning series of posts.

All images are my own.

The Hot Goddess

Instagram: retired_rewired_inspired

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59 comments

  10. Sqeeeeeeee! 😄 Natalie, I am so freaking happy for you… I started tearing up! The views and the area are just amazing, I’d have to keep reminding myself too that I am not on vacation. Looking forward to hearing more about your move and getting settled in 💖

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    • Thank you so much, Sharon! ❤️ I tear up too, at the unbelievable acts of kindness shown by “strangers” here. So heartwarming. I was thinking about your beautiful “house” quilts (I don’t remember the pattern name). I feel as if I have been wrapped in one — warm, safe, and at home. 💖

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  11. You have been on my mind and I am joyfully reading this post. The pictures tell a beautiful story of why you made the choice to move here. The smile on your face says it all! So glad you have “landed” and are doing well! Prayers for all the “things” to work out quickly that are danglers and as always …. Best Wishes! Leigh

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  16. Wowsa, Wowee! What gorgeous photos! So inspiring to see what you have intentionally created for yourself! Niiice!

    I’d suggest writing down all those little stories! With the way the world is changing so rapidly, it may be a very nostalgic read in future years!

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  19. Wow wowwww WOW 🤩 Natalie you landed well!!!! What a beautiful place you’ve chosen. Absolutely magnificent. Happy to know you arrived safely. Yeah I imagine you’ll pinch yourself from time to time and say “I live here!” Can’t wait to read more of the great posts this environ will evoke. Stay well. Embrace it all.

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  21. Oh Natalie You look so happy I’m so happy for you, and it’s so nice to hear how generous people have been to you. I hope you continue to enjoy your vacation, oh, I mean home. 🤣❤️

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  22. Welcome Home! We recently spent two months traveling around central Portugal and just loved it, especially the coast. Lovely pictures, looking forward to following your adventures. Cheers!

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  23. OMG! What a beautiful place! I am so happy for you, Natalie!
    You might want to invest in a little wheeled cart for bringing your purchases home…you’ve probably already thought of this, though 😁

    Deb

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  25. Girrrrrlllll! You are living the dream, look at you!! 😍😍😍 you’re an absolute inspiration! And with everything you’ve been through in life, it makes me feel so good to see someone so lovely end up in such a peaceful, beautiful, and relaxing place. You deserve to feel like you’re on vacation every day! You deserve every bit of this! And I can’t wait to see more more more 🔥 xoxoxo missing you!!

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