My wife & I have been to Portugal twice in the past 2 years. The first time from Lisbon to the north, and recently we zigzagged from Lisbon south to the Algarve.
We stopped in Sesimbra for one night, then passed through Setúbal the next day on our way to Alcacer do Sal.
We unfortunately spent far too little time in Setúbal, since we wanted to be in the Algarve for longer.
Back home in Cape Town we did a reconciliation of all the places we’ve seen, for a prospective retirement spot, and Setúbal came out tops! Mostly because it is relatively close to Lisbon’s international airport, it’s not a holiday town, has medical services, there’s lots to see and do in the vicinity, and of course the seafood.
We plan to go back soon, for a longer period, to see if it is as nice as we think (and the YouTubers say).
Hi Vernon! Thanks for stopping by for a read and to leave a comment.
I have to say, the private Hospital da Luz has phenomenal doctors and provides excellent care. All my doctors are there--and right now that's quite a few--so you can be comforted to know you'll have good care in the health department should you choose Setübal as your new home.
Hi Shanna! How are you and Catherine? Hope you're well! There's been so much happening lately what with David and Mom passing, fortunately everything as regards to mom's estate is going through without any hitches. My sister Karen and I are planning a party at the end of the year and we shall draw a line under 2024! It can go and do one!! You seem very settled and happy with your life! Really good news! Then Andrew and his good news!! WE have to look forward to the future and make plans to make the most of everything so 2025 is going to be huge for us! We shall make the most of every day and not look back. I shall finally be able to buy a caravan or camper even though it's only because of recent events in my life. Anyway, hope you start writing more often if possible?! But don't worry, you have different priorities now which is how it should be! Take care both, make the most of it!! Sending hugs xx
Always lovely to hear from you. We are doing fine--all's well.
I'm glad to hear things are moving along with your mother's estate. It's such a hard time, I'm sure, with her and David's passing, that complications with the estate would not be welcome!
I am so happy to hear that you will finally get that caravan/camper! You deserve some joy and play! And yes, I am finding my writing groove again--loyal readers like you inspire me to keep going! :)
Are you still glad that you're living in Portugal, or living in the EU, in general? I assume you don't regret moving out of the USA. More notable is you can't escape certain irritants... because tourism and expat-ism will bring them to you anyway. Like people with loud, outdoor voices who drown out everything else. Thanks for being an inspiration to many of us!
Hi Cary. Thanks for your comment. And yes, I am STILL glad to be living in Portugal/EU!
Because I have certain "complaints" about Setúbal doesn't mean that I'm not grateful to be here. I have so many good things in my daily life--friends, neighbors, and a low-key town that's pretty easy to live in.
Several seemingly conflicting things are true at the same time :)
And yes, no place is perfect--that's not something I'd look for in a town or expect. There's always something, isn't there? This latest post was my attempt to answer honestly, without the rose-colored glasses so many expats seem to wear.
Thank you for reading and taking time to comment--I appreciate it!
My wife & I have been to Portugal twice in the past 2 years. The first time from Lisbon to the north, and recently we zigzagged from Lisbon south to the Algarve.
We stopped in Sesimbra for one night, then passed through Setúbal the next day on our way to Alcacer do Sal.
We unfortunately spent far too little time in Setúbal, since we wanted to be in the Algarve for longer.
Back home in Cape Town we did a reconciliation of all the places we’ve seen, for a prospective retirement spot, and Setúbal came out tops! Mostly because it is relatively close to Lisbon’s international airport, it’s not a holiday town, has medical services, there’s lots to see and do in the vicinity, and of course the seafood.
We plan to go back soon, for a longer period, to see if it is as nice as we think (and the YouTubers say).
Hi Vernon! Thanks for stopping by for a read and to leave a comment.
I have to say, the private Hospital da Luz has phenomenal doctors and provides excellent care. All my doctors are there--and right now that's quite a few--so you can be comforted to know you'll have good care in the health department should you choose Setübal as your new home.
Hi Shanna! How are you and Catherine? Hope you're well! There's been so much happening lately what with David and Mom passing, fortunately everything as regards to mom's estate is going through without any hitches. My sister Karen and I are planning a party at the end of the year and we shall draw a line under 2024! It can go and do one!! You seem very settled and happy with your life! Really good news! Then Andrew and his good news!! WE have to look forward to the future and make plans to make the most of everything so 2025 is going to be huge for us! We shall make the most of every day and not look back. I shall finally be able to buy a caravan or camper even though it's only because of recent events in my life. Anyway, hope you start writing more often if possible?! But don't worry, you have different priorities now which is how it should be! Take care both, make the most of it!! Sending hugs xx
Hi Anne!
Always lovely to hear from you. We are doing fine--all's well.
I'm glad to hear things are moving along with your mother's estate. It's such a hard time, I'm sure, with her and David's passing, that complications with the estate would not be welcome!
I am so happy to hear that you will finally get that caravan/camper! You deserve some joy and play! And yes, I am finding my writing groove again--loyal readers like you inspire me to keep going! :)
Are you still glad that you're living in Portugal, or living in the EU, in general? I assume you don't regret moving out of the USA. More notable is you can't escape certain irritants... because tourism and expat-ism will bring them to you anyway. Like people with loud, outdoor voices who drown out everything else. Thanks for being an inspiration to many of us!
Hi Cary. Thanks for your comment. And yes, I am STILL glad to be living in Portugal/EU!
Because I have certain "complaints" about Setúbal doesn't mean that I'm not grateful to be here. I have so many good things in my daily life--friends, neighbors, and a low-key town that's pretty easy to live in.
Several seemingly conflicting things are true at the same time :)
And yes, no place is perfect--that's not something I'd look for in a town or expect. There's always something, isn't there? This latest post was my attempt to answer honestly, without the rose-colored glasses so many expats seem to wear.
Thank you for reading and taking time to comment--I appreciate it!
Nice to see that you're writing again! Hope you do it regularly.
"So yes, I have a Cat and a Dog (cracks me up every time). " It would almost be worth marrying someone just to be able to say that line.
Great to hear that you are doing so well with Portuguese!
Hi Jeff!
Thanks for the comment--I appreciate that you read my words. Yes, I do plan writing regularly--I feel like I'm slowly getting my groove back :)
Thank you for your always interesting take on life!
"and in the moments filled with drool and hair, full of scratches or completely gnawed."🤣🤣 Been there, done that!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Paula :)