There is Greenwich Mean Time and then there is Portuguese time. Despite London and Lisbon being in the same meridian, and the time on the clock is the same, there is a distinct difference in the pace.
So many people comment on the relaxed nature, leading to a much slower pace of life in Portugal. It’s appealing. It’s exactly what so many people are seeking – to slow down and take a breather.
It appeals to me. A slower pace. Reduction in busyness. Doing things in my own time. At a pace that suits me.
Throughout my life, I have pretty much been at full pace. Everything needed to be done yesterday. But in recent years it’s changed. Especially due to lockdown. It’s been frustrating but equally has brought positives. And the realisation that living life is not all about the pace.
There are though some instances where tomorrow is too late. And I do get frustrated when the pace is slower than I believe it should be.
Moving to Portugal will take time. I have always approached my move on the basis that it is not going to happen tomorrow. I gave myself nearly two years to complete the move. I’m now closing in on the last six months.
Timeline for Visa application
Despite all the planning I’ve done, there is much outside of my control. And there is a schedule dictated by the timeline of my D7 Visa application. But I continue to work towards getting everything progressed and keeping to a schedule.
But returning to the things outside of my control, I have been struggling to get momentum on negotiations on a property. Sometimes these things take a while. There are reasons why progress can’t be made. That’s totally understandable. Although it doesn’t limit my frustration.
Over the last couple of weeks, the probability of finalising negotiations on the property in time for my D7 Visa application submitted has diminished significantly. I am frustrated.
I allowed six months for the negotiations, legal and completion of the property. I have six weeks to go and there is no end in sight. Now I have been incredibly patient, and I fully understand one of the reasons for the delay. But not all.
However, despite promises of progress being made, there has been absolutely none in the last three months. There is a stalemate until one action is completed. An action that I have been pending for three months is still not completed. The frustration level has increased.
It’s now time for Plan B
I have not given up on the negotiations, but I am working on the worst-case scenario. My confidence in progress in time is diminishing rapidly.
Plan B was initiated. Ten-day scouting trip in central Portugal all booked for the middle of March. Annual leave booked. Flights booked. Accommodation sorted. Car rental booked. All booked in within an hour.
Ok, so impatience kicked in and I just got on and done it.
There are significant limitations as to what I can do sitting in front of a screen in the UK and the only way to make progress is through action. So it’s full steam ahead back to Portugal.
Like most people who are looking for properties on the internet, I use lots of different websites for my property search and have continued to “favourite” properties. And I’ve favourited lots.
Over the next few weeks, I will be doing a deep dive into all the properties I have saved and building out a shortlist of properties to look at on my second scouting trip.
This time I have the added advantage that my search area has been significantly reduced. My understanding of the geography, the proximity of villages and towns, and the location is much clearer.
Focused scouting trips
My first scouting trip focused on what I don’t want from a property. It allowed me to explore the different types of property available, the condition of properties and work involved, and understand the variances in price and value.
This time, I have a succinct list of criteria that I am looking for so I’m able to be much more specific with the estate agents when arranging viewings. The next month is going to be busy arranging viewings and following up with the many agents I met on my first scouting visit.
On my second scouting visit, I will be staying in one location within my central Portugal preferred area. This will significantly reduce the amount of travel. I will also be ensuring that I spend a few more days enjoying and exploring Portugal.
I have not given up on the first property, although the absence of action has raised concerns. Although I’m wise enough to know that if it’s not to be, it’s not to be.
However, I feel much more positive now that Plan B is in progress.
As always, I’d like to thank everyone who reads my blog. I am humbled by your interest in my little world. I write for myself and I write in the way I read. I’ve always approached this as my personal blog. I enjoy writing and helps me think things through. Bordering on therapy I guess.
Muito obrigado.
Marc
The featured image is from Jardin do Sameiro, Penafiel, Portugal and is used thanks to the kind permission of Alves Mateus.