Happy Portugal Day!
Portugal Day, is the National Day of Portugal celebrated annually on 10 June. It is one of the public holidays in Portugal and is celebrated by Portuguese people throughout the world. It commemorates the death on 10 June 1580 of Luís de Camões, a poet and national literary icon.
For me though, it’s been a less eventful week, but a productive one. I’ve continued clearing the house. A few more items of furniture have been sold or given away. The house feels more spacious as decluttering and minimalisation continue.
While the practical activity continues, I have also taken some time to sit behind the screen.
Searching property online
I have continued to keep an eye on new properties that have come onto the market and the regular emails and notifications continue to come through daily or weekly.
In doing so, I have taken the opportunity to update the list of websites I use for my armchair research. I’ve also extended this list to include several estate agents. It is still a “work in progress” or beta mode as it’s known in the business!
Hopefully, this list of property websites will help you in your virtual search. Do drop me a comment if it helps, and I’m open to suggestions on how to improve it and other property agents to add.
Preparing to drive to Portugal
I will be driving to Portugal, I’ve begun working out the route I’ll be taking, and the logistics of driving through France and Spain to get to Portugal. Paying tolls in the easiest way is my preference.
I’ve shared in a previous blog that I use a company called Cael when I have rented a car in Portugal. They are located a five-minute walk from Porto airport and for me, they provide me with the car I need and the whole package is what I would describe as “best value”. You can probably get a cheaper deal, but my dad always said the “cheapest is not the cheapest in the long run”.
When renting the car, I’ve Via Verde to pay for the tolls as it’s easy and trouble-free. It might be a little more expensive because there is a daily charge for the rental of the transponder, but it is convenient, and sometimes it’s worth paying a little more for convenience. As an aside, I’ve only just been charged the toll fees from my March visit, nearly two months after I’ve returned to the UK.
Therefore, I’ve opened an account and ordered my Via Verde. I have initially signed up on the Via Verde Visitor package as I need to get the transponder sent to my UK address. Once I’m in Portugal, changing the address and package is easy.
The account was set up on Tuesday. I was advised the transponder had been dispatched on Wednesday from Portugal.
Another small task ticked off.
Shorter blog
This blog has been shorter than usual although I hope continues to be informative.
Thanks for reading! It’s much appreciated. If you’re enjoying it, please do get in touch or reach out by adding a comment below.
Muito obrigado.
Marc
Featured image is used by kind the permission of Alin Andersen
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Thank you. Muitio obrigado, Marc