Researching Portugal

There is much about Portugal I don’t know.  In fact, I know so little it’s exciting how much there is to learn.  At present, research is the order of the day.  The limitations of ‘desk research’ isn’t a problem.  For me, it’s helping me approach things in a more structured and considered way. 

As someone who is ‘all or nothing’, jumps in both feet and leads with action before thought, having the time to think things through is exciting and frustrating in equal measures.  In a strange way it’s already helping me tune into Portuguese time.   

From holiday to home

Initially, my research was for two separate holidays.  A sun and sea holiday to the Algarve and a walking and activity holiday to the Azores.  I had not visited either before, but Portugal had been on the list for a number of years.  I’d heard of the Azores but didn’t really know where the islands were or what they were like.  I didn’t even know they were part of Portugal.   

The holiday to the Algarve was a package holiday.  There are criteria for this holiday, but as an all-inclusive package, it is primarily checking the location, facilities and quality of the hotel.  And the need to see through the glowing and scathing reviews in equal measures. 

The Azores was a completely different type of holiday.  Ultimately, the trigger to change my life completely.   

After some brief research, flights were booked to Sao Miguel.  With a few days scheduled to explore Sao Miguel, it would be an island hop to Pico Island to walk up Mount Pico.  Finally, a transfer to Lisbon for a couple of nights.  Then back to the UK.  In total, a 12-day trip taking in two of the islands of the “Arquipélago dos Açores” as they are known in Portuguese.   

As I explained in my Decade Plan, I plan holidays a long time in advance.  So, with the trip to the Azores more than nine months away, there was plenty of time to research.  Lots of general online research.  The usual stuff such as TripAdvisor and other traveller websites.  “Walking in the Azores” book bought.  I found a few YouTube videos to watch. 

Beautiful Azores

The more I researched, I was more engrossed in the Azores and equally mainland Portugal.  My research changed.  I was less researching it as a holiday destination and more as a place to live.  I was searching more about the lifestyle, the community, work options and the cost of living.  Quite quickly, it moved to property, farms and businesses.   

As I read and watched more, I was totally submerged – hook, line and sinker.  As we entered the global pandemic and lockdown, the anticipation of two holidays later in the year were positive things to look forward to.  But I was researching on a completely different level.  I was getting my adrenaline and endorphins from researching my future life. 

It was during this research that I was considering the reality of living in the Azores.  Pico Island was my preferred location.  A combination of a vineyard, small farm and potential holiday accommodation was the favoured route.  In addition, guided walking and traveller activity around Mount Pico was on the agenda.  But, travelling to Pico Island isn’t great as it’s two flights from the UK.  Often it will mean an overnight stay in Ponta Delgada for the connecting flight.  Overall, travel to the Azores isn’t on the lower end of the budget spectrum. 

I extended research to Sao Miguel, the largest island on the Azores, this was becoming a possibility.  But more and more, I was being drawn to mainland Portugal.  In particular, the corridor from the Silver Coast through to the Spanish border.  What’s known as Central Portugal. 

By this point, both holidays were looking more unlikely.  Both were eventually cancelled.  Deflated and disappointed.  Oh well.  There was a glimmer and dream of a complete change of life.  It’s not to be. 

Change of focus

But the opposite happened.  Every experience during the first half of 2020 was tough.  It was defining me and my future.  I felt as though I was in two bubbles.   

The first was outside my control.  The bubble the world had become.  Pandemic, lockdown, restrictions, limits and a massive risk to our personal health if we step outside this bubble.  None of us can control or change this bubble.  But we all have a part to play in it. 

The second was the bubble I’d created – essentially work and home.  There was only one person who had created this bubble.  Me.  At times it felt I was in a whirlpool inside the bubble.  I was just spinning.  No purpose, no contentment and not being true to myself. 

The same person who created the bubble has to burst it.  There is one person who can change it.  Me!  Doh!  I work damn hard.  I get to burn-out regularly.  The treadmill keeps going.  I’m all consumed in everything that I do, that I have no idea where I’m going.  I could stay in my bubble, but it clearly isn’t doing me any favours. 

So, the holiday destinations I should’ve been going to have already had a significant impact on my future.  From all the research I have undertaken – and I have undertaken a lot – I have realised there is more out there than the bubble I’ve currently wrapped myself in.  

It’s just taken a few decades, some false starts and a lot of time on the treadmill.  The sense of calling and purpose is incredible.  At times immense.  Occasionally I ask myself ‘am I just jumping in with both feet again?’  Possibly.  I’m great at talking myself out of doing things.  Taking the safe option and limit risks.   

But not once has it entered my mind that I’m doing the wrong thing.  I know others will challenge me.  People will think I’m crazy (even more than usual) but I’m not dependant on others to feel entertained or content.  I rarely feel bored, even when there is nothing going on.  However, as an introvert, I do get anxious in unfamiliar social situations and I’m not sure I can think of anything bigger than moving to another country.   

My journey has begun with research.  And lots of it.  My priorities mean I can’t head to Portugal quite yet, but when I do, I know I’ll be ready.  

Blowing bubbles

Over the last few months, there have been several occasions when answers have been right under my nose and I just haven’t seen – or heard – them. Since 1980, I have supported West Ham United. Since attending my first game in the 90’s, I have sung, at the top of my voice, a version of I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles. Only now do the words have real, personal meaning.

I’ll let you decide….

Marc

I’m forever blowing bubbles

I’m forever blowing bubbles
Pretty bubbles in the air
They fly so high, nearly reach the sky
Then like my dreams, they fade and die

Fortune always hiding
I’ve looked everywhere
I’m forever blowing bubbles
Pretty bubbles in the air

I’m forever blowing bubbles
Pretty bubbles in the air
They fly so high, nearly reach the sky
Then in my dreams, they fade and die

Fortune always hiding
I’ve looked everywhere
I’m forever blowing bubbles
Pretty bubbles in the air

I’m forever blowing bubbles
Pretty bubbles, no more troubles
Pretty bubbles in the air

Footnote

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