It's time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings.
I’ve still got a lot to learn about azeitonas e azeite de oliva [olives and olive oil]. An awful lot. But I’m pretty pleased with the progress so far. A year ago, did I really believe I would be pressing my own olive oil? Honestly? No. Not least because I didn’t have a clue about…
It’s been a busy week on the quinta with many small jobs and tasks being completed. A day of heavy rain put halt to outdoor work early in the week although this was soon followed by sunshine. And lots of it. Until now, I’ve not focused on the weather in Portugal. I have to adapt…
It’s been a while since I put the walking boots on and enjoyed a long hike. Naturally, I’ve been busy with the house and quinta. But, with the autumn weather closing in, I took advantage of a beautiful sunrise to head up a mountain. And, at the top of the mountain, I arrived at probably…
It’s been a busy week with lots of variety. I’ve been enjoying the hospitality, working on the quinta, a little on the house and preparing for some of the weeks ahead. I will endeavour not to make this a chronological diary, but who knows how it will pan out. Meeting friends, enjoying the hospitality My…
It has been a great week. I’ve moved house and undertaken my first harvest, and to top it all, I’ve had my Portuguese residency approved! Although as with every step forward, there are always a few surprises. Sometimes good ones. Sometimes not so good. But challenges are there to overcome. Portuguese residency appointment The week…
It’s official. I am a property owner in Portugal. And it’s an amazing feeling! But it has been a busy couple of weeks. And, at times I have needed to hold my nerve. It hasn’t been straightforward although part of this has been self-inflicted. I bought a quinta in Portugal I am the proud owner…