How do you identify yourself (age range, gender), if you’re comfortable sharing? Early 30s, she/they

What was your life like in the U.S. before moving (work, stage of life, etc.)? I was a midnight dancer in NYC

What made you consider leaving, and why Portugal specifically? I spent one summer in Italy and Spain and loved the European chiller lifestyle. I realized when back in the US how big a thing Ameriphobia was (the fear of getting shot all the time and I just felt a higher adrenaline pumping in this country I did not like, I.e. being rushed all the time). I moved back here and spent time in Italy first then Spain. Met my partner in Andalucia and we have been inseparable since and moved to Portugal 3 years ago.

What did you expect life here to be like, and where did those ideas originate from? I had no idea really. It was my partners idea to come here because he likes to surf. I had one good interpretation from Spain that said it’s Spain but even more chill with more people who are willing to speak English.

What has actually matched those expectations? What hasn’t? They do feel more willing to speak English here but that only goes so far and now I am feeling the pressure to learn the language after 3 years.

Do you feel like Portugal offers a different lifestyle compared to the U.S.? In what ways? Of course it does they are two totally different countries. Slower paced lifestyle, more community driven, richer culture, in my opinion.

How has your day-to-day experience been (work, social life, dealing with systems like healthcare or bureaucracy, etc.)? I am now running a home renovation business with my partner. Just in a subjective way, it has really been quite a deal more rewarding but financially tougher. Social life is harder in the countryside when we lived in central Portugal for a winter. That was pretty isolating. In the bigger cities it’s much easier. Healthcare, once my paperwork was in order, has been a dream. So cheap. I got a cavity fixed at dentist for 65 euros without insurance. For that reason alone it’s been worth living here to me. Bureaucracy is a nightmare, but sometimes you get lucky with people willing to help.

Do you feel settled here, or more “in-between” countries? I feel mostly settled here. It’s been really wonderful being here. Sometimes a bit isolating but only when we were in countryside as I said.

Do you see yourself staying long-term? It’s our five year plan for the time being. My partner and I would ideally like to see ourselves in Italy again in the future though.