We have a very nice president, Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa. He is very popular, and could easily be re-elected, if this were not his last term. He is always affectionately called Marcelo in popular parlance. A man without pretensions who simply stands in line at the supermarket. He received an honorary doctorate from […]
Our Marcelo receives an honorary doctorate Read More »
“That contractor doesn’t know what to do anymore either,” says amiga J., who is telling me a wonderful story about her Ukrainian-Russian neighbour Maria over coffee. Maria is struggling with her Portuguese contractor, who according to him “has done everything possible”. Foreign approach to Portuguese architecture Maria wanted a roof window. Absolutely. Now. Can’t live
Foreign decisions on Portuguese architecture Read More »
The president of Vinha da Rainha stands at the top of the stairs: “Bom dia, dona Helena” and gives me a hearty handshake. That’s what it’s called in portuguese, the president of the sub-municipality. The mayor. And translated, I’m dona Helena. He announces the arrival of four other presidents Next Friday – when you read
Four presidents visiting Read More »
Last week I ended the blog with: “More on that the coming week.” That “more” is about the family that has been staying with us for a while now, and is looking for their own place with more foreigners with small children around. Is Portugal being flooded with foreigners? Most foreigners come from Brazil. Not
Foreigners in Portugal Read More »
“Your guests are here,” Broes warns me, when I’m busy on the veranda of Casa Palmeira. They are expected, they have responded to last week’s blog. Nice reactions from potential new tenants, in Portugal and abroad I honestly have not expected so many reactions, but of course it’s great. I walk over to the family
New tenants? And men you can count on Read More »
“Could also be a handy tenant” I say to a friend, when we chat again, “one could combine the two. Then I’ll offer one or more months rent-free – depending on what we can agree.” She laughs out loud: “Yes, you can offer that, hahaha! I have no idea where you could find them though,
Wanted: new tenants and handy volunteers Read More »
What every parent knows: your children only stay with you for a limited time. What every emigrated parent knows: when they return to the old mother country – for whatever reason – you can’t just drop by for a cup of coffee and a chat. For emigrants, it’s mainly digital contact It’s a blessing that
Good morning, dear readers! Here we are again! First of all, the most important thing: maybe once more, the very best wishes for the new year. We are going to make something beautiful of 2025. At least that is the idea of most of us. If you have good resolutions, we wish you much success,
A good start to 2025 Read More »
“Oh dear!” I say anxiously after I hobbled from one bed to the other, “Where is my arm?” “Look at that, you found it there,” the nurse says to me with a smile. My left arm is almost lying across my head. Completely numb. Very friendly staff at the hospital in Figueira How did I
How does it work at the portugese hospital? Read More »
