I enjoyed reading your piece and would love to cross-post your work and share it with our readers and subscribers on our Substack publication, Portugal Calling.
The tradeoff between values and money resonates a lot. As an expat who returned back to the US, I think about the decision almost weekly. Enjoy your adventure! I’m sure you’re living a rich life today.
Thank you for sharing your journey, Cody! It truly feels like you've opened a window into your personal journal. The country scouting aspect sounds like such a joyful and enriching adventure. Reading about your experiences brought back memories of my own transition from the individualistic rhythm of Miami to the slower-paced community-oriented vibe of Raleigh-Durham. I had to adjust in unexpected ways — like getting used to friendly hellos from strangers or the slower, yet friendlier pace of driving. But over time, with more people moving in and the region evolving, I’ve started to see glimpses of the life I left behind, reshaped in new ways. I really resonate with your commitment to staying present and building connection wherever you are. Your storytelling is inspiring — it honestly makes me want to visit! I’ll be sure to reach out when that moment comes.
Ah! So interesting to hear your perspective on the move from Miami to the Triangle. I can totally see that. But yes, please do come and visit us anytime!
I can’t speak for anyone else but I feel like a lot of Americans are in the “research” phase of moving abroad for many of the reasons you listed here, including me. What you said about cities and connection is so true, and so severely lacking in the States. For those seeking other options, they exist and it’s great to read about those that took a giant leap of faith to live the life they want. You’re an inspiration, keep writing Cody!
oh God.. when I read about all these Americans coming to Europe and wanting in on all the benefits I am beginning to feel uncomfortable, especially because not all of you seem to be as thoughtful about „giving back“ as you are.. interesting times for sure.. a couple of decades ago the US seemed very desirable to people!
Looking forward to reading more about your journey.. good luck,
anna (Austrian living in Vienna.. I lived in the US for 6 years with my American husband… got very depressed and
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I spent 10 months in Porto, this year I have been living abroad (in Germany) for 20 years. Your biggest advantage is that you can keep your job. This means that you are never fully integrated into society and you don't have to be accepted as a foreigner in the workplace. I have spent many years to become part of the German society, the price was high. I wish you all the best and look forward to your experience. Lisbon is a good choice. Best wishes from Celle
I’ve been in Portugal about the same amount of time as you two and your observation about friction resonates with me. Change and adaptation are good for us.
I’ve been chatting with @Gregory Garretson and others about the possibility of organizing a Portugal Substackers meet-up. There seem to be a lot of us.
Very interesting! I'm originally Dutch but live in Germany. As an exchange student in a small town in Oregon 20 years ago, I had the opposite feeling!
I wanted to live in the USA-spirit: open minded friendly people, competitive students with a desire to do something meaningful with their life and the general prospect of working hard and achieving things.
(I lived in Ostfriesland before, which has little of these traits).
I now am more sceptical by the way: the bad medical care system and divisive two-party political landscape are not very inviting, nor is the general lack of environmental awareness (big cars instead of public transport + bike lanes, monocultures, livestock conditions, pollution, ...). And the work ethic sure has its downside.
The main section of the article has strong holiday vibes to me. I am looking forward to an article about daily life as a resident!
So interesting! Thanks for sharing, Berry. So much of what we experience in life is relative.
People can definitely be very friendly in the U.S. (although the open-minded part varies by region). I’ve talked to some people here in Europe who were shocked by how friendly Americans are, but some have also said they found the friendliness to be somewhat superficial. The competitive spirit is spot on, too. There are certainly positives to that, like innovation. But there are pretty big drawbacks, too, like no work-life balance.
To your last point, we tried our best to experience everyday life on our scouting trip, including staying in the neighborhood we’re now living in here in Lisbon, not the touristy center. But you’re right—there really is no preparing for a move like this. There have been so many challenges we didn’t see coming. Looking forward to sharing more about how we’ve been adjusting now that we’re living here in the coming weeks. Thanks for reading!
Loved reading this one too, Cody! You have such a gentle, open perspective that is just so perfect for a life abroad. Reading your words makes me even more excited about my husband’s and my planned move to Portugal! We had a similar experience with a taxi driver in the Douro Valley once. Naively, we hadn’t withdrawn any cash before getting into the cab, and when we arrived at our fairly remote destination, his card reader couldn’t get a signal. Instead of blaming us for not having cash, he apologized repeatedly and kindly offered to drive my husband to the nearest ATM so we could settle the fare.
Thank you so much, Katharina! That’s so kind of you to say. Glad to hear you had a similar experience. We all should meet up for a coffee if you’re moving to Lisbon (or next time you visit).
I love this Cody. Your honest reflections of your journey are wonderful and inspiring to read. Maybe we can all meet up for lunch when I get to Lisbon in September!
Cody, I really enjoyed reading about your decision-making process in choosing Portugal! Wishing you all the best in your expat journey.
Thanks so much, Emanuela!
Hi Cody,
I enjoyed reading your piece and would love to cross-post your work and share it with our readers and subscribers on our Substack publication, Portugal Calling.
https://portugalcalling.substack.com/
All the best, cheers,
Rui
Thanks so much, Rui! Please do.
Thanks, Cody, scheduled for later today.
The tradeoff between values and money resonates a lot. As an expat who returned back to the US, I think about the decision almost weekly. Enjoy your adventure! I’m sure you’re living a rich life today.
Thank you for sharing your journey, Cody! It truly feels like you've opened a window into your personal journal. The country scouting aspect sounds like such a joyful and enriching adventure. Reading about your experiences brought back memories of my own transition from the individualistic rhythm of Miami to the slower-paced community-oriented vibe of Raleigh-Durham. I had to adjust in unexpected ways — like getting used to friendly hellos from strangers or the slower, yet friendlier pace of driving. But over time, with more people moving in and the region evolving, I’ve started to see glimpses of the life I left behind, reshaped in new ways. I really resonate with your commitment to staying present and building connection wherever you are. Your storytelling is inspiring — it honestly makes me want to visit! I’ll be sure to reach out when that moment comes.
Ah! So interesting to hear your perspective on the move from Miami to the Triangle. I can totally see that. But yes, please do come and visit us anytime!
I can’t speak for anyone else but I feel like a lot of Americans are in the “research” phase of moving abroad for many of the reasons you listed here, including me. What you said about cities and connection is so true, and so severely lacking in the States. For those seeking other options, they exist and it’s great to read about those that took a giant leap of faith to live the life they want. You’re an inspiration, keep writing Cody!
Thanks so much, Mark! Good luck with your research.
oh God.. when I read about all these Americans coming to Europe and wanting in on all the benefits I am beginning to feel uncomfortable, especially because not all of you seem to be as thoughtful about „giving back“ as you are.. interesting times for sure.. a couple of decades ago the US seemed very desirable to people!
Looking forward to reading more about your journey.. good luck,
anna (Austrian living in Vienna.. I lived in the US for 6 years with my American husband… got very depressed and
moved back)
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I spent 10 months in Porto, this year I have been living abroad (in Germany) for 20 years. Your biggest advantage is that you can keep your job. This means that you are never fully integrated into society and you don't have to be accepted as a foreigner in the workplace. I have spent many years to become part of the German society, the price was high. I wish you all the best and look forward to your experience. Lisbon is a good choice. Best wishes from Celle
We are traveling the world full-time for all the exact reasons that you have so eloquently connected.
Maybe that's what y'all are looking for: American beef, but with European wine and vegetables. Just as Americans experienced in Paris after both WWs.
I'm saying this with tongue partly in cheek.
Anyway: Enjoy your experiences.
Oh Sunshine. Yes. Become the way of life you want to experience. All the time. Yes
Well said! Thanks for reading.
I’ve been in Portugal about the same amount of time as you two and your observation about friction resonates with me. Change and adaptation are good for us.
Absolutely! Great to connect with a new arrival like us.
I’ve been chatting with @Gregory Garretson and others about the possibility of organizing a Portugal Substackers meet-up. There seem to be a lot of us.
Great idea!
Very interesting! I'm originally Dutch but live in Germany. As an exchange student in a small town in Oregon 20 years ago, I had the opposite feeling!
I wanted to live in the USA-spirit: open minded friendly people, competitive students with a desire to do something meaningful with their life and the general prospect of working hard and achieving things.
(I lived in Ostfriesland before, which has little of these traits).
I now am more sceptical by the way: the bad medical care system and divisive two-party political landscape are not very inviting, nor is the general lack of environmental awareness (big cars instead of public transport + bike lanes, monocultures, livestock conditions, pollution, ...). And the work ethic sure has its downside.
The main section of the article has strong holiday vibes to me. I am looking forward to an article about daily life as a resident!
So interesting! Thanks for sharing, Berry. So much of what we experience in life is relative.
People can definitely be very friendly in the U.S. (although the open-minded part varies by region). I’ve talked to some people here in Europe who were shocked by how friendly Americans are, but some have also said they found the friendliness to be somewhat superficial. The competitive spirit is spot on, too. There are certainly positives to that, like innovation. But there are pretty big drawbacks, too, like no work-life balance.
To your last point, we tried our best to experience everyday life on our scouting trip, including staying in the neighborhood we’re now living in here in Lisbon, not the touristy center. But you’re right—there really is no preparing for a move like this. There have been so many challenges we didn’t see coming. Looking forward to sharing more about how we’ve been adjusting now that we’re living here in the coming weeks. Thanks for reading!
Very good choice ! Lisbon is a really nice place 😀
We agree! It’s far from perfect or some fairy tale but it strikes the right balance of so many things we were looking for in a new home.
When you reach fulfilment, you touch heaven. Looking for perfection is the way to hell. Be happy, you deserve it!
Well said! Thank you.
This articulates so well what is missing in individualistic cultures like the US. So inspiring!
Thanks so much, Robin!
Loved reading this one too, Cody! You have such a gentle, open perspective that is just so perfect for a life abroad. Reading your words makes me even more excited about my husband’s and my planned move to Portugal! We had a similar experience with a taxi driver in the Douro Valley once. Naively, we hadn’t withdrawn any cash before getting into the cab, and when we arrived at our fairly remote destination, his card reader couldn’t get a signal. Instead of blaming us for not having cash, he apologized repeatedly and kindly offered to drive my husband to the nearest ATM so we could settle the fare.
Thank you so much, Katharina! That’s so kind of you to say. Glad to hear you had a similar experience. We all should meet up for a coffee if you’re moving to Lisbon (or next time you visit).
We will definitely take you up on that. Will let you know when we’re in the area next.
I love this Cody. Your honest reflections of your journey are wonderful and inspiring to read. Maybe we can all meet up for lunch when I get to Lisbon in September!
Thank you, Karen. Yes, we’d love that!