I felt like a stranger in the country I was born after being away for 50 years. A stranger in a strange country is an adventure; where as a stranger in your own country is a feeling of being lost.
@@AlgarveAddicts that old saying, "you can never go back" applies to EVERYTHING. It just proves you've grown in different directions...nothing and no one even FEELS the same.
I loved this video. My parents were Portuguese but I was born and raised in the U.S. I've often felt like a stranger I'm Portugal, but I love it so...Your affection for Portugal really shines through your videos, so don't be afraid to be honest. I appreciate your honesty a lot. The Portuguese make me mental, but I love them! Your "diga" story was GREAT.
Merry Christmas. Things have changed so much over the past 25 years in Portugal. I visited my family in 2019 for the first time in 25 years and was pleasantly surprised. My family is from Porto, Povoa De Varzim and Barcelos. I plan to retired in Portugal in 15 years. Born in Toronto and lived here my whole life. Portugal is more laid back in life. Good luck with everything. Plan to hopefully visit in late 2021 once able to travel safely.
Looking forward to our move hopefully next year, and yes there is nowhere perfect, and it is about mindset, acceptance and attitude. Haha I'm married to a Portuguese, so I loved your comment on how direct they are. Awesome people, awesome culture , awesome country, can't wait for the experience.
Hi Hillary, I'm glad you took that in the right vein and yes, my wife is Portuguese too, so I have a lot of experience. It is wonderful here, but one thing I should have added in the video is that a lot of expats fill up the bars and start talking badly about "them". Don't let anyone get stuck in that rut.
Hi, Nick. Thanks for these videos. I've only recently found you on RUclips, but I'm following with interest as I think it's a good thing that you're doing. I'm from the UK, but spent 15 years ( '82 - '97) living in Tomar (5yrs) then Lisbon and I'm always thinking of trying to buy a place in the Algarve (maybe not to live full time, but at least spend extended holidays there). Anyway, I'll certainly be looking forward to seeing more of your videos, especially now that we're leaving the EU (I'm sure you'll get many requests from Brits wanting to relocate after Brexit!!) Thanks again and keep up the good work. (Ou seja, muito obrigado😄)
Hey Glenn - thanks so much for following along. I've been making vlog style videos since 2014 and never found any traction on RUclips until now. The subject of moving to Portugal clearly has a lot of interest and it suits me down to the ground. I'm enjoying the journey!
Any time I have walked into any restaurant anywhere in the Algarve, I have been welcomed. I love how I am treated in stores or on the street or at the market. It is difficult to speak Portuguese because almost every Portuguese person speaks better English than I do Portuguese but I am working day and night to improve. And not only are Portuguese servers friendly and warm, they are terrific Portuguese teachers. A server at the Thai Beach Club in Quarteira, spent more time teaching me Portuguese than serving. I don't think any Portuguese person has ever been abrupt with me, not ever. I don't live in the Algarve but I can't wait to get back. Thanks for these videos. Seeing the Algarve makes me smile. I can hardly stop laughing when people say it is cold in Portugal. You want cold, drop in to Canada.
Aaah brilliant, I'd love to learn from you. Maybe I'm the abrupt one and they just react badly to me 😊 Admittedly it hasn't happened that much in recent years.
Ah yes, I have experienced the same. My Dad used to tell me I asked too many questions. I ask questions all the time because I'm not here to tell them about me but ask them about themselves. In a week a cafe' owner was teaching me Portuguese words and refusing payment for my expressos. Went to a tour of the castles and after one, the driver insisted "no more castles" instead took us in the woods to show us cork trees, a non English restaurant where he ordered for us and we ate fantastic food while he told us the history of Portugal and spent all day with us, he even took us to his parent's home, when he could have did 2 other tours and made some money. Also a Lagos waiter taking us all on a spontaneous tour of their extensive wine cellar because we were interested.. I could be laid back with the bureaucracy but my husband is German and you know how they are..... but we were beginning our resident visas when all travel stopped. And Algarve Addicts, you seem like you are doing well there, I can't imagine anyone acting badly to you.
The Algarve is beautiful, but the cuisine sucks. Not that it's all bad, but it's Portuguese cuisine "lite". Really watered down for tourists. Try the food in the centre (Coimbra, Mealhada, Leiria), or the north (Porto, Braga, Viana) etc.
@@cdb5001 I don't know where you are eating in the Algarve but they are doing a pretty good job of feeding me. I have eaten in Lisbon and Porto and I liked it fine. There is nothing wrong with the food in the Algarve if you are eating in the right places.
Lots of wisdom you are sharing. Sometimes I feel like a stranger on a strange planet, probably because I'm still looking for contentedness, just relocating somewhere else may not be the cure. To me, you have become very Portuguese because you love where you are, which happens to be Portugal. Looking forward to watching videos of you teaching your grandkids how to paddleboard. Obrigado.
I have always been 'stranger', even in SA. I've lived all over the world, but have never felt so at home as I do in Portugal, my 6th generation African husband feels the same. The Portuguese are historically well traveled and very welcoming. For a view of their Colonial reach, read The first Global Village. Agree, bureaucracy is a nightmare, stay calm and polite. I find arriving with a basket of cakes 'for the office' helps. Losing it with the locals just marks you out as ill mannered. Again service is slow, really slow, at the Post Office it's more important that they chat to the lonely old lady, you young foreigner can wait. We have never regretted moving here, I love everything about Portugal......and the proof is we have imported 12 of our best friends, mostly ZAs .....with more to come! Melodie
Thanks boet. Me too, I feel more at home here in Portugal now. It's clear, to be fully integrated one needs to be perfectly comfortable with the language...
Great video, very much the mind set of here in Spain. Thinking of a move to Portugal for another adventure so i will check out more of your videos, keep up the good work
Nice balance. I arrive May first and I’m pretty unsure of myself. I like the tone of this presentation and all of your previous presentations- ‘Yes, you may be unsettled, but it’s a place you can be happy if you’ll just relax a bit and settle in and give yourself a chance to adjust.’
Btw, another beautiful video of life as it is, There’s something in the Portuguese way of life and their outlook that helped maintain the old world charm and quaintness of Portugal beyond the glamor of beaches,
That's true Ranga. I think it has a lot to do with the appreciation of simple things: fruit, fish, the soil, the scent of oranges. I've often been at Portuguese dinners and the conversation turns to food for half an hour 👌🏼
Great Video! I came here 30 years ago, settled down and had kids. Learned the language in 10 months! I found the language incredibly easy. I feel fully integrated and locals actually think I am Portuguese! This feels more like home than it ever did in the UK. It wasn't easy though - I should make a video about it. :)
I was born in Mozambique from Portuguese parents, lived in SA for 47 years. I emigrated to Portugal 15 months ago, I speak, read and write Portuguese. I also feel like a estrangeiro.
Hi Nick, I'm so glad to have found your channel. I did sign up to your email list and confirmed my email a few hours ago. I received your welcome letter but have not yet received the fact sheet you mentioned. I'm eager to start learning what I need to do in order to move to Portugal. Thanks for your help.
Hi there, I'll have to check out my system. Please check your spam folder and if you still can't find it reply to one of the emails I sent you and I'll attach the pdf.
Extremely helpful video, and also the comments. It's easy to find videos talking about how wonderful Portugal is. I hope to visit this year to see myself. But I have wondered how the Portuguese view foreigners coming to live there, buying property and such, and if there is resentment. Also I've wondered if it was easy to integrate into the culture, or if you are always going to be an outsider. I'm in my late 50's. When I was going to graduate school in my early 20's, I learned Brazilian Portuguese and lived in Brazil for 8 months. I wasn't fluent, but very functional, and married a Brazilian. After divorcing, my Portuguese fell away. I've been slowly re-learning it the last year, mostly listening to people on Instagram from both Brazil and Portugal. The Brazilian accent is easy for me and I've re-learned a lot. The Portuguese accent is REALLY hard for me to understand. It's odd now, listening, because I can probably understand and read more than most foreigners, but there are still significant gaps, and speaking the language is still very difficult. I suspect that learning the language better is key to integrating more into the culture and the country. Anyway, thank you again for this video, and also thanks to all the people who commented. I don't see in the comments (here and other videos) the resentment of foreigners that exists in most of Latin America, but it also doesn't sound like a tension-free situation with foreigners coming to Portugal either.
Hi John, thanks for sharing, there is some good stuff here. Naturally when you're talking about a nation everyone is prone to generalize. Some people say the people here are amazing and really welcoming, others have had different experiences. I'd say there is definitely a general spirit of welcomeness in Portugal. Maybe in Lisbon the locals were getting a little bit sick and tired of the sheer volume of tourists, but the Algarve has been living with and from tourism since the 1970's and are pretty used to it and welcoming towards foreigners. The kicker is how we act personally. Generally if one treats people with kindness, that kindness will be returned.
@@AlgarveAddicts Thank you. Yes, capital cities usually get tired of tourists. I live near Washington DC and work there (when not in the pandemic) and tourists can be overwhelming at times. So I'm sympathetic to those that have to work with that level of tourism. I work in international trade, U.S. government, and have been around the world for work and fun. One gets sensitive to the feelings of people in other countries, or at least I do. I agree, acting like a decent human being goes a long way. However, some cultures are more welcoming than others, and more tolerant (in general). It sounds like Portugal is one of those, though I'm sure that there are exceptions and tensions. Appreciate the series that you're doing. Am thinking of retiring there and am gathering information. Haven't visited your website yet but it's on my list. :)
Great video! But diga " speak" wow! We were lost in north of Portugal and stopped at a gas station at first she was hesitant in english to help, than she printed a map for our destination wow amazing ! Suggestion try making your next video speaking Portuguese with english subtitles! Cheers from Canada !
This may be a difference without significance but "diga" , which is the curt form of "diga me" is closer to "tell me" than it is to "speak". It's important to note that some Portuguese find it rude to be patronized with banter , so to them being direct and curt is more respectful. Over-familiarity from strangers is suspect in the culture.
To me its weird, the way he says it happened its rude for me and the people here (the Azores) mainland Portuguese truly are diferent. People giving services over here, no matter if its the cheapest store wouldnt start like that, usually "Boa tarde/bom dia" first, never with a straight foward "diga" in that tone. At least in the Azores.
Right on... as a portuguese, i feel that when a stranger smiles to me in the street or speaks too nice it's because he/she wants something from me. When i traveled to the USA i felt the opposite shock... someone comented that i was kinda rude for not smiling back or speaking nicely. It really is a cultural difference: Euro Latin vs Anglo.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Great video Nick, many thanks! You've got some special stream that difficult to find. Regards from Finland (every summer guest in VRSA) I find nice european comfort and peace in this beautiful country.
Awesome video man. We actually thinking of moving to Portugal. Planning to come that's side for a three week holiday. To check the layout. Not sure if three weeks will cut it. Have to check schooling. All sorts of things. Thanks for all the insight.
Small business owners in France are exactly the same .....and some foreigners just don’t appreciate what their priorities are. Family life is still the key element to what they do. Having a house in France, and having lived in Germany many years ago, I find it hard to understand why incomers are not more open to their life in a new country - they need to accept the culture, instead of trying to change it. Thanks for your open comments about life in Portugal, it puts things into a proper perspective for me - I am doing some serious research into retiring there in the near future. Thanks again.
You're welcome, my point is to say, don't expect American style service, things are slightly different in Portugal and you'll come to love it. Just be prepared, it's not worse it's just different.
Accurate. Im half portuguese and speak fluent , when i go there to visit family you don’t always feel welcome everywhere , especially in smaller towns where everyone knows everyone. Some things online make it seem like everyone will come up to you super friendly and invite you into their home
Thanks for the down to earth video!! My wife and I are planning a trip to Portugal when things open up and travel is easier. The music in the beginning sounded like a Ney, very nice.
Great videos!! you doing that really really great, i am german living in cape town right now... but wanna move to portugal next :) your videos make that decision easy :)
Respect! That’s very appealing to me as it’s almost nonexistent due to greed, arrogance and ingratitude in other parts of the world. Thanks for your informative videos.
Some one who actually speaks my language. Hi, born in the uk I emigrated to the USA for 30yrs, then moved to Portugal 2 years ago. Everything you said is so accurate, yet I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
Me neither 🙂 It was mainly meant to update people's expectations, so they don't arrive thinking that Portugal has exactly the same traditions and culture that they're used to in their home towns. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Feeling like a stranger there can't be any worse than being a stranger in the land of one's birth. I've lived in other countries and although I don't speak Portuguese yet, I am fluent in Spanish (I'm a translator/interpreter). I actually understand European Portuguese (with my strong background in Romance Languages and 4 years of the study of Latin as a child) and I'm looking for a good Portuguese for Spanish Speakers course, not needing to start from ground zero. I'll make my first trip to the Algarve next year. I think that getting through that "roughness" as you call it, with regard to how the people approach you, is mitigated by knowing at least some of the language and just trying. Even without fluency in the language, that can go a long way with people. I guess that is one way of showing respect for the culture. My daughter (who is fluent in Portuguese) and I want to buy a home in Portugal in a few years. Doing our research now.... Thanks for your very helpful and informative videos!
Thanks for that 👍🏼 That was totally my intention. I think everyone has seen the amazing visuals that most of the travel vloggers put out along with the tourism board's stunning pieces too. I don't want to be negative about life here (because I love living here), I just want to show both sides... Real life. It's not always like a holiday.
Stranger in a strange land... Understandable. But for those willing to try it out and explore, beyond the horizon, beyond their comfort zone, the rewards on living abroad can be invaluable. I’m living that reality now, 30 years in a foreign land and counting. Never looked back. Never regretted. Just be open to different cultures and be willing and able to integrate, adapt and adopt. You will find your tribe wherever you go. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” Mark Twain
I love what you said about the respect based culture. I love that. It's what has always attracted me about Japan, which is also a respect-based culture, and one of the things I despise about the US, the lack of respect.
I hesitate to mention it, but it almost feels like in some instances money has replaced respect. Is there anything vaguely correct about what I'm saying?
@@AlgarveAddicts Money and ego are the two most valued things in this States. It's a really sad state of affairs. Hubris is rewarded, humility is considered weakness. You mention being a stranger in a strange land, I feel that way every day in the US and I'm an American. I just don't understand what's happening here.
As a Portugueezer (born in Canada), fluent in Portuguese, see my family in Portugal every year and know the country well, my question is; how to I convince my wife to move there????? That's my biggest hurdle right now.
I think respect is what is favoured in most European cultures and most cultures in general. You don’t need to go somewhere and bring your habits to this particular place. You need to try to fit in to their culture. Learning the language is definitely key. Love your videos. Very helpful.
Another great summary Nick. Well done. I absolutely love the parallels between SA and Portugal! Cascais a little like Clifton or Kalk bay etc! For me ... low crime rates, the perfect climate (similar latitude) and NHR is the key. (Negatives are; imho.... the ridiculous bureaucracy, pitiful building standards, frankly dangerous roads, worlds most expensive VAT (IVA ) water and electricity)
Thanks Max, are you from SA? Yeah Cape Town cafe culture is alive and well in Lisbon and Porto. It still hasn't quite reached the Algarve in force yet but it's coming (hopefully).
I totally relate with the "diga" story, I guess it's quite related to the tipping culture not being really present, it wouldn't be bad for us to be more polite I guess (not necessarily american style), but it's also because we tend to be quite honest and political correctness is not something we really grasp. Really great tips. Anywhere you go into the world it will be hard to adapt at the begining until you make a pool of friends that will help you around and make you feel more corrected. You will always be a stranger for sure. My portuguese husband felt a stranger all his life in Portugal simple because he was blond and blue eyes even though he was born and raised in the algarve. Speaking the language will help a big big time
I love that your culture does not grasp the concept of political correctness. I believe it actually divides people and makes us less accepting in the US. Being a stranger in a different culture is fine when both cultures respect the other and friendships and understanding develop!
I don’t believe you should feel like a stranger/foreigner in Portugal just because you don’t speak Portuguese. I’m Portuguese born, lived in Lisbon all my life and my main day to day language has always been English, only here and there do I switch to Portuguese. Many Portuguese people will be glad of an opportunity to speak English when they get the chance and there is also a great community of English speakers at lest in my city where you can meet and make many friends😊
love your videos! can you also at some time talk about the political system in Portugal, how people there treat animals and the environment? My husband who does carpentry and electronics wanted to know how he would have easy access to these things?
Hi Caren, sorry but like I'm not medical I'm definitely not political. Too much of that in South Africa thanks 👍🏼 Traditionally dogs weren't very well treated here (as opposed to the way the English some times elevate their dogs above human levels) however fairly recently in 2014 or 2016 a law was passed protecting animals and giving them certain rights. As a result, dogs were not allowed to be tied up anymore. My neighbour still does it but he's about 80 and appears to have never smiled in his life. Whatcha gonna do. Yes, we have carpenters and electronics here..
This helped a lot. Above all, when you travel to another country , being polite and humble and respectful to all those you encounter is a MUST, Most Americans don’t get that , we are arrogant and impatient and condescending. I’m so embarrassed we behave in such a fashion. That’s why I love European culture, money is not everything to them, and it shows and is a valuable lesson to those who feel entitlement and superiority.
Well you nailed it in the end. The thing is "respect" is the way. Portugal today is kinda losing that culture, some time ago people treated each other all the time like "sir" but in a very respectful way, now that is more of a thing of the Azores, but some areas in mainland Portugal still goes like that.
Don't worry, we migrated to Canada when I was a baby. Knowing that, even being trilingual. i feel somewhat "estrangeiro". It's something that all immigrants and expats live with it and it's quite normal
Culture shock... I speak Portuguese, I am Brazilian our ways to approach are different from Portugal but for me who speak the language I adapt real fast to their ways... abd love it! What you are feeling there is what I felt in USA when I came here 1988. Today I still feel apart but I have a beautiful family and I am okay!
Thanks Scrilla. In this video I mainly used my drone, which was a DJI Spark and a friend's DJI Phantom. I now use a DJI Mini 2. My normal camera is a Canon G9X but now I mostly use my Samsung Galaxy S20+
Here in Puerto Rico we say "diga" also. But...but...in a more professional manner. We might say, "Diga, que desea, como le puedo ayudar"). (Tell me, what would you like, how may I help you.)
I really like you candid, matter of fact approach to these videos. My only, constructive feedback, would be up temper down the special effects and the loud transition audio. Thanks for the video
Hahahahahahahaha omg, sometimes I really worry I have offended people here. My boyfriend is from Brazil and he was always like, don’t worry you haven’t upset anyone it is just how they are 😂. Lingq is also great!!! I really recommend the free version, it isn’t like practice Portuguese as there isn’t so much teaching on the free version but it is SUCH a great resource. It’s a news feed for different podcasts, books etc with all the words and meanings listed. Great way to listen to Portuguese whilst doing other things. Learning with practice Portuguese and then browsing the feed on lingq would work so well!
Hi, amazing video ( as usual :) I was wondering do you guys have this kind of foggy mornings in winter? Btw, the landscapes are beautiful and green I never thought it could be that way as I was going there for summers, I must admit that Algarve has changed a lot according to your stunning videos, could you make a video about your favourite bars, and galleries in your area? I have a place were sometimes I am staying it is called Olhao, and there is a place with gardens and a Mansion to visit, I never found that place as locals never showed me properly the way... Anyway, that was amusing we ended up at the Estoi Castle "Palaceto" has they say :), thank for your video, I am looking forward for the next one! Good Wishes from the UK.
Thanks Dmitri, it's wonderful to read such warm comments. I really appreciate it! 👍🏼 With Covid I don't think I've been to a bar in a long time, but I'll definitely bear it in mind.
You are not just a "Stranger" (Estrangeiro) , you are "Our Stranger" (Nosso Estrangeiro) because you are from an Western European culture , we can see that by your cephalic Index and facial features. After a night fishing in Sagres we stopped in Barão de São João for a coffee and because some local Dutch and English handymen were having a rather loud argument we decided to leave. As we were leaving the waitress told us: "No need to be scared and leave , they are our foreigners not the other foreigners , they argue frequently and very loud like us but like us they never really fight". When we asked her what "our strangers" and the "other strangers" meant the answer was: "I mean from western Europe not eastern Europe". At those days there was a lot of men , by themselves , from eastern Europe working in the construction sites , since than they brought their wives and kids and are completely and successfully integrated in the Portuguese society.
Loud English people in Portugal? They are definitely willing to fight lol ... Brits love a fight, especially when on holiday. But I enjoyed reading your comment, I learned a lot.
@@AlgarveAddicts I'd like to apologize, on behalf of the 95% of British holidaymakers who are nice, respectful people, for the shitty, self-righteous attitude of the pissheads who lack any form of respect for other people. We hate them as much as you do lol. But i'm curious to hear your stories!
That's one of the things i've noticed when i moved to the UK from Portugal 🇵🇹 the "diga" it's really rude now to me. The customer service here it's amazing compared to Portugal. We don't know anything else. There's not a costumer service mentality. Looks like people don't want to be there and hate what they're doing. Nice video, i've been away for 13 year's now
Hi Nick. Ive been enjoying your channel. I’m an American who’s parents were born in The Azores and I still have family there. My surname is Oliveira. I’m planning to move to Portugal, possibly Algarve. Do you thinK my Portuguese bloodline will allow me to integrate a little more easily socially?
@@AlgarveAddicts I’m sure. My parents didn’t teach my siblings and I Portuguese because I don’t think they ever imagined one of us would like to move back. They spoke it around us, but as a code to talk so we couldn’t understand. Haha. I recently spent five years living in Barcelona. I would probably go to Lisbon but I’d prefer a lower cost of living. I really like the city life. I like to walk everywhere and rarely drive. Is there a city in Algarve that is a great walking city? I’ve only looked into Lagos so far. I’ll eventually make my way through all of your videos.
Living in the US, I look around and feel like a stranger to an extent. The scene is familiar, but we, as a culture, seem to have this obsession with consumption, competition, etc. I have a hard time understanding and identifying with much of what I see and hear.
Your sentiments are identical to mine. I’ve lived in the USA my whole life and I’m disgusted with the shallow consumption culture which dominates this collapsing country. I visited Portugal( Lisbon and Oporto) and fell in love with the laid back spirit of the community. I’m retiring early at 55 in 2 years and wanting to relocate to rural Portugal. I’m done with the USA.
@@clovercaledwych6131 I'm a few years behind you at 48. Target early retirement at 55 also. Our future vacation plans have shifted to travel in and around Portugal to learn more.
PNWesty you’ll love it. My only concern right now is the media saturation regarding Portugal: so many Americans are moving there or wanting to move that I’m afraid it will drive the real estate and cost of living expenses sky high. Plus, I’m hearing a lot of Portuguese are starting to tire of Americans swamping their country. I don’t want to live next to large communities of American expatriates; I plan on mastering Portuguese( I’m fairly good at Spanish so I have a head start) and immersing myself in Portuguese life.
Very interesting your video. Thank you. I’m happy that portugese are not just buyable. I find it utterly disrespectful to think this could be done (like in the states for example) sorry but that’s what I experienced there. We should all be more loving and respectful though. I’m trying and I have made amazing experiences with it.
Great video! I signed up to your email list. I do not know what the situation will be like next year in Europe if travel will resume again. I was planning to come to Portugal by the end of August. My daughter graduates from the university by mid-June, and she might even want to come with me. (That time will come for you too when your daughter grows up) I was planning to rent a place in Algarve for a few months. Thank you!
About the last fact, I'm Portuguese and in 1997 i had a Boss that told me "I don't want the company to make more money", so i get you very well, It is insane some times, But things have evolved a lot in the last 20 years. About the "diga" it a rude way to speak, it short way to say, "diga o que precisa" which is still a very rude way to speak, even if you say it with a smile, But if you go the big cities most people will be much nicer and polite.
Great video! Question - does Portugal recognize 'service dogs'? Dogs that have been specially trained to help their human handler. In the US, service dogs are allowed to go anywhere that the human handler goes. Wondering if it is the same in Peru
Hi Jeffrey, I found this on a TripAdvisor post: Yes, there are specific rules for service dogs. In Portugal te name is "Cães de Assistência" and the decrew-law is from 2007. This association does certification of those dogs, facebook.com/apcapt/ try to contact them to get some info about non-national service dogs email: caesdeassistencia@gmail.com
Nick I have a few questions which arise from the video. I think most of us d'un certain age know that sometimes locals are not welcoming but we have learned to adapt and accept. What I would like to know if I could explain my particular circumstances: is it viable to buy a property which needs a lot of work (I would be employing tradesmen for want of a better word and wonder how easy and what standards I could expect) . The alternative might be buying a finished apartment in a built-up area such as Faro but having undergone a bad experience in the UK with flats I was wondering about the level of anti-social behaviour and whether the local councils have powers to rectify should I be landed with neighbours who create a lot of noise.
Hi Steve, that's quite a complex set of questions there. If you'd like you could jump on a paid call with me and we could discuss it www.algarveaddicts.com/chat If that doesn't work for you, that's fine. Good luck.
Sounds like a there is a great opportunity for a local to work as a kind of concierge helping newcomers get acclimated. If I moved there I would gladly pay someone for a week of their time just to assist me in getting my utilities, etc all set up.
Yes there are quite a few companies and consultants who have sprung up to help people with the bureaucratic side of things. They're expensive but generally hassle free.
So true. Portuguese can be a bit direct, untill you get to know. Culture is vital to blend it in. Brazilians shops are more "samba" like. More oiiiiiii tudo bem com você?!!! More lay back approach in Brazil! Saved 3 of your vids. Well done 👍✅
"Diga" ahahahahah I'm portuguese and I've felt the opposite when I 1st came to England to live 20months ago... English speakers spend lots of energy in words to be polite. I can say that portuguese are more economical... 😅... If we accept that is just our cultures and adapt ourselves to those, it's OK. 😉👍🙏🍀
True that, I remember a work colleague saying to me just after I arrived in Portugal, why do you always say please and thank you so much? He said: you don't need to, you're in Portugal now. Heheh, it's just different to how I grew up and I hope I got that across in the video. It's not bad or good, you just need to expect it.
@@AlgarveAddicts The generalization you made for these points do make sense for the most part (e.g. bureaucracy is the same all over since is based in laws) but in this respect of people's attitude I think you over-generalized. This culture of politeness (or lack thereof) at stores or in public places in general is extremely diverse from North to South. People in the north are usually much more welcoming than in the south, for example. I live in the center-north and I really notice the difference when I go south, and I really don't like it. Where I live, we do say a lot of "please" and "thank you". The way that person received you in that store would have shocked me too and I might have walked out the door immediately.
You're right Artur, it is a generalisation, but I'm just relating my personal experiences down here in the Algarve and trying to prepare people in case they expect it to be like their home country. Thanks for commenting 👍🏼
@@AlgarveAddicts Thanks for your reply. I understand and respect your intention, I think it's a good idea. I was just trying to make people aware that your experience is not universal throughout the country. Quite the contrary, in fact, I would say your experience in this particular regard is very much restricted to specific areas.
About "diga!' at the minimarket: usually people from the south part of Portugal are not very welcoming at first glance. They have never been, even between them, unless known to each other. But, if you say "Bom dia!" or "Boa tarde!" as soon as you make contact, you will have a much better welcome. I think the reason for this behavior is that you are not being seen as a client (as an english person in charge of that minimarket would see you) but you are seen as someone 'asking' to be served and being rude by not whising a "good day" instead as soon as you met, . Actually the one coming always say 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde' before asking never mind what to the other person. Maybe this hint will help. Good work 'Algarve Addicts'
Dear Nick, yes the damp is a problem. The houses are rarely insulated in Pt, particularly the new ones built with breeze blocks. It helps to have a good fire burning to dry the house out, and open doors and windows.... don't let that nasty stuff take hold.')
Hi Nick. Really enjoying your site. Redoing my questions about Parque da Floresta golf resort near Lagos. Some really great property but the prices are unusually low for that area. I know there were problems c 10 years ago with management company. Four to Covid and winter most facilities are closed so it’s hard to know if these will be permanent. Can anybody living there are with detailed knowledge let me know their experience of living there in the off season.
Well, you can call me lazy, you could call me lacking in intelligence, or you could say I don't have an aptitude for language (which are probably all true 😂). However it's surprisingly easy when all the Portuguese people I have worked with have preferred to speak English to me, as their English has most often been better than my Portuguese. In my defence though, I CAN speak Portuguese, I just don't feel super at ease yet. Since I made this video though, I've been trying much harder and seeking out opportunities to speak more (which is a great thing!). I felt it was a good thing to highlight in this video as it's a struggle for many others who move here.
Nick, I signed up on AlgarveAddicts site providing my email etc , about a week ago, I am yet to receive factsheet or any updates I eagerly look forward to.
The word "diga" actually is a polite way to start a conversation. You can't just translate it to English. I would translate it as your yes? expression. But if the lady was with a "serious" face, I get why you thought that wasn't a correct way to talk to you. She didn't mean it, Im sure. You are correct about the houses. Specially old ones. when it comes to humidity, they aren't good. Nowadays, I think there are rules to make construction a lot better in terms of quality. And yes, if you decide to live in our country, the minimum you can do is to learn the language. Think about it like this, if you learn it, you not only can speak to people from Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Timor, Macau, etc, but you will be also able to understand Spanish, Italian and even a little bit of French.
Great points… but too much extraneous music, scenery etc. With this kind of data I’m trying to pick up fast and the extra is troublesome to that. Others may like it, so just a point that may be of some help, or not
Dear Nick, may I ask why you relocated from South Africa to Portugal? South Africa (Cape Town) is currently my favorite spot to relocate to from Germany however I'd love to know what made you leave beautiful SA? Cheers Mate
Hey there Jazy Jef, I moved because I was wanting to explore the world and was offered an opportunity here in Portugal. I'm really glad I made the move. Although I didn't leave South Africa and Cape Town because of the poverty, violence, political instability and consistent destruction of the basic infrastructure, I wouldn't return there because of that.
@@AlgarveAddicts Hola Nick, thank you for your honest answer. Keep up the good work and all the best. P.s.: We will travel to Algarve in July for the first time and your Videos helped a lot while planning the trip!! Thank you :)
😂😅 Haha! So true! I am Portuguese, born and raised, and I can relate to all of those painful facts! The good news is, fortunately we have more than 6 wonderful reasons to live here that make up for the less good ones! 🌞😎⛱️🌊🍷
Learning to speak a language fluently (especially if you're a native English speaker) ranks as one of the most difficult tasks. I know several languages very basically but none anywhere near fluent. At least coming from SA you are accustomed to a multi lingual environment.
I felt like a stranger in the country I was born after being away for 50 years. A stranger in a strange country is an adventure; where as a stranger in your own country is a feeling of being lost.
Who knows, if I went back to live in South Africa I may feel like a stranger now too after living in Portugal for 20 years.
@@AlgarveAddicts that old saying, "you can never go back" applies to EVERYTHING. It just proves you've grown in different directions...nothing and no one even FEELS the same.
I loved this video. My parents were Portuguese but I was born and raised in the U.S. I've often felt like a stranger I'm Portugal, but I love it so...Your affection for Portugal really shines through your videos, so don't be afraid to be honest. I appreciate your honesty a lot. The Portuguese make me mental, but I love them! Your "diga" story was GREAT.
Heheh, glad you liked it. 👍🏼
Merry Christmas. Things have changed so much over the past 25 years in Portugal. I visited my family in 2019 for the first time in 25 years and was pleasantly surprised. My family is from Porto, Povoa De Varzim and Barcelos. I plan to retired in Portugal in 15 years. Born in Toronto and lived here my whole life. Portugal is more laid back in life. Good luck with everything. Plan to hopefully visit in late 2021 once able to travel safely.
Happy Christmas Nelson
Looking forward to our move hopefully next year, and yes there is nowhere perfect, and it is about mindset, acceptance and attitude. Haha I'm married to a Portuguese, so I loved your comment on how direct they are. Awesome people, awesome culture , awesome country, can't wait for the experience.
Hi Hillary, I'm glad you took that in the right vein and yes, my wife is Portuguese too, so I have a lot of experience. It is wonderful here, but one thing I should have added in the video is that a lot of expats fill up the bars and start talking badly about "them". Don't let anyone get stuck in that rut.
@@AlgarveAddicts perhaps a expats from a certain country who feel entitled?
Hi, Nick. Thanks for these videos. I've only recently found you on RUclips, but I'm following with interest as I think it's a good thing that you're doing. I'm from the UK, but spent 15 years ( '82 - '97) living in Tomar (5yrs) then Lisbon and I'm always thinking of trying to buy a place in the Algarve (maybe not to live full time, but at least spend extended holidays there). Anyway, I'll certainly be looking forward to seeing more of your videos, especially now that we're leaving the EU (I'm sure you'll get many requests from Brits wanting to relocate after Brexit!!) Thanks again and keep up the good work. (Ou seja, muito obrigado😄)
Hey Glenn - thanks so much for following along. I've been making vlog style videos since 2014 and never found any traction on RUclips until now. The subject of moving to Portugal clearly has a lot of interest and it suits me down to the ground. I'm enjoying the journey!
Any time I have walked into any restaurant anywhere in the Algarve, I have been welcomed. I love how I am treated in stores or on the street or at the market. It is difficult to speak Portuguese because almost every Portuguese person speaks better English than I do Portuguese but I am working day and night to improve. And not only are Portuguese servers friendly and warm, they are terrific Portuguese teachers. A server at the Thai Beach Club in Quarteira, spent more time teaching me Portuguese than serving. I don't think any Portuguese person has ever been abrupt with me, not ever. I don't live in the Algarve but I can't wait to get back. Thanks for these videos. Seeing the Algarve makes me smile. I can hardly stop laughing when people say it is cold in Portugal. You want cold, drop in to Canada.
Aaah brilliant, I'd love to learn from you. Maybe I'm the abrupt one and they just react badly to me 😊 Admittedly it hasn't happened that much in recent years.
Ah yes, I have experienced the same. My Dad used to tell me I asked too many questions. I ask questions all the time because I'm not here to tell them about me but ask them about themselves. In a week a cafe' owner was teaching me Portuguese words and refusing payment for my expressos. Went to a tour of the castles and after one, the driver insisted "no more castles" instead took us in the woods to show us cork trees, a non English restaurant where he ordered for us and we ate fantastic food while he told us the history of Portugal and spent all day with us, he even took us to his parent's home, when he could have did 2 other tours and made some money. Also a Lagos waiter taking us all on a spontaneous tour of their extensive wine cellar because we were interested.. I could be laid back with the bureaucracy but my husband is German and you know how they are..... but we were beginning our resident visas when all travel stopped. And Algarve Addicts, you seem like you are doing well there, I can't imagine anyone acting badly to you.
@@greentea2451 Nice ! 😃
The Algarve is beautiful, but the cuisine sucks. Not that it's all bad, but it's Portuguese cuisine "lite". Really watered down for tourists.
Try the food in the centre (Coimbra, Mealhada, Leiria), or the north (Porto, Braga, Viana) etc.
@@cdb5001 I don't know where you are eating in the Algarve but they are doing a pretty good job of feeding me. I have eaten in Lisbon and Porto and I liked it fine. There is nothing wrong with the food in the Algarve if you are eating in the right places.
Lots of wisdom you are sharing. Sometimes I feel like a stranger on a strange planet, probably because I'm still looking for contentedness, just relocating somewhere else may not be the cure. To me, you have become very Portuguese because you love where you are, which happens to be Portugal. Looking forward to watching videos of you teaching your grandkids how to paddleboard. Obrigado.
Heheh, that sounds like a fun idea! (Teaching my grandkids how to paddle board)
Spot on. Loved this. All true!
Cheers!
I have always been 'stranger', even in SA. I've lived all over the world, but have never felt so at home as I do in Portugal, my 6th generation African husband feels the same.
The Portuguese are historically well traveled and very welcoming. For a view of their Colonial reach, read The first Global Village.
Agree, bureaucracy is a nightmare, stay calm and polite. I find arriving with a basket of cakes 'for the office' helps. Losing it with the locals just marks you out as ill mannered.
Again service is slow, really slow, at the Post Office it's more important that they chat to the lonely old lady, you young foreigner can wait.
We have never regretted moving here, I love everything about Portugal......and the proof is we have imported 12 of our best friends, mostly ZAs .....with more to come! Melodie
Fantastic input, thanks Hugh! The First Global Village sounds good ... I'll check that out for sure.
excellent book you mentioned
Do you have it, Gus? It's not available in Kindle 😥
@@AlgarveAddicts yes
Great video dude. Love it :)
When I go back to SA I'm a stranger these days, but its been almost 18 years!
Thanks boet. Me too, I feel more at home here in Portugal now. It's clear, to be fully integrated one needs to be perfectly comfortable with the language...
🙄
Great video, very much the mind set of here in Spain. Thinking of a move to Portugal for another adventure so i will check out more of your videos, keep up the good work
Thank you Roberto👍🏼
Nice balance. I arrive May first and I’m pretty unsure of myself. I like the tone of this presentation and all of your previous presentations- ‘Yes, you may be unsettled, but it’s a place you can be happy if you’ll just relax a bit and settle in and give yourself a chance to adjust.’
Agreed, thanks for watching 👍🏼
Btw, another beautiful video of life as it is, There’s something in the Portuguese way of life and their outlook that helped maintain the old world charm and quaintness of Portugal beyond the glamor of beaches,
That's true Ranga. I think it has a lot to do with the appreciation of simple things: fruit, fish, the soil, the scent of oranges. I've often been at Portuguese dinners and the conversation turns to food for half an hour 👌🏼
Great Video!
I came here 30 years ago, settled down and had kids. Learned the language in 10 months! I found the language incredibly easy.
I feel fully integrated and locals actually think I am Portuguese! This feels more like home than it ever did in the UK. It wasn't easy though - I should make a video about it. :)
That is almost as rare as finding a Unicorn. ahaha :)
I agree, I still struggle.
@@ivosilva2796 Sou coisa rara ;)
@@AlgarveAddicts I might be able to help ;)
@@mysteryteacher9 parabéns Amanda 👏
This is making me fall in love with Portugal even more. I can't wait to get there one day!
Good luck Bek
Fabulous video - the most informative on YT
Wow, thank you Stephen.
I have lived in the USA for over 20 years, I have always felt a stranger, this is ok, but if all works out I will happily be a stranger in Europe
Yeah - it's not bad being a "strange arrow" :)
Are you 20, by chance
Am I 20 years old?
man i love your daughter sense of humour... i can hear her laughing sometimes in the background and joking with you lol
Hehe, she is the best!
I was born in Mozambique from Portuguese parents, lived in SA for 47 years. I emigrated to Portugal 15 months ago, I speak, read and write Portuguese. I also feel like a estrangeiro.
My wife has a similar background. I'm sure you'll get there soon though! Portugal is a beautiful country with so many good things on offer.
Hi Nick, I'm so glad to have found your channel. I did sign up to your email list and confirmed my email a few hours ago. I received your welcome letter but have not yet received the fact sheet you mentioned. I'm eager to start learning what I need to do in order to move to Portugal. Thanks for your help.
Hi there, I'll have to check out my system. Please check your spam folder and if you still can't find it reply to one of the emails I sent you and I'll attach the pdf.
Fanatic episode Nick. Thanks very much 👍
I lived in uk and germany. I like to be a stranger 😏 currently I am living in Poland but will move to Portugal next year🔥💯👌🙂
I like to be a stranger to
It's pretty fun sometimes. I loved it when I arrived here in Portugal.
As
Sa
Hi Nick
Where’s the link for the Portuguese lessons? Great video 👍
Hi Bob - thanks for watching - the link is in the description, but here you go www.practiceportuguese.com/?ref=19 Boa sorte!
Extremely helpful video, and also the comments. It's easy to find videos talking about how wonderful Portugal is. I hope to visit this year to see myself. But I have wondered how the Portuguese view foreigners coming to live there, buying property and such, and if there is resentment. Also I've wondered if it was easy to integrate into the culture, or if you are always going to be an outsider.
I'm in my late 50's. When I was going to graduate school in my early 20's, I learned Brazilian Portuguese and lived in Brazil for 8 months. I wasn't fluent, but very functional, and married a Brazilian. After divorcing, my Portuguese fell away. I've been slowly re-learning it the last year, mostly listening to people on Instagram from both Brazil and Portugal. The Brazilian accent is easy for me and I've re-learned a lot. The Portuguese accent is REALLY hard for me to understand. It's odd now, listening, because I can probably understand and read more than most foreigners, but there are still significant gaps, and speaking the language is still very difficult. I suspect that learning the language better is key to integrating more into the culture and the country.
Anyway, thank you again for this video, and also thanks to all the people who commented. I don't see in the comments (here and other videos) the resentment of foreigners that exists in most of Latin America, but it also doesn't sound like a tension-free situation with foreigners coming to Portugal either.
Hi John, thanks for sharing, there is some good stuff here. Naturally when you're talking about a nation everyone is prone to generalize. Some people say the people here are amazing and really welcoming, others have had different experiences. I'd say there is definitely a general spirit of welcomeness in Portugal. Maybe in Lisbon the locals were getting a little bit sick and tired of the sheer volume of tourists, but the Algarve has been living with and from tourism since the 1970's and are pretty used to it and welcoming towards foreigners. The kicker is how we act personally. Generally if one treats people with kindness, that kindness will be returned.
@@AlgarveAddicts Thank you. Yes, capital cities usually get tired of tourists. I live near Washington DC and work there (when not in the pandemic) and tourists can be overwhelming at times. So I'm sympathetic to those that have to work with that level of tourism.
I work in international trade, U.S. government, and have been around the world for work and fun. One gets sensitive to the feelings of people in other countries, or at least I do. I agree, acting like a decent human being goes a long way. However, some cultures are more welcoming than others, and more tolerant (in general). It sounds like Portugal is one of those, though I'm sure that there are exceptions and tensions.
Appreciate the series that you're doing. Am thinking of retiring there and am gathering information. Haven't visited your website yet but it's on my list. :)
You’re great thank you for sharing your experience 🙏
You're welcome, thanks for watching 👍🏼
Beautiful reflections, mate. I've often felt out of place, yet always felt more at home with latin folks than my own tribe.
Great video! But diga " speak" wow! We were lost in north of Portugal and stopped at a gas station at first she was hesitant in english to help, than she printed a map for our destination wow amazing ! Suggestion try making your next video speaking Portuguese with english subtitles! Cheers from Canada !
Hahah, that's a good idea!
This may be a difference without significance but "diga" , which is the curt form of "diga me" is closer to "tell me" than it is to "speak". It's important to note that some Portuguese find it rude to be patronized with banter , so to them being direct and curt is more respectful. Over-familiarity from strangers is suspect in the culture.
Good to know, thanks for that 👍🏼
To me its weird, the way he says it happened its rude for me and the people here (the Azores) mainland Portuguese truly are diferent. People giving services over here, no matter if its the cheapest store wouldnt start like that, usually "Boa tarde/bom dia" first, never with a straight foward "diga" in that tone. At least in the Azores.
Weird, but it happened.
Right on... as a portuguese, i feel that when a stranger smiles to me in the street or speaks too nice it's because he/she wants something from me. When i traveled to the USA i felt the opposite shock... someone comented that i was kinda rude for not smiling back or speaking nicely. It really is a cultural difference: Euro Latin vs Anglo.
Hehe, at least we're all different. 😊
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Great video Nick, many thanks! You've got some special stream that difficult to find. Regards from Finland (every summer guest in VRSA)
I find nice european comfort and peace in this beautiful country.
Thanks for watching Antti!
Awesome video man. We actually thinking of moving to Portugal. Planning to come that's side for a three week holiday. To check the layout. Not sure if three weeks will cut it. Have to check schooling. All sorts of things. Thanks for all the insight.
You're welcome, I hope the videos help 👍🏼
Small business owners in France are exactly the same .....and some foreigners just don’t appreciate what their priorities are. Family life is still the key element to what they do. Having a house in France, and having lived in Germany many years ago, I find it hard to understand why incomers are not more open to their life in a new country - they need to accept the culture, instead of trying to change it. Thanks for your open comments about life in Portugal, it puts things into a proper perspective for me - I am doing some serious research into retiring there in the near future. Thanks again.
You're welcome, my point is to say, don't expect American style service, things are slightly different in Portugal and you'll come to love it. Just be prepared, it's not worse it's just different.
Accurate. Im half portuguese and speak fluent , when i go there to visit family you don’t always feel welcome everywhere , especially in smaller towns where everyone knows everyone. Some things online make it seem like everyone will come up to you super friendly and invite you into their home
True, but still some people in country areas are extremely welcoming.
Thanks for the down to earth video!! My wife and I are planning a trip to Portugal when things open up and travel is easier. The music in the beginning sounded like a Ney, very nice.
Thanks Benny, all the music is made for and provided by RUclips. Pretty cool!
Great videos!! you doing that really really great, i am german living in cape town right now... but wanna move to portugal next :) your videos make that decision easy :)
Thanks Christian!
Respect! That’s very appealing to me as it’s almost nonexistent due to greed, arrogance and ingratitude in other parts of the world. Thanks for your informative videos.
You're welcome Georgina 👍🏼
Some one who actually speaks my language. Hi, born in the uk I emigrated to the USA for 30yrs, then moved to Portugal 2 years ago. Everything you said is so accurate, yet I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
Me neither 🙂 It was mainly meant to update people's expectations, so they don't arrive thinking that Portugal has exactly the same traditions and culture that they're used to in their home towns. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Hi Nick, well done video on excellent topics.
Thanks Yolande.
Feeling like a stranger there can't be any worse than being a stranger in the land of one's birth.
I've lived in other countries and although I don't speak Portuguese yet, I am fluent in Spanish (I'm a translator/interpreter). I actually understand European Portuguese (with my strong background in Romance Languages and 4 years of the study of Latin as a child) and I'm looking for a good Portuguese for Spanish Speakers course, not needing to start from ground zero. I'll make my first trip to the Algarve next year.
I think that getting through that "roughness" as you call it, with regard to how the people approach you, is mitigated by knowing at least some of the language and just trying. Even without fluency in the language, that can go a long way with people. I guess that is one way of showing respect for the culture.
My daughter (who is fluent in Portuguese) and I want to buy a home in Portugal in a few years. Doing our research now.... Thanks for your very helpful and informative videos!
You're welcome, thanks for watching 👍🏼
Love this video........reality based, whereas a lot of videos show all puppy dogs and unicorns. Those considering moving to Portugal should see this.
Thanks for that 👍🏼 That was totally my intention. I think everyone has seen the amazing visuals that most of the travel vloggers put out along with the tourism board's stunning pieces too. I don't want to be negative about life here (because I love living here), I just want to show both sides... Real life. It's not always like a holiday.
Very interesting . Thank you so much 🌸
You're welcome Desie. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Stranger in a strange land... Understandable. But for those willing to try it out and explore, beyond the horizon, beyond their comfort zone, the rewards on living abroad can be invaluable. I’m living that reality now, 30 years in a foreign land and counting. Never looked back. Never regretted. Just be open to different cultures and be willing and able to integrate, adapt and adopt. You will find your tribe wherever you go.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” Mark Twain
Great comment, thanks. 👏🏼
Thanks for this video. Very important for all inmigrants in Portugal, I would be one more of those inmigrants. I'm cuban but retired in America.
I love what you said about the respect based culture. I love that. It's what has always attracted me about Japan, which is also a respect-based culture, and one of the things I despise about the US, the lack of respect.
I hesitate to mention it, but it almost feels like in some instances money has replaced respect. Is there anything vaguely correct about what I'm saying?
@@AlgarveAddicts Money and ego are the two most valued things in this States. It's a really sad state of affairs. Hubris is rewarded, humility is considered weakness. You mention being a stranger in a strange land, I feel that way every day in the US and I'm an American. I just don't understand what's happening here.
Who knows, things may start to change slowly (but then I could also be one of those irritating optimists).
As a Portugueezer (born in Canada), fluent in Portuguese, see my family in Portugal every year and know the country well, my question is; how to I convince my wife to move there????? That's my biggest hurdle right now.
Hahah, isn't that all our biggest hurdle? Just kidding. Take her on holiday and blow her away with the awesome lifestyle.
I think respect is what is favoured in most European cultures and most cultures in general. You don’t need to go somewhere and bring your habits to this particular place. You need to try to fit in to their culture. Learning the language is definitely key. Love your videos. Very helpful.
Absolutely, great points Michelle.👍🏼
Another great summary Nick. Well done. I absolutely love the parallels between SA and Portugal! Cascais a little like Clifton or Kalk bay etc!
For me ... low crime rates, the perfect climate (similar latitude) and NHR is the key.
(Negatives are; imho.... the ridiculous bureaucracy, pitiful building standards, frankly dangerous roads, worlds most expensive VAT (IVA ) water and electricity)
Thanks Max, are you from SA? Yeah Cape Town cafe culture is alive and well in Lisbon and Porto. It still hasn't quite reached the Algarve in force yet but it's coming (hopefully).
Wonderful stories! That service experience does happen (and I'm portuguese).
Thanks for watching 👍🏼
I totally relate with the "diga" story, I guess it's quite related to the tipping culture not being really present, it wouldn't be bad for us to be more polite I guess (not necessarily american style), but it's also because we tend to be quite honest and political correctness is not something we really grasp. Really great tips. Anywhere you go into the world it will be hard to adapt at the begining until you make a pool of friends that will help you around and make you feel more corrected. You will always be a stranger for sure. My portuguese husband felt a stranger all his life in Portugal simple because he was blond and blue eyes even though he was born and raised in the algarve. Speaking the language will help a big big time
Thanks for watching Miss Lilly! 👍🏼
I love that your culture does not grasp the concept of political correctness. I believe it actually divides people and makes us less accepting in the US. Being a stranger in a different culture is fine when both cultures respect the other and friendships and understanding develop!
I don’t believe you should feel like a stranger/foreigner in Portugal just because you don’t speak Portuguese. I’m Portuguese born, lived in Lisbon all my life and my main day to day language has always been English, only here and there do I switch to Portuguese. Many Portuguese people will be glad of an opportunity to speak English when they get the chance and there is also a great community of English speakers at lest in my city where you can meet and make many friends😊
love your videos! can you also at some time talk about the political system in Portugal, how people there treat animals and the environment? My husband who does carpentry and electronics wanted to know how he would have easy access to these things?
Hi Caren, sorry but like I'm not medical I'm definitely not political. Too much of that in South Africa thanks 👍🏼 Traditionally dogs weren't very well treated here (as opposed to the way the English some times elevate their dogs above human levels) however fairly recently in 2014 or 2016 a law was passed protecting animals and giving them certain rights. As a result, dogs were not allowed to be tied up anymore. My neighbour still does it but he's about 80 and appears to have never smiled in his life. Whatcha gonna do. Yes, we have carpenters and electronics here..
I am from Mozambique 🇲🇿 born in Lourenço Marques. But American citizen and Portuguese citizen
Olá Miguel 👋
@@AlgarveAddicts Ola , hi brother 👋👋👋
AWESOME!🌻
❤FROM DALLAS TEXAS
Thanks Victoria 👍🏼
This helped a lot. Above all, when you travel to another country , being polite and humble and respectful to all those you encounter is a MUST,
Most Americans don’t get that , we are arrogant and impatient and condescending. I’m so embarrassed we behave in such a fashion.
That’s why I love European culture, money is not everything to them, and it shows and is a valuable lesson to those who feel entitlement and superiority.
Absolutely. Europe is very different.
Well you nailed it in the end. The thing is "respect" is the way. Portugal today is kinda losing that culture, some time ago people treated each other all the time like "sir" but in a very respectful way, now that is more of a thing of the Azores, but some areas in mainland Portugal still goes like that.
Sure, respect is still here though 👍🏼
Don't worry, we migrated to Canada when I was a baby. Knowing that, even being trilingual. i feel somewhat "estrangeiro". It's something that all immigrants and expats live with it and it's quite normal
Yeah absolutely true.
Culture shock... I speak Portuguese, I am Brazilian our ways to approach are different from Portugal but for me who speak the language I adapt real fast to their ways... abd love it! What you are feeling there is what I felt in USA when I came here 1988. Today I still feel apart but I have a beautiful family and I am okay!
Yes family is super important. 👍🏼
This is a great reality check! Cheers!
I was just trying to show the reality of life here. We all see these picture perfect gorgeous films online and this may skew many people's opinions.
Liked the video a lot. What type of camera do you use. Beautiful shots.
Thanks Scrilla. In this video I mainly used my drone, which was a DJI Spark and a friend's DJI Phantom. I now use a DJI Mini 2. My normal camera is a Canon G9X but now I mostly use my Samsung Galaxy S20+
Here in Puerto Rico we say "diga" also. But...but...in a more professional manner. We might say, "Diga, que desea, como le puedo ayudar"). (Tell me, what would you like, how may I help you.)
I really like you candid, matter of fact approach to these videos. My only, constructive feedback, would be up temper down the special effects and the loud transition audio. Thanks for the video
Thanks for that, I'll try and work out how to maintain the sound balance and keep a closer eye on that. 👍🏼
@@AlgarveAddicts I love how Matt D’Avella does his videos. Also we use a guy on up works, let know if you want I’ll send you the contact
I'm not sure what up works means but go ahead and send please.
@@AlgarveAddicts www.upwork.com/ and Matt is a RUclips blogger you can look him up
Hahahahahahahaha omg, sometimes I really worry I have offended people here. My boyfriend is from Brazil and he was always like, don’t worry you haven’t upset anyone it is just how they are 😂. Lingq is also great!!! I really recommend the free version, it isn’t like practice Portuguese as there isn’t so much teaching on the free version but it is SUCH a great resource. It’s a news feed for different podcasts, books etc with all the words and meanings listed. Great way to listen to Portuguese whilst doing other things.
Learning with practice Portuguese and then browsing the feed on lingq would work so well!
Thanks for sharing Emma👍🏼 I had a quick look and it seems like it's mostly Brazilian Portuguese though.
Hi, amazing video ( as usual :) I was wondering do you guys have this kind of foggy mornings in winter? Btw, the landscapes are beautiful and green I never thought it could be that way as I was going there for summers, I must admit that Algarve has changed a lot according to your stunning videos, could you make a video about your favourite bars, and galleries in your area? I have a place were sometimes I am staying it is called Olhao, and there is a place with gardens and a Mansion to visit, I never found that place as locals never showed me properly the way... Anyway, that was amusing we ended up at the Estoi Castle "Palaceto" has they say :), thank for your video, I am looking forward for the next one! Good Wishes from the UK.
Thanks Dmitri, it's wonderful to read such warm comments. I really appreciate it! 👍🏼 With Covid I don't think I've been to a bar in a long time, but I'll definitely bear it in mind.
enjoying your videos!
Thanks Vida!
You are not just a "Stranger" (Estrangeiro) , you are "Our Stranger" (Nosso Estrangeiro) because you are from an Western European culture , we can see that by your cephalic Index and facial features.
After a night fishing in Sagres we stopped in Barão de São João for a coffee and because some local Dutch and English handymen were having a rather loud argument we decided to leave.
As we were leaving the waitress told us:
"No need to be scared and leave , they are our foreigners not the other foreigners , they argue frequently and very loud like us but like us they never really fight".
When we asked her what "our strangers" and the "other strangers" meant the answer was:
"I mean from western Europe not eastern Europe".
At those days there was a lot of men , by themselves , from eastern Europe working in the construction sites , since than they brought their wives and kids and are completely and successfully integrated in the Portuguese society.
Loud English people in Portugal? They are definitely willing to fight lol ... Brits love a fight, especially when on holiday. But I enjoyed reading your comment, I learned a lot.
Yeah, I need to tell my story about British yobbos on holiday in Carvoeiro some day. 😳
@@AlgarveAddicts I'd like to apologize, on behalf of the 95% of British holidaymakers who are nice, respectful people, for the shitty, self-righteous attitude of the pissheads who lack any form of respect for other people. We hate them as much as you do lol. But i'm curious to hear your stories!
It's definitely worth a video! Apology accepted 😂 (I'm technically British too).
Agreed to all of your points.
That's one of the things i've noticed when i moved to the UK from Portugal 🇵🇹 the "diga" it's really rude now to me. The customer service here it's amazing compared to Portugal. We don't know anything else. There's not a costumer service mentality. Looks like people don't want to be there and hate what they're doing. Nice video, i've been away for 13 year's now
It is getting better though. Slowly slowly and we'll get there 😊
In the Azores the "diga" part would be very rude also though. Cultural diferences between mainland Portugal and the Azores i guess.
Hi Nick. Ive been enjoying your channel. I’m an American who’s parents were born in The Azores and I still have family there. My surname is Oliveira. I’m planning to move to Portugal, possibly Algarve. Do you thinK my Portuguese bloodline will allow me to integrate a little more easily socially?
Absolutely, but your language and communication skills will help you more than anything to integrate.
@@AlgarveAddicts I’m sure. My parents didn’t teach my siblings and I Portuguese because I don’t think they ever imagined one of us would like to move back. They spoke it around us, but as a code to talk so we couldn’t understand. Haha. I recently spent five years living in Barcelona. I would probably go to Lisbon but I’d prefer a lower cost of living. I really like the city life. I like to walk everywhere and rarely drive. Is there a city in Algarve that is a great walking city? I’ve only looked into Lagos so far. I’ll eventually make my way through all of your videos.
Everyone is wonderful!
Thank you👍
Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Living in the US, I look around and feel like a stranger to an extent. The scene is familiar, but we, as a culture, seem to have this obsession with consumption, competition, etc. I have a hard time understanding and identifying with much of what I see and hear.
True. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Your sentiments are identical to mine. I’ve lived in the USA my whole life and I’m disgusted with the shallow consumption culture which dominates this collapsing country.
I visited Portugal( Lisbon and Oporto) and fell in love with the laid back spirit of the community. I’m retiring early at 55 in 2 years and wanting to relocate to rural Portugal. I’m done with the USA.
@@clovercaledwych6131 I'm a few years behind you at 48. Target early retirement at 55 also. Our future vacation plans have shifted to travel in and around Portugal to learn more.
PNWesty you’ll love it. My only concern right now is the media saturation regarding Portugal: so many Americans are moving there or wanting to move that I’m afraid it will drive the real estate and cost of living expenses sky high. Plus, I’m hearing a lot of Portuguese are starting to tire of Americans swamping their country. I don’t want to live next to large communities of American expatriates; I plan on mastering Portuguese( I’m fairly good at Spanish so I have a head start) and immersing myself in Portuguese life.
@@clovercaledwych6131 That would be my goal also.
Big jump from south africa to portugal
Yup, all the way across Africa! 😊
Hello Algarve Can you do video for industrial areas in Portugal stating areas that has a more industrial zone .
Very interesting your video. Thank you. I’m happy that portugese are not just buyable. I find it utterly disrespectful to think this could be done (like in the states for example) sorry but that’s what I experienced there. We should all be more loving and respectful though. I’m trying and I have made amazing experiences with it.
I absolutely agree with you. Respect and compassion go a lot further than a quick buck.
Great video! I signed up to your email list. I do not know what the situation will be like next year in Europe if travel will resume again. I was planning to come to Portugal by the end of August. My daughter graduates from the university by mid-June, and she might even want to come with me. (That time will come for you too when your daughter grows up) I was planning to rent a place in Algarve for a few months. Thank you!
Thanks for signing up Dragos, and who knows what next year will bring. We definitely couldn't have predicted 2020!
Great vídeo Nick! I hope I’m not on number 5 topic... 🙏🏻😊
Thanks Ana, no you're not, you supply great service!
About the last fact, I'm Portuguese and in 1997 i had a Boss that told me "I don't want the company to make more money", so i get you very well, It is insane some times, But things have evolved a lot in the last 20 years.
About the "diga" it a rude way to speak, it short way to say, "diga o que precisa" which is still a very rude way to speak, even if you say it with a smile, But if you go the big cities most people will be much nicer and polite.
Thanks for sharing Nuno 👍🏼
Great video! Question - does Portugal recognize 'service dogs'? Dogs that have been specially trained to help their human handler. In the US, service dogs are allowed to go anywhere that the human handler goes. Wondering if it is the same in Peru
Hi Jeffrey, I found this on a TripAdvisor post: Yes, there are specific rules for service dogs. In Portugal te name is "Cães de Assistência" and the decrew-law is from 2007. This association does certification of those dogs, facebook.com/apcapt/ try to contact them to get some info about non-national service dogs email: caesdeassistencia@gmail.com
@@AlgarveAddicts thanks very much for the info. You’re the best! Much appreciated
you switching from left hand drive to right hand ????
Amazing innit? Nope, it's selfie mode on Samsung S20+ Sometimes it flips around, sometimes it doesn't.
Nick I have a few questions which arise from the video. I think most of us d'un certain age know that sometimes locals are not welcoming but we have learned to adapt and accept. What I would like to know if I could explain my particular circumstances: is it viable to buy a property which needs a lot of work (I would be employing tradesmen for want of a better word and wonder how easy and what standards I could expect) . The alternative might be buying a finished apartment in a built-up area such as Faro but having undergone a bad experience in the UK with flats I was wondering about the level of anti-social behaviour and whether the local councils have powers to rectify should I be landed with neighbours who create a lot of noise.
Hi Steve, that's quite a complex set of questions there. If you'd like you could jump on a paid call with me and we could discuss it www.algarveaddicts.com/chat If that doesn't work for you, that's fine. Good luck.
Amazing! I love Albufeira! 😘
I have footage of Albufeira, just finding the time to edit it is tough 😂
Hi Nick..
Thank's for many great videos about Portugal, do you have any videos about how to get work visa in Portugal..?
Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪
Hi Jena, unfortunately I don't have one about work Visas in particular, however you could book a call with my visa expert: www.algarveaddicts.com/visa
@@AlgarveAddicts Thank's for replying 🙏
great video! Keep 'm coming
Thanks Rim - much appreciated.
Sounds like a there is a great opportunity for a local to work as a kind of concierge helping newcomers get acclimated.
If I moved there I would gladly pay someone for a week of their time just to assist me in getting my utilities, etc all set up.
Yes there are quite a few companies and consultants who have sprung up to help people with the bureaucratic side of things. They're expensive but generally hassle free.
Nick, we've heard a bit about the big earthquake that hit Portugal. Is there still a fair bit of earthquake activity in the Algarve?
Hi Nevin, we haven't had a notable earthquake since 1755, however we do get little ones occasionally. Nothing you can feel but they happen.
So true. Portuguese can be a bit direct, untill you get to know. Culture is vital to blend it in. Brazilians shops are more "samba" like. More oiiiiiii tudo bem com você?!!! More lay back approach in Brazil! Saved 3 of your vids. Well done 👍✅
Thanks Beto! 👍🏼
I'm an American expat in Medellin CO and very few know English and anytime I madidn't
I was born and raised in the United States and I want to move to Portugal.
Good luck Deborah, it's definitely possible, many people are doing it. What an exciting adventure!
"Diga" ahahahahah I'm portuguese and I've felt the opposite when I 1st came to England to live 20months ago... English speakers spend lots of energy in words to be polite. I can say that portuguese are more economical... 😅... If we accept that is just our cultures and adapt ourselves to those, it's OK. 😉👍🙏🍀
True that, I remember a work colleague saying to me just after I arrived in Portugal, why do you always say please and thank you so much? He said: you don't need to, you're in Portugal now. Heheh, it's just different to how I grew up and I hope I got that across in the video. It's not bad or good, you just need to expect it.
@@AlgarveAddicts The generalization you made for these points do make sense for the most part (e.g. bureaucracy is the same all over since is based in laws) but in this respect of people's attitude I think you over-generalized. This culture of politeness (or lack thereof) at stores or in public places in general is extremely diverse from North to South. People in the north are usually much more welcoming than in the south, for example. I live in the center-north and I really notice the difference when I go south, and I really don't like it. Where I live, we do say a lot of "please" and "thank you". The way that person received you in that store would have shocked me too and I might have walked out the door immediately.
You're right Artur, it is a generalisation, but I'm just relating my personal experiences down here in the Algarve and trying to prepare people in case they expect it to be like their home country. Thanks for commenting 👍🏼
@@AlgarveAddicts Thanks for your reply. I understand and respect your intention, I think it's a good idea. I was just trying to make people aware that your experience is not universal throughout the country. Quite the contrary, in fact, I would say your experience in this particular regard is very much restricted to specific areas.
About "diga!' at the minimarket: usually people from the south part of Portugal are not very welcoming at first glance. They have never been, even between them, unless known to each other. But, if you say "Bom dia!" or "Boa tarde!" as soon as you make contact, you will have a much better welcome. I think the reason for this behavior is that you are not being seen as a client (as an english person in charge of that minimarket would see you) but you are seen as someone 'asking' to be served and being rude by not whising a "good day" instead as soon as you met, . Actually the one coming always say 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde' before asking never mind what to the other person. Maybe this hint will help. Good work 'Algarve Addicts'
Dear Nick, yes the damp is a problem. The houses are rarely insulated in Pt, particularly the new ones built with breeze blocks. It helps to have a good fire burning to dry the house out, and open doors and windows.... don't let that nasty stuff take hold.')
Yeah, it's terrible, I couldn't believe it when I arrived and it still goes on. Bad construction and bad or poorly enforced laws.
Hi Nick. Really enjoying your site. Redoing my questions about Parque da Floresta golf resort near Lagos. Some really great property but the prices are unusually low for that area. I know there were problems c 10 years ago with management company. Four to Covid and winter most facilities are closed so it’s hard to know if these will be permanent. Can anybody living there are with detailed knowledge let me know their experience of living there in the off season.
How do you make a living in Portugal if you are not fluent in the language? How have you lived there for 20 years and not be fluent in the language?
Well, you can call me lazy, you could call me lacking in intelligence, or you could say I don't have an aptitude for language (which are probably all true 😂). However it's surprisingly easy when all the Portuguese people I have worked with have preferred to speak English to me, as their English has most often been better than my Portuguese. In my defence though, I CAN speak Portuguese, I just don't feel super at ease yet. Since I made this video though, I've been trying much harder and seeking out opportunities to speak more (which is a great thing!). I felt it was a good thing to highlight in this video as it's a struggle for many others who move here.
That was kind of cool. Thanks.
You're welcome Les.
I am here till the 29th , I need to see some homes to buy for me and my dog . Can you recommend someone . Please , I fly back to the us on the 29th
Sure Kathleen, email me on nick@algarveaddicts.com
Nick, I signed up on AlgarveAddicts site providing my email etc , about a week ago, I am yet to receive factsheet or any updates I eagerly look forward to.
Hi Ranga, sorry you must have signed up before I built my email system. I'll look for your email and send it over manually later today.
I'm here to practice my South African
Hahaha, lekker my broe.👌🏼
The word "diga" actually is a polite way to start a conversation. You can't just translate it to English.
I would translate it as your yes? expression. But if the lady was with a "serious" face, I get why you thought that wasn't a correct way to talk to you. She didn't mean it, Im sure.
You are correct about the houses. Specially old ones. when it comes to humidity, they aren't good. Nowadays, I think there are rules to make construction a lot better in terms of quality.
And yes, if you decide to live in our country, the minimum you can do is to learn the language. Think about it like this, if you learn it, you not only can speak to people from Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Timor, Macau, etc, but you will be also able to understand Spanish, Italian and even a little bit of French.
Thanks Pedro, I can get by in Portuguese, I just said I wasn't super fluent.
Great points… but too much extraneous music, scenery etc. With this kind of data I’m trying to pick up fast and the extra is troublesome to that. Others may like it, so just a point that may be of some help, or not
Thanks for your opinion David. 👍🏼
Dear Nick, may I ask why you relocated from South Africa to Portugal?
South Africa (Cape Town) is currently my favorite spot to relocate to from Germany however I'd love to know what made you leave beautiful SA?
Cheers Mate
Hey there Jazy Jef, I moved because I was wanting to explore the world and was offered an opportunity here in Portugal. I'm really glad I made the move. Although I didn't leave South Africa and Cape Town because of the poverty, violence, political instability and consistent destruction of the basic infrastructure, I wouldn't return there because of that.
@@AlgarveAddicts Hola Nick, thank you for your honest answer.
Keep up the good work and all the best.
P.s.: We will travel to Algarve in July for the first time and your Videos helped a lot while planning the trip!! Thank you :)
Join us for a get together hopefully. Subscribe to my mailing list for upcoming info on www.algarveaddicts.com
😂😅 Haha! So true!
I am Portuguese, born and raised, and I can relate to all of those painful facts!
The good news is, fortunately we have more than 6 wonderful reasons to live here that make up for the less good ones! 🌞😎⛱️🌊🍷
We sure do!
@@AlgarveAddicts ❤️
Learning to speak a language fluently (especially if you're a native English speaker) ranks as one of the most difficult tasks. I know several languages very basically but none anywhere near fluent. At least coming from SA you are accustomed to a multi lingual environment.
True Leroy, but I think it's key to integrating properly (even though it's sooo hard).