Portuguese Love
From the moment I first arrived in Portugal in 2020, Teena Marie’s “Portuguese Love” began to loop in my mind. Not just a song, but a feeling—a kind of melodic promise. Even then, I sensed that this country would hold me in ways I didn’t yet have the words for.
Portugal wrapped me like a hug. The people were warm, gracious, and open-hearted. The cuisine—fresh, deeply flavorful, and unpretentious—echoed the comforts of American soul food in a way that felt both surprising and entirely familiar. The architecture, the sense of time layered into stone and tile, and the lived-in beauty of every square and street—it all moved me. I didn’t just admire it. I felt like I was a part of it and it a part of me.
When the time came to return to the U.S., I felt a heaviness I couldn’t ignore. As it happened, my family and I were still in Portugal when the pandemic struck and the world stood still. Quietly, I hoped the borders would close, that we’d somehow be forced to stay little longer. Alas, the gates remained open, and we returned back to Atlanta.
Still, something in me had shifted. Back in the States, I began to prepare for a move I couldn’t fully explain. I didn’t yet know how the visa process worked. I had no blueprint, no clear funding, no guarantee. What I had was certainty—and sometimes, that’s enough. I moved forward with quiet conviction, trusting that the path would rise to meet me. Indeed it did.
Over the next two and a half years, I navigated the intricacies of immigration for myself and eventually for friends and family, too. In 2022, I secured a lease and began laying the foundation for a new chapter. By 2023, I was back home in Portugal.
Between that first visit and my permanent relocation, I lived with a constant sense of saudade—a Portuguese word for a deep, aching longing for something just out of reach. I coped by immersing myself in Portugal from afar: watching videos, planning return visits, and cultivating relationships that would become the bedrock of my new life. With time, I built a diverse and loving community—Portuguese neighbors and fellow immigrants alike, kindred spirits who affirmed my decision and welcomed me “home” with open arms.
Now that I’m here, fully present and deeply grateful, one of my greatest joys is sharing the richness of this country with others. Whether you’re contemplating a move abroad or simply planning a visit to this wondrous country, my hope is that this blog serves as both a resource and a reflection—a window into the beauty, complexity, and quiet magic of a life reimagined. Come with me as I explore vibrant cities and quiet villages, celebrate festas that last until sunrise, savor unforgettable meals, and build a life filled with connection, intention, and joy.
Courage. Culture. Community. It’s all here—waiting for you. Subscribe and let’s take this journey together.
