Portugal did not work out for us.

Oftentimes in life, things don't turn out as planned. We have ideas of how things should go, but the Universe will intervene, and instead take us down a different path, as if that's the experience we were meant to have.

Are there always lessons in that to be learned? Who really knows, but it's definitely a different version than what we had in mind.

Which is exactly what happened to us, as we traveled to the US to submit our Portuguese visas and then to Mexico to spend a couple of months awaiting the processing.

Boy, did things end up differently than we ever imagined!

Not only the experience itself of traveling through so many cities, but the fact that we came to realize that Portugal wasn't the right fit for us.

What followed will surprise you...

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[nathanieldrew]

This was so well done - I’m really enjoying these updates (it’s different than hearing the stories over FaceTime or drinks). I’m pumped that the Drew Crew is reuniting…. 😉

[angelique]

As an older person, who has travelled extensively, may I make a few observations? I think your "Must Have" list for country, location, property, lifestyle is very contradictory. You want the perfect house, in a quiet location near to a buzzing city, but dont want to meet other tourists?? Crazy! You book flights, hotels before you have your visas in your hand? Crazy! Your expectations are too high, setting yourselves up for let downs. Of course you should have your standards, but there is no paradise on this Earth..I feel nowhere in Europe will meet your perfect U.S. standards. You just need to be more flexible. To truly appreciate what European culture, history, architecture, slower pace of life offers. Be more open minded. Less fixated on your Must Have List. The Universe is trying to tell you this. You are lovely people. I wish you Good Luck....💚💙💜

[getsmartpaul]

I guess I missed how "Portugal did not work out for us" ? This video talked about the trip to Mexico and getting a passport. Can someone clarify for me ? Thanks !

Update: wait until next episode “How France 🇫🇷 did not work out for us.”

[timothywilliams]

Ah, the problems of affluenza... I don't have anywhere near enough money to do these kinds of travels. But I do have enough to live in the calm countryside, and to visit my grandchildren almost whenever I want.

[johnhepbean]

I spent most of my life wanting to move to another country, eventually it dawned on me, the visitor experience and the citizen experience are two different things. No matter where you go, behind it all, it is really just a bunch of people trying to scratch out a living. Paradise on earth is a figment of the imagination. Click click click there's no place like home.

[marissat]

The timing of this video is perfect. Thank you for showing the real side of moving to another country and just life in general. Many times people on YouTube and social media make everything "pretty". Its deceiving. You and your wife's tenacity is very uplifting! I'm looking forward to your next chapter in France!

[bertzethof]

I feel your pain. When we retired in Canada, we went through the process of moving to Mexico and spent almost three years there in different cities before realizing it wasn't the place for us. We had even adopted two stray dogs thinking we were going to stay in Mexico. Ultimately, we returned to Canada, sold our home, and applied for a visa to Portugal, not ever having visited the country. We have now been in Portugal for a year and bought a house near Tomar, not far from Coimbra. So far it feels like a good fit for us and the dogs are still with us. Our journey to date, which started in 2018, has taken four years. We have experienced a lot of uncertainty and frustration, but the future looks promising.

[katniss]

There is no perfect place . Wherever you go, you take yourself with you .

[AndNowIWrite]

My husband and I moved from the US to Portugal in 2019. We refitted a van in 2021 and spent the past year traveling through France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, and Italy. We loved each country for different reasons, but Portugal is our place!

[aqeelaliani]

Wow! A 16 min video without single reason why Portugal didn't work for them!

[belenvallejosbarra]

I started following your channel because of your son Nathaniel, his way of telling stories, always made me feel part of his adventures, and every time you and your wife were on his videos, I liked it even more. There's such a beautiful spark whenever you are together. Since I started to follow your journey of finding that place of belonging... I've cried, laugh. I've got excited, inspired, worried and even felt proud. Because you both are what courage and perseverance looks like (: Les deseo lo mejor hoy, mañana y siempre. Hopefully one day your adventures take you guys to Chile ♥

[beverleyhirst]

The energy of the world right now is very heavy. Things are not as we expect them to be. Sending blessings for some peace and quiet in your journey.

[youareinbarbados]

Nice video. From a person who is Italian but lived 10 years in USA from 24 to 34 yrs old and then moved back home to Italy bc I was homesick, I must say, getting used to other cultures is so, so hard. Cultural shock is the first thing that hits you even if you are not aware of that.

[jacquelineleubin]

We moved from Switzerland to Hungary and we are happier than we ever was before. Such a beautiful country and people!

[lmgtulsa]

I have eagerly been waiting for a new vid from you guys and am thrilled you are doing well. What a life! It’s better to KNOW something isn’t for you, like Portugal, then to for ever wonder about the “what if?”. I love France. The whole of France has so much to offer. I can’t wait to see your up coming adventures. Take care!

[jeanne]

Never expect a foreign visa application to go smoothly.

[noellewood]

I’m an American who’s been living and working in France for 4 years. Expect everything to be slow and expect tons of paperwork. Good luck!

[missmya]

So you went to Mexico City and complained about the noise? It’s one of the largest cities in the world! I found this video was just a lot of whining and complaining. So annoying.

[AdrianneZamandra]

I’m French and it warms my heart that you guys feel drawn to my country, I really can’t wait to see it through your eyes. All the steps taken so far have lead you there, I wish you guys the best for what’s yet to come 😊 PS: Josh, your story telling skills keep improving every time, keep up the great work, I’m a big fan!

[goingwalkaboutnow]

My husband and I have done the same thing as you two. We went to Baja for six months, 3 in La Paz and 3 in a very small town Barriles. I have a channel, Going Walkabout if you want to view our adventures. We are older then you two, I’m 63 and my husband is 68, so far, we are really glad we sold everything and decided to travel with no set agenda. We have noticed that we need to spend at least 3 months in a place, otherwise the packing and unpacking gets a bit difficult. We are currently back in the US, getting passports renewed and working on permanent residency in Mexico. I love what you are doing. You and your son have such a wonderful gift for being philosophical. Viva la france.