Well, that was a year for the history books! If you are reading this, then you survived. Let’s take a trip down memory lane, why don’t we? Each headline links to its corresponding blog I’ve posted throughout the year. If you are a new visitor to my blogs and are considering a future as an expat to Portugal, you may want to check out one or two of them to see what your future might look like.
We can start waaay back with January 2020, which seems like forever ago, before there was even a single death recorded anywhere in the world from COVID-19.
The feature photo for this blog was shot by Cathy on her Samsung Galaxy 9. This beautiful Ericeira sunset with the lone fisherman sets the right mood as we exit 2020.
Time Travel – 2020 and Beyond
Posted January 13, 2020 – Holidays in 2020 were much different than in 2019. Thanksgiving 2019 we spent with dozens of American expats congregating at Sanas Hotel in Caldas da Rainha, back when social distancing was for recluses and masks were primarily for Halloween.
Thanksgiving 2020 was spent with a group narrowed to six, as this year’s big Thanksgiving feast had been canceled. Our good friends, Sharie and Dave, put on their own Thanksgiving feast in their beautiful home in the medieval town of Óbidos. Their neighbors, Rick and Terri, rounded out the table of six and it was a fabulous meal with great company. We felt thankful to be able to share this holiday with friends in Portugal. The next day, we walked along the beautiful Óbidos Lagoon with Sharie and Dave to work off a few calories and then sat down for lunch to put them back on.
Last year when I wrote about Óbidos, I had no accent over the O. I use it now but unfortunately that is about how far my Portuguese has progressed in a year, sad to say. Maybe 2021 will be better in that regard as well. Hope springs eternal.
Christmas 2020 was also pared back. In 2019 we were invited to a large Portuguese Christmas with Grandmas and Grandpas and Aunties and Uncles and too many kids to count. This year, our friends, Betsy and Jim, invited us into their warm home for an incredible home-made Italian meal. Betsy’s lasagna, meatballs and braciola would have put a smile on Gordon Ramsay’s face. It certainly did on ours.
After dinner, we sat around the table and played a raucous game of Mexican Train Dominoes. The wine was flowing freely, and the biggest challenge became counting the dots on the dominoes. I am glad we walked there and back instead of drove.
And then there was New Year’s Eve. Festive activities were scaled back due to Covid restrictions and I had a good excuse to be in bed by 11:00. The only difference for me from the previous New Year’s Eve was that then I was in bed by 11:00 for no good reason.
No Man is an Island – Especially as an Expat in Portugal
Posted January 25, 2020 – Around mid-January 2020, we had been living here for less than four months and feeling grateful for all the new friends we had met (still before Covid would separate many of us for a while).
Quite a few of us had met through Portland to Portugal meetings where we had met with people in various stages of moving. For some in the P2P group, it started out a fantasy. There was also the occasional husband or wife trying to convince his or her spouse that the grass was greener and the water bluer on the other side of the pond. Still others had just started to put together their paperwork, which they were soon to discover was no small endeavor.
A few of the more fortunate members of the group had already visited the Portuguese Consulate in San Francisco and were selling their possessions and packing their bags. We were fortunate enough to have gotten here in Portugal before the pandemic struck because many after us had to put their plans on hold as consulates closed their doors and Portugal restricted entry.
Kicking Down the Cobblestones (and Feeling Groovy) in Portugal
Posted February 16, 2020 – Inspired by watching women in high heels navigating the uneven cobblestones like Lindsay Vonn on a downhill slalom, I changed my tagline from “Europe’s Affordable Hawaii Alternative” to “Kicking down the Cobblestones”. Besides, the more time we spent here, the less it felt like Hawaii and the more it felt as unique as the cobblestones we tread upon (in wide-tread sneakers).
Kicking down the cobblestones can be somewhat of an exercise in awareness, especially for someone as clumsy as myself. One misstep could find me face-planted on cobblestones. It can also be an attitude adjustment. Instead of focusing on how the uneven stones are hurting my bad ankles, I try to think of the millions of uniquely cut stones that keep Portugal from becoming a homogenized sea of boring pavement.
Walking Among the Dinosaurs in Praia Grande, Portugal
Posted March 1, 2020 – In February of 2020 we went to Praia Grande with our new-found friends, and soon-to-be next door neighbors, Tracey and Dave. We walked the same path, except for the steps of course, where the dinosaurs used to roam a few years back (125 million give or take). It is amazing to realize that humans are relative newcomers to the planet.
Here on a beach in Portugal, dinosaurs left their footprints in the sand. Mixed with mud and pebbles, they became immortalized like your kid’s plaster hand-print stuck somewhere in a box in your attic. But like all life forms, dinosaurs became extinct by a large fireball dropping from the sky. It is likely that God hadn’t yet considered creating humans. It probably came much later during a moment of extreme boredom.
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Posted March 21, 2020 – Speaking of extinction, the world pretty much shut down in March due to the spread of the coronavirus. It was eerily quiet, although the natural world seemed to thrive with fewer humans flying and driving. The people of Earth seemed to be mostly united in a common cause, expecting that this would pass relatively quickly.
During this time, caregivers, and even shelf-stockers, were cheered and praised and songs were sung from balconies. But later, as “relatively quickly” dragged on, the goodwill diminished until the shelf-stockers were blamed for running out of toilet paper and the caregivers were blamed for whatever conspiracy-du-jour was being served up.
Foolish Conspiracy Theories for April Fools’ Day!
Posted April 1, 2020 – April Fool’s Day used to be the designated time when you would fool people with fake lottery-winning tickets. People would laugh (or cry) after realizing they got fooled and life went on.
The biggest difference between April Fool’s jokes and current conspiracies is that people knew when they got punked by an April Fool’s joke. But now, people pick up arms to defend what is nothing more than a well-orchestrated prank gone viral.
Maybe conspiracies picked up steam shortly after Walter Cronkite died. During the reign of Walter and reporters of his ilk, we all heard the same news on one of two devices, either a radio or a TV. And it was only for a half-hour at 6:00pm and again at 11:00pm. It seemed that nothing new happened between those hours.
One day out of the year we were allowed to fool each other. Now it is a 365-days-a-year, 24/7 clickbait contest of fooleries on YouTube and Facebook, disguised as news. Videos claiming Bill Gates will shoot us up with tracking devices recruits millions of new believers. Hillary running a pedophile ring out of a pizza joint brings out a gunman to save the children. Midnight ballot-stuffing has become foolish fodder for yet-to-be-determined Inauguration Day shenanigans. The Nashville Bomber, fresh from last week’s headlines, was supposedly triggered by his 5G paranoia. April Fool’s Day has turned into a never-ending Groundhog Day.
Coronavirus Update from Portugal
Posted April 16, 2020 – In April, one month after lockdown, hair was getting longer, black hair was turning gray and people were starting to get edgy. The coronavirus death toll in the US was about to surpass that of the Vietnam War, where approximately 58,000 Americans died. As astronomical that was, that number has now been dwarfed. The US death count will soon pass the 405,000 Americans killed in all of WWII.
Masks were mailed out across Portugal in April to stem the tide of the virus. It did help and numbers dropped significantly. Then people got lax and numbers went up again. Masks, smaller social gatherings and unnecessary travel are being more strictly enforced again.
The history of pelourinhos (pillories) in Portugal was also a topic I wrote about in April. Although they are not used for public punishment and humiliation anymore, there are still thousands of them across Portugal. Oh, I did find this one still being used in the heart of Ericeira:
Celebrating Portugal’s Carnation Revolution of 1974
Posted May 1, 2020 – Freedom Day is one of Portugal’s biggest holidays of the year, similar to USA’s 4th of July. It is when the Portuguese people just said Enough already and overthrew the dictator! The revolution was mostly peaceful, with only four people losing their lives. The main activities were lots of people gathering in the streets and people placing carnations in the gun barrels of the military, who were mostly supportive of the new direction to Portugal’s future.
Who Was That Masked Man, Anyway?
Posted June 1, 2020 – My June blog was about the down-to-Earth leadership in Portugal. Not everyone voted for Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, but he is generally liked. My opinion, for what it’s worth, is that any leader who can stand in line at the grocery store or hand out food packages to the needy is alright by me.
Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Posted July 1, 2020 – In June we visited Quinta da Regaleira and Bacalhôa Buddha Eden. Both were immensely enjoyable. Quinta da Regaleira is in Sintra, a beautiful town just south of Ericeira that I love very much but hate to drive in. But once we found a place to park and walked a couple of kilometers to the entrance (getting lost on our way back to find the car), the grounds and lagoons and statuary were a delight.
Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is a little north of us. It is a diverse and eclectic variety of statues that range from meditative Buddhas to African wildlife to erotic figures. One of the things I love about Ericeira is that you don’t have to drive too far in any direction to find an enjoyable getaway.
The Room Where it Happened – Porto Getaway!
Posted August 1, 2020 – On the topic of getaways, Porto is a bit further – a three-hour drive north. Porto is one of my favorite cities to visit and I would have considered living around there if the winters were a bit warmer and dryer. I’ve had enough of the Pacific Northwest winters to last me a lifetime. If you want to know a little bit more about our Porto visit, you can check out this blog.
Setting Sail on Sinking Ships During Portugal’s Age of Discovery
Posted September 1, 2020 – I think this blog was my favorite, mainly because I learned so much while writing it. Vasco da Gama and Ferdinando Magellan and the rest of the gang were probably not men you would want your daughter to marry, but they wouldn’t be bad to have by your side in a bar fight. I suppose the ruthlessness during this era of exploration was a necessary component when setting out to rule the world. These were not adventures from The Love Boat.
I am fascinated by history, especially Portuguese history now that we are living here. You can practically feel the ghosts of the past while walking the streets of many of the villages. Fortunately, the ghosts can’t hurt you.
Sitting on the Dock of the Bay at Berlenga Island
Posted September 15, 2020 – Berlenga Island was my favorite daytrip since arriving here. Taking the fast boat and bouncing off the waves out to the island was so much fun. Not getting seasick was a big plus because I was a little nervous about that. Choosing a gorgeous, sunny day was also a big fun factor, not that there are many other kinds of days in the summer here. Sharing the day with our friends, Rob and Rita and Dave and Sharie made it all the better.
Miniature Village in Mafra – Aldeia Típica
Posted October 13, 2020 – The Miniature Village was a treat right in our own backyard. It is rather unassuming from the road, but once you enter, there are lots of unique model scenes, with mannequins, depicting life as it was a century ago. The creator was trying to recreate his happy childhood of a simple life with very few frills. Kids today would be bored to death, although they love this reenactment and are not at all bored by it.
Festival do Polvo Ericeira
Posted November 1, 2020 – The Polvo (Octopus) Festival in Ericeira had all the restaurants (although probably not the local Burger King), featuring some kind of special Polvo dish. Having just watched My Octopus Teacher I had a newfound affection toward octopuses, but they are a popular dish here. They have been on this planet for longer than the dinosaurs and have learned some interesting survival skills that are imbedded in their DNA. Apparently, avoiding the fishermen is not one of them.
Seeking Peace of Mind in Portugal
Posted December 1, 2020 – I finished off 2020 with my eternal quest for peace of mind and I intend to continue that into 2021 here in peaceful Ericeira, Portugal.
The shrinking dollar has not been too kind for American expats’ peace of mind, though. Back in March, the dollar was $1.07 for each 1€. Now it is $1.22. To put that in layman’s terms, a 3€ bottle of good Portuguese wine in March would have set you back $3.21. Today it is $3.66. Okay, not the end of the world.
More significantly, though, a property selling for 300,000€ was the equivalent of $321,000 in March, but today would set you back $366,000. (Expats in Panama and Ecuador don’t have to worry about that as those countries use the dollar as their currency or equivalent currency.)
Of course, the only thing that is the end of the world is the end of the world. And one thing that surprisingly didn’t happen in 2020 was a meteor streaking toward Earth.
Having avoided extinction, let’s hope for a return to some semblance of normalcy in 2021. While I have never been a big fan of normal, it is sounding pretty, pretty good right about now. Here’s to seeing 2020 in the rear view mirror and wishing you all a Feliz Ano Novo 2021!
Your engagingly educational blog is once again a true inspiration my friend…..and David and I feel so blessed to also be sharing and exploring this amazing Portugal adventure. Grateful doesn’t begin to express the level of our appreciation!
Looking forward to more time together and more fun activities in 2021!
Hi- I am new here and must express my gratitude for being sent to this group. I am one of those that basically has sold everything but have not started the daunting task of the paperwork to be done. It’s all rather overwhelming but today I have an excuse not to begin. 1/1/21, I am taking the day off of this roller coaster ride for some kayaking.
Please keep writing- it makes me feel more sane for attempting to do this.
Sincerely, and with Gratitude,
Penny
Penny, sometimes the most insane notions turn out to be the most sane choices!
Another great blog Bob! Keep them coming and here’s to a brighter 2021!
Get your shades ready for a brighter 2021! 🙂
Happy New Year and thank you for the lovely stroll down your memories’ lanes. Wishing you health, happiness, and the peace of mind you seek.
Thank you, Susan! Same to you!
Excellent write-up! We are honored to have been included! Picture and all.
Betsy’s lasagna has that effect in people.
Ericeira would not be the same without you two! Now you’ve got me wondering what Betsy put in that lasagna.. hmm..
Excellent as usual Bobby. I didn’t realize I had missed so many months of blogs. Happy New Year!
That’s because you were too busy being retired. Happy new year to you and Shelley!
I so enjoy reading your blogs and it helps me feel connected to you and Cathy!! May 2021 be a better year for all as we continue to modify ,adjust and seek the positives.
You are so right about seeking the positives! Happy new year, Molly!
A wonderful recap of a year that no one will miss! That you’ve had such good times in spite of it all speaks to your joy and positive attitude ❤️
In spite of it all, we have, haven’t we?
What a wonderful recap to 2020. We have enjoyed all of your blogs! Interesting and educational too. We wish you and Cathy a very Happy 2021! 🎉🎈🥂🎉🎈🥂 Looking forward to reading more of your musings.
Happy to hear that you are following along and enjoying the blogs. Happy new year!
Interestingly told recap!
What sticks out as the difference between leadership in Portugal and lack of in USA, the mailing of masks.
You and Cathy obviously chose the right place for you in retirement. Keep the blogs coming!
Happy Portuguese New Year!
Yes, the mailing of masks was a big deal. USA actually considered it, but it was nixed for some inexplicable reason.
Thank you two for letting us travel with you!
Anytime! Next Norland reunion should be in Portugal. 🙂
Bob, as always, your creativity astounds me! Your blogs contain so much and give us real insights into your life there. We hope to be there this year to share your amazing new home. We miss you both and look forward to being together! Happy New Year!
We are so much looking forward to having you here! It will be a blast, for sure. Miss you and Karen a bunch!