Aaltarboy
Aaltarboy
Belfast, Maine, USA
Nov 2017
765 Views
7 Comments

Portugal.....

Perhaps a little overly cautious in life. Love most of the EU, but in looking for a place to spend winters, as is my wont, trying to maximize pluses, and keep the major downsides to a minimum, ---keep coming up with this unassuming, high value, very unique place. Climate warm enough to escape the worst of our Maine winters. Food and music to die for, for some of us who grew up with same. Really doesn't seem all that attractive to the Jihadis, at least up to now. Great base of operations for jaunts to alternative linguistic places. The Fourth Reich, dissolving Andalusia, bombers' delight France, Brexitland. Sure, not nearly as exciting as say a Berlin, or a Paris. But I remind myself that, while I love visits to Manhattan, after 3 or 4 days, I'm ready to scoot. So the flights are booked, and will experience an ethnic Christmas. Stop over in the Azores, to check out family roots. Several EU friends may rendezvous, Inshalla. Aa.
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TokyoRogue
TokyoRogue●Perth, Western Australia Australia
Nov 10, 2017●273 Comments
#1
.. but in looking for a place to spend winters, as is my wont,trying to maximize pluses, and keep the major downsides to a minimum,

My personal favorite destination getaways in no particular order;

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
Ubud, Bali.
Gokarna, India.
Pokhara, Nepal.
Lake Toba, Sumatra.

Portugal is often at the top of expat/retiree destinations for good reason.
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Aaltarboy
AaltarboyOP●Belfast, Maine USA
Nov 10, 2017●167 Blogs●468 Comments
#2
TR---all great choices, although sort of prefer Goa, again the Luisitanian influences. Funny you should mention Guatemala. A buddy who runs a public health non profit is suggesting I come partially out of semi retirement to jump back into the clinical trenches and help out in his clinics there. He's expanding to the Dark Continent as well. Might be interesting. Anyway, in my older age, escaping winters, however one does so, seems much more interesting. Aa
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Aaltarboy
AaltarboyOP●Belfast, Maine USA
Nov 10, 2017●167 Blogs●468 Comments
#3
PS, not to forget, I enjoyed my times in Oz and Kiwiland. Sat behind the tympani's for full orchestra performance of Mahler's first in the awesome Opera House---student ticket price!!! Aa.
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Mapmaker
Mapmaker●Inland near Jaen, Andalusia Spain
Nov 10, 2017●116 Blogs●2,827 Comments
#4
Dissolving Andalusia?, dont know what news you read, CNN probably.

Portugal is nice, Ive spent plenty of happy times in Albufeira, close to an international Airport, beaches and plenty to do, Like Mr.Tokio mentioned plenty of wrinkly expats though.
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Aaltarboy
AaltarboyOP●Belfast, Maine USA
Nov 10, 2017●167 Blogs●468 Comments
#5
Correct you are, M, of course. Just a little exaggeration. First time there, in spite of my heritage. Thought I'd begin with Lisbon in site of the climate. Aa.
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Mapmaker
Mapmaker●Inland near Jaen, Andalusia Spain
Nov 10, 2017●116 Blogs●2,827 Comments
#6
The old Lisbon market used to be fun, you could buy a T55 tank or a fancy plastic bucket back then.

( I had a relative who was an Ambassador in Lisbon so stayed in the posher areas)
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Aaltarboy
AaltarboyOP●Belfast, Maine USA
Nov 10, 2017●167 Blogs●468 Comments
#7
OK. One of the (Latvian) friends I'll be meeting there has ambassador friends as well, so perhaps I'll see a bit of the high life. Staying in Alfama area---old, bohemian, value, near lots. But thanks for the tip on the market. Love these. Azores should be an eye opener too. Short visit. Aa.
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Aaltarboy

Aaltarboy

Belfast, Maine, USA

Have lived/worked/studied in the USA and overseas. Life here is ideal in many ways, but am looking for a life partner who could live in several places for parts of the year, to enjoy climate and cultural variety this would bring. For this, I like the [read more]

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by Aaltarboy
created Nov 2017
in Travel Blogs
765 Views
7 Comments
Last Viewed: Apr 4
Last Commented: Nov 2017
Aaltarboy has 167 other Blogs

Aaltarboy Blogs (167)

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