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Fun to "Sort of" know your way around...

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Industry Observer DRE# ER40011786
maze_of_highways.jpg

Today I was driving around and thought, I think I will try to navigate around without the GPS.    Here in the Algarve Portugal, there are not the maze of highways to navigate, so thought I would "pretend" I lived here and knew my way around.

Wasn't too tough, and felt pretty good today.  Tomorrow going to a new area, so will be nice to really SEE different areas.   When I was here two years ago, I was a tourist and was all really sweet.   Now I want to see the areas as a potential residence and know what is around.

Still think Quartiera offers the most.   Being close to the beach, walking distance to most everything, and only 15-20 minutes to the airport.

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Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

Hello, Joan. What a great blog post! It's so true how our perspective changes from a tourist to a potential resident. Evaluating a location for walkability and airport proximity is a perfect example of that. It's that kind of insight that makes a great agent. Enjoy your continued travels!

Sep 20, 2025 01:58 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Joan- it sounds like you made it without using your GPS!!! Good for you!!!  How's your Portuguese???

 

Sep 20, 2025 02:20 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner

I am learning more and more words daily, and pronunciation.   It is a slow process.

Sep 20, 2025 11:44 PM
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

Hi Joan,

Good post and good idea on trying to get around on your own. We found our car's GPS was outdated and ended up lost. Thank goodness we thought to use our cell phone. 

You will have to let us know when you are moved and settled how it is over there. We are looking to get out of California/US where we winter. 

Sep 20, 2025 02:58 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner

Where are you thinking of moving to next Steve Higgins ?

Sep 20, 2025 11:45 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Traveler, Retired, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Joan,
Enjoy the search. I'm sure you're looking at things a little differently this trip. 

Sep 20, 2025 03:46 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner

Carol Williams the last trip to Portugal had no issues with a language barrier, but stayed only in hotels.  This time I am in Airbnbs a few times in the neighborhoods.   

Sep 20, 2025 11:46 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

What a great approach to travel, Joan Cox. It's so cool how you go beyond being a tourist to really explore an area. Thanks for sharing this!

Sep 20, 2025 04:21 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Joan - navigating language as well as many other sorts of routes continue to be important regardless of where we might be.  Good for you as you travel about.  Happy Adventuring.  

Sep 21, 2025 03:20 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Enjoy your time pretending to be a resident! What are the grocery stores like?

Sep 21, 2025 04:45 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner

Kat Palmiotti I could easily go grocery shopping with my limited Portuguese, went into the electronics store at the shopping center too, no issues.   Talking to the older group of Portuguese, BIG issue.   The younger bunch takes English in school and is mandatory, years ago it wasn't.

Sep 21, 2025 08:36 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Joan... I've driven through huge swaths of Europe and at a time when there was no GPS... just paper maps. So I know it can be an adventure to set out and hope you find your way back.

Sep 21, 2025 04:59 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner

Nina Hollander, Broker don't laugh, have my Garmin with me, Google maps and a paper one.    It isn't that populated in the Algarve, which makes it easier to navigate.

Sep 21, 2025 08:37 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Joan Cox 😂🤣

Sep 21, 2025 08:57 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Joan, well check all the places out and hope you can find a place big enough for you and Lizzie and Lucy.

Sep 21, 2025 09:52 AM
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

Hi Joan,

We're not sure. We just want somewhere warm. We have been spending winter in the US since 2008. We love California have lots of friends there American and Canadian. My wife is very immersed in the community, she volunteers at the shelter and sits on a board for a rescue/sanctuary. She is also with a rescue here in Canada. I just golf! lol 

Sep 22, 2025 04:17 PM
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