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OH SO FUN.... at the Beach....

By
Industry Observer DRE# ER40011786

Today I slept in WAY past anytime I can remember!   SO, late start getting anything done today.   After talking with a few people around here, public transport cannot be relied upon, so better buy a car.   Thought I would go to car lots, but funny....they close on Saturday at 1 pm.   Business owners do not stay open that long, neither do banks.   Most have 9-12 and 1-3.   That will be different to get used to!

SO, hadn't been to the beach, even though it is only a few blocks away.  Had things to get done first.   Before getting to the beach, found another real estate agency, and stopped in to inquire about rentals.  Think I have a lead for a 2/1 apartment for only 1800 €, which includes dedicated parking (which is tough so close to the beach).   REALLY wanted 2 baths when I have guests, but they accept cats, which is also tough around here.   (also want A/C, heat and furnished)   He'll show me on Monday.

Ok, now for the funny --- saw my first guy in the alley going to the bathroom!  OH MY....hadn't seen that here before.  

Have seen some stray mangy cats, a couple of loose dogs too.   I am at the Airbnb on the 4th floor, and the kitties are very afraid of the balcony and all the noises.

Stopped in at my fav Pastelaria, and Marco was there with his wife, and he remembered me from last year.   Tony who I met the other night is his cousin, and he was there tonight too.   They all waved like I was their friend.  FELT GOOD!  May be my new hangout!   And, the lead for the apartment isn't far from there!

Rather a slow day, but feeling a bit slower.  Finally think I can finally enjoy retirement.  Was fun walking the boardwalk, texting friends with photos and having a BLT, and then a Jack & 7up.   SO nice to be retired and enjoying life!

Living the Life, in Paradise.

 

 

 

 

Comments(22)

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Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Dorie Dillard Austin TX I must be old, around 7:00 came back to my apartment.   I was out for several hours.

May 16, 2026 11:21 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Carol Williams thank goodness most speak English, but have been practicing Portuguese.  They do appreciate it when you try.   I do think my body is still tired for all that transpired before I left, and the actual trip.   Just need to "slow my roll".

May 16, 2026 11:22 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Joan- I love the photos and I'm so happy you're filling us in. Carol Williams asked what I was going to ask about the language.  Get used to relaxing and enjoying yourself!!!  

May 16, 2026 11:43 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kathy Streib I will keep posting and sharing this beautiful country with you all!

May 16, 2026 11:49 AM
Kelly McGovern
Realty Concierge International - Bellingham, MA
Working with Kelly is a good move

Good luck with the apartment viewing Monday!  Sounds like you've got a good lead there!

May 16, 2026 12:41 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Joan... just don't get bored with all that relaxing! :)))) Businesses and shops in most of Europe do not stay open the way American businesses do both on week days and on Saturdays. You get used to it. But I do remember some Saturdays rushing like the dickens to finish shopping for the weekend because once the shops closed at 1pm in Paris on Saturday, that was it until Monday. At least in France they had a law that each neighborhood had to have one boulangerie and pharmacy open all weekend and the businesses rotated.  In many German towns, they shut down at noon or 1pm and that's it till noon on Monday. 

$1,800 Euros is almost $2,100. I'd have thought it might be a bit less expensive in Portugal. How square meters is an apartment like the one you are looking at?

 

May 16, 2026 01:03 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kelly, I hope so, but really would like to wait it out and find a two-bathroom.

May 16, 2026 01:47 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

The ideal tie to get anything accomplished over there would be between 9:30 and 11, On afternoons not everybody goes back to work.

May 16, 2026 04:55 PM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Joan, it was so nice to read your blog. I am sure you will be enjoying the beach, the new friends, and the relaxed atmosphere. I remember the times when stores and banks did not work on week-ends. 

May 16, 2026 06:47 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Nina Hollander, Broker I will get used to these hours too, as we have no choice.   I thought I would have to pay 2500 euros for an apartment, so less than what I was thinking plus it has dedicated parking.  Not sure how many meters this apartment has, hopefully at least 100.   It is pretty close to the beach.

May 17, 2026 02:49 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Ed, that way to work is just pretty strange to us!  

May 17, 2026 02:51 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Steffy, I remember those times in the US.

May 17, 2026 02:52 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Keep having way too much fun! I hope you get to enjoy the beach all summer long. What a beautiful place you have chosen. 

May 17, 2026 05:47 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty I have seen many beautiful places over the years, but this town drew my heart in, and felt like it could feel like HOME.

May 17, 2026 06:05 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Sunday morning, Joan. Have a great day and an outstanding week.

May 17, 2026 06:51 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Ahh, late sleep in, friends in a local gathering place, a beach, leads on apartments - sounds great to me!

May 17, 2026 06:51 AM
Brenda J. Andrew
Aqua Terra Real Estate, LLC. - Willis, TX
Broker/REALTOR in N Houston & Corpus Christi

Joan, you know you had me at Beach!  Portugal is one place I have never been.  I am so glad you are taking me there.  It is funny, when I was reading about your experience and the people you met last year.  When I first moved to Willis from Corpus Christi, my parents had sold something to a man that came to their house.  I saw him at a pizza place a few days later.  It was so good to see someone that was familiar.  One thing about Corpus Christi is that is it such a small town, you always see someone you know.  It made me realize that Willis is like that too.  It was a good feeling! Enjoy yourself and it is okay to take naps!  That’s the other thing I learned about living here!  Enjoy your journey, you deserve it!

May 18, 2026 03:51 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

It is so fun to walk around, and take a different street and see new things!

May 18, 2026 04:41 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kat, lots of happenings, and good things!

May 18, 2026 04:43 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Brenda J. Andrew it is fun to run into a familiar face around here, especially after only a few days!    Population here is around 24,000, and see Willis is only 6700.   So, a bit larger here.   I slept through all the noise last night, and got a really nice restful sleep, so may not need a nap today.

May 18, 2026 04:45 AM