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Life Feels Better With a Trip on the Calendar

By
Industry Observer DRE# ER40011786

You may laugh, but I SO want to get started traveling!   I almost have forgotten how tough that trip here was with all the suitcases and my fur babies.   The next trip won't be so difficult.

That trip here has been my only trip this year, so REALLY itching to go somewhere.

BUT, I need to get an appointment at the AIMA (immigration) office before I can schedule anything.  Soon as I schedule something, FOR SURE the appointment will be then, Murphy's Law!

I did map out a trip here in Portugal from the Algarve to the northern part of Portugal with many stops in between.   This may be too long a trip, as one day in most of these areas probably won't be enough.

I was thinking of flying from Faro to Porto, renting a car, and exploring the northernmost areas first.   I still need to find a pet sitter to come in while I am away.

The parks up north are especially calling me, the photos I have seen are stunning!

Comments(18)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Joan... your travel-lust continues to amaze me. Christ keeps asking me if I don't want to go somewhere. And my answer remains an unequivocal no.

Jun 13, 2026 05:27 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Nina Hollander, Broker I start feeling restless without going somewhere.  The best part about being in Quarteira is, I haven't explored the entire town yet, so still things to see and do.  BUT, dying to see other parts of Portugal I haven't seen.

Jun 13, 2026 06:11 AM
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,
You do have the travel bug firmly planted in you. I'm satisfied with staying home for the summer, but I do have a couple of short trips planned to see family and friends. 

Jun 13, 2026 06:41 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

As I read, my first question was going to be about the pets. Maybe the lady you meet at the pastry shop likes cats?

Jun 13, 2026 07:00 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Carol, I don't need to travel all the time, but once my VISA is totally complete, it will substatially increase.

Jun 13, 2026 07:53 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Jeff, not sure, guess we didn't talk about that, even though we talked for at least an hour.   Haven't gotten together again yet.

Jun 13, 2026 07:54 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner  you can spend 2 or 3 ds on the Porto area alone as there are so many old monasteries and forts.

Jun 13, 2026 12:24 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Joan- You truly do have the travel bug...and good for you!!!  You're there, why not see as much as you can!  Hope you find a pet sitter!  

Jun 13, 2026 12:26 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 I have already been to Porto, so thinking only one day when I fly in, and head north.

Jun 13, 2026 12:40 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kathy Streib  you are right, just can't wait to see the rest of Portugal.  SO much to see.

Jun 13, 2026 12:41 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, LLC ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
Educating. Encouraging. Serving.

Good evening Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner,

Now that you are getting more settled it's time to explore Portugal! You have time to explore the country over the next 3-4 years as well as travel to other countries!

Jun 13, 2026 07:43 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Dorie, I do, and gosh, so many places to choose from, the question is - where do you go first?   I think the road trip in Portugal will be the first.

Jun 14, 2026 12:56 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

How exciting! I am learning about Portugal vicariously!

Jun 14, 2026 06:44 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kat Palmiotti after growing season, you can always come over and see for yourself!

Jun 14, 2026 08:17 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

That made me smile, Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner, and I loved how you captured that mix of restlessness and hope that comes with planning the next adventure. It’s easy to feel the pull of those parks up north, and your whole plan sounds like it’s already breathing a little life back into the idea of getting out there again. Thanks for sharing something that felt honest and full of motion, even while you’re waiting on that appointment.

Jun 14, 2026 01:16 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Much success in your efforts and as always safe travels,

Jun 14, 2026 07:38 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Lew, hopefully today will know a date for the AIMA office, and can schedule trips around it.

Jun 15, 2026 01:36 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Thanks Leanne.

Jun 15, 2026 01:36 AM