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Coastal Vibes & Good Company in Quarteira

By
Industry Observer DRE# ER40011786

This week will be my final immigration appointment (at least until I need to renew in two years), so I was thinking it was time to find some friends.

When I first got here, Julia was at the Pastelaria in my parking lot, and we hit it off.  BUT, it was bad timing.  I had just moved in and had so many things to take care of.  She texted every day for a couple of weeks and wanted to do something.

First, even when I have friends, we don't do stuff every day.  That is too much, or at least in my world, even being retired.

SO, I went back onto the Expats for Quarteira and asked the community if there were gatherings for expats somewhere in Quarteira that I could attend.

Sounds like there are book clubs, walking football clubs, coffee clubs, and wine clubs.   

Waiting for some responses, but next week I will be ready to join some weekly events.   It will be fun to have someone to go to dinner with and talk about life here.

It could be I am just missing my long-time friends back home too much.  Sure is nice to have Whatsapp and talk with them frequently!

 

Comments(18)

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

Good morning, Joan. I believe there's an International Women's Group in Lisbon. They would have lots of programs for expatriate women. It might be worth joining and going into Lisbon by train every so often for a good event. And of course, participating in local expat events is always a good way to go.

Aug 11, 2026 05:23 AM
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner

Good morning Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner just make it simple and come back to the USA and talk to us every day, LOL With that aside, did you connect with Julia, will she be attending some of the same gatherings? I personally don't have much time to spend with friends, really, I don't have any. All my time is devoted to my clients, family, children, grand-babies, church and my husband. You are a person that can make many friends and I am sure you will find many to enjoy. Keep us posted in your continious adventures, we love hearing about it.

Aug 11, 2026 05:33 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Joan. Your adventures in Portugal, regarding citizenship, transportation, different food, the language barrier and finding new friends are allowing those thinking about a similar adventure to live vicariously through you and learn the ropes. Keep you posts coming. Enjoy your next adventure.

Aug 11, 2026 05:40 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

The wine club sounds right up your alley Joan. Have you found a bar that plays the NFL games yet? 

Aug 11, 2026 06:45 AM
Marie-Noelle Metseye
RE/MAX Northwest - Bothell, WA
Reward Trust with Excellence

It sounds like you're entering an exciting new phase now that you're getting settled in. Joining local groups is a great way to meet people naturally, and hopefully you'll find some wonderful friendships while creating new memories in Quarteira. 😊🌴☕️

Aug 11, 2026 06:54 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

I think the hardest thing is to make new friends and build relationships. In doing that you also have to set boundaries so you do not feel swamped by a needy person but at the same time meet your own needs for companionship.

Aug 11, 2026 07:42 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Nina Hollander, Broker I did get a few comments, and will continue to check in with these women and go to some events.

Aug 11, 2026 09:27 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308 I met her while moving into my apartment, and there was so much to do, everytime she texted (every day), I had something to do.  When I finally had some time, I texted her a couple of times, and she never answered.

Aug 11, 2026 09:29 AM
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308

Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner you can easily say, "NEXT"

Aug 11, 2026 09:45 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Wayne, I have written about a lot HUH?

Aug 11, 2026 09:29 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty I was thinking about the NFL games last night.   I cannot imagine they would be playing, but will go into a bar when I get back from Loule to get some wings and ask.  That wine club does sound up my alley.

Aug 11, 2026 09:30 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Marie-Noelle Metseye I sure hope so, ready for some friends.

Aug 11, 2026 09:30 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 you are right, someone in the middle, not so needy and not too distant.

Aug 11, 2026 09:31 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, LLC ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
Educating. Encouraging. Serving.

Good afternoon Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner,

I would think participating in local expat events is a good way to go and that wine club I'm sure is on your list.

Aug 11, 2026 12:27 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Dorie, it does sound like something I would enjoy, and break the ice with new possible friends.

Aug 11, 2026 12:52 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Joan- it's hard starting over with new friends. Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 made a good point about setting your own boundaries. Things will get easier the longer you're there!  Good luck with the appointment. 

Aug 11, 2026 05:55 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kathy, sure hope so, and looking forward to being done with immigration!

Aug 11, 2026 11:38 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I think having a social life is very important! And I'm with you, seeing someone every day (except the hubby) isn't going to happen - I need my space. That being said, having people whose company we enjoy is a must!

Aug 12, 2026 05:59 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kat, that is what I thought, hubby, definitely, anyone else, too much!

Aug 12, 2026 07:47 AM