Living in Portugal Got BORING

Summary

Jackie, a California native, discovered Porto after a serendipitous leg injury while traveling in Spain, ultimately falling in love with the city's welcoming people and international atmosphere. Despite warnings from 98% of her Portuguese friends about bureaucratic challenges, she pursued her lifelong dream of opening a cafe after a year of retirement and European travel. Her key advice for expats is to avoid comparing your new life to your previous one and to actively create happiness rather than passively waiting for it. Jackie's journey highlights the importance of embracing local culture, remaining open-minded, and taking calculated risks when pursuing personal goals in a new country.