6 Months of Living in Portugal

Summary

Francis, a South African expat with Portuguese roots, shares his family's journey of relocating to the lesser-known area of Maya in Portugal, driven by a deep personal connection to his mother's homeland and a desire to immerse himself in a strong community. His move involved carefully considering factors like proximity to good schools, cultural adaptation, and finding a place that felt like home, while bringing his entire family, including their dog, to start a new chapter. The key takeaway is that moving to a smaller, less touristy area of Portugal can offer better prices, a more authentic experience, and opportunities for meaningful cultural integration.