How a Simple Visa Trip Turned into an Adventure in Lisbon's Historical Center
What started as a visa errand turned into a spontaneous drift through Portugal’s capital—proof that old travel habits die hard. After being holed up in my flat for the last month taking care of paperwork for my AIMA meeting and writing and editing posts that were long overdue, I was feeling the need to go on a Drift in a big way. Don’t get me wrong—I love writing and sharing crazy adventures—but the need for fresh air and new sights is what makes me feel whole and at peace.
Nov 93 min read
Surviving One Month on Two Words isn’t Really Surviving: My Need to Learn Portuguese, and Fast
Breaking into a cold sweat in the checkout line was all the proof I needed. The one thing I’ve found critical in today’s world is the ability not only to speak another person’s language but to truly understand it. I’ve been in Portugal for a month now, and I still haven’t had a long conversation with one Portuguese person. Thank goodness for the translation App’s on my iPhone—they have gotten me out of some very sticky situations—but this doesn’t replace a good old-fashioned
Nov 54 min read
Chasing Freedom: The Power of a One-Way Ticket
My first trip to Europe was a dream come true, and I can still remember the exact feeling when it finally came true. I had planned every step—getting a passport, storing my belongings, renting out my house, and clearing out the things I didn’t need in exchange for my freedom. The choice I made wasn’t normal for most people, and my friends and family made that clear. Comments like “you’re insane,” “what the hell are you thinking?” and the classic “what are you running from?” w
Oct 224 min read
Portugal’s D7 Visa, The Secret Everyone’s Talking About, and It's Not Just for Expat Retirees
A calm, affordable path for those ready to trade chaos for cobblestones and a café life. My desire to find a quality place to retire — and do something I enjoy without breaking the bank — began to take shape late in 2024. I only had my Social Security benefits as income but wasn’t done working yet, so money was going to be tight. I just wanted work to be fun and bring in a few extra bucks to fund my crazy hobbies. My search took me across Mexico and Europe until I narrowed it
Oct 204 min read
Wise Debit Card Review 2025: One of the Best Ways to Transfer Money Abroad
How to Easily Transfer Funds, Spend Less on Fees, and Access Your Cash Effortlessly When Traveling Abroad If you’ve ever been stranded with no way to pay for a meal, buy a drink for a charming stranger at the bar, or grab transportation home, you know firsthand how important it is to have a travel debit card that actually works. I can’t count how many times I’ve found myself in one of those situations, praying to the Money Gods that my card would deliver the funds I needed. R
Oct 174 min read
