Retirement hit me like a steam train in full motion. I knew it was coming, I had known for 40 odd years that it was coming, I had longed for it to come, so why did it hit me so hard when it arrived? What would I do with myself? How did I want to spend my waning years?
Careful consideration brought me the following thoughts; I want sunshine and warmth, I want peace and quiet, I want the company of friends, but on my terms. I came to the conclusion that what I wanted was the Algarve, where I had spent many idyllic holidays. Despite the feeling of adventure, it was a daunting prospect to leave my family circle, my friends, my home town, even my country.
I decided to go about this carefully, testing the waters before doing anything drastic. I would rent a villa for the winter months; they are cheap and easy to find in low season. This, I reasoned, would give me a good idea of whether or not I liked living abroad. I could see if the winter was as good as everyone said it was and if I felt I could settle outside of my familiar surroundings. So, without further ado, that’s what I did.
Trial run
I chose a place away from the tourist areas, where I had spent my lovely holidays; I wouldn’t want to be a permanent tourist. I loved playing golf and intended to take full advantage of all the courses whilst I spent my winter in paradise. So, I settled on a property close to a golf course, became a member immediately, joined the Portuguese Golfing Association and never looked back.
I made many new friends very quickly and enjoyed the 19th hole immensely. People of all nationalities were members and it didn’t take long for me to fit in to this new multicultural lifestyle. Everybody was helpful, telling me where to shop, what was going on locally and where to eat. Choosing local restaurants for most of my meals, I soon became well known and started making friends there too. I love the food in Portugal and the fresh fish is very affordable as well as plentiful.
Making it permanent
Within a couple of months I knew that I could live here permanently, although it was winter it was usually sunny during the day (sun bathing in January was a novelty). The evenings got a bit nippy, but a cosy log fire soon sorted that problem out and it was so much better than being in the wintry conditions of Northern Europe. I was never short of something fun or interesting to do:
♦ I spent time on the beachesand made more new friends there too with dog walkers and sunbathers alike.
♦ I went for countryside walks with organised groups as well as on my own or with friends.
♦ I visited the Loulé Carnival and had a fantastic time.
♦ I also went to various festivals and ate and drank all that was on offer at each one, or just watched some incredible processions.
As the winter turned into spring, I began searching for the ideal place to live. I discovered that there was a huge choice of property for sale across the region. Having found my perfect home, I set about bringing all my possessions here. By the time my rental contract came to an end, I was ready and eager to move into my own place.
Happy ending
So here I am, retired and resident in the Algarve. Life is good, retirement is bliss and I am kept busy with golfing, bowls (yes another sport), socialising and entertaining visitors, who come in a steady stream. In fact, I seem to see more of my family members now than I did back home!
Taking friends and family to places of interest here has shown me that there is just so much to do and see in the Algarve, more than I would have thought possible. I sometimes wonder how I ever had time to go to work.
Are you retired and sometimes find there are just not enough hours in the day?
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
Retirement is for Living
by Sun’s Dragon
Careful consideration brought me the following thoughts; I want sunshine and warmth, I want peace and quiet, I want the company of friends, but on my terms. I came to the conclusion that what I wanted was the Algarve, where I had spent many idyllic holidays. Despite the feeling of adventure, it was a daunting prospect to leave my family circle, my friends, my home town, even my country.
I decided to go about this carefully, testing the waters before doing anything drastic. I would rent a villa for the winter months; they are cheap and easy to find in low season. This, I reasoned, would give me a good idea of whether or not I liked living abroad. I could see if the winter was as good as everyone said it was and if I felt I could settle outside of my familiar surroundings. So, without further ado, that’s what I did.
Trial run
I chose a place away from the tourist areas, where I had spent my lovely holidays; I wouldn’t want to be a permanent tourist. I loved playing golf and intended to take full advantage of all the courses whilst I spent my winter in paradise. So, I settled on a property close to a golf course, became a member immediately, joined the Portuguese Golfing Association and never looked back.
Making it permanent
Within a couple of months I knew that I could live here permanently, although it was winter it was usually sunny during the day (sun bathing in January was a novelty). The evenings got a bit nippy, but a cosy log fire soon sorted that problem out and it was so much better than being in the wintry conditions of Northern Europe. I was never short of something fun or interesting to do:
♦ I went for countryside walks with organised groups as well as on my own or with friends.
♦ I visited the Loulé Carnival and had a fantastic time.
♦ I also went to various festivals and ate and drank all that was on offer at each one, or just watched some incredible processions.
As the winter turned into spring, I began searching for the ideal place to live. I discovered that there was a huge choice of property for sale across the region. Having found my perfect home, I set about bringing all my possessions here. By the time my rental contract came to an end, I was ready and eager to move into my own place.
Happy ending
So here I am, retired and resident in the Algarve. Life is good, retirement is bliss and I am kept busy with golfing, bowls (yes another sport), socialising and entertaining visitors, who come in a steady stream. In fact, I seem to see more of my family members now than I did back home!
Taking friends and family to places of interest here has shown me that there is just so much to do and see in the Algarve, more than I would have thought possible. I sometimes wonder how I ever had time to go to work.
Are you retired and sometimes find there are just not enough hours in the day?
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.