The shocking reality of moving to Europe.

I love the honesty here, and seeing how fearlessly you share how you personally feel while remaining respectful to the people and culture in Portugal, where we as a family have had some really beautiful experiences and where I have a lot of wonderful memories. You've done a brave thing by taking a leap into the unknown, and with that comes a lot of bruised knees and elbows as you find your way. Moving abroad can be really hard, it will always teach you something about yourself. I think some of these struggles are part of the process but you're navigating it incredibly well. Can't wait to see what comes next... !!

EUROPE - IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY! LIKE, A,ERICA IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY! DEPENS THE LEVEL OF YOUR LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE, THE HISTORY , CULTURE, LEVEL OF EUROPEAN CULTURE!

I thought the point of moving was for things to be different -- not perfect, different. Use an internet cafe for a while? Travel to the countryside during student festival next year? Maybe for you guys 50 was too old, set in your ways? Every day will be unexpected and weird....foreign....want that?

Dear listeners, do we need the annoying music all the time to understand what he is saying?

I like videos about Nathaniel's parents.

At least you know you’re not easy to please. I think you’re on the journey, not the destination. Keep the journey up.

France....Portugal...and you forgot one of best countries of Europe: Spain.

"The shocking reality of moving to Europe"
Why do you say Europe? You moved to Portugal, quite different compared to moving to top countries like Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland.... just name a few.

One sure way to experience the true fabric or nature of a country is to walk there as a single woman. Walk and walk and ask for your way to men. Honestly, 2/3 of countries in the world would make you want to never come back as safety and respect are a huge problem for women due to men's attitudes. Typically, everything else usually follows : animals treated as parasites (dogs included), violence, injustice, broken system, etc.

I hope they have found their final location - in the USA!

Wow! You're crazier than I was......I thought moving to a new city I had never lived in before was nuts......but a whole different country?? Wow!

Watching this as title said Europe. Isn’t this all about Portugal?

Did you learn Portuguese? Did you expect everyone to speak English? Go back to the States. Come back when you've grown up.

When I was 30 my sister/brother-in-law and I moved from Florida to California. East coast to west coast was a gigantic move and the culture shock was paralyzing for about 2 years. Being in Los Angeles where white people are basically the minority was tough to get used to, but surprisingly after 21 years living here I require it now. Four and a half years ago hubby and I left LA because we loved San Diego and would come down just for a bike ride for the afternoon. We had no family/friends in San Diego and had no clue where to live. I basically looked for Asian supermarkets and figured it would be convenient to live near them (we are foodies and like to cook Vietnamese, Korean, Thai food). I know so many people who think I'm "adventurous" because I pick cities and just move there (how we ended up in LA too). I am looking into leaving the U.S. as we get closer to retirement since pretty much any place is cheaper than San Diego. Damn, but the weather is so nice, traffic is tolerable, no smog, and it's close to Mexico. My husband and I are about your age, Josh, and I'm just wondering if your sons weren't in Europe...would you have left Portland?

Europe has always been considered as the cradle of Western civilization, known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. However, my experience of living and traveling in Europe has left me with a sense of disappointment and dislike towards the continent and its people. While I do acknowledge the positive aspects of Europe, there are several reasons why I have developed a strong aversion towards it and its inhabitants.

Firstly, the European society is often portrayed as progressive and liberal, but in reality, there is a stark contrast between the ideals they claim to uphold and their actions. Europe has a long history of colonization, exploitation, and oppression of people from other continents. The exploitation of Africa, Asia, and Latin America by European countries has left a lasting impact and has contributed to the underdevelopment of these regions. Even today, Europe continues to benefit from the resources of these countries and turn a blind eye to the plight of the people living there.

Secondly, the European attitude towards immigration and refugees is appalling. While Europe prides itself on being a champion of human rights, the treatment of refugees and immigrants tells a different story. The refugee crisis in Europe has exposed the hypocrisy of the continent, as countries have closed their borders and turned away those seeking asylum. The rise of xenophobia and far-right political parties in many European countries is a cause for concern, and it reflects the deep-rooted racism and bigotry that exists within the European society.

Furthermore, the European Union, often hailed as a symbol of unity and cooperation, has its fair share of flaws. The EU's policies and regulations are often biased towards the interests of the more powerful member states, leaving smaller and less developed countries at a disadvantage. The EU's handling of the Greek debt crisis is a prime example of how the union's policies can have detrimental effects on its member states.

Another reason for my dislike towards Europe is the lack of diversity and inclusivity. Despite being a continent with a diverse population, there is a lack of representation and acceptance of people from different backgrounds. The majority of the people in positions of power and influence are white, and there is a lack of representation of people of color in media, politics, and other fields. As a person of color, I have often felt like an outsider in European countries, and this has only reinforced my dislike towards the continent.

Moreover, the high cost of living in Europe is another factor that has contributed to my dislike towards it. From accommodation to food and transportation, everything seems to be more expensive in Europe compared to other parts of the world. This makes it difficult for people from lower-income backgrounds to live comfortably in Europe, further perpetuating the divide between the rich and the poor.

In conclusion, Europe and Europeans may have their share of positive aspects, but my experience has left me with a strong dislike towards the continent and its people. The continent's history of exploitation, the hypocritical attitude towards human rights, discrimination, and high cost of living are some of the reasons why I find it hard to appreciate Europe. It is my hope that the European society will introspect and work towards addressing these issues to truly become a welcoming and inclusive place for all.

u probably need to check out one of the more connected suberbs as the centre of most european cities r going to have noise issues ect . european suberbs r not like american ones

even if portugal wasn't to be the place its a good base to check out the rest of europe

Shock horror people live differently to yanks in Europe 🤓🥱🥱🥱

The noise issue is OUT OF CONTROL. It doesn't just kill your sleep; it slowly saps the life force out of you and makes any area unlivable. For what is life without a good night sleep? Noise is the "silent killer" that is especially pernicious. In NYC, degenerates roaming around at all times with fake plates as loud as possible and the STILL ONGOING occasional midnight fireworks makes the city unlivable that's why NYC is the #1 out of ALL States in depopulation this year. Our mayor and DA is going out their way to protect the degenerates over the sanity of citizens is crazy but true (no arrests, no summons, basically COPS are NOT ALLOWED TO TOUCH THEM, or risk being punished. Why u stopping them? You're violating their civil rights OMG!). I'm with you brother, LEAVING this hell hole in 2024 FOREVER and NEVER coming back.

I believe you couldn't find the place for you anywhere in the world 😂

I can't count how many times 'we' is repeated here. Guys you are just up for a drama. The most self preocuppied people i ve ever seen

Go to spain, easy peasy. Catalonia

You need to speak the language fluently as well. The language barrier can be a major problem.

Oh poor Great Amerika Man
😅😅😅

It's strange when people who want peace, buy flat in the center of town.

Excellent video. I am a retired English teacher (EdD) in Ukraine now. However, we are now looking at moving to different countries that offer non-lucrative Visas. We might sell our home in Portland, Oregon. What American-friendly countries would you recommend?

The answer to the question that everyone is looking for in life is not outside of one, but inside of your being.
No matter where you move to in the world, the question will always remain unanswered until contement is found within.

You are so brave. Thank you for sharing. May I suggest that you move north. The furthest north in Europe you’re comfortable with. I moved to Spain two monts ago ( after spending 25 years in UK and the last six in Japan) and I regreted the decission almost instantly. The noise levels are insane, ineficencly and red tape are a way of life here, procrastination… and the infernal heat…and they still torture bulls, it is a national pastime. I have travelled around the world and made friends from all over but nothing could have prepared me for this massive culture shock. If you plan to live long term in Europe move to a northern country. Good luck.

You guys need to live in Aveiro or Braga. Two best cities in the country without discussion.

honestly, did you do any reaserch as to the area of the flat before you moved in? I do a better research when I book a place for 5 day holiday

I appreciate your honesty about your move. You have helped people be realistic about what a move can be like. Your video does not mention if you met other expats from the US. I would think they would have been great help to you. They have already gone through all the challenges you were going through and would have been a great resource. I also agree with needing to integrate into the community, join a church, a club hang out with locals. Hopefully, your next move will work out better.

Take all those difficulties finding a home and multiple it by 10000x and you'll have the authentic portuguese experience

Yes, there are always challenges when changing your residence.Some of them are expectable and acceptable and some are not. It was absolutely the same for me when I've changed my residence from one Europian country to another/UK/ because of my job. In the beginning, I thought that I could settle there but even after 6 years leaving there, I deffenitly can't use to with that country and specifics that I couldn't accept . So I'm moving to another Europian country for good , despite of the fact that I have to give up my lovely job.
And yeah, don't mix up countries with continents - these are veeeeery different things 😉

You guys wasted a lot of time that you could have saved simply by going to a local realtor that specializes on finding places for ex-pats. Local knowledge is invaluable. Trying to DYI some things is sometimes smart, but often times it's a waste of both time and money.

Great video. There are always down sides when reality sets in, no matter where you are. In my case, given the downward spiral the US is currently in, it’s going to have to be really bad for me not to find the positives in Portugal outweighing the negatives. Especially if Trump wins (god help us) in 2024, I can’t see ever going back to the US.

"No matter where you go - there you are." If you aren't happy within your own life moving won't change that.

You´ve actually said what the problem is without realizing it: You´re in your 50´s! Moving to ANY city centre - especially a university city centre - means lots of young people, partying and noise etc. Had you been in your 20´s or even 30´s, it would have been better, as at that age we are generally more adaptable, forgiving and yes, naive. Another thing, Portugal is not Holland, Germany or Scandanavia (I moved to Denmark from England many years ago) and its infrastructure compares more to a wealthier South American country (no offence Portugal!) than a rich western European one. You at least look to be economically comfortable enough to work it out, so good luck.

If you want picturesque and quite town you better learn how to fix things yourself, because only in America you get to call other people do stuff for you all the time. Especially if we talk about some remote villages or small towns elsewhere without being tourist attraction. These places are half empty for a reason.

So basicly you didn't like your flat. Shocking.

I'm 81, British and live in Prague and you come across as a whining wimp. Oh - I play in 3 bands in Prague maybe you should start rocking again and stop moaning. :)

You do realise you moved to one of the 10 oldest university town in the world, where the town centre is populated by anarchic “republics” where drinking and making noise is most of the point? 😂
It’s like moving to Rio right next to the Sambodromo just before Carnival. Insane.
Also, you have kind of the worst of a city but not the best of it in Coimbra, because it’s a bit dead except for student life, but it’s big enough to have the hassle of a bigger centre, without the infrastructure

Grass is always greener.
Westerners are even fascinated by dirty India of all places!!!
Reality strikes later.
Cultural differences sink in after the awe of the tourist gives way to being a resident!!

I don't think the issue is so much you putting all your eggs in one basket as it was that you did absolutely no research before you did it

Good luck hope you find your dream

Europe is very diverse. I think most of the problems You encountered are typical for southern Europe.

I find it surprising that despite living in Portugal, you still talk about Europe. Portugal is not Europe.

I appreciate your honesty. And would like to add that you may not be finding your place in portugal, nor anywhere else in europe. After all, your whole attitude revolves about 3 issues: you, you and you. As many do, you look at your destination as somenthing you use and consummate, and that must be made to fit your expectations. But any country you go to already belongs to people (not the physical property, which you may be able to buy legally, but the culture, the history) and is not for sale. Moreover, by using and consummating a place like you do, you are destroying it. In the end, when its all people like you coming, we'll have california on the european west cost. Not at all desirable if you ask me. I like portugal as it is and has become over centuries: the country of the portuguese.

isn't portugal super broke compared to other broke eu countries?

All these questions you lived trough in Portugal should have been asked beforehand in the US. What climate do you seek or at least could you live with? What housing do you expect? what environment should it be or at least could you bare? how do you finance your life? what jobs do you seek for? what culture are you ok with?
Most important is also what of those prerequisites are a must have and wich are nice to have? Have you prioritized your bullet points?
Prepare as much as you can before you're on site getting unhappy. There's enough places/organizations you can get help from!

I just came across this.
What I don’t understand is why a family would pull up roots completely from their home country and move to a country with which they have no connection whatsoever.
If I understood this correctly, the family didn’t speak Portuguese, didn’t have any family or friends in Portugal … not even Portuguese ancestors from way back.
Purely for cheaper living ?
Kind of like putting 12 countries with supposedly “cheap living” on a dart board and throwing the dart blindfolded and that’s where you’d go …
Or if it’s to learn and experience different countries, well, vacation and travel could take care of that, no need to actually move.

There behave only slightly better than those Digital Nomads which seem to me like locusts descending on the next country where they have to pay no or few taxes …