I can’t believe how time has flown by!

It’s been one whole year since I moved to Lisbon, Portugal, and I can’t believe how time has flown by! Since moving here, my life has been full of exciting moments and non-stop adventures.

I’ve made some incredible memories with many more to come. Making the move to Portugal has been an exhilarating change from my life in the United States. Although Portugal was new to me at first, it has always felt incredibly safe. The quality of life here is incredible, supplemented with daily fresh bread and rich wine. Life in Portugal has taught me that slowing down and taking my time doesn’t have to get in the way of productivity. In fact, taking time to find peace and focus on yourself can actually enhance overall productivity. Overall, this experience of moving to Portugal has brought me a sense of inner peace and allowed me to finally focus on myself.

I remember the first time that I went grocery shopping in Lisbon. Going into it, I was a bit naïve in my belief that grocery shopping is relatively the same no matter what country you’re in. Boy was I wrong! My first time at the grocery store turned out to be quite the adventure. I was having trouble understanding the food labels and was shocked to find out that many of the things that are refrigerated in the U.S. were stocked on open shelves throughout the store, including milk, hot dogs, and eggs. Although it took some getting used to, I noticed pretty quickly that nobody seemed to be in a hurry and the staff were extremely helpful. Another lesson that I learned the hard way from my experiences in the grocery store was that the items they stock can vary from week to week. For that reason, it’s a good idea to stock up while you can.

When it comes to using public transportation, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from in Lisbon, Portugal. During my first year living here, I have had the opportunity to use all sorts of transportation methods including subways, buses, ferries, bike trails, and the iconic 28 tram. Although there are plenty of options available, there’s nothing better than exploring Lisbon the old-fashioned way, on foot. Hiking through Lisbon is a wonderful way to get an up-close glimpse at everything the beautiful city has to offer. It’s also an incredible workout thanks to all of the steep hills that roll throughout the city and beyond. While the sidewalks are beautiful, they are slippery when wet! For that reason, you should take caution if you are walking during rainy weather.

Overall, life in Lisbon has been like a dream come true! I have experienced so many new things since I got here. Some of the most amazing features are the stunning beaches, delicious food, and delightful wine. There are plenty of scenic areas that offer stunning panoramic views of Lisbon, including Miradouros, which has quickly become one of my favorite areas. After a year of living here, I’m still learning new things every day as I adjust to a new way of life in Lisbon.

Moving abroad has been a great challenge, but if I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat!