I can’t begin to express how much your story moved me. I read it aloud to my husband. I’ve spent time in Portugal on more than one occasion.

I love both Lisbon and Porto. However, a tourist sees a different world than that of a citizen. We experience glitz, glamor, mental stimulation, and intoxicating adventure. Often we return home to tell our friends what a wonderful world the Portuguese enjoy. We’re envious and flirt with the idea of expatriating after retirement.

One’s history is engraved upon their heart along with the scars from the past and hopes for the future. Unless you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes you can’t understand.

Thank you for sharing your story.