How does the nature of your work contribute to the decision to go abroad?
“It was a completely unexpected career change. When I lived in Boston, I worked as a Personal Shopper. I also lived there New York, And I thought I was very fashion. That was my goal, but in part that I also moved here: I had a little identity crisis how I saw my future. When I went abroad, I started teaching English I learned that it was a great way to travel and travel, but it wasn’t my passion. I miss having a creative outing and doing something with your hands. Bagel shop was never expected, so I lived about three years before I realized that. He was also born, as there was no Good bagel Here! It allowed me to build this bridge between my former life and my life in Lisbon. It really seemed well when I guessed that once. ‘
What has been the biggest challenge or obstacle to move or navigate your new life?
“It’s really important to know people: when you move somewhere, you need to be ready to adapt to another’s culture and expect people to adapt to you. It is also a big need to navigate and learn culture. It takes time to learn the nuances, but it is essential to pass a visa process or build a business. I took my residence permission for four years, because things can be moved slower, and that is part of what I love. People take his time and enjoy life, but when you are trying to do paperwork, it’s a big challenge. It is the search for the balance you need to go on and accept the cultural and rhythm of things. So it is certainly a challenge that was a challenge, Portuguese bureaucracy. “
What was it like to adapt to a new culture and language?
«Portuguese fitting has been a challenge. Very challenging. It’s hard language, in my opinion, and here so many people in Lisbon speak English, you can’t. But that’s not the right way to do it, of course. Living abroad, especially if having a business, you need to show your respect and learn the language everywhere you are. It is a modest experience when everyone else speaks so well. And in Europe, most people speak more than one language, while Americans are not known for being a polyglass. With regard to culture and lifestyle, it was surprisingly easy. I was very nervous with that aspect. I was very shy, but I’ve become more open. In Lisbon, there is a lot of people who move from other places, which wants to build friendship, so it is a very social place. Life is happening away, there are always events, and the art scene is very nice. So there are always ways to make things and people meet. And the people seem very sympathetic and open. “
Give us a brief description of the usual weekday or weekend.
“My life is around the very champion shop. So I come here, look at everyone. I have my dog, so I’m always trying to get him out. After work I am picking up with friends to take a swage kiosks (Exterior kiosks), and do a lot of walks. It is such a beautiful city; You can wear and miss headphones. ‘
How did you create the community or meet new people?
“Going to different events, finding communities with people with the same opinion. I find a lot of events through instagrams. If you follow small businesses like mine, we are always organizing and publishing each other’s events. Although it is a big city, it feels pretty small for that. So if you go to some events, you will get to know people quickly, and it is likely to see you again. That way, you find your community pretty easily. “
Do you ever think of returning to the US? Why or why not?
“The longer you stay here, the more the answer becomes negative. No, I don’t see myself back. It gives him bad saying that it doesn’t feel like my friends and family because I love and miss a lot, but I don’t feel like a link. I built my life here I’ve built my life here, and I appreciate a lot. I am open to what the future can lead to. If I feel like I was in another country before I return to the US. Especially with the current situation of the country, I don’t have any interest to be there. “
What is the only thing you would like to know before you go to Lisbon?
“I think it was studying as part of my trip. I entered a lot without knowing, and I think I learned so much. So I wouldn’t change that. “
If you mentioned the only thing, what keeps you in Portugal?
“The life I could have built here: the community, lifestyle.”
