Reasons not to Move to Lisbon | Move to Portugal | Black Expat

There are reasons NOT to move to Lisbon or Portugal. Prior to making our decision, we discussed what we wanted our daily lives to look like. Basically, we created a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. In this video, we will discuss 5 reasons you may not want to live in Lisbon Portugal. Obviously, these reasons did not deter us from seeking residency in Portugal. However, everyone's checklist is different; watch the video to see if any of these reasons will deter you from choosing Lisbon or Portugal.
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We are not financial advisors, but financial educators. The content in our courses, on our website, and on our KZbin videos are for educational purposes only and merely cites our own personal opinions. In order to make the best financial decision that suits your needs, you must conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed financial advisor if necessary.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

I'm sorry to break this to you, but you won't have shops opened at 3 a.m. to make you a burger because you feel like it... not here, nor pretty much every place else in Europe. Here we work to live... we don't live to work. In the USA business comes first; in Europe people come first.

[@belindabelinda7463]

Beautiful and well stated! This ideology is exactly why I want to move to Europe. Thank you ❤️

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@belindabelinda7463 Thank you! Welcome to Portugal! (Obrigada! Bem-vinda a Portugal!)

[@OurBlackUtopia]

This video is not about entitlement which your 3am example suggests. This video is about American expectations vs reality. It does not matter WHY things are how they are because your 'WHY' may not be important to the next person. For those who have never "lived" someplace else, only traveled, the expedient conveniences of the US just do not exist in all places. It's not just restaurants staying open to catch the "after the night club" crowd at 3am. It is also the ability to order just about anything you want and get it delivered the next day, and most of the time for free. Things like this some people take for granted.

[@belindabelinda7463]

@@OurBlackUtopia FACTS!

[@Hdio99]

@@OurBlackUtopia well this concept of free not very true, in US nobody gives nothing, the delivery is no the price, I can sell everything with free shippment, I just add the shippment to the price, and then "naif" people get super happy!! although I understand your perpective, your perpective is from the point of what you know or lived lets put it in a more grounded perpective!! but liked the mood and the video

[@jamillahm.6465]

For me, it’s the diversity. All of the places that I connect with in my soul have great diversity. I love meeting people from different backgrounds and learning about their stories, it’s incredible. Having lived outside of the US since 2017, I’ve learned to “mostly” shed those American expectations, to be more flexible, adaptable and patient when it comes to everyday living. I’ve been in Morocco off and on since 2018, it’s prepared me pretty well for just about anything. Portugal will be a walk in the park.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Portugal is easy for us too. Even when we are getting frustrated at an ATM machine that doesn't have an English option. 🤪 (I know...we're taking our language lessons). 😊

[@jamillahm.6465]

@@OurBlackUtopia yes, those Portuguese lessons are worth it! I’ve been using Duolingo and something called Memrise to get a jump on my learning.

[@honeybunny7075]

Duolingo is not european Portuguese. Just to inform you

[@thehowardworldview]

Agree 100%, moving in general is an exercise in patience, moving out of the country requires channeling every bit of adaptability, patience and grace that you can muster. Safe travels!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you Howard, you're absolutely right! It's like learning how to be an adult all over again...

[@Marysseasonedexpatlife]

Great video, love to hear about the diversity in Lisbon. Living in Panama is similar, you usually have to flag someone down to get a check at a restaurant, love being able to not be rushed during a meal. Looking forward to visiting in October! 😊

[@actionvj]

Great content and editing!! Keep these videos coming. Y’all are the best!!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you for watching and for the encouragement! Now that we are here and hopefully able to settle in the plan is to do a lot more edited videos.

[@kw8282]

This is a very informative and needed video! Thank you for posting!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

You're very welcome and thank you for watching. While we love Lisbon and Portugal in general. Some of these things may be deal breakers for other folks. 🤓

[@Hello_Pri]

Great information in this video. I’ve heard about the diversity in Lisbon a number of times, and I just love that. Very high on my list!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

🙌 yes diversity is one of the major factors in choosing Lisbon

[@robgilbert3395]

Love your vids! We're coming to Setúbal for a year this September. After a number of visits, I definitely agree with your observations, especially wrt hills, which was the reason we decided against Coimbra; Setúbal is a little flatter (bringing my folding bike). Personally, I like the Portuguese life style, which seems more about enjoying life than racing through it. And the diversity we saw is the icing on the cake - more parties, more restaurants, more festivals, yay! Ok, thanks again and keep em coming....

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Rob, Thank you so much for watching and for adding to the conversation. Setúbal is adorable, we love going down there. 💕. I think our favorite thing is the kindness of the Portuguese people. Congrats on your move! Keep us posted.

[@malikahm4053]

I thank my ancestors for courage and for never ever being afraid to step out on faith. I have been blessed to have traveled 7 continents vistied 30 cities. I have resided in Israel Ethiopia South Afrika Kenya Ghana and Tanzania and am ready to put down my last root LOL I chose or will be choosing Portugal because my mother lived there and she loved it. Besides it seems the less stressful I have Ethiopian and Cuban roots albeit I only speak English and Spanish I am ready.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Ahhh, this is the comment that we missed. Sometimes KZbin 'be hiding' these comments. LOL. You are definitely more well-traveled than we. Let the journey begin! 🥳

[@anapaulavalentim8975]

7 Continents?? I only knew there are 5 continents LOL

[@thekingsgordon]

@@anapaulavalentim8975 North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Antarctica, Australia/Oceania, and Europe. 7 continents right there.

[@teddydavis2339]

Great to see your smiling faces! Enjoying!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

😊 thank you - See you next Sunday or maybe before then. 🧐

[@teddydavis2339]

@@OurBlackUtopia Are you in San Francisco?

[@bbutler7158]

Hey guys! Short and sweet! 💯 Missing my Sunday usual 2 hour Utopia fix🤭😊 Hoping all is well and safe travels 😘❤️❤️❤️

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you B!

[@morrowcleveland]

Thank you! Very valid points to consider. I don't think that any of these scare me off. We'll see how my future husband handles our scouting trip!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

You are so welcome! Every place is not for everybody. And the San Francisco style hills are not all over the entire country - so if that's an issues there are flatter places. 😉.

[@ReeMoni24]

Great video!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching!

[@marcellapratt6277]

Hello guys, I'm a new subscriber here, and I really enjoy your page and content. Thanks for all your share.❤❤

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey there welcome 🙏🏾 to the OBU Family 💗. Are you interested in Portugal 🇵🇹? If so, you don’t want to miss the Move to Portugal Virtual Summit: bit.ly/Move2Portugal

[@SPECIALTRADER1]

Great job guys!! 🤩 I'm having second thoughts about moving to Rwanda. I've heard really good things about Portugal. 👍🏿

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey breadmama - thank you for watching. We encourage people to have a list of needs and wants, do an extensive scouting trip (live there for a month or longer), and make a decisions based on YOUR own experiences💕 If you are seriously considering a move abroad, here are some resources that might help which includes a Scouting Trip Checklist and our Ready to Retire and Move Abroad Toolkits that have links to the databases that we use to check cost of living information and human rights for cities around the world: bit.ly/OBUresources Thank you for watching. Please forgive the delay in responding. Life has been lifin'. 🙄

[@ericastallworth4234]

Thank you for sharing. The hills may prove to be too much of a mobility issue for us.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Real considerations. However, ALL of Portugal (we are told by natives) is not hilly and apparently, the Algarve is not hilly. There is a KZbinr that focuses on the Algarve, you might want to check him out too. We have two other friends considering PT, but the hills are proving to be an obstacle. I look at it as a free gym membership. 😆😂🤣 Ric, not so much.

[@Spenc083]

Thanks for the informative video we've been doing months of research, we've been to Italy and Spain, and heading to Lisbon next week, starting in the Algarve (Jazz Fest) then traveling in and around the Lisbon area, we'll also be checking out the vibe and a possible relocation opportunity. Portugal, here we come !!!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Kip, thank you so much for watching! These are the folks that helped us. Rossini helped us find our apartment. You can see that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5qti39-npuErrc *Lisbon House Finder* : calendly.com/rossinif We used Gail for our immigration at: Relocate to Portugal - relocatetoportugal.com We love living in Lisbon and have yet to go to the Algarve. We're waiting for the tourist season to be over. 🤗

[@Spenc083]

Hey fam, can you guys recommend any good seafood restaurants near Altis Prime Hotel? We've done some research but we see reviews all over the place.

[@margaret3153]

Beautiful country and friendly people!

[@NancyCronk]

I'm so happy you are happy in Lisbon, Halisi. My son and his wife are thinking of moving to Portugal, and your videos are very helpful! Hugs from Colorado!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Nancy - not missing the vibe of Denver. 🤷🏽‍♀️. We are housesitting right now for a couple from the Denver area. 😆 all the way over here. Were in Spain right now. For your son and daughter-in-law: 🇵🇹 Move to Portugal Virtual Summit: move-to-portugal-summit.heysummit.com

[@mekab.3268]

Thanks💯😀 I can dig living the simple life❤

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Absolutely, it's amazing how priorities change once you realize you've been trapped in the matrix. 🤣

[@AudaciousLex]

Awe I love you both already!! I just turned 30 and ive decided to do somw traveling prior to having my first child. Portugal has been #1 on my list for awhile. I'm very excited to visit. But I am terrified of walking up hill lol.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

The hills are like San Francisco, but if you learn the public transportation system you can avoid most of them. how to get around Lisbon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGiphaaIq6ejbNU If you re only 30 - you will be retiring before you're 40, right? 😁. It is entirely possible. If you know about the FIRE movement then you already know that. If you do not, do two things, download our Ready to Retire Toolkit, bit.ly/OBUresources and figure out how you can save & invest 50% of your income every month. (You're a KZbinr so it might take the extra income from YT, but you can do it!) 👊🏾

[@joyceharvey410]

Thanks for sharing this. I would love to come and visit there one day but I don't think I could call it home. I do love the beauty and healthy eating lifestyle so who knows, it may grow on me!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Portugal is not for everyone - however, you should know that we are on a mission. 🤫 to encourage every black person in America that we can to leave the US for a more peaceful life abroad. Use that blue passport privilege to buy some peace! Here are some resources that might help your journey: bit.ly/OBUresources

[@successwithgigi7652]

When you mentioned that there is a bread truck that delivers fresh bread. here in the United States back in the day I remember there would be a bread truck in a milkman used to deliver milk to our apartment door. they don't do that anymore but when you told that part of the story it remind me of my childhood. I'm 64 years old young 🙂

[@OurBlackUtopia]

YES, I remember the bread man (donut man in my 5 year-old mind) and the milk man when I was young. Of course my favorite was always the ice-cream man. 🍦

[@808.inthe5thdimension]

Wow! Lisbon sounds great! I'll get plenty of exercise, take my time, and people watch and enjoy a good meal. No A.C no screens, not a problem. All of this is my current life style in Bali Indonesia. At 68 yrs old, it seems like this would be an easy transition...Ubud to Lisbon. Lisbon here I come August 2023 🎉

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Yes! 🥳. Hopefully you won't miss the humidity. 😆. We love it here, its not perfect but we have found joy and PEACE.

[@SunsetDesert23]

The sounds like paradise

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Your dream life awaits! You have our Move Abroad Toolkit, right? If not here's the link: bit.ly/moveabroadtoolkit. 😃

[@pharoah1200]

That's great about the fruits and vegetables.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Right?!?! On every corner there's a mini-mercardo with fresh fruits and veggies. I just purchased 4 plums on my way back home - 3 doors down. They cost €0.51 and they're red inside! In Denver one plum would have been $0.51

[@roystrickland3363]

Fresh bread! Fresh vegetables! Hilly neighborhoods! Street art! Oh, the horror!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Right?!? 😆 But for some those could be deal-breakers. 🧐

[@MrDSantos]

Wow you guys are so beautiful and have such beautiful smiles I just love you guys I don't know how to explain but I feel such a good vibe watching your video! I'm luso angolan and I can tell that your Portuguese accent it's beautiful God bless you! Portugal it's amazing ❤.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey MrD - 🥰 Thank you so much! We're in Johannesburg right now and I just saw on the map the Luso African Association - I felt like we were back home in Lisbon 😆 Thank you so much for watching and let us know how we can help your journey. In the meantime, here are some resources that might help: bit.ly/OBUresources. You might also be interested in our private Facebook group - FIRE over 50, you don’t have to be over 50 but definitely from the diaspora: bit.ly/FIREover50

[@danetteh.7802]

I so love your channel. I have been binge watching as much as possible. I'm glad I found this one. I live in Texas and hate the bipolar weather. I am originally from California. Been here for 10 years and I am ready to go. So, what is the hottest it's been and what is the coldest it's been? And how do you regulate the temperatures without central heating and air? The rest is no problem. BTW, have you seen any vegan restaurants? And only Americans are in a hurry! Time to slow it down. I appreciate you guys so much! 😊

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Danette, Welcome and thank you for watching. Besides Austin, I've never been a fan of Texas; entirely too flat...and humid. The weather varies depending on what region you are in; but here in Lisbon the weather reminds me of San Diego. The winters are chilly; we haven't experienced it lower than about 53 ish during the day and it hovers between 53-58 a bit warmer when it rains. The clouds act as insulation. Relatively speaking, electricity is expensive here. Relative to other things in Portugal, not relative to the US. Traditional Portuguese apartments have doors on every room, including the kitchen and most apartments only have heat/ac in the main rooms. We only use the heat/ac in the room we're in and we tend to close the door to keep the temperature warm/cool. Most traditional apartments also have window shutters on the outside. We love them because it provides black out environment to sleep late 😴 but also they're used to help regulate the temperature in the apartment. 🥦 🥒 There are PLENTY of vegan restaurants and a lot of restaurants also have vegan options. What's the goal date of your exodus?

[@carolinekloppert5177]

Thank you for all the good reasons to move to Portugal ! I would love to know how you did the financial turnaround. We're 60 and 62 and not in the best financial shape for moving to Europe.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Caroline, we understand, truly. A few things, we discovered the F.I.R.E. movement about 2.5 years ago and that changed our thinking. FREE RESOURCES: Did you get our Ready to Retire Toolkit? If not, here it is: bit.ly/readytoretiretoolkit Here's our Get Your Money Straight Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLBz23gmWgdD5Dz0qygAKFSMuNtNhKR-2m starting with our latest interview with rich&REGULAR. If you haven't gotten their book, you should: amzn.to/3UgAFSN AND if you have more questions you can always book a call with us. bit.ly/ourblackutopia-letschat

[@yomioloko9727]

One thing I love about Lisbon and Portugal is that my monthly UK state pension can go a longer way than in the UK. That is why I now spend 9 months in Africa and spend 3 months in Europe with most of the Europe time in Portugal. €3 for a decent bottle of wine and €5 for a decent and healthy lunch (usually with a glass of wine) and fresh fruit and veg to die for. And for accommodation consider flat share, it's cheaper and you might meet some sociable locals

[@carolinekloppert5177]

@@OurBlackUtopia Thanks for helping... amazing, will look into all these resources !

[@travelerawakenings8477]

@@yomioloko9727 This is what I am planning to do also. Sharing my time between two counter. I moved out of the US and Canada where I used to share my times, now live in Mexico and next next, I am planning to live in Mexico 4 months, 6 months in Portugal and take the rest of two months to travel maybe spending one month in Africa and one month in Asia. I already visited 12 countries in Africa, and I am planning to visit more.

[@tamiirae6636]

I want to say thank you. Every thing you are saying about it is making me want to go there. I wanted a more healthier life style, less of that face pace living and a more slower life. I was at Greece once and LOVED it i didn't want to leave. Lisbon sounds like where i want to go if i want my mental health to be better

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey we all need to find and be in that place to live our best lives😊

[@13ikea]

I’m interested in visiting this year for solo vacay. When is the low season in Lisbon where the weather is still beautiful? Also, are there any times of year where Lisbon recognizes big holidays?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

These days I'm not sure if there is a low season, but maybe I just don't remember how busy it is in the summer. 🙃 March, April, and October are probably the lowest crowds with still decent weather. Thanks for watching.

[@scarletdvore1459]

Good stuff…

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you!!! and thank you for watching.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thanks so much, glad that you enjoyed

[@tamaramadelin4831]

Lisbon municipality is! We just bought a house in Torres Vedras and have all of these things that you can get moving to Lisbon...Just not the center, but not far!!! ❤Portugal

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Just looked it up - very close. It appears to be just a bit south and inland from the silver coast, right? How do you like it?

[@tamaramadelin4831]

@@OurBlackUtopia We love it...Really a hidden gem! Quiet, beautiful and full of history no one talks about!!

[@pharoah1200]

Fresh bread? Yummy!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

So good! I'm now having to go up and down the stairs more. 😩

[@wanderingsoul2909]

Do they have wider use of scooters to handle those hills ?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey there, thanks for watching. Those little motorized scooters are everywhere. I haven't gotten back on one since the summertime when riding over the cobblestones nearly shook all of my inner organs. 🤣😂

[@ppietrap3876]

😊 those hills are familiar! If you need a quick meal for lunch there are restaurants with a working class clientele that serve "prato do dia" (Dish of the day), where things usually run faster while still not feeling rushed. Even what seems a normal portuguese coffee house might serve lunch meals. In many of these places you can just go to the cashier and pay instead of waiting for the check, though you usually don’t wait long. From my experience you can buy most fresh produce that can easily last more than a week in the fridge (or even outside). It’s just a question of not buying produce that is too ripe or old. What is usually tricky is meat and fish... if you don’t have a big freezer then you need to go very regularly to the supermarket. I think every supermarket sells sliced bread, there are even different brands and varieties! It’s just not usually sold next to fresh bread, it’s in a different aisle.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey there, great to see you in the comments. Prato do Dia - we must remember that. Today we were in a little restaurant for breakfast and we sat there for 2 hours and NO ONE asked if we wanted the check. I LOVE IT. We sat, we ate leisurely, we had coffees and we talked. In the USA they bring the check with the meal. They want you out of that seat as soon as possible. When I waited tables we used to say "burn and turn". Which means: burn = rushing around; turn = is getting new customers at the table.

[@ppietrap3876]

@@OurBlackUtopia 😊 just to make it clear, prato do dia is usually only at lunch... usually not expensive! yes, no one should bother you at a restaurant or cafe if you stay long... I mean, the best thing of dinning out with friends is staying there talking until the restaurant closes, and even then the owners are so nice. 😁

[@OurBlackUtopia]

@@ppietrap3876 Good to know. I have heard that the Plate of the Day is also less expensive. (mais económico) We were out for drinks after dinner on Ric's birthday at a rooftop bar downtown somewhere (I was a bit lost) and yes, when we finally decided to leave they were putting the chairs on the tables. 🤭

[@jamessearcy7893]

We love your videos. In fact, we will be in Portugal from November 27 until December 07, 2023. We are coming from Charlotte, North Carolina. We are the Searcy's, James & Belinda. If you are available, we would like to take you out to dinner. Is this the best way to communicate with you?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey James and Belinda, thank you so much for watching! Are you considering a move to Portugal? 🧐😉. In any event reach out to us in November and if we're in town we would love to break bread. Send us an email, [e-mail]. 🥰

[@Tzippi]

Hill Pro Tip: Small steps. Do not use your full store. Buy screens for the windows. Birds fly on tables whenever you’re eating outside anywhere in the world. Portugal is hilly because of the land mass.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey there Z2 thanks for the tips and for watching! We learned the small step trick, but now I and sometimes Ric try and walk the hills daily so it's a LOT easier. The birds here are like nothing we've ever experienced...they are BOLD 🤭.

[@Tzippi]

@@OurBlackUtopia it shouldn’t be too heavy where you are or is it? I mean you’re gone from Portugal 🇵🇹 now. Good luck!

[@martacancela7681]

Sadly, the tagging thing is mostly made by young tourists. They come and see it and... do it too. Nationals are more into artistic graffiti. We know that because many (horrible) tags have foreign first names. We know that, and I don't mean aliases. Moreover, they don't respect doors and windows and historical tiles! Many of "our" graffiters prefer "clean" walls and respect history.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Interesting. I wouldn't even know where to buy spray paint much less want to waste my time while on vacation trying to find the paint then trying to find a wall to tag, it just seems like a waste of precious time.

[@papa-letras3172]

@@OurBlackUtopia True, with age comes wisdom. We know it. 😄

[@diabetes1.564]

They are Not lying. Most Americans will Not be able to walk that much. I think in America we level the ground. The Bronx has similar steps like in Lisbon.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Diabetes 1.5 - I don't recognize your handle, if you're new to our channel, welcome! We had no idea about the Bronx; nor have we been to that part of NY. That's one thing that I love about walkable cities - they seem more alive than the sprawl of suburbs where everyone is in their cars. 🚶🏾

[@diabetes1.564]

People in North American older cities will fit right in since those cities are also old and lack amenities. The restaurant experience in Portugal in my opinion is BETTER. Quality food for less and not rushed to leave.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

I have yet to have restaurant food that tastes like it was microwaved from the freezer. We do love not feeling rushed. 🍕🍔 - at the small shops you can still get a burger, fries/chips and a beer or wine for under €6.00 and the plate of the day which usually comes with a starter and alcohol is under €10.00 - it was a lot less just last summer; but inflation...

[@tandt7694]

People in the USA are used to processed food and genetically modified produce that is engineered to enhance shelf life.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Right?!?!? It will be interesting to see how our bodies react to American food when we return for a visit. Not really looking forward to it. 🤢

[@ROSE-mq3qd]

Hill walking has been proven to keep life longevity - stay well, walk and even better hill walk! The 2023 recent stats that USA life expectancies has again decreased….

[@OurBlackUtopia]

I figure we have our own 'outdoor gym' 🏋🏾 🥰

[@davidmartinspresents]

I think the reason for small refrigerators and few dryers is because energy is expensive, average Portuguese salary is low. I do plan to buy a dryer and large refrigerator when I eventually move(not planning to live in Lisbon where space is very limited). Not many homes with central heating and air but room heating and air units are a good alternative.

[@ppietrap3876]

small refrigerators is about space and in many rental apartments it’s also because they are cheaper to buy for the landlord. Dryers are just not part of what most people are accustomed to and have learned to live without it - the extra expense off buying a dryer and finding a place to put it could also play into not even trying one.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

In Portugal iIt isn't because of low salaries that people don't use dryers: I know some people who are somewhat rich and they don't have dryers because there's no need for that when our climate is so great. If you put clothes to dry outside they dry very quickly and environment will thank you!

[@davidmartinspresents]

@@vervideosgiros1156 Maybe most people don't have dryers but some do. I've seen them in houses and for sale in Portuguese websites. If you never used something then you don't miss it. You do have a point about the environment but compared to all the other pollutants, having a dryer is trivial.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@davidmartinspresents But why would you need a dryer when you can dry your cloths hanging them outside? In the summer you put your clothes hanging outside and 1 hour later they're dry! Some things make sense in a situation and not so much in other.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Pietra, happy to see you in the comments. It’s hard getting used to living without something that you’ve always had. I’m happy to see that you understand that these are not criticism; just comparisons. Thanks for watching as always!!

[@bardofely]

I have been in Portugal for nearly eight years and have stayed in Air B&Bs in Lisbon when I first came to the country. I have also visited the city many times but I live 25km outside it because the property prices and the cost of renting in Lisbon are very expensive compared with many towns and villages outside. You mentioned how sparrows and pigeons will land on tables, well, I once saw a duck in a cafe at the Lisbon Zoo. It came in through the open door and staff were trying to shoo it back out. One thing you missed was travelling on public transport in the rush hour. The trains and Metro get really packed so I try to avoid travelling at these times. I enjoyed your video and have subscribed and liked.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you Steve for the encouragement and for watching. Both Ric and I knew a Steve Andrews in our younger days. We avoid public transpo during rush hours, for the most part. Ducks can be mean, so hopefully no one got hurt in the Zoo cafe. 🦆🤪

[@bardofely]

@@OurBlackUtopia there are many people called Steve Andrews in the world but I am the only one with a green beard! I was with my ex and we thought it was funny seeing the duck in the cafe. I am from Wales originally and this would never happen there. The rush hour traffic is a nuisance I have often unfortunately got caught up in when travelling.

[@ourselves8640]

Hello Steve, would it be okay if I connect with you via email?

[@vervideosgiros1156]

There are single family homes in some neighborhoods in Lisbon: Ajuda, Alvalade, Belém, Restelo, Olivais.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hmmm, we visited 3 of those neighborhoods and did not see them. However, we were on foot 🥵 and it was June. Again, if you've been west of the Mississippi River in the US then you understand what our version of "single family home" is. The average home is about 168 sq. meters, with a backyard big enough for a swing set, BBQ grill, deck, table and chairs. It is ridiculous and the average American who buys a house buys too much house. In other words they buy more space than they need; usually going into too much debt, with a HUGE house payment, which means they must work extra hours to make sure they are not terminated. Around and around it goes. 😨

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopia Oh, I'm sorry, I thought that a "family home" was a house instead of an apartment! There are a lot of houses in Restelo, in Av. da Torre (tower) de Belém. In Ajuda, on your way to Palácio (palace) da Ajuda, as well. In Belém there is a few blocks and in Alvalade there are a few small roads near Igreja (church) de S. João de Brito, at the near the back of the church.

[@thenubianspeaks4329]

Hey guys as someone who has been to portugal, there are laundramats at practically all of the supermarkets, so If you are close to one no problem with washing or drying your clothes. Also, about the restaurants, really. I have eaten at many nice restaurants, what is the big deal about asking for a check, never had that problem. great service, Refrigerators. I stayed at 2 airbnb,s nice size refrigerator, not a problem. HIlls, in some areas, did not find a problem. Most of these things for me were minor, unless you are into living a certain bougie lifestyle. As far as screens, you can purchase screens and insall them from the inside, not too expensive, and yes, it does get cold, at times you will need space heaters, work fine, not too expensive. fans when it gets too hot or portable air conditioners, somewhat expensive, but you will not need any of these for a very long time because the weather is even.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Sweetheart, we live in Portugal and there are no Laundromats in the grocery stores in our neighborhood. Not the Continente Bom Dia, not the Pingo Doce, not the Auchan, and not the Lidl. NONE. And nah, I don't want to carry my clothes down the street to a laundromat. We don't have a car and do not want one. Obviously, you don't understand the point of the video. This video is made for people in the US who believe that every country should operate like the US. We live here and so far we love it. We knew that some of the things that are standard in the US would not be standard here, and we are fine with that. We have viewers that have said the hills of Lisbon are a non-starter, so every place is not for everybody. We would not want to live on the continent of Africa. We have visited, we have family who lives there, and we know the infrastructure is still not what we would want to have to deal with. Everyone is different and if efficiency is your pet peeve that would drive you cray cray...don't move to Portugal.

[@teresadorey3913]

Your video is lovely. As a Portuguese I must say that Portugal is actually very hilly. But there are some flat places like the eastern part of Algarve and some parts of Alentejo. There, you can also be lucky and see the most wonderful stars at night in Portugal

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thanks for the tips! We didn't get to those places which is why we tried to keep it just to Lisbon, though Coimbra was very hilly too.

[@luisv8431]

If you say Lisbon is hilly try Madeira, is super hilly

[@vervideosgiros1156]

Yes, if people are racist, don't come... PLEASE! Different comunities aren't ghetizised (Idk it that word exists...). There isn't China Town, Italian whatever: it's possible to have neighbors from Nepal, Argentina, Brasil or India and we all get along well.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

We are here now in a local neighborhood. We've only noticed one other immigrant, which is lovely.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

ghetizised - did you mean ghetto-ized? Tell us more about that.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopia Yes, I didn't know what would be the more suitable way to say that, thanks! I said that there isn't this or that neighborhood for this or that culture.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

@@vervideosgiros1156 Are there no neighborhoods with a predominance of a certain immigrant/culture? It might not have the name 'china town'; but I have noticed it certain areas more of a certain type of cuisine and the people of that cuisine. And other areas where there is an obvious absence of those same people and their restaurants.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopia There are certain neighborhoods where houses are more expensive, so people with low income don't live in those neighborhoods, but in a lower rents neighborhood. People from different countries living in the same neighborhood get along well. Since 20 years ago we have here a big ukrainian community (since 10 years ago a lot of them returned to Ukraine, but because of the war, a lot of them came) and the majority of them are educated people, so they can have better jobs. They arrive and in just in a few months they speak Portuguese! We have a pakistani and indian community in Lisbon: some of them don't even speak the language, even they are here for a long time and they have small businesses in Martim Moniz (near downtown). They live there near a lot of portuguese people. They get along well, even though a lot of pakistani and indian (and chinese) don't mingle much with portuguese, but no one segregate no one.

[@NoName-vq3zo]

How difficult is it to learn functional Portuguese to get through the daily necessities? I know it is different for different people but I was wondering as older adults when the brain seems not to be as absorbent as it used to be 😂

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey No Name, Please forgive the delay in responding. Life has been lifin'. 🙄 and KZbin held this one up for some reason 🤷🏽‍♀️ In the major cities enough folks speak English. 🤦🏾‍♀️. I have friends who have been here for 4 years and are barely functional. Learning as an adult can be easier than in school because we have more time, plus we're immersed and hear everyday. That said, I can stumble through enough to do daily life and I try always to speak in Portuguese. Ric does not and usually defaults to English - he's doing just fine. You just have to be willing to look goofy

[@NoName-vq3zo]

@@OurBlackUtopia Thank you for your response! Now will have to tackle that retirement visa situation.

[@ebonieriley8309]

Are you still in Portugal?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

We left and now we are back for the long term.

[@fluffybunni1276]

I don’t believe your story about going from -22 thousand in savings to positive 800th in 3 years unless u hit a lottery

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Okay.

[@ronicmwest]

Quick question. Is consumerism push down your throats there or is it none existent?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

🤣 it's not non-existent, there are companies that want to sell their crap. But I don't see as much "keeping up with the Jonses" here.

[@ronicmwest]

@Our Black Utopia I'm starting to realize this one thing is irritating my soul. Even though I never bought into it. But If you don't buy into it you are the odd ball. It is so weird.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

@@ronicmwest it’s a form of slavery. Folks just don’t know.

[@ronicmwest]

@@OurBlackUtopia I agree.

[@yomioloko9727]

Nice video straight to the point. And for all those people that don't like diversity please stay where you are.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

We are on a mission to help folks escape generational poverty and lethal racism. 🥰

[@vervideosgiros1156]

Why would you have dryers when you live in a country where there is sun for the most part of the year? And, of course, you can buy a dryer if you go to the shop to buy it. There are air conditioners, of course, but in the majority of the places people simply open the window if it's hot. Simpler chiper and healtier!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey there, I see this video really got under your skin...interesting. This video is made for Americans with Americans' expectations. America is young and many neighborhoods were built in the last 40 years. We have A LOT of space that is wasted with suburban sprawl. American homes (for the most part) have heat and sometimes air that goes to all of the rooms (very inefficient). Homes tend to come with washers AND dryers. Americans are spoiled with convenience and 24 hour restaurants and stores, etc. Some folks believe they NEED these conveniences to be happy. Not Ric and me which is why we will be broadcasting from our new Lisbon apartment next week.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopia As I said before, usually I make nice comments. I like your videos and I suspect that you don't even necessarily agree with some of the things you listed. I'm not annoyed or anything, it's just that the majority of the things you listed it's pretty much the same in Europe and not particularly in Portugal and even less in Lisbon. Except for cable stone on sidewalks that are typical from Portugal (there are cable stones in many places in Brazil, Macao and some other places with portuguese influence). I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude! Regarding grafitti, I agree that it's awful, but it isn't in tje entire city and sometimes they clean a wall and those grafitters screw it again, but yet again, this isn't strictly a portuguese problem, because there's grafitti in a lot of places. About urography, we have mountains, we have somewhat prairies and a bunch of another things I don't know how to say in English, but Portugal is very diverse when it comes to landscape.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

haven't seen you in the comments lately. We've been living here now since September and we still love it. In our freguesia they try and keep the graffiti cleaned up and then a week later some other kid puts new graffiti up. 🤬

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopiaI'm glad you're enjoying Lisbon! I'm not commenting often, but I watched one of your videos when you talked about healthcare with those 3 guests. Yes, they are cleaning it all the time but punks dirty the walls again! You live next one of my brothers! He lives in Arroios as well! I hope you'll keep on enjoying our city, fellow "alfacinhas" (it means little lettuces, it's lisbonners nickname, because there was a lot of palaces with big gardens until the beginning of XX century!)! 😊

[@OurBlackUtopia]

@@vervideosgiros1156 I was trying to remember that word. A server in one of the restaurants we went to told us the term and I remembered what she said translated to but I couldn't find it when I tried to use my translating app. We've been taking Portuguese now for 9 weeks! Today I repeated in Portuguese, the instructions the man who delivered our refrigerator told me...and he understood!! 🥳

[@daroof4ever]

I don't think I could ever live outside of the U.S. cause i'm so used to a certain lifestyle. I'm spoiled😅

[@OurBlackUtopia]

We're spoiled too and appreciate not having to look over our shoulder or feeling insecure in big crowds. We love living in the 6th safest country on the planet. 😉

[@antonioleal2012]

As Portuguese, if a waiter brought me a bill without me asking, I would be annoyed to say the least :-)

[@OurBlackUtopia]

In the US they don’t ask and don’t care, it’s all about turn and burn.

[@zf8385]

I'm retired and ready to live a simple but live in a beautiful location to sightsee and relax. I see the graffiti on KZbin, and I heard their are many people who smoke cigarettes more there, but if that's all I have to worry about - then Ok - I live in Memphis, TN., one of the largest crime states in the United States. So Portugal, here I come. I will be in Portugal in April 2024, so I will find out if Portugal is for me or not. It is a beautiful place from looking at the videos on KZbin. I want to see the other part of the world. I'm a U.S. Army veteran, I have been to Germany, London, and Africa, but Portugal is calling my name. If all goes well, I heard about D7 visa you are allowed to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for one year. After that, you can renew for two years successively.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey ZF, thank you so much for watching and for adding to the conversation. We had no idea Memphis had gotten that bad. 😕 Yes, they do smoke a lot here and graffiti is worse here, in that it is in all neighborhoods. But the last statistics that I saw were less than 100 murders for the year. If you are seriously considering a move abroad, here are some resources that might help which includes a Scouting Trip Checklist and our Ready to Retire Toolkit that has links to the databases that we use to check cost of living information and human rights for cities around the world: bit.ly/OBUresources

[@tessjones5987]

Broad spectrum of info. The sparrows are a deal breaker. LOL.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

🤣 These are the boldest birds I've ever seen 🐦

[@thenubianspeaks4329]

oh for God;s sake you can get screen. never hardly one sparrow while I was there, really, I guess it depends on where you are.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

I'm sorry if I'm being harsh, usually I put nice comments in your videos, but in this video you're criticizing pretty much everything!

[@Nubianette]

Not at all. The video is for Americans to help with expectations. You didn’t understand what the video is about.

[@malikahm4053]

@@Nubianette truth never hurts Its true I have been there before

[@OurBlackUtopia]

I gave you a thumbs up, because you love your country and it shows. We do too. Therefore, we are not criticizing, we are informing based on known expectations. People have adopted certain lifestyles without really questioning their choices or reasoning. This video is to let folks know who may not, that everywhere is not like the USA...and that's a good thing.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

European cities aren't designed as they are in the USA; we don't need to drive 50km to the next shop, so why would we have a huge refrigerator? Here food is healthy, not soaked with preservatives that trash your health... I'm sorry, but if you expect Europe to be exactly the same as the USA, apart from racism and violence, you're wrong! The differences are huge! Not to mention that you moved from a 320-ish M to a 10M people country.

[@Nubianette]

Again, this video is made with Americans in mind. Many are moving to Portugal without ever coming to Europe. They wouldn’t know that a house or an apartment wouldn’t have a dryer, if there was a washing machine. Most Americans use dyers. This would be a big inconvenience, especially if you weren’t expecting it. This sort of video is helpful.

[@drperfect07]

The video was not intended to be a criticism. The video is not for Portuguese residents, it information for Americans to be prepared so they do not have the wrong expectations. Try not to be defensive, yhey love Portugal, otherwise they wouldn’t choose to be here. I just visited Porto and Lisbon and I love both. Portuguese people are just lovely. Their video message is not being received in the right context. 💕

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@drperfect07 I know they love Portugal and I guess that most americans would be very surprised when they see the size of our refrigerators, but I just explained why we don't need refrigerators that size. If the majority of the houses are within the cities (or in villages) and even in small vilages there's always a café and a supermarket, there's no need to storage a great amount of food. Here, people who don't have time to shop all the time go to big supermarkets every 2 weeks. The fact that you'll get fresh food evetywhere you go means you can prepare a tomato soup instead buying tomato soup in cans and so on. My reply was intended to show that even if this could appear to be an inconvenient, people here don't really need it because what I've stated before.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you Dr. Perfect - that's why we love our community. Y'all got our backs! Well said and absolutely on point.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thanks for always having our back Nubianette!

[@theinbetween01]

Birds? histoplasmosis! The hills could make this a no.

[@ppietrap3876]

not an endemic disease in Europe...

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Tracy you’ve got us 🤣😅😂. The birds are hilarious and they swoop. Start working now on eliminating your aversion to hills so that when you visit it is less of an issue. 🥰

[@AshleeJohnsonPHB]

Have you notice any part of Portugal that’s becoming modern?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

In Lisbon, Parque das Nações is probably the most modern looking, though there are cranes everywhere and unfortunately the buildings look very modern, I wished they would mimic a modern version of the 200-300 year old buildings but oh well. It's probably more expensive to do that. Are you considering a move to Portugal?

[@sergioalves7498]

Thank God I 'm in Lisbon and in Europe. USA lifestyle....no thank you!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you for watching, we feel the same way. 😆

[@BF-bb5us]

I have to say Lisbon for me was not great. The people were belligerent and hostile and the community did not look happy.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

🤣 😂 - I'm so sorry BF. Portugal is not for everyone and yes many of the older folks do not look happy. But many of the folks here, even the ones with scowls are kind. Are you considering a move abroad? If so, here are some resources that might help: bit.ly/OBUresources

[@BF-bb5us]

@@OurBlackUtopia African community in particular there was a heaviness which was difficult. Thanks

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Yes, I've seen that. They bring a lot of the baggage from the former colony. I don't know as much about Mozambique but I know that in Angola you cannot even walk down the street with a cell phone. It WILL get snatched. There is no 'nod' with Africans HOWEVER - if I smile and say Boa Tarde, I do get a smile and response in return. When I get up and offer my seat to an elder, I get smiles and 'obrigadas'. I get the feeling that some think that we Black Americans look down on them - and some may. The one's that have figured out how to utilize their skills to make bucks - and there are a lot - are full of jovial smiles. (no surprise?)

[@anapaulavalentim8975]

My God, you speak as US is better than Portugal. I have seen lot more grafitti in certain areas in USA and ugly streets with homeless people lying on the floor. If you dont like Portugal, there are flights every day to your country . Have a good trip.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Ana you missed what the conversation is all about. No one is saying that one place is better than the other, if we felt that way we would not be here. We are simply saying if certain things trigger you then maybe you need to rethink or choose differently. Have a good Life!

[@anapaulavalentim8975]

@@OurBlackUtopia I'm sorry, I didn't want to be unpleasant to you. I know that you feel safer here, specially black people, because in Portugal we don't have prejudice like in USA, and I feel that everyone is treated equal. I am glad you are here and enjoy your stay, but I am a little bit a kind of a person that can't hear talk anything bad about my country even if I know it is true 😂😂 So I'm sorry about that and I hope you stay for a long time ☺️. By the way, have you been to Parque das Nações? It's a very modern part of Lisbon and very beautiful 😍

[@OurBlackUtopia]

@@anapaulavalentim8975 Every country and city is not for everyone. Every person has their own wants and needs. For instance, if everything needs to be precise then perhaps Amsterdam is better for those people. Our job is to educate people on how to pick a country that they will like. This video is what we call sarcastic humor. Those who are American understand that we do not believe these are significant problems. By the way, in the US a lot of graffiti equals a VERY BAD neighborhood. That is not the case in southern Europe - but if you do not know, you do not know.

[@ang2733]

I love shopping for food the day of. I got used to it after living in Italy.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Right?!?! - with fruit and vegetable stands every block I feel like we never need to "stock up".

[@anasttau9908]

It amazes me that US people come here to Portugal expecting that things are like you are used to in America. Europe is not like US, at all. Europeans are not like americans, at all. By the way why would we have drying machines if we don´t need them?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

This video was meant for people who expect things to be the same everywhere. But yes - dryers are a good thing though bad for the environment. In the winter it takes 2-5 days to dry our clothes. We have to time laundry around the weather - that doesn't always work.

[@thenubianspeaks4329]

Are you serious, there are really big super markets , deparment stores, and malls, Your information is very incomplete.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

There are Target Stores and Super Walmarts everywhere you turn in Colorado. There are two "target-sized" Continente's in Lisbon. I don't count Cortes Ingles, because it is overpriced. Supermarkets IN the city of Lisbon are 20% of the size of our small grocery stores in the states. The selection of goods (mostly junk in the US) is a percent of what you can get in the US. Come on you know that. We have yet to find a full-size drip coffee maker. And yet, we still love living here.

[@nahmend6987]

Visit but don't stay!

[@bubllingsound]

Please, listen to these people, don't move to Portugal. Stay in your super-developed country 🙏 We don't have wallmart

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you for watching.

[@mustlovefoods]

These r the weakest, most ridiculous reasons not to move.!! All of these “ problems “ r very prevalent in the US. U have not said anything substantial

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Exactly - but Americans do have certain expectations. Some Americans expect everything to work exactly as it does in the US - and they'll get their little feelings hurt. I guess you didn't comprehend that this was partially tongue and cheek? 🤔