Posted in Azores forum
I am considering moving to the Azores in the near future .I am traveling to the Azores in early march and would like to meet with UK expats who may be able to introduce me to in Azores!!
Did Shae Ryan make it to the Azores?
posted by Sparky Spark in Azores forum
Did Shae Ryan make it to the Azores?
European Union Schengen agreement
posted by Sparky Spark in Azores forum
I would like to know if the Azores are included in the European Union Schengen agreement; just like the
rest of the country of Portugal. Holland has a few Caribbean islands that are not the same as Holland in
Europe, at least for nonHolland EU Schengen agreement citizens
Azores
posted by Ralph Kunze in Azores forum
Dear Mara,
thank you for your interest in our house.
But in the moment we found a family who wants to rent the house for 6 months from October.If you are still interested after this time, please let us know. Than I could send you more details.
Best regards,
Ralph
Looking for nice people to buy our property in Sao Miguel
posted by mara santacatterina in Azores forum
Hi Mr Ralph, may I have further information about yr proposal? thank you!
Looking for nice people to buy our property in Sao Miguel
posted by Ralph Kunze in Azores forum
We lived 15 years (from 1980 to 1995) in Bretanha (Sao Miguel), where our 3 kids were born and we had the best time in our lives. Than we went, because of the educational problems in the Highschool, back to Germany but came back from time to time for holidays to our nice villa, which was a guesthouse before. Everything is in quite good condition, because we had always caretakers who also used the house as a guesthouse for tourists from all over the world.
But now we are older and think about selling our property to a younger or retired ethusiastic couple.
May be we find sombody here in this forum?Post-visit update; Confirmation of everything I spoke about- By Azoreans!
posted by Dr. J Everyman in Azores forum
Shea- I certainly hope you can visit before moving to the Azores. A bit of news that you need to know, I wish to relay to you.
My wife and I finally took a trip there, met some Azoreans, talked with missionaries who had lived in both Portugal and Azores, and almost everything I mentioned in my posts, which Newhouse denied existed, was confirmed by our visit- and by the native Azoreans! I wasn't making it up, I wasn't being 'cruel,' I was spot on. Much as others would wish to deny it.
But the most pressing thing I wish to convey to you, should you still be looking to move there, is the issue of DAMP.
The Irish and English call it 'rising damp.' Moisture in the walls of most buildings constructed, prior to oh, about the 1980's. Mold and mildew - residing in walls, and a very real healthy hazard, is a serious issue in the Azores; and not dealt with by the authorities in updating older construction, or (to our knowledge, after talking to realtors, and the aforementioned individuals) possibly even mandating things for new construction.
This was an IMMEDIATE turn-off to us, and caused us to re-evaluate our considering the Azores, from (no pun intended) the ground up! Lack of an expat group, the 'insular' mentality, no national MLS service, widely divergent construction models, and a very bland cuisine among the natives, made for a fascinating, but revealing vacation. Great place to visit, wouldn't want to live there. Ambient humidity is close to 100% during the winter months, and yes, it 'dries out' in the summer, but when you live indoors, mold should not be your constant companion. Oh yes, and COCKROACHES are a big problem, because of no frost.
That's my report. Best of luck to you.
Re: Move to Azores
posted by R S in Azores forum
John,
I agree with you. Could we set up a way to communicate in some other forum?Shea Ryan
posted by Karen T in Azores forum
Dear Shea,
I hope your plans to move to the Azores are progressing. Or at least to visit. I understand wanting to make it all happen in one trip, though, to save money.
I've been reading up on places to move to outside of the U.S. for lower cost of living and the chance for my husband to retire. As things are for us here at home, medical bills and health insurance are taking every extra dime we have, and it's hard to imagine my hubby will ever be able to retire unless we can find a cheaper cost of living with some type of national insurance coverage at low cost. My health is our issue. I'm currently on disability, and I can relate to your health concerns. Have you found out what costs/savings you will be faced with in the Azores?
I've visited Terceira twice, for five weeks total. I have a sister-in-law and her family there. I fell in love with the island and the people. And the weather during the summer was divine. We camped for over a week, and I don't even remember many bugs. However, in winter it is not unusual for it to rain sideways because of high winds. Flights in bad weather might not be able to land and have to be diverted elsewhere. And there was an earthquake when I was there the first time (nothing severe, though).
The last time I was there, there was a new requirement in Angra (maybe the whole island, but I'm not sure) that stores had to be air conditioned. Prior to that, air conditioning was apparently pretty unusual. The humidity is pretty high, but the temps are so nice that it's barely noticeable on your skin. But in your house, that might be a different story. You very well might have to clean mold/mildew off of your walls and ceilings. But it's a fair trade for living in such a lovely place.
I envy you your plans. If we move, it will probably be to Central America. Spanish is much easier for me to pick up, and flights are often cheaper and more plentiful, and much shorter, so closer to the rest of my family.
Please do keep posting, and if you start a YouTube channel once you get on your way to the Azores, let us know. I'd love to live vicariously through your experiences. Best of luck to you.
Generally Speaking
posted by Norman Newhouse in Azores forum
I guess "Academics" or not immune to opening mouths before engaging brains. However, I am in agreement with Mr. Moore. You have requirements that are not commensurate with the areas you have researched however feebly. I have spent numerous years in the Azores and all the "infrastructure" you seek is exactly what has created the governmental situation we have in the U.S. I'm sure that based on your cavalier attitude towards others , you have learned to not take conversational accountability personally. LOL. It would seem to me based on your conversations that France would be a great choice for you. The French have alot to offer while avoiding being engaging and to a certain extent some French share your attitude on other cultures. Enjoy yourself while I pray for your safety out in this world. It occurs to me that you will need it. Good day Good luck and Good bye.
possiblities
posted by Nate Moore in Azores forum
Dr., I know I'm late to the party, but you posted two statements that are very difficult to square for me:
"We need international infrastructure- an expat community, a church that has services in English" and "it is not Americanism I am seeking, but European Civilization". I see one possible option: Move, and then integrate, don't try and maintain your former life and habits. It's not easy, but languages can be learned, and is in fact easier the more you become part of the local community rather than those that share your culture and background. I'm in the process of settling into a new location right now (with kids), and while expats are great for getting a beer and being completely understood, the locals offer much more of value in the long haul towards a real change of life. Since you sound like a religious person, I suspect that would give you are ready made local community. I've really enjoyed our short trips to the Azores, and am sure it would be a great place to live. Good luck!