The first weeks
To start with, we chose an Airbnb flat – spacious, comfortable and perhaps a little pricey, but just the right thing to feel at home and arrive: fully furnished, good location, with electricity/water/heating/internet. The flat is located near the old town of Lisbon, a neighbourhood by the harbour, full of charm and history.
The first few days in our new home were characterised by unpacking, clearing out, settling in, finding our way around and exploring the surroundings. We already know this neighbourhood a little from previous stays, but now we have completely different needs. Where can we go shopping, where is the nearest Ikea or DIY store or where can we have a delicious breakfast? And of course, where do we park our car?
After these initial challenges, we were able to really immerse ourselves in the city for a few days, walking for hours and indulging in culinary delights – a bit of a holiday, so to speak.
Meetings with new friends
The law of attraction has once again favoured us. And so we were welcomed into a long-standing circle of friends here by Portuguese people and a man from Graz. Of course, it’s a completely different feeling when there are already people here who you can call friends and who want to help you. So we explored the area together with excursions to Fatima, Nazaré, Aljezur, Sintra and Ericeira and were introduced to the country and its diversity, culture and cuisine, mentality and lots of wine. We are very grateful for this.
The next coincidence led us to a language course here, which turned out to be a really positive turn of events. There were four of us, one teacher and three students, at different locations here in the city and we learnt Portuguese together. Dear Yasmine returned to Paris after four months, and I think we all became very fond of each other and really enjoyed our time together. So it was just José and the two of us left. And José is fantastic! With humour and captivating stories, he teaches us the language as it is really spoken here. We now enjoy his presence twice a week, which not only enriches us linguistically.
We found out about the Austrian regulars’ table at the Kaffeehaus through an acquaintance and were there at the next meeting. It’s funny to talk to Styrians, Carinthians and Viennese in the middle of such an international city and hear their stories. The Wiener Schnitzel was also very tasty 😉
My parents also visited us for a fortnight. It was certainly an interesting experience for all of us to live under the same roof again 😉 We had a great time here, explored a few sights and the city together, took a trip along the coast to the westernmost point of Europe, had a good meal and celebrated Christmas together. They also really enjoyed Portugal and want to see more of it. 🙂 The weather was very changeable, but that didn’t bother us. We knew that Lisbon had a mild climate that would stay with us all year round. And we used the rainy days to look for a flat online.
The search for a flat and studio
It’s not always all sunny, there are also ups and downs. For example, we were both ill, alternately and at the same time. The last few months have been super exhausting, exhausting and very emotional for us – I think our bodies just needed a break. The search for a flat and studio was also very arduous. We looked at what felt like seven million flats online on hundreds of platforms, shortlisted a few, paid attention to every detail and then rejected them again.
I’ve despaired a few times in the belief that there isn’t what we’re looking for and can afford at the same time. We must have viewed ten flats on site in between and still weren’t completely happy with what was on offer. In addition, the decision day was approaching and we had to move out of the Airbnb flat at the end of January. Renting any longer simply wouldn’t have made financial sense, and to avoid having to move three times, a firm decision would have been great. In addition, we had already booked flights to Austria for the end of January so that we could bring all our things, furniture etc. with us. We still don’t know where to take it and what means of transport to use? So a lot of important and last-minute decisions that were very draining. And some of them were completely ill.
The positive thing about the many tours was that we were able to get to know so many different neighbourhoods and facets of the city and delve a little deeper. You also get to meet lots of people and every estate agent has a little story to tell.
Finally found!
A very nice, large and affordable flat finally turned up – and in a great location too! The agent and landlord were both very friendly and made a great effort, it just felt sooo good all round. We signed the contract at the end of January.
Many more bureaucratic appointments followed: tax number, electricity, water connection, internet, bank account, residence registration … Our friend Miguel was super helpful and always on hand when we needed him. Of course, a lot of things are easier when someone speaks the language well. We are very grateful to him for everything!
And my “old smithy” in Leibnitz? Well, I miss it a little, but it still serves as our warehouse and occasionally as a photo studio when we are in Austria. The studio has been with me for many years and has created many unforgettable memories.
Lisbon, we are ready for a new chapter in our lives!
