We thought it would be helpful to have some Q&A’s from real people who have made the move already. Some are newly arrived, others have been here for much longer, meaning you can get a broad range of experiences from people to get a real feel for what it is like to move to Portugal and start living your dream!
Today we meet Em McGowan & Simon Hickman who found their property through an advert on Pure Portugal & started the Ahimsa Food Forest & Permaculture Project at Quinta Ahinsa. They believe that we all have a responsibility to take care of our planet & chose to take on a Permaculture project & live by the three Permaculture ethics, Earth Care, People Care & Fair share, which integrates well with their Reiki principles of being kind to every living thing & living honestly for the highest good of all.
The project welcomes people from all walks of life to come & experience low impact living & teach how to tread more softly on the Earth so you can learn how to live life more sustainably & ethically, reconnecting to your true, natural self.
How did you find out about Pure Portugal? / Did you know of us before moving to Portugal?
We have been following your Facebook page as we travelled around Portugal in our camper van.
What made you decide to move to Portugal from the your home country?
We love Portugal, the weather, the cost of land
How does life in Portugal compare to living in another country you’ve lived in?
It’s slower, a much calmer laid back country
Did you visit Portugal many times before buying/renting somewhere?
Yes, we toured right around the coasts and through some inland places. Our favourite place is Alpedrinha.
Is the property you purchased/rented what you envisaged you would live in when you first dreamed of moving to Portugal?
No!
What is day to day life like now in comparison to your old life?
Slower, no travelling but plenty of work
Does Portugal feel like home yet?
Yes, it’s a lovely welcoming country with beautiful people
What is the most difficult thing about living in Portugal?
Official stuff taking a long time and the dates they give you being nowhere near accurate!
What is the most positive thing about your move so far?
Returning to nature
If we had just one day in the area you have moved too what would you tell us is a must do/see?
Buy local honey and enjoy a day with us at Ahimsa to reconnect
