The Christmas period has been challenging. Not because the festive season is a non-event for me living on wheels, but because of relentless technical challenges and associated stress.
After reading some 40 documents on the Portuguese visa application process (a combination of online research and a treasure trove of information provided by friends who are already resident there), I felt I had a reasonable idea of what was involved and the order of work. Prior to doing this, it looked as if I might have to go to Portugal to do part of the process - inconvenient, to say the least. However, I found a workaround, so that I could undertake the whole process in the UK.
This meant surrendering my policy on a minimum data trail (something I have worked hard at, in the last few years), as I would need to get a police certificate, provide full financial information, finger prints (of all fingers), an eye scan and more. But the opportunity to live abroad, and the Earth Collective project, are worth it.
So, the first task, was to apply for a tax number, then a bank account. Both took the best part of a day and needed chat support for every question, as the information requested was ambiguous, documents wouldn’t upload, the ‘next’ button wouldn’t work, and so on. Nothing less than utter persistence was required. The police report came next, and this presented a different challenge. Namely, the form had to be downloaded, completed and submitted in Microsoft Word. But having just changed my operating system to Linux, I no longer had Word. The only solution was to use a public computer in the local library. This took three visits to work out and ensure I had all the right information at hand. As I clicked the submit button on the final visit, the computer told me I had 10 seconds left in the session. I didn’t know access was time limited. A close call? I prefer to think of it as divine timing?…
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NB. I post short ‘Notes’ on my life and times in between blogs, which can be found in the top navigation of my Substack. More content can be found on my website, including wonderful pictures of my travels in Ireland, also information on my book, ‘The Ultimate Relationship… the one with yourself’. If you like my work, please help me to spread the word. I don't use social media and rely on word of mouth. Thank you.
What a lovely comment. Thanks so much Andrew. Look me up if you come to Portugal. Fiona
Best wishes for the new year Fiona and for your current relentless chapter. You’re something else!👍🏽
Portugal is the only other country I’d want to live in. Maybe one day. Take care of yourself, you’re one in a million.