Con-Toons, An Adventure Abroad

Leaving the U.S. was not for spiritual enlightment (Eat, Love, Pray), or to run away from anything. I just wanted to challenge myself, be in a new culture, learn how to live a simple life, eat local food in season, not have a car, see how other countries view the craziness in the States. After looking at all the countries, Portugal seemed to be the best fit, so far it is just the right size. Until I left for an extended period of time, I didn’t realize how bombarded I was with too much information. Buy this, do that, be this, have that. It was exhausting! It seems the Portuguese motto is “That’s life”, with a shrug of the shoulder. People walk, the government doesn’t spend money on military, but on people. Buses, trains, special services for the elderly, health care. My stalwart companion in adventure, The Citizen, went hiking and spent time chatting with a man herding his sheep. That was a 15 minute train ride from our city apartment, that is living life…no fancy, expensive water parks, just a nice chat with a man and his sheep. I encourage anyone with itchy feet to jump out of their comfort zone and go, it’s our very own big blue marble to explore and cell phone and wireless networks are everywhere. Also, as far as I can tell, people all want the same thing everywhere, to be happy. For questions about Portugal or to advertise on my site, please contact me at constance@con-toons.com.Bom Vita!