Our Unexpected Journey from Portugal to Colombia

Originating from the United States, my spouse and I have spent the past ten years working remotely from various countries, including Mexico and South Korea.

We've always envisioned ourselves living in Europe someday.

With our newborn daughter only five months old, Portugal seemed appealing with its digital nomad visa and easy travel access to other European nations.

Although Portugal had not been on our radar, we imagined an idyllic lifestyle there, often picturing ourselves enjoying local wines on the beach or exploring cobblestone streets.

Our time in Europe was less romantic than expected. We moved to Colombia after two years, finding an unexpected sense of belonging there.

Our base in Porto, although stunning in its own right, presented its share of challenges.

The city’s slower pace, initially attractive, felt more suited for retirees than a young family like ours.

Porto's frequent rain made it tough to enjoy the outdoors, confining us inside for days and limiting our options for family-friendly activities.

The persistent damp weather also promoted mold, which raised health concerns as our child frequently fell ill.

The influx of tourists added to our frustration, making daily life in the city's tourist-heavy areas less appealing.

Exploring New Opportunities

Despite our knowledge of Portuguese due to our Spanish fluency, language barriers persisted, compounded by our lack of time to engage in language studies.

Considering other Portuguese cities such as Lisbon fell through, prompting us to seek alternative solutions for improving our family’s well-being.

An invite to a wedding in Cartagena offered a timely opportunity to explore living in South America.

Research highlighted Colombia's favorable climate and convenient international travel connections, sparking our interest.

I discovered a vibrant Jewish community in Bogotá, fulfilling a sense of belonging and enhancing my husband’s connection to his Ecuadorian-American roots.

When our lease in Portugal expired in mid-2024, we decided to relocate to Bogotá with open-ended travel plans.

Blossoming in Colombia

Colombia shared some climate similarities with Portugal, yet the erratic nature of its rainfall felt less stifling.

The vastness of Bogotá, home to over 8 million residents, provided a vibrant contrast to Porto’s more modest size.

The city offered plentiful cultural experiences, including concerts, museums, and culinary delights like arepas, as well as an accessible education system with shorter waitlists.

Our ability to communicate fluently eased our integration into Colombian society, facilitating smoother interactions with essential services.

More than a year into our Colombian adventure, we're transitioning from temporary accommodation to a permanent residence.

While Portugal's challenges linger in memory, it's also where precious family moments took place, including our daughter's first steps and friendships that endure.

Colombia has given us a fulfilling life, allowing us to confidently expand our family and immerse in a multicultural community.

Although spontaneous European weekend trips are no longer possible, we've explored wonders like Santa Marta and Lima, Peru.

Our time in Portugal, while not the fairy tale we anticipated, ultimately pointed us toward our true place of happiness.