I love how you weave together cooking with your move and finishing treatment. Branzino! I must know where you ordered it! What a treat. Everything looks delish.
I didn't read the piece, Europe Will Not Fix You, but I've often thought about the fact that we have to feel content with ourselves before finding that perfect place, community, etc, that fits.
Cape Flattery is stunning... What an amazing trip! Love the fish, carrots, and cauliflower. Huzzah for real food! And I love the piece "Europe won't fix you". So many of us who've done the move need to remember this. :)
You hit the nail on the head. You have to be heading TOWARDS something, not just leaving something. That comment alone tells me that you'll be fine -- even if you're sleepless in Seattle.
Alison, I enjoy your writing so much! And, I wanted to say that your pictures are as beautiful as your writing. I am constantly drooling over the local adventures you take and the meals you make. J and your family are so lucky that you love to cook so much. It is really an expression of love! As I've told you MANY times, I'm so impressed by both of your bravery and sense of adventure to take on this move to Portugal. No matter how it turns out (and I think it will be great!), you'll always be glad you did it!
I’m firmly in the Lucy school of cooking, but somehow we survive. I have made several big moves over my life. Sometimes I feel like I am pushing myself because I know that it will ultimately be good for me. Sometimes I am running towards the next exciting thing. They seem to be equally intimidating and scary, but I find that after the uncertainty and disorientation pass, I am really happy that I made the change. I hope the same for you. How easy is it to get residency in Portugal? Is that what you’re trying to do? I’m super curious.
It’s a fairly extensive two-step process that involves getting a visa and then a residency permit. There’s a fabulous Facebook group with many excellent resources, making it possible to DIY. But the bureaucratic challengers are daunting.
Alison WOW, this is some major-league masterpiece cooking! As a practitioner of the "Lucy Ricardo" school of cookery, I salute thee. So glad to hear that your recovery continues, and that you're moving closer to your Big Move. My mantra during big transitions is THIS IS GONNA SUCK FOR A BIT AND THEN IT WILL BE FINE, and I say it to myself nonstop for like 6-weeks beforehand.
Before I leave a place, I make a list of the places/things I loved most and try to visit or experience each one again in my final weeks to say goodbye. I also try to see people with whom I'm not likely to stay in touch (the fruit stand guy near my house in Taipei, my favorite street food vendor near the embassy in Bangkok, etc,) to say goodbye. On the last day I go through the rooms of my house/apartment and say thanks for giving me a home. I like closure, and going through this ritual step by step gives me the mental and emotional freedom to turn my attention to my next destination.
That’s a thought-provoking question. I don’t actually have any rituals for big moves, but have done enough of them that I should. You’re making me think about that! Usually I’m just exhausted from packing.
I love how you weave together cooking with your move and finishing treatment. Branzino! I must know where you ordered it! What a treat. Everything looks delish.
I didn't read the piece, Europe Will Not Fix You, but I've often thought about the fact that we have to feel content with ourselves before finding that perfect place, community, etc, that fits.
Ballard Market featured the branzino but my local fish market said they also could have ordered it. And you are spot on!
Beautiful reflection Alison. I am so excited for you and the next stage of your life that you are running towards.
So grateful to have you as a supporter. Your bedroom will be waiting for you!
The leaping and the precipice loom large, but I love that you have room to take 50 cookbooks!! This will be such a wonderful adventure!
Not sure how I’ll get them there, but I’m determined.
Cape Flattery is stunning... What an amazing trip! Love the fish, carrots, and cauliflower. Huzzah for real food! And I love the piece "Europe won't fix you". So many of us who've done the move need to remember this. :)
You hit the nail on the head. You have to be heading TOWARDS something, not just leaving something. That comment alone tells me that you'll be fine -- even if you're sleepless in Seattle.
Alison, I enjoy your writing so much! And, I wanted to say that your pictures are as beautiful as your writing. I am constantly drooling over the local adventures you take and the meals you make. J and your family are so lucky that you love to cook so much. It is really an expression of love! As I've told you MANY times, I'm so impressed by both of your bravery and sense of adventure to take on this move to Portugal. No matter how it turns out (and I think it will be great!), you'll always be glad you did it!
Thank you so much, Julie! You are helping us realize our dream and we are very grateful.
I’m firmly in the Lucy school of cooking, but somehow we survive. I have made several big moves over my life. Sometimes I feel like I am pushing myself because I know that it will ultimately be good for me. Sometimes I am running towards the next exciting thing. They seem to be equally intimidating and scary, but I find that after the uncertainty and disorientation pass, I am really happy that I made the change. I hope the same for you. How easy is it to get residency in Portugal? Is that what you’re trying to do? I’m super curious.
It’s a fairly extensive two-step process that involves getting a visa and then a residency permit. There’s a fabulous Facebook group with many excellent resources, making it possible to DIY. But the bureaucratic challengers are daunting.
Thanks for the information. I was looking at moving out of country at one point but got mired in details. We’re pretty settled for now.
We’re calling it our “next place,” though not necessarily our “last place.”
I like that. 😊
Alison WOW, this is some major-league masterpiece cooking! As a practitioner of the "Lucy Ricardo" school of cookery, I salute thee. So glad to hear that your recovery continues, and that you're moving closer to your Big Move. My mantra during big transitions is THIS IS GONNA SUCK FOR A BIT AND THEN IT WILL BE FINE, and I say it to myself nonstop for like 6-weeks beforehand.
I’ve been doing a similar mantra, though it changes with intensity as the move looms and other things (aging parents and dog) concern us.
Before I leave a place, I make a list of the places/things I loved most and try to visit or experience each one again in my final weeks to say goodbye. I also try to see people with whom I'm not likely to stay in touch (the fruit stand guy near my house in Taipei, my favorite street food vendor near the embassy in Bangkok, etc,) to say goodbye. On the last day I go through the rooms of my house/apartment and say thanks for giving me a home. I like closure, and going through this ritual step by step gives me the mental and emotional freedom to turn my attention to my next destination.
I love this. Thank you for giving me some rituals to work with.
Alison, your photos are as inspiring as your narrative. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Love & Light,
Dave
Oh, Dave. You are the King of Affirmations! Thank you!
That’s a thought-provoking question. I don’t actually have any rituals for big moves, but have done enough of them that I should. You’re making me think about that! Usually I’m just exhausted from packing.
That fish looks incredible and very Portuguese!
I'm exhausted just thinking about the packing....
😩😩😩
... but then, PORTUGAL