Just Marta Things

Take a walk in Porto

There are currently two places in the world, that some of my friends have already learnt not to mention when I’m around. For one reason – I will never stop talking about them! One of the mystery destinations, that completely stole my heart, is Porto in the north of Portugal. Our first randezvous took place back in 2013, when I moved to do a part of my master’s degree at the local university. At Faculdade de Letras at Universidade do Porto, to be exact.

Ecstatic about the travel possibility, new experiences, meeting new people and trying new food, I didn’t really know what’s waiting for me there. I’ve never been to Portugal before and at that time it wasn’t a hugely popular tourist destination. Thankfully, it was love at first sight! The cobblestoned narrow alleys, colorful houses, palm trees popping up here and there, proximity of the ocean, and friendly people, made me feel right at home. So much, that I have revisited Portugal several times, even returning to the place where it all began recently. Spending a weekend in Porto again was a dream come true. What makes it so special? Let’s see!

The drawbacks of being foreing – how my nationality became a problem.

Nothing pleasant to go through or to write about – that’s where my doubts, whether or not I should dig at this again, came from. In the end, though, I believe more people might be sharing similar experiences when living abroad, so here it goes.

I was pondering for quite a while if I should write about this. A certain situation threw me a bit off balance not so long ago and my friends and family have already heard quite a handful about it. Nothing pleasant to go through or to write about – that’s where my doubts, whether or not I should dig at this again, came from. In the end, though, I believe more people might be sharing similar experiences when living abroad, so here it goes.

I often make jokes about cultural differences and all the funny situations they cause. On the last weekend of May it was no different. Continue reading “The drawbacks of being foreing – how my nationality became a problem.”

10 expat problems nobody tells you about

When moving abroad, either for a short period or for a dramatic life-changing turn of events, it’s good to get prepared for all the things that await you at your destination.

When moving abroad, either for a short period or for a dramatic life-changing turn of events, it’s good to get prepared for all the things that await you at your destination. So you start arranging formalities: visas, savings, finding a place to live, maybe a job, getting the scoop on all the important details about the country of your choice. And that’s great! But then… surprise! Reality happens! Life has a weird sense of humor, so you’re bound to encounter some issues and situations, that you’d never anticipate. How do I know? It happened to me as well. Hi, I’m Marta and I’m not living in the country matching my nationality. I shall be your guide through the everyday expat problems nobody told me about before I moved. Continue reading “10 expat problems nobody tells you about”

Confessions of a spoiled brat or why I quit my job.

I quit my job.

Did I get fired? Nope. Do I have something else lined up? Nope. Do I have a plan? Nope. Am I insane? Maybe. But I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

It wasn’t an easy one to make. I was taught by my parents, who both worked at their respective companies for 20+ years, that stability in life is incredibly important. I am not really wired that way but still, hearing that for most of your life leaves a mark on you, whether you want to admit that you care about what your parents will think about your shenanigans or not.