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Thank you for this video, always makes us understand how life is in retirement and in a completely different country. Of course it helps if where you are is paradise. BTW, I just love Alan's humor. Makes me chuckle every time. As one comment was saying, in time, you guys will be YouTube personalities in the island. More people will recognize your family. It's amazing to know that others have offered Leslie a plot for her to garden. God Bless your family always! 🙏🎂🙂

Alan, Did you think of Mexico before Portugal and if so why Portugal?

Does Madeira have reliable public transportation or do you really need a car? I’m so use to having a car, but that would help save money to sell my Lexus with the house.

I was born in Santana but live and have grown up in the uk . I love going back to Madeira and can not wait to take my British wife to see my place of birth . I wish you all a happy life in madeira .

Thanks for share, our journey starts this Oktober. We will be downsizing in quarteira.

Hello. i would love to see your son perspective on living in Madeira. it'll be fun

I just love your videos

Thanks for another thought-provoking video, Alan & Leslie. You made a great point that sometimes you can make friends and share your resources with each other, so not every household needs to own everything. Also, I recall from your 'cost of living' video that your apartment is pretty good-sized in terms of square footage, so I hope you're not feeling too cramped there!

It sounds like you have developed a new community that provides everything you gave up leaving the States. That is just as it should be. Congrats on finding a new "family," as it were

My big question, as the video is still playing, so you may have answered it. Did you bring your bug with you? I do want to bring mine, don’t really care about most other stuff. How is the old vw scene over there?

Any regret?

I am retired in the US, and have fortunately done pretty well. But I don't think there really is any such thing as the "American Dream". Life is what you make it, no matter where you are. Sounds like you have done a great " life" job…

— We here in the states hear news about record heat wave in Spain and Portugal . How are you folks doing ?

So insightful and educational on how one should approach the changing season's in ones life. Downsizing is more than residential space. It's downsizing psychologically — accepting limitations, letting go of dreams that may never be realized and one the the areas you excel in — that's looking at the bright side of life. Some retirees have difficulty adjusting to the Autumn of ones life. But you emphasize there's so much to be grateful for. We love the gardens you show us. Hydrangeas (the bluer the better!) are my all-time favorite! AND the fact that you both are so darned likeable, new friends will come to you I suspect no matter where you are. We chuckled at the 50,000 subscribers which for your channel is totally doable. I've told everyone at the office about you! Just be careful what you wish for. To be that popular on a tiny island, you'll have to deal with a Rock Star's following — I've heard some YouTubers come to regret the popularity aspect. And lastly — as I wrap this up — I have a question*** Have either of you had difficulty with separating yourselves from American Pop Culture? And the news? Are you still connected to daily news in the States or have you been able to cut that cord? On Madeira, have you found any English news sources? THANK YOU for delving into topics that affect us all, especially Expats and Expats-in-Training. Best!

Your videos are getting better each time! How old is your son? Does he go to school!?

Perfect timing. Good girlfriend and family just returned from Portugal on a scouting mission. I'll be debriefing her soon as I too am interested in making an exit.

Obrigado! Another fantastic video and valuable insight.

Enjoy your videos! I heard that there's a large population of stray dogs on Madeira. Some are aggressive. Have you found this to be an issue during your outdoor activities?

Great Video Alan love watching your Videos.

Love your videos. Want to get to know you all. Coming in October. Are you up for a visit?
Buddy and Sue

Wish I was thinking and acting on retiring early when in my 20ies. Your mature calm voice sounds like a music. Have you ever considered working on audio books or movies voice over? Now I am working on a plan to retire early, although its very hard for a single woman who used to be a shopaholic, but I believe its doable. Thank you for your positive and inspiring videos.

We are on our way in September. Destinations, the Azores and Madeira. Can't wait!

Funny that about giving up on the American dream, as I've been reading more and more about Portugal being the European California. I think many (Europeans included) are discovering their American dream in Portugal…at half the price and double the fun.

Great video 🙋👍💖 greetings from Vieques Island 🏝️ Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

Well said in 3very thing. So glad you three are spending more time together and finding out just how much you need in life! Oh how I would enjoy living there! Thanks so much for your videos. A wonderful hobby for all!

Your Filimng Shots/Quality is really awesome!!!

Hey Alan, unfortunately I had to discover how the Madeiran health care system works! Was walking up the stairs at Monte Palace and caught a step – gouged out a big piece of my big toe 🙁 After making our way back to the airbnb, I had a bolt driver take me to the ER. Luckily the bolt drivers have been very kind here, it's quite difficult to get around without a car.

Does anyone bicycle around Funchal? Or does it seem possible?

Hi Alan and Leslie
We also hope to retire to Madeira. I always find your videos informative and inspirational. Thanks for giving is so much information (and courage). We would love to share a poncha or bica with you both when we are there.

I don't mind downsizing and living in small spaces. However, I am VERY worried about noise and smells from neighbors. How how you found the noise and smells where you are? Or were you just able to easily adapt to those things?

Another great video. We downsized 2 years ago from a large home with a yard and inground pool that backed up to a stream and woods. It was our dream home, but not our dream place. It also was needing expensive repairs. We moved to the beach to, at first, a 2 BR apartment and now a 4 BR condo. Couldn't be happier. With no yardwork, we have so much time on weekends to explore. I consider it a good stepping stone to our next adventure, which may very well be Portugal. We would love to know what you plan to do though, once NHR runs out at 10 years. Do you plan on staying anyway? Perhaps you can make a video on this. Not too many people are clear what happens to US expats in Portugal. I know the situation varies depending on income source. Thanks Allan

Thanks. Alan (Allen?),
Another fun and beautiful video. Madeira is stunning! So sweet to be offered garden space and use of a garage.
Can I ask if your son is 21 or older? My sons are young adults, 21 and 25, and I understand that they are now too old to be included on my D7 visa. There is one caveat to that in the case that they can show acceptance to a university in Portugal.
If your son is 21+, were you able to include him under your D7? If not, was his independent visa a challenge to obtain? Maybe a short vid on that would be helpful to others.
Thanks, Alex

I’m retiring in December this year, I’ll be 57, love your videos about your daily life, very courageous to do what you did, It’s too bad that American has price the American dream out of so many people.

Ola and Bom Dia! We plan to aquire a house in the general Porto area hopefully by the end of this year. In about 5 years, I can retire. Stuff: Yes, I love my shop, my old computers, software and electronic gadgetry. And, I could try to put it in storage. But, it's probably better to just sell off what I can. Shipping it there is unrealistic.
If you guys plan to hop over to Lisbon or Porto for a visit, play at the beach, or find some fascinating locales and eateries that would be a neat episode too! Be Well and enjoy your new world!

Thank you for your reflections. I’ve heard much the same from others. I’ve planned for over a dozen years to live in either Spain, MX Or other similar country. After much research I have my super short list. I was going to take more definite steps and hoped to move by 2023. Then I had a health event. I’m much better. Still trying to get clear on my treatment plan, however, and hope to be cleared for travel by the winter. Of course, this has slowed me down and changed my economy, along with everything else that’s going on. Yet, in spite of it all, I recognize that I’m in a privileged position because I can still make the move and it will improve my life provided that I can establish a good health plan wherever I move. We all have challenges. We need to pursue our dreams regardless.

we couldn't be more content bringing our 6 suitcases over. The cleansing process of getting rid of all the worldly possessions was extremely liberating, we are so excited to have you guys in our second half of life 🙏

I am reminded of a book "Let Your Life Speak" by Palmer Parker. In it Parker says that when one door closes, we often remain so focused on the door that closed that we forget to turn around and see that a whole new world has just opened up for us, filled with new opportunities, new adventures. We need only to accept what is and to then turn around and step into the world of new possibilities and enjoy the new ride. Thanks for another great video Alan and generously sharing your experiences with us.

Was part of this showing the valley of the nuns? So many valleys,so much beauty.