Doug/Monique, my wife and I have not commented previously. But huge thanks for videos. Broadly similar situation and outlook. Visiting Portugal shortly for look-see. Perhaps Madeira trip next year. Who knows. Your videos have been immensely insightful and authentic. From Canada.

Wonderful video, totally agree, is always good to learn something new

Don't know if anyone has mentioned that your room echoes a bit. May want to look into that. I like your casts and know the importance of removing minor distractions from content.

I enjoy watching your new found hobby – making videos. You both are doing an excellent job. An inspiration for me. Thank you and may God bless you both always 😀🙏

Did you you two considered other countries besides Portugal? My wife and I have been to Madeira and love it! But my wife wants to retire the Great Britain and I would like either Italy or Portugal. Enjoy your videos tremendously!

Thanks so much Monique & Doug for all you do. Luv your positive notes of change! FYI to ALL. I remember one of the ways to learn a new language is to watch kid cartoons/shows in the language you are interested in learning. I believe "Talk the Streets" mentioned this possibility. Happy Day, wish I was there too.

Hi Doug and Monique. This is definitely the most entertaining and one of the most thought-provoking videos you have done. Even though you are new YouTubers, you are both naturals at this and you have definitely dialed in a winning combination of a fun presentation style and great content. The topics you cover in this one were really relevant. I know my wife and I have already created a list of things we want to do and new things we want to learn when we retire. I really agree with what you said about learning the language. It's easy to fall into the trap of never quite making the time to do it when much of the local population speaks English. However, I agree with your statement that learning the language is a way to honor the people and the country who have provided a place for you to retire. Being able to speak the language is probably the single most important thing that will allow you to integrate into you new culture and prevent you from being regarded as a permanent tourist. I would be interested in knowing what European Language App you guys are using. Thanks again. Cheers!

Hats off to you both about being bothered learning the language. Well done.

What’s the app that you use for learning Portugal Portuguese?

At age fifty two I started to learn saxophone although I am still working full time. I have been teaching myself Portuguese for months now, not a easy one, the grammar is quite confusing. keep the mind and the body busy is the way to happiness.

Which language app are you using? My husband and I have been using Memrise since we moved to Portugal last April from the US. We are currently in beautiful Madeira and loving it!

You two have been an inspiration! My wife and I are investigating moving overseas and watching you navigate the process is really helpful. Keep up the good work. Doug I too took up the guitar in retirement and it is such a fulfilling journey….. Take a look at Paul Davids YouTube channel he has a few online courses and a huge following…..he does some awesome videos showing off his skills as well.

Hi there. interesting to hear your point of view an advice. We'll maybe bump into you sometime and we can buy you a coffee! All the best to you both and enjoy your days on this lovely island.

Great video guys and by now looking forward to your weekly videos…thx for sharing and great content as always.

You guys look so young and relaxed, i cant believe you have worked for so long. Can you do a day in the life type video, how your day is usually structured. I want to incorporate some of those things into my life, even though im not retired yet.

Absolutely wonderful videos. YES!! I have been retired for a few years, and YES, that is exactly what I have been dealing with. Plan is to immerse myself in Portugal and meet people, join groups, learn language and go from there. – We are in the process of getting things ready for D7. We are going to Porto area, but will have to check out Madera. Have a wonderful day!

Love your message. Not only is learning enjoyable, it's also important in times of rapid change. As I write this, I am reminded of one of my favorites quotes that I included in my book where I open the chapter entitled Learning How to Learn with the following quote: “In times of change, those who are prepared to learn will inherit the land, while those who think they already know will find themselves wonderfully equipped to face a world that no longer exists.”
Keep on learning and the good work you both are doing. Thank you.
– Eric Hoffer

I’m using “Talk the Streets” which is a UK teacher which I like as she understands the difficulty with Portuguese being a second language. I’ve tried others like this one but the teachers are Portuguese and I think they don’t understand how difficult it is since Portuguese is their first language.

I hear you about learning new skills. For most of my life, I somewhat hated cooking and avoided it as much as possible. Then once the pandemic hit and I began spending so much more time at home, I gradually started picking it up (with the help of lots of YouTube videos). Now I really enjoy it and do 95% of the cooking in our household. I am optimistic that retirement life in Portugal will offer some fun new cooking challenges, and I'm already excited about that.

Do most people speak English in Portugal? I spent a day in Lisbon and no one spoke English. Granted that was over a decade ago…

You guys are great and it is clear that you are making the best of your retirement!! Thanks for the great content!!

Great video always look forward to them, it's great to hear your experiences and advice, I look forward to the day that I can retire to beautiful Madeira

Your videos have made Portugal my #1 retirement destination goal – specifically, Madeira thank you so much.

Btw. Perhaps I missed it..what language app are you using?

I’m so glad you chose to do these videos. They’re really good and I look forward to them.

What app are you using? I am trying Memrise, but it doesn't give me pronunciation. At least that I have found?

You both embody what keeps a healthy marriage! Working, learning, and playing together. My wife and I are close to retirement and are inspired and encouraged seeing the “other side”. We have a thriving faith community back in the states and love to find one in PT so we can continue to love and serve people in our new local community. Thanks for sharing your new journey with us! Outstanding! Keep up the great Vlogs!!’

Great video as always! Carrie and I were just talking on our walk this morning, about how we were looking forward to taking Portuguese lessons when we retire and move out there in a couple of years. And the fact that it would be a fulfilling and productive way to spend some of our time as new retirees.