25 Comments
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Teresa PBG's avatar

This bake-off sounds like the perfect way to get together!

It's much easier in the big centres, and much easier now with the internet, WhatsApp and Facebook. I've been here for 38 years now, so I'm settled, but I've set up an International Café in the Amarante region (central northern Portugal) so that newbies people can meet up.

Heather Afar's avatar

38 years? You’re definitely a local. And what a lovely way to help newbies! I’ll have to look your cafe up whenever I’m in that region next. What’s it called?

Teresa PBG's avatar

It's the International café, Vale de Tamega, Sousa e Douro. We meet monthly, organised through FB and WhatsApp.

In case anyone sees this, here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2106319409780586

Heather Afar's avatar

Thanks for sharing! I'll save it for whenever I'm up that way.

Lani's avatar

Heather, this sounds so lovely. All the desserts sound amazing but the penis cake would win for my family. 😂

Heather Afar's avatar

😝 you’re our kind of people

Lisa Kohr's avatar

Hysterical! Love the bake-off idea too!

Kyla Egan's avatar

The Bake Off is such a perfect expat solution: you can't manufacture decades of shared history, but you can invent reasons to gather and see who shows up. Sounds like you found the right people.

Christina's avatar

Hilarious! 🤣 I've hosted a Thanksgiving a little like this in Spain for years. Everybody has to bring a traditional dish from their culture/family. The joy of navigating immigrant life with immigrants from other places isn't talked about enough.

Heather Afar's avatar

Write about that! I need to know what dishes were served. I love talking about food 😃

NeNe - The Wandering Woman's avatar

I love this and am jealous I was not there to experience your husband's masterpiece and the raucous laughter that I am sure ensued.

You are so right, that is exactly what is needed in today's growing insanity.

I am not a baker, all that measuring intimidates me too much but if I was to join a similar event my one specialty I make is a peach and pecan upside down cake with a bourbon whipped cream.

Now I am regretting I didn't pack my cast iron frying pan 😔

Heather Afar's avatar

Watch the video to hear the laughter—it made my day. ☺️ But how can you say you’re not a baker?!? Peach and pecan upside down cake with bourbon whipped cream?! 🤤 Lady, that is no small feat! Now I wish you brought your cast iron pan too! 😝

NeNe - The Wandering Woman's avatar

I confess, I use a boxed cake mix lol

Heather Afar's avatar

No judgement!

David Morton's avatar

you are living proof there is rejuvenation across the pond. enjoy your well earned life, you certainly paid your dues!

Heather Afar's avatar

Thanks David ☺️

DisneyGirl99's avatar

Heather I've been following you since Mindful Migrant on TT. I'm no longer on TT so I follow you here. I just listened to a presentation yesterday on the Portugal Golden Visa. Seriously considering. Is there a place I can chat you 1 on 1. Currently living in hell hole FL.

Heather Afar's avatar

Wow! I’m honored you’ve stayed with me this long. Truly 🫶🏼! I do paid private consultations if you need 30 or 60 minutes, or if you just have 1 or 2 quick questions, just DM me and I’ll see if I can help.

DisneyGirl99's avatar

Do you happen to work through ExpatsiGo? That is where I had the presentation yesterday

Nell Goddin's avatar

For 10 million reasons, this was the post I needed to read. So happy for you. A moment indeed! 😘🎉

Heather Afar's avatar

I’m so glad it found you, then. Hope it made your day! And THANK YOU for subscribing—you made MY day!!!🌟🥰🌟

Nell Goddin's avatar

My absolute pleasure, you are def my people. I’m following your path, though to southern France and so far love of my life not appeared 😂. But—trying to rise from ashes by living lifelong dream.

Heather Afar's avatar

You got this! 🙌🏼🙌🏼