My continuing exploration of Paphos led me to the harbor, about a mile away from my current apartment. It is the city’s main attraction, drawing all kinds of people to the shops and restaurants, the outdoor exercise area, and plenty of places to walk and sit. A nice place to hang out and I’m glad I first saw it during the gorgeous sunset shown above.
In one of the restaurants by the water, I spotted yet another pet bird just chilling, as big birds tend to do on these islands.
And I discovered that I own a taxi stand. Sweet! That means I get a discount on rides by dropping my name, right? Right???
For the record, I now own a hotel in Istanbul and one in Rome, a clothing store in Sophia, Bulgaria, and a restaurant in Athens. I may be a nobody in the states, but I am a baller in Europe!
On the morning of 1/8/25, I got an email from Google
regarding an update to my account info. They
have decided to change my country region from the U.S. to Portugal. I thought that odd since I’m currently sitting
in Cyprus, but I ain’t mad. I have
spent more time in Portugal than in the U.S. in the past year and half and, of
course, I do want to make that country my home.
I just didn’t expect this change
to happen so soon.
I guess this means that my cell will now work with Google FI
in Portugal again. I’ll have to use esims for any visits to the
U.S. That will be … different.
Yet another incentive to get my a$$ to Mars – I mean
Portugal. Ten points if you get that
reference.
The email inspired me to do a tally of my time outside of
the states since 3/23. In no particular
order:
1 month
in Greece
1 month
in Costa Rica
1 ½ weeks
in Jamaica (still too long)
1 week
in Singapore
2 weeks
in Bulgaria
2 weeks
in Montenegro
1 week
in The Netherlands
1 week
in Ireland (not long enough)
3 weeks
in Thailand
1 month in
the U.S. (roughly)
2 months
in Cyprus (and counting)
5 months
in Türkiye
8 months
in Portugal
Equaling 22 months of travel. Can you figure out which ones are my favorites? When I first started this journey, the main 3
countries that I wanted to explore as a potential home were Portugal, Thailand,
and Costa Rica. Now the big three are
Portugal, Türkiye, and Cyprus.
Speaking of finding a home, I figured I’d investigate
apartments in Cyprus just out of curiosity.
Most of the 2-bedrooms I found are way too expensive at 1500 euros and
up in Larnaca (my preferred city), Paphos, and Limassol (I plan to hit that
city next). The only places under 1000 euros
are in Nicosia. Haven’t been there yet
and have no plans to go there, mainly because the city is further inland than
the other places I mentioned. Hence the
lower costs.
Call me spoiled, but I really need to be in walking distance of the water. And, yes, I know I’ll have to pay for the privilege.
I periodically check Idealista.com for apartments in Portugal. It’s currently not looking so good for places in Funchal. Most are in the same range as the ones here in Cyprus. Places in Portimão are more reasonable, though. I do love Funchal, and it is still the goal for my next home, but it all depends on my budget. If I ever get a job and a visa, Portimão might become home. I figure as long as I make it to Portugal, I’m good.
During this first week of January, I was watching the news from the U.S. Devastating fires on the west coast, deadly snowstorms on the east coast. Sigh. The world’s going to hell and, unfortunately, the U.S. has a head start.
I really need to get my a$$ to Portugal.
