Fresh start on the horizon

GuestPoster06823Guest12 December 2021 20:31:51

Hi,

My name's Maureen Mitchell, a 58 year old Canadian mother of two adult daughters. I am looking for a T1 or T2 for myself with a decent energy efficiency rating and A/C. Preferably furnished, as I don't think it feasible to ship my furnishings. Having been a homeowner and landlady myself, I am an incredibly quiet and respectful tenant, who doesn't smoke, do drugs and seldom drinks alcohol.

My number one choice is the Tomar and area, but am open to comparative locations.

I am not planning to ship my car, or purchasing one there, as I have a new, very sturdy electric scooter I think will be ideal. Am aware it requires a converter. It only goes 38 km/hour and does not require licensing here - wondering if the same applies there? It has a removable seat and very sturdy tires, weighing 48 kg.

I have been employed with the school district as an Education Assistant and custodian/maintenance person to top up my hours, since 1992. Not much could intimidate me with my experience and skill set.

I also have worked extensively for several Parks & Recreation societies (currently employed part time) and have previous work experience in all 3 levels of Canadian government in various administrative positions. Prior experience as a homecare provider, nanny, dental laboratory technician, saleswoman, and food/beverage worker.

I am a student at the University of Victoria, studying Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety as well as Business Communications. Am a life-long learner and highly keen student.

As well, I have two businesses, (Shezam Autism Academy for Exceptional Learners, a home business for She's Got Leggz, as an independent stylist, and a blog, [link moderated]) which keep me busy.

Because of a fixed pension income, I am open to working to better contribute and immerse into the local community and culture if my skills are deemed useful. I've been actively searching and have my CV on file with some international recruiters, but will gladly & gratefully accept all & any advice!

English is my mother tongue and I can also converse in French and Spanish. Am currently studying Portuguese to best prepare myself in advance.

Am active in all sports and cannot imagine not living near water to enjoy all it offers. Travelling tops my list of favourites and I also enjoy the outdoors, music, reading, documentaries, movies, live theatre, puzzles, games, cooking and am highly social and friendly.

Please feel free to contact me anytime, as I welcome making meaningful connections and adore networking!

Many thanks for accepting me into your lovely group!

I look forward to building friendships with you!

Cheers,
Maureen

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert14 December 2021 17:56:30

5118

Hi Maureen, Welcome

Tomar is about 60 km from the sea.

Driving licence for motorbikes:
https://www.e-konomista.pt/categorias-carta-mota/

If you want information about a specific area of work you have to detail which one, since you have diversified professional experiences, which is great

Cheers

GuestPoster06823 Guest

GuestPoster06823Guest14 December 2021 20:37:44

Thanks for the lovely warm welcome and information!

Hard to pin down a specific type of work as I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching and Parks & Rec positions. Always open to new ideas/opportunities.

I was thinking of a Nanny position if such a thing is needed in Portugal.

I feel like the biggest stumbling block is finding suitable housing when there is no MSL real estate service like here to one-stop-shop browse and I've heard horror stories of unscrupulous agents who take advantage.

Wishing everyone well as we globally head into another Covid phase.

Cheers,
Maureen

Strontium Serial expat

Member since 27 April 2019

StrontiumSerial expat15 December 2021 11:41:11

420

Tomar is a good choice to start with as it has an "old" and a "new" part and had an expat community but not an expat district so they they tend to be integrated. Also a main line (end of the main line) train station next to the bus station which are easy walking distance to middle of town - rest of town is also walkable but the castle is on a hill (go on Sunday as it's free to get in then) and reasonable connections to other towns and Lisbon. You'll only know if it suits you by experiencing the place so some accommodation ( online stuff like AirBnB) for a short while, the local estste agents will have helpful information about places but may not be up to date online so going into their offices and talking to them is the way to go, they will probably contact other people/agents in a bid to help you if you ask and have some idea what you want, get a Portuguese sim so you have a Portuguese number (available at airports) and possibly some business type cards where you can add your local phone number and temp address. Tomar has banks, some fine English speaking lawyers and "finance office" so all the admin is nearby. There's also an local council run internet cafe with printers and helpful assistants. You'll also find some motorcycle shops, both Honda (plus random other makes) and, slightly further out but walkable a second hand small motorcycle emporium. Info on licences etc just ask (in person) of a "Driving School".
Good luck.

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert15 December 2021 18:44:31

5118

These links give you a lot of information about rentals, which may be useful to you.
Before you talk to the real estate agents, always have an idea of the prices offered in each city and in each house typology. Here you can also find some hints about renting contracts:

Real Estate Website Portals
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 93#5069701
(Post #4)

Some remarks on Rental/Lease Agreement/Contract
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 93#5075332
(Post #9, #10, #11 & #12)

Regarding nannies, there are some hotels that have that type of service. You can also register on websites such as this one:

https://en.babysits.pt/babysitter/tomar/

GuestPoster06823 Guest

GuestPoster06823Guest26 December 2021 16:42:37

Thank you so much for the great info.!

I was chatting on Facebook messenger with a lovely lady who lives in Tomar regarding housing. She said that what is online is more money than what is truly available - not much to choose from online.

I thought you needed a 6 month - year long rental agreement in order to secure a D7 VISA. Is that not correct?

It's quite a daunting process getting all the paperwork in order in advance - especially in a pandemic!

Many thanks again for the information - greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Maureen

williamstony360 Active member

Member since 26 August 2021

williamstony360Active member26 December 2021 17:41:57

I can only support what was provided by Strontium.
Well said, and a very good blend of expat and local residents.
I have no doubt you will find something to suit you, and do recommend you like for somewhere to stay for 2-4 weeks, and then make your way around the town to get something more permanent.

I am in the process of unpacking and found Tomar exactly the right size town for me. I have equally found people very helpful, way beyond expectations.
Tony