Hello from the United States!
February was a whirlwind of movement and big milestones. I kicked things off in Portimão, down in the Algarve, where the pace was slow—sometimes a little too slow, especially on cloudy days. But when the sun made an appearance, I took full advantage, heading to Praia da Rocha to watch the boats and stroll along the boardwalk. The area has some great bars and restaurants, and I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe—especially the Irish pubs (always a good time!). On quieter days, I wandered to Portimão Marina, embracing the relaxed pace before gearing up for my next big move.
Portimão Marina (Marina de Portimão)
The boardwalk at Portimão Marina is a place where art and creativity meet the tranquil beauty of the Algarve. One of my favorite parts of the boardwalk is the diversity of the sculptures. Some are modern and thought-provoking, like the one that appears to mimic the erosion of coastal rocks, while others, like the playful statue of a figure balancing on its head, bring a sense of whimsy to the scene. Even the practical elements, like the colorful recycling bin shaped like a loop, feel like part of the art experience. It’s a reminder of how Portimão values not just aesthetics but also sustainability. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just someone looking to enjoy the peaceful waterfront, the boardwalk offers a little something for everyone.
Back to the United States
Standing in Charles de Gaulle Airport, I took in the breathtaking Notre-Dame de Paris mural behind me—a striking, nearly 3D illusion that made it feel like I was standing right in front of the cathedral itself. The way the glass panels reflected the soft morning light added an almost dreamlike quality to the scene.
With my backpack slung over my shoulder and a ticket in hand, I was on my way back to the U.S.—one more leg of a long journey that started in Portugal. This moment, captured in transit, felt like the perfect blend of past and future—leaving behind one adventure while preparing for the next. But as I stood there, taking in the beauty of Notre-Dame’s towering façade, I couldn’t help but feel a little pause between the movement, a reminder to appreciate where I was, even just for a moment, before taking off again.
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Finally...
The last two weeks of February were all about finalizing visa paperwork and squeezing in some much-needed family time. My appointment in D.C. went smoothly, and just like that, the biggest hurdle was behind me. On March 1st, I returned to Paris for a night before heading to Porto, where I officially moved into my apartment—my first long-term place here!
Now, it’s all about getting settled… and, funny enough, leaving again. Since I’m still on a tourist visa while my application is processed, I’ll be heading back to Albania for a bit. It’s a long process, but by May, I should finally be fully settled in Portugal. Until then, I’ll keep embracing the adventure—one stop at a time.
ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER
Bob Tapper
actorbobtapper@gmail.com
Outside US: +01 9494846275
Inside US: (949) 484-6275
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