It's Getting Hot in Here
Plot twist: Are expats the problem? Are we all?
Nicolandria’s ship sailed strong, baby! 🔥 They should’ve won. If you didn’t watch the seventh season of Love Island USA, fret not. There are other lessons here.
Watching that beautiful, dark chocolate American woman Olandria Carthen find love with Floridian Nic Vansteenberghe (ahem, een echt Nederlandse / Vlaamse achternaam) made me think about my own experiences with love. As many of you know, I’ve had many European amores from Ireland, The Netherlands, Italy, and elsewhere. I love love in general, and I want everyone to have it—wherever they find it.
And speaking of finding what you need in unexpected places. 👀
Love in Unexpected Places
This photo above is from a recent trip to Seville. (No scandals; he has a love.) Temperatures there recently reached 115°F / 46°C. Portugal wasn’t as hot, but it’s okay; I don’t mind the heat anyway.
Everyone who knows me knows that I hate cold weather. And, it’s stronger than a preference. I literally liken it to a deep-rooted orientation. In fact, in part, I moved to Portugal specifically for the sun.
Friends back home have noticed the difference. They tell me, “You seem happier.” They’re right. I am.
I feel more like myself when I’m in warmer climates. Some of us need 300 sunny days a year. Endless nights. Bright blue skies. Beaches. Oceans. Hiking. Boats. Rooftops. Outside is where I thrive, and where you’ll see me on IG and Facebook photos, more fully growing into who I’m truly meant to be.
Humans are part of the natural world, just like plants. I mean, sure, you could plant silverleaf sunflowers in Chicago, Illinois—where I’m from—but it doesn’t mean they’ll bloom as beautifully as they do in Italy.
Tell me: What’s your ideal weather? Which season(s) do you claim as “yours”?
Your Love Story Is Someone Else’s Breakup
Let’s stick with the weather for a moment. Intuitively, we understand that various plants are suited to different climates. Some need more water, others less. Some turn toward bright sun, others wilt in it. We are no different.
Throughout time, people have always followed the conditions that let them bloom. Sometimes it’s weather, sometimes it’s something else. But, everyone is a product of migration.
As an American living in Portugal, some of you have asked about the housing crisis here. One of you even sent me this video. It starts:
“Living in Portugal is worse than you think [for locals].”
Of course Portugal is lovely. And, that video isn’t just about Lisbon. It could be about any city battling overtourism: Barcelona, Mexico City, you name it.
From my perspective, here’s what is going on: