For one who is more than half committed to the Algarve but yet too young to take the final plunge, an interesting & informative article.
From regular visits over the last 10 years, it is apparent that today’s Portugal is different from that of yesteryear & not always for the better but this can be said of a lot of countries.
To me it is obvious that Portugal is still in a significant period of change; possibly a function of the relatively recent revolution (1974) or current financial situation? However, it is also my impression that it goes further than this & is more a case of Portugal catching up with the rest of Europe (the developed world?).
Additionally, as I have observed before, at times, it appears that Portugal consists of distinct 2 countries; the Algrave & the Rest, who have differing, attitudes, values & expectations and at times, limited tolerance for each others' points of view.
Possibly, to give the complete picture, one should ask, where applicable, “Having once relocated to Portugal, why are you now seeking to leave?”
I, for one, will be very interested to read all of the responses to this thread as they may help me make my final decision.
Currently I am in Cyprus (north & south), possibly an alternative final resting place. Where I am seeing a similar situation & hearing the same views (Cyprus is not the same as the good old days & getting very expensive etc).
Cyprus also had their latest political upheaval (but still to be resolved) in 1974.
