When McDonalds announced they were closing in Russia, I told one of my friends that we might not see a no fly zone, but at least we got a no fry zone. Ok, Ok, that might be a bad joke or a great joke depending on your sense of humor! It's no joke that we're …
It has been a dream of mine for quite some time now to see the big wave surfing at Nazaré. Last week, not only did I get to realize that dream, but I got to attend the once-in-a-year scheduled Nazaré Tow-in Challenge. This is an event that is scheduled for only one day between the …
Someone recently asked me what it was like preparing for the move to Portugal. Today, looking back on my one-year anniversary arrival here, I would recommend one thing - bring an attitude of learning. The wealth in Portugal is not so accurately measured in banks or euros or conveniences, but rather in the hearts and …
Continue reading My 1st visit to a Dentist in Lisbon – Portuguese Healthcare, Part II
I've been writing this blog and posting videos for just under one year now. I’ve come to learn that some people jump straight to the video and just skip the associated blog story. And that’s just fine. I love making these videos and I’m glad that people enjoy them. But I’ve also heard that some …
Continue reading Algarve, Portugal – Breathtakingly Beautiful!
This is one of those stories that really needs a prelude... I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, as many of you know from my Instagram name @YoungstownToPortugal. I attended Catholic grade school which was where I was first introduced to playing organized football. I was in 7th grade. I have the same love for football …
Those of you who remember my video from Madeira where I hiked the Pico Arierio peaks will remember a Drone video shot at the beginning. And, if you saw that, you would have seen me waving on the peak at the last moments of the drone shot. Obviously, that wasn't me operating the drone! I …
My friend Karen and her husband are really great at finding exciting things to do here in Lisbon. She is really great at organizing fantastic events for our group of expat and local Portuguese friends. She is the one who organized the Rooftop Restaurant gatherings where I keep getting to meet new friends and extend …
Madeira Island is stunningly beautiful! And, twelve days is simply not enough time to see and appreciate all of it. Luckily for me, I have friends that live there and were able to help me construct an itinerary for exactly the things that I wanted to do and the things I wanted to see. In …
Continue reading Madeira Island: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike
Madeira! I've heard so much about this Portuguese island that me finally being here seems just incredible! The only way that I can describe the beauty is, it's indescribable! I'm here for my "Birthday week," hosted by my friends Derek and Maria-Renee and I can't thank them enough for showing me around this tropical paradise. …
This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in all of Lisbon! Not just for the fantastic food, exotic drinks, friendly barkeeps, the ambiance, beautiful neighborhood and great friends - OK, maybe it is all of those things! My first visit there was such an awesome experience that I've made Imprensa a regular stop. They …
Continue reading Imprensa Cocktail and Oyster Bar, Lisbon, Portugal
Johnny Portugal 