Moving – part 4
And all of a sudden we are in February 2021. As if nothing happened, but that is so untrue. We have been in the Netherlands a couple of times. To celebrate the December festivities in very small parties. But also for lesser fortunate family circumstances. Travelling is now very difficult due to all restrictions. Especially when you suddenly need to go home in a super hurry. How to get a PCR test all of a sudden, when abroad. Luckily we found a commercial test facility close to Lisbon, which also provided results within 12 hours. And those blue birds flew us back to Amsterdam.
Upon return to Vilar, early February, we had to move. Pack all our stuff again and move it bit by bit in our car. Where does all that stuff come from, it seems we are gaining possessions over the months. Some tools here, some admin there… Luckily we found a new and affordable apartment. We did not think we would find a comfortable place in the village of Vilar itself.
Our new accommodation is situated in a condominium in the small town of Bombarral. A little more expensive, and at a distance of 12 kms from our building site. But it has a large surface, 3 bedrooms, balconies and even a communal swimming pool, and a gym. Actually we are also pretty much done with camping in a temporary place. We will be ‘stuck’ here for some time to come anyway, so we might as well create something more of a home. And even if the builders will finally start (when, oh when?!?) it will at least take a year before we can start moving – the final episode (hopefully). So we better make ourselves comfortable. Besides, there is also the job in the Netherlands, so a convenient workspace is also very welcome.
In the meantime an old-fashioned Winter with Snow and Ice Skating has entered the Netherlands. Secretly we are very jealous that we miss this rare event. Here we have to maintain our positive mood in an endless drizzle. Drizzling for months now, and the Portuguese people are in a state of weather shock and complain all the time. This weather is so unnatural in their belief.
It is not really cold however, but we are firmly tucked in our winter coats, plus mouth mask. The number of contaminations in this country is very worrying, and the authorities are panicking. Everything is very very closed, and restrictions are firm. In the weekend people are supposed to stay indoors as from 13.00 hrs.! Because, this is the moment when families gather for a long and lavishing lunch. To discourage the cozy family get togethers is really cruel. Traffic between the various townships is also not allowed. And, you can not enter the country anymore without a negative PCR.
Luckily we are now in a safe place with enough space for living comfortably. We have the opportunity to go outdoors. The central town market and other commodities are at a walking distance. No need to hoard on food or toilet paper. So now, let’s get to work, earn that salary and continue to exercise our patience.
