We knew it would happen. Everyone warned us it would happen. Still  we were surprised and annoyed. In our second week in Portugal, we were both hit hard with cold-flu symptoms. (Resfriado – Gripe.)  You work extra hard running on high adrenaline for weeks to accomplish the move. Then you arrive and you let your defenses down and Bam – it hits you! 

We spent this last week seeing yet more apartments with yet more agents all the while keeping tissues handy. It was exhausting. We had our first rainy days at the same time. Saturday I spent a very rare whole day in bed. But, this too shall pass. Today, the sun is out and we are both feeling “over the hump.”

Friday we submitted an offer on an apartment. We have no idea if it will go anywhere. We have to wait until tomorrow afternoon to meet again at the real estate office to hear how the sellers responded. The Portuguese like to do everything face to face. Unlike the way we did it in the US, there is no back and forth negotiating via email or text or phone. If we do reach an agreement on the price, then we will all sit in a room together with the sellers, agents, and attorneys,  and hash out the actual contract details. Fingers crossed that we can come to a deal!