I walked into a neighborhood pharmacy in Porto with a paper cup of lukewarm espresso and a folder of bloodwork. Thirty minutes later I left with a box that cost €8 and does the same biochemical job as the $340 pill people keep buying in the States. I did not outsmart the system. I just …

So here is the sentence you probably do not want to hear. The age of getting into Portugal on easy mode is closing fast, and some of the doors many people were banking on are already shut as of late October. The cutoff is not a single law with a big red button, it is …

If there’s one dish that captures the bold simplicity of Portuguese coastal cooking, it’s Gambas à l’Ajillo — juicy shrimp sizzling in garlicky olive oil, kissed with chili and finished with a splash of white wine or lemon. While variations of garlic shrimp exist across southern Europe, the Portuguese version stands apart for its depth …

Why Bother Looking Beyond Diet? When comparing American and European lifestyles, we often see an obesity gap: on average, more Americans struggle with excess weight, while many Europeans remain slimmer. Conventional wisdom focuses on diet—less processed food, smaller portions, more fresh produce. And that’s partially true. But my year living in Europe, plus discussions with …

Sauces are the secret language of global cuisine. They transform simple ingredients into memorable meals, bringing depth, texture, and personality to every bite. From creamy classics to fiery blends, each sauce carries the essence of the culture it comes from. Across the world, sauces do more than flavor food—they tell stories. French béchamel reflects centuries …

People keep sending me the same message every December. “Is Spain taxing my American accounts from January 1 if I have more than $250,000.” Short answer: no, not like that. Longer answer: Spain taxes residents on a December 31 snapshot using Spanish rules, there is a separate nationwide solidarity wealth tax above €3,000,000, and the …

And what it reveals about instinct, restraint, and why the best technique isn’t taught in school—it’s passed across a wooden spoon In a formal culinary program, you’ll spend days learning how to build sauces: the correct ratio of fat to acid, how to reduce a stock without scorching it, and when to add wine, vinegar, …

It is not a scammer on the Pont Neuf. It is not a pickpocket on line 4. The loss happens in your browser and at a bank desk while the euro moves three cents. A family arrives in Lyon, rents a decent two bedroom in Croix-Rousse, tries to wire their down payment, and quietly vaporizes …

And what it reveals about time, taste, and why Italians take their daily rituals very seriously There are many ways to blend in while traveling through Italy. Learn a few key phrases. Don’t expect restaurants to open at 5:30. Never touch the produce at the market. Dress like you meant to leave the house. But …

And what it reveals about rhythm, stress, and how well-being is defined beyond the medical chart According to the latest global life expectancy rankings, Spain continues to sit near the top. In 2025, Spanish people are still outliving their American counterparts by nearly five years — and the gap is growing. Yet to many Americans, …

Why This Matters You’re an American woman in Europe, excited to meet a new friend or possible romantic interest for coffee. Simple, right? Then you discover cappuccino after noon is taboo in Italy, or everyone stands at a bar in Portugal for just 5 minutes, or men in Spain offer to pay for everything—the norms …

If your U.S. bank says you can take out a thousand a day but every Italian machine keeps spitting back your request, you are not being scammed. You just ran into Italy’s per-withdrawal cap culture and a fee structure that punishes repeat taps unless you know where to aim your card. Walk up to a …