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About Life and Moving.
Our Story
When you Pack up to Leave for the Azores...
Believe me, that is a big decision - especially when you have been in the same house for many years and have passed the mid-seventies mark.
Like lots of other people, we did collect lots and lots of stuff over the years.
After a couple of months of donating and garage sales (you get to meet all the really nice neighbors you never knew!), we finally got close to the end saying our final goodbyes to almost all our old personal belongings – except for the 30 boxes with the stuff we really could not part with and decided to take with us to our new home and life abroad
Our Story continued.
But, the CAR…
Now, let’s delve into the main crux of the story:
After extensive deliberation, online research, and reading about the Portuguese system for bringing personal belongings, including my cherished old car, I finally made the decision to bring my reliable 1999 SAAB 9-5 SE 3.0. She had only 63,500 miles on the odometer and had been parked in my garage for nearly nine years. She had only been taken out a few times each month to get the tires “massaged.” This has kept her in almost new condition, even close to original! My dear friends in Chicago had purchased her in 1999 and drove her down to Florida, where they kept her for their winter stays. Therefore, she has no rust damage from road salt, and I wanted to keep it that way - and ALL paint is original.!!
The Portugues System.!!
Welcome to Portugal.?????
Click here for GrowIN Portugal.
Yes, the Portuguese people are warm and welcoming, and we have only good things to say about everyone we have met and shared wonderful Portuguese dinners with. That said, let me explain what happens when you bring along your reliable 27-year-old car. First, though, I should mention that bringing our household belongings into the country caused no trouble at all. I do not think customs even opened any of the boxes.
Check the link below update from Aug 2026.
https://www.growinportugal.com/step-by-step-guide-how-to-import-a-car-to-portugal
Our Journey Begins.
Shipped with Care
From Miami to Rotterdam, our Saab's journey was a mix of excitement and unforeseen delays. Despite the customs checks and delays, our experience highlights the importance of patience and trust in logistics.
On the Road Again
Embarking on a road trip in a Saab means experiencing unmatched comfort, safety, and innovation. Feel the thrill of driving a vehicle designed for excellence, with impressive fuel efficiency and a legacy of patented safety features.
Celebrating Ribe
Our trip to Ribe was full of cherished moments with family and exploration. Despite the travel restrictions, we enjoyed visiting local landmarks and creating lasting memories.
