Life Abroad in Portugal with Bob Tapper 🇵🇹

Send me a Text Message! AUGUST  2024 I traveled from Manchester to Cologne, and despite the heat, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Being my first visit, I’ve put together a list of pros and cons. Splitting my time between Bonn and Cologne gave me a well-rounded view of the area, and both cities have so much to offer. One highlight was visiting the Beethoven House, where you can explore t...

Send me a Text Message! I took a stroll around Cologne, Germany, near the Rhine River, where people gather, and I asked them who they would vote for in the U.S. elections—Kamala Harris or Donald Trump—if they had the chance to vote. Support the show

Send me a Text Message! JULY 2024 I've settled into my routine, my allergies are gone, and I'm exploring more of the city, even though it's a bit chilly and cloudy. I experienced an authentic British Sunday roast, a tradition that's been around since medieval times. It’s all about families coming together for a hearty meal, and I’ll share a bit of its history. I also visited th...

Send me a Text Message! JUNE  2024 Join me as I explore Leeds this summer! Arriving on June 1st, I've settled into the vibrant Leeds Dock, a hub of modern apartments, businesses, and cultural attractions. I love spending time at Fearns, a trendy bar and restaurant, and working at the Department, a fantastic coworking space. I'll share how I'm managing allergies while enjoying Leeds...

Send me a Text Message! MAY  2024 Join me this month as I explore the historic market town of Bury in Greater Manchester. We'll journey from metro to bus, ending up in Ramsbottom to focus on the iconic Holcombe Hill and the majestic Peel Tower, a tribute to former UK Prime Minister Robert Peel. Built in 1852, this 128-foot tower offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Experience...

Send me a Text Message! APRIL   2024 Embark on a scenic journey from Manchester to Pool-in-Wharfedale for a captivating acting workshop. Experience the tranquility of the countryside as you travel through rolling hills and lush green landscapes. In Manchester, immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the Royal Exchange Theatre, renowned for its unique circular design and diverse productions. E...

Send me a Text Message! MARCH  2024 In the latest episode of my podcast, I bid a temporary farewell to Portugal, leaving behind the sunny streets of Lisbon but carrying cherished memories with my filmmaking group. Before my departure, I took time to explore two beloved nearby destinations: the magical allure of Sintra and the coastal charm of Cascais, reminiscent of California. Now, I find myself...

Send me a Text Message! FEBRUARY  2024 Welcome to my February podcast, broadcasting live from Lisbon where the weather has been delightful, marked by sunny days occasionally interrupted by refreshing rain showers. Nestled in a cozy Airbnb, conveniently situated for optimal productivity, I've found the perfect base for my creative endeavors. Undoubtedly, the highlight of my trip has been my en...

Send me a Text Message! JANUARY  2024 To begin the new year, I take you on my adventure back to the US, where I reconnect with family and friends, and delve into the nostalgic task of clearing out a storage unit filled with memories. I'm thrilled to share my plans to enhance my skill set by obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, blending my passion for teachi...

Send me a Text Message! DECEMBER  2023 As the year draws to a close, I find myself back in Lisbon, reminiscing about the events of 2023. While my Airbnb experience hit a snag, a move to Estoril, Portugal, brought a satisfying resolution. Unlike my last visit in 2020/2021 when the Christmas Markets were shuttered, this time they're bustling with festive energy, brimming with delectable food, l...

Send me a Text Message! NOVEMBER  2023 So, I just went from a small town near the Adriatic Sea up to Tirana, the capital city of the country. What a change! I'm fully embracing it and really enjoying it. I'm staying in a wonderful neighborhood called Blloku. The Blloku neighborhood is a vibrant area that has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Originally a restricted zo...

Send me a Text Message! OCTOBER  2023 Albania has truly been a delightful surprise! Durrës is a port city and my Airbnb is on the 11th floor of a high-rise, so the view of the Adriatic Sea is spectacular! There's so much to see and do here. The local restaurants are abundant and ready to be explored, and I can't wait to start! In this episode: Getting settled in Durrës Daily life in Durr...

Send me a Text Message! SEPTEMBER 2023 I had an amazing summer in Leeds, and now that I've moved to Liverpool, I'm loving the fresh scenery. My stay here has been upbeat, filled with great conversations. It's just a 10-minute walk to the vibrant Hope Street, known for its historic architecture, Everyman Theatre, art galleries, and restaurants. Another enjoyable 10-minute walk takes...

Send me a Text Message! AUGUST 2023 As summer slowly comes to a close here in Yorkshire, it's been an absolute blast! These past few months have been a delightful mix of adventure, discovery, and happiness. This marks my third English summer, and I must say, I'm feeling right at home. The weather has been quite agreeable.  There's been a good balance of a few warm days but mainly co...

Send me a Text Message! JULY 2023 The month of July has been fantastic!  Throughout the month, I had the chance to embark on a couple exciting day trips - one of the best things about being here in England. The weather has been comfortable and I've really be enjoying the cooler, pleasant temperatures, despite a few rain showers. My Airbnb has quickly became my home away from home, and I got t...

Send me a Text Message! JUNE  2023 I'm back in Leeds!  Even though Leeds is only 45 miles from Manchester (and a one hour train ride) packing up and moving my life, even a short distance, feels like a major life changing shift for me. In this episode: Back in Leeds The Airbnb experience Coworking at Leeds Dock Steph's Packed Lunch Summertime in Leeds Which City is Best?  Leeds, Mancheste...

Send me a Text Message! The north England cities of Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool are very different from each other.  I've spent time in all three, and they all have positives and a few negatives. In this interview, I asked some people which city they preferred.  Not a real scientific poll, but I think their answers give a pretty clear idea as the what each city is like. Support the show

Send me a Text Message! MAY 2023 Spring has arrived in Manchester, bringing with it a mix of blossoming flowers and seasonal allergies. Despite the sniffles, I'm enjoying settling into a good routine and discovering all that Manchester has to offer. This month, I felt very near to the King's Coronation on May 6th and celebrated with the locals. I also visited the John Rylands Library (li...

Send me a Text Message! It's a big weekend here in the U.K. and a big coronation lies ahead.  So this American decided to ask some people what they thought of the upcoming coronation.  Hear what they had to say! Support the show

Send me a Text Message! APRIL 2023 Hello!   It’s so good to be back in the north of England!  Going from one of the oldest cities in Europe, to a very modern one, is culture shock indeed! The non-stop flight from Athens to Manchester was flawless on Jet2 airlines.  They are a friendly and fun airline, and they make the trip really pleasant. My Airbnb hosts are wonderful, with two cute kids, a lova...

Send me a Text Message! MARCH 2023 Hello!   I've been waiting for the month of March!  Spring is in the air!  Even though the winter has been pretty mild, I expected super nice weather this month and it came through.  There were more experiences to be had, so I made the most of my final month in Greece! In this episode: Train collision in Greece Boat ride to Aegina Island National Archeologic...

Send me a Text Message! I wandered around and asked random people about their favorite things in Athens.  Their answers were a bit predictable, but you'll certainly know why people want to come here.  Also, I got the best history lesson ever on the Parthenon! Support the show

Send me a Text Message! FEBRUARY 2023 Hello!   There's so much to explore here in Greece, and I've begun to discover it!  The weather has turned a bit wintery, with cool temperatures, rain, and some wind.  But the sunny days are plentiful, and getting out to see the beautiful sites of Athens is underway! In this episode: Hiking up to the Parthenon Traffic - and lots of it Getting lost in...

Send me a Text Message! Support the show

Send me a Text Message! I tasted some amazing moussaka from the family-owned Eugenia Restaurant in Athens, Greece!  It's mama's original recipe, made with eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, meat, and béchamel cream - and lots of love! The owner is Dimitri, but I got the chance to speak with his daughter Eva and she filled me in on what makes the dish one of the most popular on the menu.  I mu...