Keep on dreaming
With a cup of cappuccino in her hand, she looks at us intently; “I would like to ask you some questions for a two-part feature in the Haarlems Dagblad. On one page, it’s about you leaving for Portugal, and on the adjacent page, an interview with a couple returning to the Netherlands after three years.” I hesitate. “But is that really good PR for us, being associated with emigrants who give up on their dream after just three years?” “It’s definitely advertising because you’re staying in Portugal!” says the journalist firmly, as she puts the cup down emphatically on the wooden table, foam still around her mouth. “Why do you think that?” I ask, surprised. “I can tell that you’re happy in Haarlem as well; your dream is not an escape but a heartfelt wish.
Portugal has it
And she was right. Even after more than twelve special years, we’re staying! Most likely not in this place after this season, but certainly along the sunny, salty southern coast of the Algarve. Just now, as we’re working on making our next dream come true, viewers are coming by who, like us nearly thirteen years ago, want to run a B&B or yoga retreat here. It’s always a joy to walk with them around ‘the estate,’ seeing the expressions on their faces as they take in the view and the colorful garden. With some, you can hear in all tones, it remains just a dream. Because; “Yes, we’ve had this plan for years, because Portugal has it; we tell our neighbors, friends, but some have stopped reacting.” ‘Yes,’ I think, ‘understandable, they have to hear about these supposed plans day in and day out. Meanwhile, the years pass, and they continue to shiver in ‘that cold frog country.’” And those are not my words, because I continue to appreciate the Netherlands, although I am now too rooted in Portugal. Even people with a budget for a rundown ruin think they can set up a B&B here; “Keep on dreaming!”
Live your dream from satisfaction
Just like the journalist, we recognize those people who seriously want to realize their dream; they inquire and talk, but they also look and feel above all. They are entrepreneurs or have had a business before, but they want a different challenge. They are not thrown off course by changes. They are doers with the necessary reserves in the bank. But most importantly; they are satisfied.
Just as you can hear Dutch residents complain about their homeland, you also have emigrants in the Algarve who are dissatisfied with how things are here. “Integrating is impossible” or “When there’s a breakdown, it takes a long time to get fixed,” etc. Well, it’s okay to be irritated from time to time, but if you’re consistently unhappy with your living or working situation, it’s time for a change, right? But as the journalist clearly indicated, you’ll encounter yourself anywhere in the world. If you’re inwardly unhappy, it won’t matter if you’re on a paradisiacal island in the South Pacific; it’s just as tough, especially there.
Other dreams
But now I’m only talking about people who have their dream abroad. With a nudge from Vier in Bed or starting their own B&B. Luckily, we have the privilege to share in the processes of a few of our guests’ dreams. Like an enthusiastic nurse who has started her own business and provides tailored care for disabled children, doing it with so much joy. Her schedule is packed. Or an enthusiastic couple who successfully started the charming boutique B & B de Bilt two years ago. You can even take creative workshops there. Another beloved repeat guest-friend saw several dreams come true in just a few months; meeting the love of her life, a new challenging job, cohabitating, making space for a new family member, a dog from Portugal. Or Eus’s son, who developed a much better website than Funda; Huispedia, from your living room, turning house dreams into housewarmings.
Joy is not in things, it’s in us
And there are many more people we know who are making their dreams come true. Or those who contentedly keep dreaming but are not unhappy if that dream doesn’t materialize. And that’s the crux; dream or no dream, as long as you’re satisfied with who you are, who surrounds you, what you do and where you live. All these ingredients come together when your motivation comes from within. Regardless of the external circumstances. Joy is not in things, it’s in us.
