Nearly three years ago, we packed up our lives and moved from Iowa to Portugal. We expected some changes. We planned for others. But a lot of what actually shifted happened slowly — quietly — and in ways we didn’t fully notice until recently.In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, we reflect on who we were when we arrived and who we are now. We talk about how living in Portugal has changed our relationship with time, work, guilt, identity, parenting, and even ourselves — and what hasn’t changed at all.This isn’t a “pros and cons of moving abroad” episode. It’s a conversation about identity, control, and what happens when you step into a different system with different values and let it reshape you.In this episode, we talk about:How moving abroad slowly changes you in ways you didn’t planLetting go of control — and why that was harder than we expectedWhy we feel calmer, more present, and less defined by our jobsWhat Portugal has taught us about time, illness, and permission to stopHow our kids have changed by learning to be “the other”And why we’re no longer apologizing for who we areIf you’ve ever thought about moving abroad — or if you’ve felt the pull to change your life but weren’t sure what that would cost or give back — this episode is for you.🎧 As the Dinesens Turn chronicles the ongoing adventures of an ordinary family who decided to do something a little extraordinary.👉 Subscribe for new episodes and short clips👉 Share this episode with someone who’s feeling stuck or curious about what’s next

In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, Jason and Tracy talk about what Christmas season is really like in Portugal — from festive lights and roasted chestnuts to Christmas markets, baking traditions, and big travel dreams for the future.

They share what makes the holidays feel special abroad, how Portuguese Christmas culture compares to back home, and why this season has sparked a renewed commitment to saying “yes” to the things they’ve always wanted to do.

Along the way, the conversation takes a fun turn into Christmas baking for Portuguese students, bread-and-cheese obsessions, Spanish Christmas markets, whiskey discoveries, and the early seeds of a possible new podcast idea: Jason on the Rocks 🥃

• Christmas lights, markets, and the smell of roasted chestnuts in Portugal

• Visiting Vigo, Spain for one of Europe’s biggest Christmas light displays

• Portuguese vs. American holiday traditions

• Christmas baking (and stress baking) abroad

• Sharing American treats with Portuguese students

• Bread, cheese, mulled wine, and holiday food favorites

• A new idea: mixing whiskey tastings with tax talk

• Dream travel plans for 2026 (London, Barcelona, Denmark & more)

• Why this season is all about finally doing the things you keep talking about

00:00 – Welcome to As the Dinesens Turn
00:20 – Christmas time in Portugal
01:30 – Christmas markets & holiday vibes
01:49 – Trip to Vigo, Spain
03:36 – Mulled wine, bread & cheese
04:28 – Christmas baking traditions
06:01 – Whiskey discoveries in Portugal
06:25 – “Jason on the Rocks” podcast idea
08:55 – Making 2026 a year of experiences
10:07 – Travel dreams & future plans
12:28 – Wrap-up

As the Dinesens Turn chronicles the adventures of a family from Iowa who decided to pack up their lives and move to Portugal — sharing the joys, challenges, culture shock, and everyday moments along the way

🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:📌 About the Podcast:

We’re finally back! After four months, Jason and Tracy return to share what’s been happening behind the scenes — from residency renewals to navigating Portugal’s bureaucracy, adjusting to culture and climate, raising teens abroad, and rebuilding life after burnout.

This episode is an honest look at our family’s journey, nearly three years into living in Portugal. What’s changed? What’s surprised us? And why does life feel so different (in a good way) now?

More episodes coming soon. Thanks for sticking with us ❤

From late-night dinners and roundabout rules to greeting customs and the mysterious art of Portuguese bureaucracy, join us as we share the culture shocks, funny moments, and unexpected lessons we’ve picked up along the way. After living here for 2 1/2 years, we've learned some things.Whether you’re planning a trip, thinking about moving here, or just curious about everyday life in Portugal, you’ll get real stories, practical tips, and plenty of laughs.📍 This episode covers:0:00 Intro1:15 First cultural surprises we faced5:40 Dining hours & coffee etiquette9:20 Driving differences you should know13:55 Seasonal rhythms of life here18:30 Stories we learned the hard way21:45 Our “It’s good, it’s normal, it’s okay” mantra💬 Question for you: What’s the biggest culture shock you’ve ever experienced traveling or living abroad? Tell us in the comments!🎙 About As the Dinesens Turn:We’re Jason & Tracy, a couple from Iowa who decided life was too short not to try something big. Follow our adventures — and misadventures — as we navigate life, culture, and coffee in Portugal.👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to join us for future episodes!

We’re back after a two-and-a-half-month break with a jam-packed episode full of updates, laughs, and a little heat-induced delirium.

Tracy shares what it was like recovering from hernia surgery (surprise! She had a congenital diaphragm defect), and dives into her pottery residency—complete with raku firings, monoprinting on clay, and the all-important sardine jewelry.

Jason gives a sneak peek at what's happening with Dinesen Media Ventures, including the launch of Portugal Chronicle, the long-awaited arrival of Jason in Portugal, and the bureaucratic maze of renewing visas and setting up utilities. Spoiler: it’s not for the faint of heart.

We talk about the chaos of August in Portugal when the town triples in size, grocery store parking becomes a blood sport, and rules of the road are mere suggestions.

Also in this episode:
• Updates on our kids’ school year
• Reflecting on burnout and finding balance
• Upcoming summer adventures (including a ham museum!)
• Why we love it here—even when it’s 105°F

Got questions for us? Drop them in the comments—we’re planning future listener Q&A episodes!

In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, Jason and Tracy catch up after a few weeks away, sharing tales of sun, stitches, and undercarriage misadventures! Jason recaps his annual accounts payable conference at Universal Studios, while Tracy dives into her recent surgery saga — from hidden hernias to the calm and competence of Portuguese healthcare.

They chat about:
🌴 Florida vs. Disney: The Universal Studios experience
⚙️ Hernia revelations & post-surgery recovery
🚗 Car inspections and the comedic joys of expat life
🎢 Next year’s Epic Universe plans (Super Nintendo World!)
💬 Should they share more of their Portugal life online?

In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, we're diving into a whirlwind week of medical procedures and ... car inspections.When you're a teacher on break, what better way to spend your time than getting your gallbladder removed? Join us as we walk through a surprisingly smooth and surreal experience with the Portuguese private health system, from late-night surgery to morning coffee and jam on bread (no fuzzy hospital socks, though).We compare this experience with surgery in the U.S., touching on differences in care, costs, and pain management (spoiler: no opioids here). Plus, there's a surprise twist involving the GNR (Portuguese National Republican Guard) and a 250€ car inspection fine we didn’t see coming.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real-life expat stories and slice-of-life episodes from our lives in Portugal.📌 As the Dinesens Turn — because something is always turning, and it’s usually us.#ExpatLife #PortugalHealthcare #GallbladderSurgery #AsTheDinesensTurn #LifeInPortugal #GNR #LivingAbroad #MedicalStorytime

We survived the power outage in Portugal on Monday the 28th.

What we're looking forward to as springtime springs in Portugal.

March 16th was our two-year anniversary in Portugal. All of us -- kids included! -- reflect on it.