Life Abroad in Portugal with Bob Tapper 🇵🇹

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JANUARY 2025

It’s a new year and a new season for the podcast! A big thanks to those of you who tune in regularly and those who drop by for an episode that catches your interest.

This year is shaping up to be different—probably less travel and more focus on settling into life in Porto, Portugal. But that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped exploring! I kicked off the year by heading south to the Algarve, trading Porto’s northern charm for the beach vibes of Portimão. And let me tell you—the contrast between the two couldn’t be more striking.

Being here has made me realize just how connected I feel to Porto. Portimão is beautiful, especially Praia da Rocha beach, and I can only imagine how packed it gets in the summer. But for me? It’s a great place to visit—not home.

This month wasn’t just about travel, though. I tackled some big visa-related tasks—getting fingerprints done at the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, opening a bank account, and moving through the process step by step. It’s exciting, a little nerve-wracking, but all part of the adventure.

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In this episode:

• Traveling the distance of Portugal
• Life in Portimão
• Museu de Portimão
• Praia da Rocha Beach

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Museu de Portimão
The Museu de Portimão brings the rich history of Portimão to life inside a restored sardine canning factory. From prehistoric artifacts and Roman trade routes to the rise of the fishing industry, the museum showcases the region’s past through immersive exhibits.

Praia da Rocha – Portugal’s Stunning Coastal Escape
Praia da Rocha is one of the Algarve’s most breathtaking beach destinations. With its endless golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, this spot is perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

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DECEMBER 2024

I’m back in Western Europe, and it feels great to be in Porto—a city that feels like home. This month, I’m reflecting on the cultural contrasts between Turkey’s authenticity, Albania’s Western touches, and the peaceful charm of Porto. From revisiting the Clérigos Tower and taking in breathtaking views from the cable car to finding creative energy in an improv class, it’s been an amazing end to this year.

I’m also sharing some big news about 2025: I’ve started the process to call Portugal my permanent home. After five years as a digital nomad, I’m ready to slow down, build deeper connections, and focus on doing meaningful work that I love. Tune in for my reflections, stories, and what’s next on this exciting journey.

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In this episode:

• Eastern Europe vs. Western Europe
• Loving Porto
• Clérigos Tower
• Gaia Cable Car Ride
• Improv Class on a Sunday afternoon
• Christmas in Porto, Portugal
• Moving to Porto, Portugal with a D7 Visa

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Clérigos Tower
There is no shortage of good reasons to visit the Tower, Museum and Church of the Clérigos! What is the Port seen from the sky? At the top of the Clérigos Tower you can admire the best and unforgettable 360o view of the undefeated. Get to know the Museum of Clérigos, which has a collection consisting of cultural assets of artistic value, and the Baroque-inspired Clérigos Church, by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni.

Gaia Cable Car Ride
Ride alongside the Douro, enjoying the serenity of the river, looking down on the emblematic beauty of the historic area of Porto and the characteristic roofs of the Port wine lodges in Gaia. Take this unique journey and enjoy the view over both banks and the Luís I Bridge.

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NOVEMBER 2024

I’m currently in Tirana, Albania, and it’s been amazing to settle into a great routine. From savoring incredible traditional dishes to exploring breathtaking spots like Djit Mountain and Bunk’Art 2, every moment has been a blend of discovery and balance. Whether it’s hitting the gym, indulging in comfort food, or taking time to relax and recharge, I’m reminded how important it is to embrace life’s rhythm. With big changes ahead, I’m gearing up to leave Tirana and head to Portugal—starting in Porto and then diving into new adventures in Faro.

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In this episode:

• Adjusting to daily life in Tirana
• Restaurants and authentic Albanian dishes
• Dajti Mountain National Park
• Bunk'd Art2
• Onward and back to Portugal

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Dajti Mountain National Park
Take the cable car up Dajti Mountain - the longest cableway in the Balkans. Not only do you get an amazing view, but you can hike, horseback ride, zip line, and much more!

Bunk'd Art2
BUNK'ART 2 is the second phase of an historical-cultural project that is focused on the preservation of the collective memory and on telling the story of the communist regime, including the horrors of that regime.

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OCTOBER 2024

I just wrapped up an unforgettable stay in Istanbul, and I can’t wait to share some highlights with you. The highlight was the golden hour boat cruise on the Bosphorus with the city’s skyline glowing in the sunset—definitely one for the memory books. I also checked out the Pera Museum’s collection of Turkish art and found a bit of peace in Gezi Park amid the city’s hustle.

Now I’m back in Tirana, Albania, soaking up fall vibes in the trendy Biloku neighborhood. It’s like déjà vu from last year, revisiting favorite spots and uncovering new ones. It’s good to be back, and there’s so much to see!

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In this episode:

• Last days in Istanbul, Türkiye
• Golden-Hour Boat Cruise along the Bosphorus
• Pera Musuem
• Gezi Park
• Back to Tirana, Albania

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i360Experiences
Experience the Bosphorus like never before. If you love, history, nature, photography and meeting interesting travelers from all over the world then this experience is definitely for you.

Pera Museum
Discover a captivating blend of historic artifacts, traditional arts, significant paintings, and contemporary works all housed in the remarkable Pera Museum.

Gezi Park
Gezi Park, located beside Taksim Square in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district (historically called Pera), is one of the few remaining green spaces in the area and also one of Istanbul's smallest parks.

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SEPTEMBER 2024

This month, I’m diving into my first impressions of Istanbul. The flight from Manchester, UK was a breeze, but getting settled was a marathon—long drives, airport chaos, and finding my Airbnb with its 137 steps (hello, daily leg workout!). But the sea view? Totally worth it.

Istanbul’s got this incredible vibe, split between its bustling European side and the laid-back Asian side. I’ve been exploring Istiklal Avenue’s lively energy, enjoying Turkish ice cream (dondurma), and soaking in the views from the Galata Tower. Navigating the language barrier has been an adventure in itself, but that’s all part of the fun, right?

There’s still so much to see and do, like booking a boat cruise to explore more of the city. Stick around as I share more stories, tips, and a few laughs from my time in this incredible place. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

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In this episode:

• Easy flight from Manchester, UK to Istanbul, Turkey
• Layout, stairs, and Taksim Square
• European vs. Asian side of Istanbul
• Challenges
• Turkish Flags
• Turkish Ice Cream (dondurma)
• Galata Tower

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Taksim Square
Known as the heart of Modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is an important shopping, leisure, and touristic centres, with restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Turkish Ice Cream (dondurma)
Literally the Turkish word for ‘frozen or freezing’, dondurma is the delicious local rendition of ice cream. A little different from western-style ice-creams, however; traditional Turkish ice cream is sweet, creamy, stretchy, and chewy at the same time.

Galata Tower
Considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of İstanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013.

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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 the very home where he spent the first four years of his life. And Bonn Minster, with its stunning Romanesque architecture, is an absolute must-see.

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In this episode:

• From Manchester, UK to Cologne, Germany
• Summertime temperatures
• Cologne vs Bonn
• Pros and Cons of Cologne/Bonn Germany
• Beethoven Museum
• Bonn Minster
• Off to Istanbul, Turkey

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Beethoven House
The museum at Ludwig van Beethoven's birth place is one of the most frequented music museums worldwide and one of the 100 most popular sights in Germany.

Bonn Minster
House of God, church, cathedral, minster, basilica, pilgrimage church, collegiate church... The diversity of the Bonn Minster exceeds the number of names for this almost 1000-year-old sacred building.

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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.

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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 the Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds, a fascinating place filled with medical history and interactive exhibits.

I love my train day trips, so one day I took a trip to York. I visited the stunning York Minster, strolled through the medieval Shambles, had a delicious lunch at the Earl Grey Tea Rooms, and explored the York Castle Museum. I'll share all the details of my day, including a stop for a cold beer at Pavement Vaults.

And finally, I'm ready for a new adventure. Next stop: Cologne, Germany. It’s a city full of history and amazing architecture.

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In this episode:

• Sunday Roast
• Thackray Museum of Medicine
• Day Trip to York, UK
• Acting Role
• Onward to Germany

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Sunday Roasts
A traditional British meal of roasted meat, potatoes, and accompaniments like Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, stuffing, gravy, and various condiments depending on the meat.

Thackray Museum of Medicine
Thackray Museum of Medicine is the UK’s largest independent medical museum. Follow the story of medicine as you wander through the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch gruesome operations taking place in our 19th-century operating theatre, visit a 70s-style sexual health clinic, chart how well the world responds to crisis, and discover the medical innovations that changed the world.

Day Trip to York
York is a walled city in northeast England that was founded by the ancient Romans. Its huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, has medieval stained glass and 2 functioning bell towers.

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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 and comparing it to Manchester. A highlight was seeing "My Fair Lady" at the Leeds Playhouse, a theatre with a rich history that brought back nostalgic memories.

I'm also involved in a film project with my friend Robyn, playing a doctor in her latest work. While acting gigs are slow this summer, I'm making the most of my time here, planning a few day trips before heading to Germany on August 1st.

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Fearns Leeds Dock
Enjoy a unique space, creating a sense of community with good coffee, good food & good drinks.

Department Leeds Dock
Department Leeds Dock is a work, wellness and social destination for media, creative and digital communities.

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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 the 30-minute climb up Holcombe Hill, navigating a challenging cobblestone path that transitions into gravel and rocks, all while enjoying picturesque scenery and grazing goats. At the summit, be rewarded with panoramic views of Bury, and on clear days, glimpses of Manchester and Wales.

Additionally, discover the vibrant neighborhoods of Manchester, from the bustling City Centre and trendy Northern Quarter to the historic Castlefield and bohemian Chorlton. Each neighborhood offers its own unique character and amenities, making Manchester a city rich in diversity and culture.

In this episode:

• Manchester neighborhoods
  • City Center
  • Northern Quarter
  • Spinningfields
  • Castlefield
  • Didsbury
  • Chorlton
  • Salford Quays
• Peel Tower in Bury, UK

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Manchester Neighborhoods
The best neighborhood in Manchester: cutting edge culture, fabulous food and next-level nightlifef.

Peel Tower and Holcombe Hill
Built in 1852 this well known Bury landmark was erected in tribute to one of Bury's most famous sons, Sir Robert Peel; founder of the Police force and Prime Minister 1841-1846.

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