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- After visiting every country in the world, I had a new perspective on life. I no longer wanted to be in the US and chose to live in Portugal. (businessinsider.com)
Globe-Trotting Woman Finds Her Forever Home in Portugal
Gina Morello, one of a small group of women to visit every country in the world, recently reflected on her 20-year journey and the lessons learned along the way. Her travels, initially sparked by a passion for scuba diving, evolved into a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. Morello recalls the sensory overload of India and the bustling streets of Vietnam as early, formative experiences.
Morello’s career in airline management and aviation consulting allowed her to spend significant time in countries like Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. These experiences broadened her understanding of cultural nuances, such as the business etiquette in Pakistan, where handshakes between men and women are not always customary. Observing these daily interactions provided valuable insight into the values shaping each culture.
Traveling light, both literally and figuratively, became a key takeaway. Morello learned that adaptability and resilience are fostered by minimizing possessions, and true richness comes from experiences, not material wealth. She cites shared meals in Yemen and vibrant celebrations on the Bijagos Islands as examples of the joy found in simple moments.
The pandemic brought both professional and personal upheaval for Morello, leaving her without a job or a marriage. Seeing this as a chance to start anew, she realized her values no longer aligned with life in the US. Inspired by the advice of a young woman in Mozambique – “Do not put a roof on your dreams” – she decided to seek a home abroad.
Morello’s search for a place that prioritized work-life balance, safety, and wellness led her to Portugal. While other countries were considered, Portugal’s accessibility for long-term residency, combined with its relaxed pace of life, healthy outdoor culture, and the charm of Lisbon, proved to be the perfect fit. After traveling the world, Morello discovered that home is not a location on a map, but a feeling of belonging, and she found that feeling in Portugal.