WE ALL NEED CONNECTIONS

The Jelly fish was the ANTAGONIST in my first film THE PERFECT WAVE, and we are about to embark on a new job thats called for one…. brings back memories.

They say it’s not what you know, but who you know. Is this true?

Being in Portugal we knew nobody in March 2021, had no idea how we would settle in and what life would look like going forward. Rather scary actually to pack your bags and leave your home into the unknown. And to a city where English is not on the menu.

Finding a home was the priority, getting a car, sorting out medical, sorting of tax numbers, getting vaccinated, finding a school and establishing an income. With no family, no friends we had to find our way which I have to say was not easy or straightforward till we started making friends.

This BLOG funny enough opened doors to a new friend and incredible angel for our family, Jose. He has really gone out of way on so many levels to be kind and supportive. This was our first miracle, he sorted out so many things that required local knowledge and gave hours of his time taking us for our vaccinations etc. If you embarking on a big move to another country, knowing someone is very helpful, but then I am stating the obvious.

The Kayak Club has become Troys favourite place, he is years behind most padders, but loves it and got his moment in the spotlight at one of the races, and stood on the podium. The people who run Gaia Kayak Club have been amazing, there is only one person there who speaks English, and he has been an amazing mentor and guide for Troy.

School started, after an immensely long holiday, which is vital as making friends as a 14 year old is such an important part of a teens development. Salesianos is located on the Douro river with views literally to die for. The school aims to serve the children and get the best out of them, which is so refreshing. It creates such a happy vibe, and the teachers are so warm and caring. This alone would be worth the move to Portugal. To grow up with this level of care must motivate students to achieve and find excellence. This was an excellent decision. Even though Public schools are free we opted to go this route which i’m sure will pay dividends longer term.

Then of coarse you can be as happy in a place as you like but without income its near impossible to live. The language is certainly a stumbling block, as a director to direct in another language is tricky, so this is not a viable option to work as a employed director. This has led to re-inventing oneself and challenging oneself, which has been really fun but scary at the same time. The next journey has begun.

My daughter & I played tennis at Foz tennis club, and was asked what she was doing, her answer ‘i’m looking for a job’ …. ‘what do you do?’….. ‘a chef’ and an hour later she was called in for an interview and a day later she started her new job, at a great restaurant in Porto called Flow.

Amazing food, and almost always full which says everything, supported by both locals and tourists. So it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

Exciting news is that I have been approached to PRODUCE a documentary on a ‘LEGEND’ of Porto – and have secured “world-class partners” to co-produce with us. Soon to be announced. The avenue that this follows will be determined by the doors that are opening. Life has become very interesting.

Bruce Mac from Porto, THE CITY OF ANGELS.