Ericeira, Portugal with Roxana Bellia

Where Do Gays Retire Podcast

Roxana Bellia
Growing up in Buenos Aires in the 60s, the adventure and quest for new economic opportunities took my parents to the vibrant city of New York. This was amidst the tenuous and fragile government that was later to succumb to a dictatorship.

Despite having grown up with a cosmopolitan mindset and bicultural orientation, California became home and in adult life, Long Beach was my happy home for a long time.

I currently work mostly remotely as an executive coach and leadership development advisor, although I sometimes travel within Europe for engagements. I support clients primarily in the US, and also in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. My career began in community public health with many fond memories created in the city of Long Beach where I played and worked.

I live in a 4-story moradia en banda (similar to a townhouse) 3 blocks from the beach in the quaint town of Ericeira with my dog Riley. I’m single.

My wife and partner died in 2017. April was an artist and spiritual seeker and her loss in part fueled my decision to explore beyond my borders. I coached myself – was I living in a town that aligned with my values? The answer was no. Violence, racism, growing homelessness. Added to this, financial pressures brought about my pandemic aftermath. I experienced a significant loss of work and income. So, with 3 passports in hand, US, Italian, and Argentinean, I started to reflect on options outside of where I lived. I didn’t want to “burn” through my savings to stay afloat. And so in the middle of the pandemic, I reached out to my good friend and realtor Marilyn who then lived on the same street and decided to move on selling my property while the market was hot.
Population:

• 8,951 (2021)

Geography:

• A coastal town in the Lisbon District of Portugal
• Known for its world-class surfing beaches
• Located about 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon

Cost of Living:

• Lower than most major European cities
• The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is €600 per month
• The average cost of a meal at a restaurant is €10

LGBTQ Community:

• Ericeira is a welcoming and inclusive community for LGBTQ people
• There are several LGBTQ-friendly bars and clubs in town
• Ericeira Pride is celebrated annually in June

Crime and Safety:

• Ericeira is a very safe place to live
• Crime rates are very low
• The town has a strong sense of community and people look out for each other

Additional Facts:

• Ericeira is a UNESCO World Surfing Reserve
• The town is home to several beautiful beaches, including Praia dos Supertubos, which is known for its powerful waves
• Ericeira is also a popular destination for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities
• The town has a charming historic center with narrow streets and traditional Portuguese houses
• Ericeira is a great place to live for people who are looking for a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle

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