Embracing Adventure: Chris and Leslie’s Journey to a New Life in Portugal

Imagine packing up everything you know, selling your house, your car, and setting off with just your family and a sense of adventure. That’s exactly what Chris and Leslie did with their five children! Leaving behind their familiar lives in the United States, they embarked on a journey that would take them around the globe - from North America to Asia to New Zealand - before they ultimately fell in love with Portugal. Here, they found not just a place to live but a place to call home.

Chris and Leslie’s story is a testament to the courage it takes to step outside your comfort zone, the beauty of family bonds, and the magic of finding “home” in a brand-new culture. Their journey is a celebration of resilience, growth, and a little bit of whimsy - all the ingredients for an inspiring relocation story that we hope will motivate others considering a move to this beautiful country.

A Life of Love, Laughter, and Water Balloons

Chris and Leslie’s story begins with a water balloon - a rather unconventional start to a relationship! Chris, originally from Utah, met Leslie at a church event in Denver, Colorado. Struck by her quiet charm, he did what anyone trying to make an impression might do: he popped a water balloon on her head. “It was love at first sight,” Chris says with a grin. That bold move marked the beginning of a partnership that would carry them through decades of marriage, three businesses, and five kids.

With nearly 20 years of marriage under their belts, Chris and Leslie are the kind of couple that proves life is better when shared with someone who laughs at your jokes - and forgives the occasional water balloon surprise.

Living the Nomad Life – with Five Kids!

When they learned they were expecting their fifth child, Chris and Leslie realized it was time for a change. They sold their house and car, packed up their belongings, and set off with their kids in tow. First stop: six months exploring the United States. Next, they journeyed across Asia, finally making their way to New Zealand, where they spent another seven months.

Their globetrotting plans were slightly interrupted by the onset of COVID-19. Stuck in New Zealand, they had a lot of time to think about where they truly wanted to settle. Their thoughts kept drifting back to Portugal, a place they’d briefly considered but hadn’t explored in depth. After their time in New Zealand, they were ready to settle down somewhere they could create a lasting home for their family - and Portugal felt like just the place.

Why Portugal? A Family-Friendly Paradise

Chris and Leslie didn’t choose Portugal on a whim. The country ticked all the boxes for a family with five energetic kids and a deep appreciation for culture. “We chose Portugal because we fell in love with it,” they explain. For them, it wasn’t just about finding a place with beautiful scenery (though Portugal has plenty of that!); it was about finding a family-friendly community where they could immerse themselves in a new culture and give their kids room to grow.

Their new home in Paço de Arcos, a scenic coastal town nestled between Lisbon and Cascais, gives them the best of both worlds. “We’re five minutes from the beach, close to shopping centers and essentials, but still in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood,” they share. For a couple who loves the hustle and bustle of Lisbon’s city center, Paço de Arcos offers the perfect balance between vibrancy and tranquility. Plus, their kids have the space they need to run, play, and grow in a safe and welcoming environment.

Learning the Language, Embracing the Culture

One of Leslie’s goals in moving to Portugal was to truly connect with the local culture, which, for her, meant learning the language. She enrolled in intensive Portuguese classes in Lisbon, determined to understand and converse with people in their native tongue. For Chris and Leslie, this step was essential - not just for practical reasons but as a way to show respect for their new home and make lasting connections within the community.

Their kids, who are also learning Portuguese in school, bring the language home, though they’re often too tired after a full day of classes to practice with mom and dad. But Leslie’s dedication to learning the language highlights an essential part of moving to a new country: embracing the local culture and customs in a meaningful way.

A House Full of Christmas Lights (and American Spirit)

Since moving to Portugal, Chris and Leslie have eagerly embraced local traditions while adding their own American flair to the mix. Their first Christmas in Paço de Arcos was an unforgettable one. Leslie decided to deck out their house in Christmas lights, a tradition they’d always enjoyed in the U.S. “We were probably the only house in all of Oeiras that had lights all over it,” Leslie laughs, remembering the double-takes from neighbors as they passed by.

Their vibrant display caught plenty of attention and brought a little slice of American holiday cheer to their corner of Portugal. It’s small touches like these - adding your own traditions while embracing those of your new home - that make a relocation journey both exciting and meaningful.

Advice for Aspiring Expats: “Be Brave”

So, what would Chris and Leslie say to someone considering a move to Portugal? Their advice is simple yet powerful: “You have to be brave.” Moving to a new country isn’t always easy, and it’s rarely smooth sailing, but for Chris and Leslie, the challenges are all part of the experience.

They emphasize the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and truly engaging with the people and culture around you. “If you just stay in your apartment, it’s just going to be some other place with a view,” Chris explains. “If you get out, the people are warm and welcoming.” For those who are willing to put themselves out there, Portugal offers a world of possibilities - and a community that feels like home.

Making Friends and Finding Community

Since moving to Portugal, Chris and Leslie’s social calendar has been full. They’ve made friends with locals and other expats, quickly building a network of people who share their love of Portugal’s rich traditions and culture. For Leslie, learning about local customs and sharing American traditions with new friends has enriched their experience. Their social life is busy, but for Chris and Leslie, it’s a vital part of creating a sense of belonging in a new place.

They are a great example of how open-mindedness, humor, and a little bit of courage can transform a new city into a home. 

Final Thoughts: The World Is Your Home

Chris and Leslie’s journey reminds us that “home” is as much a feeling as it is a place. From Denver to Utah to Paço de Arcos, they’ve shown that with an open heart and a sense of adventure, any place can become home.

Their journey isn’t just about moving to Portugal; it’s about creating a life full of love, laughter, and connection. For anyone contemplating a move to Portugal, Chris and Leslie offer not only a roadmap but also a reminder that life’s best moments happen when you take a leap of faith. Whether it’s meeting your future spouse through an unexpected water balloon or deciding to move across the world, sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never saw coming. Curious to see their journey come to life? Watch the full video of their story now on our YouTube channel and get inspired for your own adventure!

Ready to write your own adventure story in Portugal? Whether you're chasing new opportunities, better weather, or just a fresh start, moviinn is here to make the transition as seamless as a well-placed water balloon toss. Let us help you find your place to call "home" in this beautiful country.

Click the button above and let’s turn your dreams into reality! Schedule your complimentary consultation today at moviinn.com/book-a-call/introduction – because every great adventure begins with a single step (or, in this case, a call)! 🚀