about me

This is my biography from the start. I was born in the city of Nova Lisboa, Angola, Africa, on March 27, 1965, I’m the fourth child of six all born in Angola, until the war for independence in 1975, we lost everything and became refugees, and ended up in Portugal, where my parents were born. My father immigrated to Canada shortly after we arrived in Portugal, and it would be another year and a half before we were able to leave, after two days of traveling, carrying everything we owned, we arrived in Sault Ste Marie, Canada. We knew that French was one of the two official languages, but we found out that, English and Italian were the main dialects. I still remember my first experience going to the local corner store, with rice in one hand and money in the other, luckily the lady understood, and many years later still remembered me.

After graduating from grade 13, yes there was such a grade back then, from St. Marys College, I left home to live with my sisters and attend York University. Toronto was another world for me, finally, I had the freedom I craved, sights and sounds of a busy city made me feel at home. I worked at a spa and a travel agency to pay for my share of the rent and university, and at the age of 25, I got a job at TD Bank, where I would remain for the next 25 years. With a steady income, I was able to finally do the things I’d always wanted to do, traveling being my top priority. I traveled extensively through the Caribbean islands, a short flight from Toronto, and one day my brother decided that we should go to Cuba…and that is where my story just gets better.

I fell in love with Cuba, the beaches, the flora, the food, and the people, I knew that one day, once I retired, would be spending many months there.

At the age of 50, my position at TD Bank was made redundant, a shock at first but I knew this was what I was looking for, the bank gave me a nice farewell package, sold my house, and said goodbye to Canada. For the next few years, I would spend more than half of the year in Cuba, coming to Canada to visit my parents, as well as going to Portugal to help my parents with the apartment they owned and the properties they inherited

Portugal is my home, it is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, rich in history and traditions, with spectacular scenery, an unbelievable quantity of great wines, and superb food. My family has always supported me and I am so grateful for all their help.

In 2019 my world completely changed, I came back from an extended stay of 6 months in Cuba, to visit my parents for a month, my Dad had Alzheimer’s, and my Mom was in desperate need of help, I decided quickly that I was not returning to Cuba anytime soon. Then in early 2020 Covid-19 hit and I knew this was going to be challenging, but we had planned that my parents would move to an assisted living facility, so in early 2020 we found out that we were on a one-year waiting list. I took over for my Mom, cooking, washing, grocery shopping, and daily bathing and care of my Dad, but I noticed weekly the rapid deterioration of my Dad, and by April we were given the news that he had only days to live. He passed away on April 09th of 2020, a skeleton of the man he once was, and my Mom just gave up completely after 60 years of being married…on April 14th we said our farewell via skype, the most difficult day of my life.

I finally left Canada on June 20th, 2020 to come to Portugal to take care of the house and sell the properties. I’ve been back to Cuba once, for 5 months since, but Portugal is my new forever home…and my life and my future will be here in Vila do Conde, Portugal, surrounded by family and loved ones. The adventure continues…