Life in Portugal: Visa Approved and Starting My New Chapter

Hello from Portugal!

Well… I made it! After months of navigating the Portuguese immigration process, I’m finally here—home. I’m about 90% of the way through the journey. The last step? An appointment with immigration officials in August. But until then, there’s nothing left to do but live--find meaningful work, meet great people, and soak up every bit of this beautiful country I now call home.

But before we get too far ahead—let’s back up a bit and talk about April.

I kicked off the month still in limbo, waiting for that one golden email saying, “Your visa’s been approved—send us your passport!” I checked my inbox more times than I care to admit (okay, hourly… at least). Then finally, on April 7, it came! I flew back to the U.S., mailed off my passport for stamping, and waited again. A few days later, I had it in hand—and by mid-April, I was back in Portugal, ready to start this next chapter.

Before I left, though, Albania offered a few final memorable moments—its history never disappoints. Here are a couple highlights I squeezed in before saying goodbye…

Mother Teresa Watching Over Tirana

As I was walking through the streets of Tirana, this mural of Mother Teresa stopped me in my tracks. Painted on the side of a building, her face looks upward with such warmth and quiet strength—it felt like a moment of peace in the middle of the city buzz. Born in Skopje but of Albanian heritage, she’s a beloved figure here, and seeing her honored like this felt both powerful and personal. One of those unexpected, beautiful moments travel hands you.

Woodrow Wilson’s Surprising Albanian Legacy

This statue of Thomas Woodrow Wilson in the heart of Tirana might seem like an unexpected sight—but here, he’s a bit of a hero. After World War I, President Wilson stood up for Albania’s independence at the Paris Peace Conference, and the country never forgot it. Seeing his statue here, top hat and all, felt like one of those cool, “wait—what?” moments that makes travel so fascinating. Just another reminder of how deeply connected the world really is.

Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

For a more indepth look into my life abroad, you can always listen to my most recent podcasts - and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Finally...

Since January 2020, I’ve lived through a lot of different chapters. But this one? This feels like the most meaningful. It’s the moment where everything I’ve gone through, learned, and experienced comes together—not as an ending, but as a fresh beginning.

I’m genuinely excited to be settled in a place where I can build a life that’s fun, fulfilling, and yes—lucrative too. A life where I can help others, do what I love, and tap into all the skills I’ve picked up along the way (and even discover some new ones). That’s the energy I’m carrying with me every day.

Right now, my main focus is on my new website: www.filmmakingportugal.com. I’ve started a monthly blog over there too—so if you’re into storytelling, filmmaking, or just want to follow this next creative chapter, head over to www.filmmakingportugal.com/blog and subscribe!

www.filmmakingportugal.com

This blog—my travel blog—has been going strong for over five years now (64 posts and counting, never missed a month!). But as I start traveling a bit less, I may post here less often. That said, I’ll still be exploring Portugal and Europe, and whenever something feels worth sharing—I’ll be here.

Thanks, as always, for being part of the journey. It means the world to me that you open these emails and take the time to read my updates. Truly—thank you.

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

March in Motion: Travel, Transitions, and Finding Home

Hello from Albania!

March has been a whirlwind of movement—packing, unpacking, repacking, and plenty of waiting. The first two weeks were all about settling into my new apartment in Porto, slowly turning it into a place that feels like home. But just as I started to find my rhythm, I had to hit pause and head to Tirana to wait out my visa process. That kicked off a stretch of nonstop travel, bouncing between Portugal, Albania, and the U.S., with more plane rides, hotel stays, and airport waiting areas than I care to count.

But, Albania (Tirana in particular) is full of history and things to take in right in my neighborhood:

Blloku: Where the Past Meets the Present

Blloku is a neighborhood that instantly pulls you in. Once reserved for Albania’s communist elite, it’s now the vibrant heart of Tirana, packed with stylish cafés, trendy bars, and a creative energy. Here, you can sip a strong espresso, people-watch, and feel the city’s pulse, where modern buildings stand beside remnants of the past.

Walking to Enver Hoxha’s former home, history feels heavy. Hoxha ruled Albania from 1944 to 1985, isolating the country under a strict, repressive regime. His once-guarded residence now sits quietly among the buzzing streets, a stark contrast to its past. Though closed to the public, it remains an eerie reminder of a time both distant and recent.

Postbllok Memorial

Tirana wears its history openly, and nowhere is this clearer than at Postbllok Memorial. Set near a former communist checkpoint, this small but powerful monument stands as a reminder of Albania’s dark past. Concrete bunkers, a Berlin Wall fragment, and pillars from Spac prison create a space that demands reflection, ensuring history isn’t forgotten amid Blloku’s modern buzz.

Walking through, you feel the weight of its stories. A bunker reflects the regime’s paranoia, the Berlin Wall ties Albania’s struggles to a larger fight for freedom, and Spac prison pillars stand as a stark symbol of dictatorship’s cost. It’s a brief stop, but one that lingers—a quiet tribute to resilience and change.

Between Departures and Destinations

There’s something about sitting on a plane that perfectly captures the essence of travel—the excitement of what’s ahead, the exhaustion of constant movement, and the quiet moments in between. Airports, hotel stays, long flights—it can all blur together, but each journey adds another chapter to the adventure. No matter how many times I do it, there’s always that moment, somewhere above the clouds, where I pause, breathe, and embrace the journey.

Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

For a more indepth look into my life abroad, you can always listen to my most recent podcasts - and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Finally...

At this point, I’m beyond ready for it all to be over. The back-and-forth, the constant packing and unpacking, the hotel stays—it’s exciting at first, but after a while, it wears on you. I’ve spent way too much time at airports, but I feel like I’ve perfected the art of passing time in transit.

Through it all, one thing keeps me going: the thought of finally settling down in Porto. No more flights, no more temporary stays—just the simple pleasure of being in my own space, making it mine, and actually enjoying the city without a departure date looming over me.

Thank you so much for following me and reading this. I really appreciate each and every one of you!

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Portugal to the U.S. - A Visa Adventure

Hello from the United States!

February was a whirlwind of movement and big milestones. I kicked things off in Portimão, down in the Algarve, where the pace was slow—sometimes a little too slow, especially on cloudy days. But when the sun made an appearance, I took full advantage, heading to Praia da Rocha to watch the boats and stroll along the boardwalk. The area has some great bars and restaurants, and I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe—especially the Irish pubs (always a good time!). On quieter days, I wandered to Portimão Marina, embracing the relaxed pace before gearing up for my next big move.

Portimão Marina (Marina de Portimão)

The boardwalk at Portimão Marina is a place where art and creativity meet the tranquil beauty of the Algarve. One of my favorite parts of the boardwalk is the diversity of the sculptures. Some are modern and thought-provoking, like the one that appears to mimic the erosion of coastal rocks, while others, like the playful statue of a figure balancing on its head, bring a sense of whimsy to the scene. Even the practical elements, like the colorful recycling bin shaped like a loop, feel like part of the art experience. It’s a reminder of how Portimão values not just aesthetics but also sustainability. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just someone looking to enjoy the peaceful waterfront, the boardwalk offers a little something for everyone.

Back to the United States

Standing in Charles de Gaulle Airport, I took in the breathtaking Notre-Dame de Paris mural behind me—a striking, nearly 3D illusion that made it feel like I was standing right in front of the cathedral itself. The way the glass panels reflected the soft morning light added an almost dreamlike quality to the scene.

With my backpack slung over my shoulder and a ticket in hand, I was on my way back to the U.S.—one more leg of a long journey that started in Portugal. This moment, captured in transit, felt like the perfect blend of past and future—leaving behind one adventure while preparing for the next. But as I stood there, taking in the beauty of Notre-Dame’s towering façade, I couldn’t help but feel a little pause between the movement, a reminder to appreciate where I was, even just for a moment, before taking off again.

Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

For a more indepth look into my life abroad, you can always listen to my most recent podcasts - and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Finally...

The last two weeks of February were all about finalizing visa paperwork and squeezing in some much-needed family time. My appointment in D.C. went smoothly, and just like that, the biggest hurdle was behind me. On March 1st, I returned to Paris for a night before heading to Porto, where I officially moved into my apartment—my first long-term place here!

Now, it’s all about getting settled… and, funny enough, leaving again. Since I’m still on a tourist visa while my application is processed, I’ll be heading back to Albania for a bit. It’s a long process, but by May, I should finally be fully settled in Portugal. Until then, I’ll keep embracing the adventure—one stop at a time.

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275