New to Caldas da Rainha  

If not already done I would suggest check out / join your local Library.

They often have notice boards advertising concerts and what not and also people offering lessons.

I know that SOME municipalities already organize themselves free or cheap Portuguese classes for new residents from abroad. Is Caldas one of them? ( If not you could suggest it to the Mayor. )

Few months now since you moved in ? How is it there ? Are you in the town as such or outside ?

Can you compare and contrast Caldas with O'bidos ? Eg for someone who is vaguely thinking of possibly buying in one or the other location?

Obi dos is great for tourists and a visit
There is not much resident life there
If you considering either,,,then def make it Caldas
Or villages outside but with Caldas as your main centre

Dear Crazy Russian
Thanks for the input - could you expand a bit on it though.
As yet have not been to either Ob or Caldas.
Hope to visit both soon.

My wish list includes :
Sea View ( or maybe Lagoon View )
Possibly somewhere historic, rather than modern building ( I mean like an old house, with private rooftop for outside living during summer months - but I suppose a top floor apartment might be acceptable, though only if it had a private, not communal, roofspace ).

Also, I do want somewhere where walking through the streets lifts the spirit, rather than depresses ( Think Tavira, or Porto, for example ). Somewhere beautiful in other words.

No dogs roaming the streets would be a big plus, but is that even possible ?

crazy russian wrote:
> Obi dos is great for tourists and a visit
> There is not much resident life there
> If you considering either,,,then def make it Caldas
> Or villages outside but with Caldas as your main centre

hi
i am no expert and dont do a lot of walking other than around the lagoon or along the deserted beach...3-4 miles and sometimes its crowded...seeing as many as 3 or 4 fishermen along the way!!

there are many houses /apartment around the lagoon and only by taking a trip along the lagoon road would you find...if available..what you look for

i dont think you will find many old buildings but 1970s on... are there

am not sure Caldas would provide much joy walking the streets..yes some nice established places but not like a city where you would find many and frequent new discoveries

check Foz do Arelho...Nadadouro
or even maybe the road along between Foz and San Martino
on other side of Lagoon...Praia de Bom Sucesso will provide views and walks but little else
3 bars inc 2 restrants
most closed out of season
residents (very few) are all very kind and friendly
most houses owned by Lisbon folk and used in season weekends
a few by 'foreigners'
and (as far as I kow) only one by english and 2 by Irish

good?....or bad??