Penky & Bodo's Blog

A Weekend Trip to Maastricht

Hi, everyone! 😊 We’re Bodo and Penky, and we just had an incredible weekend exploring Maastricht in the Netherlands, a city that could soon be our new home! Recently, I (Bodo) received a job offer in Maastricht, which would mean leaving behind sunny Lisbon.

Read more »

Skills That Pay the Bills?

In today’s fast-evolving gig economy and remote work landscape, freelancers and digital nomads need skills that are not only in demand but also well-compensated. This guide explores the top skills that can help you maintain a steady income while enjoying the flexibility and freedom of freelancing.

Read more »

Stuck in Lisbon: A Wedding Adventure in Europe's Bureaucratic Jungle

I’ve been living in the Lisbon metropolitan area for almost three years now—originally coming here for work. My fiancée Penky has been in Portugal even longer, living here for five years. We met here, and now we want to get married—mainly because we’re already here. However, our wedding plans have hit a serious roadblock, one that feels impossible to overcome: Portuguese bureaucracy.

Read more »

Forced Heteronormativity: The Latest "Crisis"?

These days, you can’t turn around without hearing about the supposed "crisis" of “forced heteronormativity.” Apparently, society’s deep-rooted belief in heterosexuality and traditional gender roles is somehow oppressive to those who don’t fit the male/female binary or who fall outside the realm of heterosexuality. But honestly, how is this a problem worth talking about? 

Read more »

Capgemini Engineering Lisbon Part II

A few months ago, Capgemini Engineering reached out to me through LinkedIn, offering me a position as an Associate Connectivity & NW Engineer. They presented the role as a great career opportunity, highlighting the company’s focus on flexibility and international mobility. The prospect of working for a global company that emphasized these values was exciting—but the reality turned out to be disappointing.

Read more »

Lisbon Earthquake on August 26, 2024

In the early hours of August 26, 2024, Lisbon was jolted by an earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale. Occurring at 03:11 AM local time, this tremor was the strongest the region had experienced in 15 years. Although the shaking was felt across Lisbon and nearby areas, including parts of Morocco, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries.

Read more »

My Fraudulent Online Shopping Experience: A Sobering Account

Online shopping has gained immense popularity in recent years, with platforms like Pinterest and Shopify making purchases just a click away. However, sometimes this convenient shopping experience can turn into a nightmare. In this blog, I want to share my sobering experience of falling victim to a fraudulent dropshipping store and the challenges I faced in trying to get my money back.

Read more »

The Microsoft CrowdStrike Disaster: A Dark Day for IT Administrators and Global Air Traffic

On the morning of July 19, 2024, IT administrators worldwide experienced a nightmare scenario when Microsoft CrowdStrike a crucial component of many cloud-based services, unexpectedly went down. This incident had far-reaching consequences, shaking not only the IT world but also significantly impacting global air traffic. The BBC reported extensive flight cancellations and delays caused by the collapse of critical systems.

Read more »

Saturday Afternoon in Belém, Lisbon

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of exploring the vibrant and historic district of Belém, located in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area of Portugal. Our journey took us through a tapestry of stunning architecture, picturesque river views, and rich cultural experiences that made for an unforgettable Saturday afternoon.

Read more »

The 12 Best Websites for Remote Jobs

Tired of searching the same old job boards? Indeed, Upwork, Naukri.com, and Monster are great, but there's so much more out there! Here’s a fresh list of 12 fantastic websites where you can find remote jobs that pay in USD. Let's dive right in!

Read more »

🤔 A Self-Experiment: My Dropshipping Adventure with USADrop 🚀

Starting this Saturday, July 6, 2024, I’m diving headfirst into the wild world of dropshipping with USADrop. This journey, a mix of curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit, is set to uncover the realities behind the promises of this platform. What could go wrong, right? Maybe everything, but the thrill of discovery lies in the risks we take. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained! 😅

Read more »

Euro 2024: An International Experience in Lisbon

The UEFA European Football Championship 2024 is just around the corner, and the excitement in Lisbon is palpable! As a German living and working in this beautiful city, I have the privilege of experiencing this major sporting event with colleagues from around the world. After work, our office transforms into a mini fan zone, and the atmosphere is simply indescribable.

Read more »

🌊 Experience the Majestic Cabo da Roca in Portugal! 🌊

Welcome to Cabo da Roca, one of Europe’s most breathtaking destinations! Located at the westernmost point of mainland Europe, this stunning spot in Portugal offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the country's rugged coastline. If you're planning a trip to Portugal, Cabo da Roca is a must-visit location.

Read more »

Coworking Spaces Around the World

In today's globalized world, remote work has become the norm, enabling professionals to work from anywhere. Coworking spaces have emerged as the ideal solution for those who seek a productive and collaborative environment away from the traditional office setting. Whether you're a digital nomad, freelancer, or entrepreneur, this comprehensive list of coworking spaces around the world will help you find the perfect spot to work efficiently. 

Read more »

How to stay healthy when working remotely, in a home office or as a digital nomad

The way we work has dramatically changed in recent years. Remote work, whether from a home office or as a digital nomad traveling the world, offers incredible flexibility and work-life balance. However, this new way of working also brings challenges, particularly when it comes to health. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into how you can maintain your health while working remotely, whether from home or on the road as a digital nomad. We’ll focus on ergonomic workspaces, physical activity, nutrition, and mental well-being.

Read more »

Cisco Certificate "Introduction to Cybersecurity"

On May 31, 2024, I proudly received my "Introduction to Cybersecurity" certificate from the prestigious Cisco Networking Academy. This course was an exciting journey into the world of cybersecurity. I learned the importance of maintaining online safety, identifying common cyber threats and attacks, and implementing effective countermeasures.

Read more »

Living and Working Where Others Vacation

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on a beach in Portugal, sipping your morning coffee in a cozy café in France, or watching the sunset from a bustling street in Thailand. For many, these experiences are part of a dream vacation. But for me, they are part of my everyday life. My name is Bodo, and I live and work where others vacation. I have traveled extensively, visiting places like Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the UK, Poland, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Read more »

Capgemini Engineering Lisbon

Since April 22, 2024, I've been working as an Associated Engineer at Capgemini Engineering. This significant career move has brought new experiences and challenges that I’m eager to share. My role allows me to work hybrid—both from home and at the office located on the former World Expo site in Lisbon. This job has temporarily put my plans to move to the Philippines on hold, keeping me in Lisbon for the foreseeable future.

Read more »

Enjoying the Sunny Weather in Algés, Portugal

As I strolled through the streets of Algés today, I couldn't help but marvel at the perfect weather. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily across the horizon. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden glow over the picturesque landscape. It's days like these that remind you why living by the coast is so special.

Read more »