Austria is an exceptional country to call home—from the perspective of a Portuguese traveler who’s seen quite a bit of the world.

Its central location means you share borders with eight neighbouring countries, making it effortless to cross into new cultures within just a few hours.

Life in Tirol, in particular, is well balanced. Everything runs with remarkable cleanliness and organization. The tap water is excellent, and the food offers delightful variety—some local recipes are genuine surprises waiting to be discovered.

Then there are the mountains. Everyone here hikes, climbs, and of course, skis. The lakes and landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking.

Yes, taxes are substantial—but you can clearly see where that money goes. The infrastructure serves the people well: roads are impeccably maintained, public services function smoothly, and the country as a whole reflects this investment (with the usual exceptions, of course).

In smaller towns, community spirit remains alive. Neighbours help one another freely—whether lending a hand on a farm or painting someone’s house. No money changes hands; a shared “Jause” and a glass of schnapps are good enough.

I’m genuinely glad I made the move here.

PS: The colourful dialects in the country are a challenge where the learning curve is as steep as the alps.