Cap'n Carl's log - 12-03-26
Yesterday's show with Paul...
- Off-grid broadcast vibes — Carl runs the entire live show powered by a Bluetti Elite 100 battery (still at 80% after pulling the plug), using ~195 watts; jokes about glitches and no sun = no power as part of the “great discombobulation” era.
- Burst water main chaos — Quiz night at Biocultural restaurant in São Martinho do Porto cancelled because a water pipe burst (illegal to serve dinner without running water); rescheduled to lunch that day and full quiz event next Tuesday (March 17, 2026).
- Beautifully prepped but sad scene — Anna at Biocultural had set up a gorgeous quiz setup (custom menus, Portugal Club sheets, prizes); Carl shares a short video clip of the empty, perfectly laid tables and bar seats.
- “Age of discombobulation” sermon — Deep philosophical tangent: modern disruptions (power cuts, water outages, blackouts) force big questions about life’s purpose, spirituality, God, and what humans are really here to do; calls it an evolutionary step, no return to old “normal.”
- Chat room energy — Lively live comments on EVs, small vs large wind turbines (small ones mostly useless), wonky shopping trolleys (return or report?), AI job losses (blame humans, not the tool), and Portugal’s unreliable “new normal” post-Iberian blackout.
- Paul Rees update (Rural Properties) — Central Portugal recovering from winter storms: chainsaws still going, roofs tarped, black-market tiles booming; spring flowers and sun lifting moods; “can’t find reverse” motto — always forward.
- Property handovers & new buys — Final handover of Kaza Adelina; progress on old monk hostel (Alberia de Saledro); new purchase — grand twin noble house (October 5th / No. 33, Pedrogão Grande) for high-end Lisboeta-style apartments with retained features and trademark cast-iron radiators.
- Modular homes project launch — New initiative: well-designed, insulated, solar-ready modular homes (not just sheds) targeting ~€100–150k range; first land purchase happening soon; aims to make rural Portugal affordable and comfortable for retirees/expats.
- Rural revival trend spotted — Portuguese selling city properties (Lisbon/Porto windfalls) to fund countryside retirements or weekend homes; local living benefits (shared produce, less fuel needed); Paul sceptical of co-living communities after past failures.
- Fun extras & tourism twist — Brazilian-made hilarious Portugal stereotype map shared; free pickleball learn-to-play Sundays on Silver Coast; ironic new tourism slogan suggested: “300 days of sunshine + 300 days of rain in one year — come enjoy it all!”
Looking forward to Feelgood Friday!
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Cap'n Carl's log - 12-03-26
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