Piedade Rodrigues (1962) was born in Paradela and at the age of 16 decided to go to Spain to work. She left clandestinely and without her family's permission, but motivated by the prospect of financial independence and better living conditions. She went to work in the home of a family she already knew well, and stayed there for a year. The low salary and pressure from relatives already in France led her to seek new opportunities in the Paris region, where she arrived at the age of 18. She didn't know the language or the customs, but the existing family network allowed her to work for six consecutive years, always in family homes, taking care of domestic chores and caring for the children. Legalization never materialized, but one of the families she worked for sought to formalize her situation in the country. She consolidated her network of contacts, working in various homes and managing to secure the necessary funds to build her house in Paradela. She returned to Portugal to get married and never left the country again. He fondly remembers his time in Paris, the friendships he made, and the cultural and leisure activities he enjoyed within the Portuguese community.

00:22 – Departure for Spain
05:46 – Work in a restaurant
06:21 – Leaving in heels
06:38 – Reasons for leaving
07:31 – Working conditions in Spain
09:29 – Reasons for going to France
10:02 – Working conditions in France
34:57 – Start of house construction in Paradela
35:27 – Attempts at legalization
40:27 – Sending money to Portugal
42:41 – Sister's arrival in Paris
43:11 – Return to Portugal
43:46 – First experience on the Paris metro
45:16 – Meetings with the Portuguese community in Paris
45:59 – Cultural activities of the Portuguese community
48:11 – Savings