Porto, Portugal
Overview
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolitan area, located in the northwest along the Douro River. The city is known for its historic center (UNESCO World Heritage Site), port wine cellars, and distinctive blue-tiled buildings. Around 2023, John Louis Chan and Iris Yamashita relocated here from Los Angeles, California.
Significance to Family
John and Iris’s Relocation (circa 2023)
Context:
- John and Iris moved from Los Angeles, California to Porto area around 2023
- Represents international move after years in Los Angeles
- Continues Chan family pattern of international migration across generations
- John’s parents Jesse and Betty had both passed away in 2022
Possible Reasons for Move:
- Quality of life in Portugal
- European lifestyle and culture
- Remote work flexibility (screenwriting/architecture)
- Cost of living compared to Los Angeles
- Portugal’s attractive visa programs for professionals
- Proximity to European travel opportunities
Migration Pattern Across Generations
Jesse Chan’s Journey
Philippines → Hong Kong → China → Manila → Taiwan → Los Angeles
Betty Chan’s Journey
Philippines → Taiwan → Los Angeles
Rose Chan Loui’s Journey
Manila (birth) → Taiwan (childhood) → Los Angeles (1970s-present)
John Louis Chan’s Journey
Manila (birth 1965) → Taiwan (1968-1983) → USA (1983-2023) → Portugal (2023-present)
John’s move to Portugal represents the latest chapter in the family’s multi-continental migration pattern, now spanning four continents across four generations.
Portugal Context
American Expatriate Community
- Growing community of American expatriates in Portugal
- English-speaking services and infrastructure
- Attractive tax programs for new residents
- High quality of life ratings
- Healthcare system
Porto Specifically
- More relaxed pace than Lisbon
- Rich cultural history
- International airport with good connections
- Growing tech and creative industries
- English widely spoken in urban areas
- Vibrant food and wine culture
Professional Context
John’s Architecture Career
- Master’s degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art
- Professional architect
- Possible remote work or European projects
- Portuguese architecture and design scene
Iris’s Screenwriting Career
- Academy Award-nominated screenwriter
- Remote work capability
- European film industry connections possible
- Writing environment and lifestyle
Current Status (as of 2025)
- John and Iris living in or near Porto
- Specific location/neighborhood to be documented
- Connection to extended Chan-Loui family in Los Angeles
- Professional activities in Portugal to be documented
Research Questions
- Exact location in Porto area
- When exactly did they move? (Year uncertain: 2023?)
- What prompted the move to Portugal specifically?
- Are they renting or bought property?
- What are John’s current architecture projects?
- What is Iris working on (screenplays/projects)?
- How often do they visit Los Angeles?
- Do they plan to stay long-term or exploring?
- Connection to local Portuguese community?
- Language learning (Portuguese)?
- Have other Chan family members visited them in Portugal?