Five Lessons I Have Learned From the Portuguese

1. Time doesn’t matter:

Well in truth, time doesn’t matter too precisely. When I first arrived in Portugal being the good Brit, I would rush to get everywhere exactly on time, But gradually and I will admit initially reluctantly I realized that I was always, unless there was another Brit, American or German around, the only one to be on time. My children would calmly remind me as I panicked “we’re in Portugal and everyone will be late anyway”. Now, nine years on, I’ve perhaps swung completely the other way and much to my husband’s horror I now never leave anywhere until the time we are supposed to be arriving. I think it is a great lesson in “taking life easy” after all given the pressures of modern life, what’s 10 minutes between friends?

2. Holidays do matter:

The “Feriado”- they were a target for Troica and Portugal had to axe a few but still we seem to have a good number and I love them. Often placeed in the middle of the week, people build bridges to the weekends and have extended weekends away a number of times a year. A great way to break up the long haul between Christmas and the summer break. However I do feel that the summer holidays has been taken to extremes, where, for many Portuguese children it is three months long. I’m sure even they must be tiring of the beach by then… which brings me to number 3:

3. Beaches – are golden with the best waves in the world:

Fantastic, beautiful stretches of unspoilt sand, amazing waves if you’re a surfer and provided you stay away from the Algarve and the Lisbon area, very uncrowded. This picture says it all really, many of my best memories are centred around a bar overlooking a beautiful beach and a fantastic sunset – heaven. The lesson: relax and live in the moment. Unless you’re surfing of course, take a look at this!

You Tube Video of surfing the biggest wave:

4. Thou shalt love ALL children:

Children are loved and welcomed EVERYWHERE! Restaurants are happy to see you arrive with your young ones in tow, the more the better it often seems. If you are queuing for one of the dreaded utilities with a little one your hip then chances are you will be fast tracked to the front of the key with approving nods from everyone around you. My guilty secret I’ve used my children as a queue jumping accessory a number of time…

5. Food can be really simple and SO tasty:

Of course there is complex Michelin dining fare available and it is totally worthy of the award BUT my most memorable meals have been the simplest; the freshest of fish barbequed perfectly, the tenderest of steak cooked by me on a hot stone, the tastiest rich gooey cheeses oh and the chocolate mousse, absolutely the best in the world. A reminder that food if fresh can be cooked simply and taste sublime. My kids love it…