There's something about Portugal as a country and as a culture that just gets under skin and takes a hold of you. It's infectious in every way possible making in impossible to ever want to leave. During my travels I've been to 20 different places and none compete with Portugal. It is absolutely without a dought my favoriate country out of the whole trip.
So what is it about Portugal that is so infectious? Honestly I have to pin it down to two things; the people and the landscape. Portuguese culture is so different compared to north American culture. They don't stress, their never in a rush, and they enjoy the small things in life. As a general populous they are a very generous people, their not worried about the exect change you own them, they feel as though one day you will pay them back. For example if they treat you to lunch and you offer to pay them back they will refuse, knowing that you will repay the favour by either treating them to lunch or coffee or something of the sorts.
Portuguese people are also very affectionate, family oriented people. They are always spending time with family members, weather it be going for a walk on the beach with the kids or going to lunch at a cafe. Sunday is the day to be with your family and go for a drive to the coast if they do not love near by. Something even as simple as greeting one another is more affectionate then in North American. As a North American when we meet up with someone generally say hey, or how are you, with absolutely no physical contact. But in Portugal and most of if not all of Europe all greet the same way, with a kiss to both cheeks, which as a foreigner can be quite shocking. However this slight show of affection is all it takes to make you feel at ease, even if its someone you don't particularly know.
Coming from personal experience I can tell you how much of a shock it was to be kissed on both cheeks. My first experience with such a thing was in Portugal, I met this women while surfing and we got to talking for a few hours and then we began to part ways, next thing I know she's leaning in and I have no idea why! Figured I would just go with it and see what happend but halfway through her leaning into me I realized oh right they kiss on both cheeks here! Although I realized last minute what was going on it took me by complete surprise, and I'm sure my face to those who were watching was priceless, it was one of panic and stress.
Not only are the Portuguese people probably the friendliest people I've ever met, but the countries landscape is also one to be reckoned with. There are so many small towns that ate absolutely beautiful, so very quaint and charming. The ocean views, the city life, and the small towns and villages really make Portugal appealing in so many different ways. No matter where you are, weather it be a city of a village there is always a bar near by, and most of the time many many bars. Bars which are always packed no matter what time of day it is. Because the word bar here is a little different then North America. A bar in Portugal serves anything from coffee, food, to liquor. But generally when someone says bar in North America one associates it with drinking, partying and something that is open late. Whereas in Portugal their bars are more like cafes during the day and bars at night.
I have met so many people from all over the world on my travels and so many people who visit Portugal either always go back, or end up moving there for good. It just has something about it that draws you in, it gets into your very soul and never let's go.
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