5 Reasons to Love Portugal

As a proud Portuguese, I thought it would be apt to share with you some of its beauty. 

1. The Sea 

Portugal has a beautiful coast with an amazing sea! Each beach you go to is different. Unique. As you drive through the coast, from the north to south, you will see each beach is more beautiful than the other. And the most awesome thing is that the beaches aren't just pretty, they are also awesome! For instance, Praia do Norte in Nazare has seen the highest wave in the world! 

2. The culture 

The Portuguese are wonderful, stubborn people. We might be bankrupt but we have pride, and this pride sticks with us through the thick and thin. If you don't believe me, just go to a Portuguese cafe and see how they are always full of people drinking their cafe and having a smoke - regardless if they have money or not.

We are a culture that expresses themselves through every movement and gesture. We embrace other people and we love to live life to the maximum, whenever and wherever possible. We feast, love family and the beach. 

3. The Food

There is no doubt that the Portuguese cuisine is delicious. From our fresh fish, to our grilled chicken and mouth-watering fruit. And, how could I forget, our pastel de nata  among all our other sweet but wonderful pastries. It's a country where dieting is hard. 

3. The History
Like other European countries, Portugal has a wealth of history. From its founding moments with its history of Knights Templar to its exploring years with Vasco da Gama, and at one point, its great power.

Another wonderful thing about Portugal is how it maintains this history. Take a day-trip to Obidos, just north of Lisbon, and you will enter a village inside a castle. Adding onto this is its medieval fair every year, where with €6 you can take a trip back in time, from the food you eat, to the clothes that are wear to the performances you watch; it's truly magical.

4. The Countryside

The Portuguese countryside is strikingly different to the U.K. It's hilly, untamed and raw. I can't put into words its beauty, so please allow me to show through pictures:

5. The Religion
I'm not a religious person, in any shape or form, but I can't help but enjoy Fatima.

A not-so-little town anymore in the heartland of Portugal, where the Virgin Mary (Fatima) appeared to three little shepherds. The town is now more than tailored for the tourism it attracts, but it does not take away the atmosphere of Fatima.

The religious aspect of the country has also been fundamental in its development of the culture. It's the catholic values of family that probably give origin to the now very sociable society that we are.

These 5 points only vaguely touch upon Portugal, but I hope they have given you an insight into the country I proudly call home. 

Self-belief

Volunteering at a rehabilitation centre for drug and alcohol misuse, I have heard some of the most depressing stories and experiences these individuals have had to endure. After going through neglect and rejection to extreme levels, it's more than understandable why someone would loathe themselves. No one has ever shown them why they should love them. But it is so sad to see how these experiences have molded these individuals into vulnerable adults who struggle to love themselves years after the abuse.  

I think it is fair to say, we all put ourselves down. Not because we all had an abusive childhood, but because we have been faced with growing in a society where we have to hide ourselves. Where shame and guilt drive our sentiment, and where it is easier to hate the other's short fallings than to love to the one next to us.

I am fascinated by the fact we are born innocent and pure, but by the age of 7 (and younger) we start to demonstrate our insecurities. We start to demonstrate our lack of self-belief. We say how Bobby doesn’t want to be our friend, how we aren’t good at maths or art. And it’s sad that this thinking framework then follows us throughout our lifetime.

When wondering where this lack of self-belief comes from, I couldn't help but think about fear. It's easier to put ourselves down and to blame ourselves than to forgive ourselves and others. When we forgive ourselves, we liberate ourselves from a self-inflicted oppressive way of being and are free to to dream loudly. This, however, is scary. 

It's easy to listen to that self-destructing voice. The one that ever so kindly reminds us of all our failures. Although it can be more difficult to believe in ourselves, the power of that feeling will overcome any fear. Any fear of failure. Any fear of not being good enough. 

We can also over-ride that voice. We just have to remember that we can do it and we do deserve it. 

Delay fun

I had to pick the day to travel to Portugal when there was a general strike. When the kind gentlemen told me this at the counter, and informed me of my generous delay, I had two options: complain about it and cause a fuss or accept it and be happy. I decided to go with the latter. Here, then, are my tips and suggestions for when you’re stuck at the airport:

1. Free Food

As a compensation for the five-hour delay (feel sorry for the guys on the flight before, they had a 7 hour delay), you get given a voucher for food. With the lovely £7 voucher TAP gave me, I got a delicious orange juice and a margarita pizza with plane-views… for the bargain of £3. Not bad, eh..

2. Time isn't an excuse, so try something new! 

You know those little boutique stalls in the duty-free? Well, this was my turn to test out the MAC make-up line.

With a little courage, I walked up to a confident make-up artist and asked her if I could have a make-over. Sure, I felt a bit like a beggar with my poorly applied eyeliner, over-due trimmed eyebrows, that one spot and my glasses – I’m not self-critical.

But as I sat on that chair I was transformed. I couldn’t believe the talent and how much make-up really makes that much of a difference.

3. Meet someone new

The airport has got to be one of the best places to meet someone who you would never otherwise come across. I’ve met some of the most interesting people here, from important bankers to sales managers of high-end brands. Who knows that person could be your future employer?

It’s amazing how being polite and friendly to the person next to you in the queue can make such a difference. One smile can make peoples day. Everyone likes smiles. So meet someone new and smile.

4. Be a shopper           

If you know me, you’ll know I have no idea what fashion brands are. You could be wearing the most expensive top; I’d think it’s from New Look. With time on my side, I ventured into these shops and explored what the fuss about the labels is all about.

With my love for asking questions, I also killed my curiosity. I don’t understand what makes Rolex so special, so I asked and through that I learnt something new: they gain value with time!

It might sound a bit silly, but it's a great opportunity to learn and try something new. 

5. People watch

Maybe it’s a tad on the creepy side, but human behaviour is fascinating. The body language of people screams everything. As you wonder around the airport, take into account the way people walk, how they walk and see what you can learn about them.

You can also learn about yourself this way. For instance, if I see someone slouching on the chair, I can ask myself ‘when would I sit like this’ and this way, I can learn more.

6. Relax

Travelling can be stressful. Getting to the airport, check in, security, gate search, quick bite, go to gate, board. It’s an exhausting process.

Thanks to delays – you no longer have to worry. The moment you go through security, give yourself the time. Enjoy it. Walk into the shops you would never, take a seat by the window and see the planes go and read a book.

It’s actually pretty therapeutic.

7. Finish those bits and bobs before you go on a holiday

We always have something we could be doing. Take the delay as an opportunity to finish that before you jet off.

So, this is how I enjoyed my generous five hours at the airport. Would you suggest anything else?