Smooth Portuguese transitions

And then, all of a sudden, I’m hiding in the local snack bar of the town where I grew up, waiting to see my mom get home, so I can surprise her on her door step, one day earlier than she thinks she’s going to pick me up at the airport.

Staying in Portugal was the greatest idea to make a smooth transfer from Brazil & Colombia’s hot weather and slow paced life before taking a break from that easy way of living, refill the savings depot and upload some TLC from friends and family in Dutchlandia. Portugal made missing Brazil less stingy. It’s strange to feel a sense of aching, like missing a limb, when you leave a place that you only know for some months, but came to love so rapidly. Some places simply steal a piece of your heart from the moment you set foot on land, to never be returned.

Lust for life

All the new things that were felt and enjoyed, lessons that were learnt in the first part of this new lifestyle, were the perfect start. Simpler life and Brazil’s tranquil pace made me relax and enjoy daily life tremendously. Just thinking of the music, the effect of nature close to me, and the people, vibrant and so full of lust for life and willingness to share, even when they didn’t have much, make my heart glow.

And although I haven’t seen streets with people randomly dancing to music so loud that windows are about to break; Portugal definitely has that Latin ‘thing’. They looooove to party and guess who arrived right into the yearly month of festas? Not to mention being around to see the national team winning the EuroCup. Regarding timing I did not bad at all.

Hearing that sexy, singing language, covered with honey, has become very dear to my ear. Even though the first few weeks I thought I had arrived in Russia. By the way they looked at me when I tried to say something in the Brazilian Portuguese I’ve learnt, I think they felt the same about me. Food is fresh, authentic and kindly priced. The long stretches of beach felt South American, although they did forget to turn on the hot water on the European side of the bath tub. Surfing requires wetsuits and going for a dip, even in summer, takes courage.  

Eye candy

The people are heart warming and welcoming though, just a tiny bit less straightforward maybe. Arriving in Lisbon had the same exact same effect on me as when I first saw Bahia’s eye candy; I had to be careful not to walk into parked cars while busy staring at the mostly dark haired and light eyed pretty people. And for sure that tuk tuk companies do some sort of cuteness selection when choosing their drivers.

Having Portuguese friends made me see less visited parts of this amazing country, feel their good vibes and the warmth of sharing and living with them. It is something that Southern Europeans seem to do much more than ‘us’ Northerners; inviting people you’ve just met to come and stay in their house whenever you want. 

So from the sofa of one of these great fresh friends, I salute you, Holanda, and all that is so great about you and your summer too. I had a sneak peak week with my Best Friend, visiting me in Portugal. So, I'm ready for a break from Latin life & and a lot of catch-up hugs with my other home boys and girls!