The Last of Portugal… for now.

Sé de Lisboa

My exams went smoothly and I passed all of them (since I’m writing this post so late, I can write that for sure), but the last week was a bit strange. In visiting Lisbon and Porto with Laurent, I started to realize how much I really do like Portugal. Despite the rants about termites and cold water, it really is a beautiful country. Yes, it might be in an economical crisis, and I’m not saying that is not a problem that should be fixed, but I do think we have something to learn from Portugal. In Lisbon, we ran into some French people who were searching for their campsite. We were at the Castelo de São Jorge when we met them and so after playing translator between them and the bus driver, they told us “You know, it’s crazy trying to find out where we are supposed to go, but at the same time, everyone is so nice here… We (speaking to Laurent) really have something to learn from the Portuguese”. It’s true. In general, every Portuguese person has been very hospitable to me during my time abroad. I’m not only speaking of my dad’s friends Mario and Rosa, or Alex’s family, but the waiters, the professors, and even the train controllers.

As we visited Lisbon and Belem, I was reminded of my time there in February with my dad and Mario. It was strange to make it back full circle like that, but in a way good. We ate at the same well-known restaurant, O rei dos frangos, and the same waiter who served us in February, served the Frenchie and me. When the waiter noticed us speaking French, he directed us to the French page. It was hard to directly switch from French to Portuguese…I often either found myself speaking French to someone or Portuguese to Laurent (just ask him). However, I smiled at the fact that the waiter said to me “Oh…portuguesa?” and moved to the Portuguese part of the menu. Yes! Success! A big difference from when I first arrived in Lisbon after a dramatic flight from Paris and my dad said that I had to ask the waiter for water. I was terrified then but now it was a pleasure.

Tram in Lisbon looking out to the river

Laurent walking to his Castelo de São João

Random cute boy

We spent the next day relaxing in Coimbra, resting from the long bus ride back from Lisbon. To save money we decided to take the longest train possible to Porto – 4 euro per person. It took two hours instead of one with a stop in Aveiro – just enough time to take a picture and drink a coffee. In Porto we visited a bit and walked to Ribeira right by the river and bridges. After our franschina full of grease (enough to get on Laurent’s white shorts), we walked along the river and took pictures in front of the Ponte Luís I and searched for jet skis (there were none to rent). Laurent bought some kiwi jam (which he gave after to his grandmother) and we spent the rest of the day on the beach.

Porto

Portugal was seriously an amazing experience. My time abroad was nothing compared to Northern Europe. The climate. The food. Cost of living. People. The lifestyle. The last few days spent with Laurent also include saying goodbye to cobblestone streets leading to my apartment. My American, Spanish and Portuguese roommates. The internet that gave out every three hours. Summer nights in the middle of April. I am finishing this blog post in July, and I can tell you – I DO miss Portugal. I still speak with my Dad every now and then, and I will continue because I don’t want to loose the improvements I’ve made in the language. Portugal, despite some frustrations that I have mentioned in previous posts, was a beautiful experience, and without being cheesy I will guard the memories and friendships I have made for a very long time.

Belém

The best part of the flight to France? I was 11 kg overweight and the attendant did not mention a word. Obrigada, TAP.