The advantages of living in Portugal are little known to the French

My last article on ” the disadvantages of living in Portugal ” sparked off a lot of debate, sharing of experiences, controversy… It aroused the sensitivities of some and the curiosity of others. In any case, it’s an article that got people talking! Thank you all: those who liked it and those who disagreed. Freedom of opinion is important as long as it’s respectful of each other, and I appreciate these constructive exchanges. For those who haven’t read this article, I invite you to read it here before starting this one.

As much as I love my country: France, I chose to live in Portugal for several reasons: the quality of life, the sun, the ocean, the safety, the welcome of the Portuguese… The list goes on! In fact, most people who move to Portugal do so for these reasons. But, living here, I’ve discovered even more than that! So, today, I’d like to share with you some of Portugal’s lesser-known assets.

1. Language skills

When my husband and I moved to England 6 years ago, my English was basic, not to say “bad”! And yes, it has to be said that the French aren’t the most gifted when it comes to languages. Studies have been carried out on English skills around the world, and France ranks ^29th, while Portugal is ^15th out of 70 countries tested.

I was impressed by the language skills of the Portuguese. Their English is at a good level and with an impeccable accent, you can hardly hear a Portuguese accent. Talking to several Portuguese people, they explained to me that the films were in English with Portuguese subtitles, so they’ve been used to the language since they were very young. English is mainly spoken by young people, and French by older people, most of whom learned it when they emigrated to France or at school. For the record, 42% of Portuguese speakers master^a2nd language.

So I take my hat off to the Portuguese and their mastery of languages. I’ve decided to follow their example, and when I have a child, he’ll be watching English films with Portuguese subtitles 😉

I have to admit that when I can’t find my words in Portuguese, I allow myself a word or two (or sometimes a little more…) in English or French, and it’s nice to see that Portuguese is friendly and responds as well as possible to our expectations in one of the languages. But my aim is, of course, to be fluent in Portuguese. If you’d like some tips on how to learn to speak Portuguese, take a look at this article.

2. Advanced technology

Portugal was the starting point for daring maritime expeditions in search of new worlds and cultures. The Portuguese were pioneers in the “Great Discoveries” of the ^15th and ^16th centuries. But what about today? Do they still have the same enthusiasm? I’m happy to say YES! It’s not without reason that the Web Summit is being held in Lisbon. Portugal: an innovative country? I’m going to answer that question by sharing my experiences with you:

• I was pleasantly surprised to discover the banking system in Portugal. ATM is a unique system that allows you to consult various accounts, pay for services and taxes, transfer money and even buy train tickets on the same device. So practical and easy to use, you’ll love it!

• The Portuguese also use MB WAY, a smartphone and tablet application launched by SIBS, which allows them to pay for purchases in stores and transfer money between different banks. I’ve downloaded it but haven’t tested it yet, but apparently it’s top-notch!

• Do you know the Via Verde system? Launched in 1991 by Brisa, a Portuguese company which manages 15 freeways, it’s a real success and an international example, and has been implemented throughout the country since 1995. It’s a small sensor placed on the front of the car’s windscreen which avoids stopping at toll booths, thus considerably reducing traffic jams. Via verde has been perfected with automatic payment in parking lots, at petrol stations, on ferries and even at McDonald’s drive-ins. It’s a real time-saver in a life already so full of work, family and other activities…thanks to the Portuguese for making our lives so much easier 🙂
• In Portugal, it’s easy to be connected to the Internet, there’s WIFI almost everywhere: restaurants, cafés, shopping malls…Imagine the shock when, back in France, I’m looking for a connection in a café, restaurant or public place and nothing…the only place is the Mac Do, which I’m not a fan of :/
• What’s more, in Portugal, fiber optics are almost everywhere, so you’ve got a high-speed Internet connection; handy for Facetime with the family in France!

Did you also know that Microsoft chose Portugal as the location for its Language Development Center?

Did you know that EDP, Energies du Portugal, is the world’s 4th largest wind energy company and one of the biggest energy players on the Iberian Peninsula?

Did you know that AJLobo/Open Renewables (a Portuguese company) is one of the world’s leading players in solar energy and has one of the largest photovoltaic power plants in the world?

Well, now you do 😉

^ème

3. Culture, traditions and lots of events

Did you know that the French have had a close cultural relationship with the Portuguese for a very long time? In fact, Henry de Bourgogne, a Frenchman, married Thérèse de Léon and became^the1st Count of Portugal. We are part of Portugal’s history, just as Portugal is part of France’s history. Portugal is rich in culture, festive, religious and sporting events. One thing’s for sure in Portugal: there’s so much to see and do, there’s never a dull moment. Portugal boasts 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Sintra Cultural Landscape, Porto’s Historic Centre, the Luiz I Bridge and Serra do Pilar Monastery, the Hieronymites Monastery and the Belém Tower in Lisbon..

Right now, it’s Carnival time, and in Portugal it’s sacred! It’s a festive, convivial occasion that brings together young and old alike. We attended the Sesimbra Carnival a few years ago, and even if the sun isn’t always out, the warmth of the procession and its participants warms us up. Otherwise, in summer, Portugal is full of festivals of all kinds, great moments of discovery, sharing, singing, Fado, dancing, laughter… To find out more about all these popular festivals, discover the article dedicated to this theme, which lists the main Portuguese popular festivals.

Of course, we mustn’t forget sporting events, especially soccer! As we all know, the Portuguese and soccer are one and the same 😉 Last year, we were in Costa da Caparica for a Euro match. There was a big screen right in the middle of town, everything was well organized: tables, chairs, food, drinks and an incredible atmosphere! Moments of intense energy!

5. A free, simple and beautiful life

Portugal retains its authenticity, its charm and the value of its traditions. It’s easy to feel good in Portugal, a life that teaches me to “let go” and enjoy life’s simple moments. I feel freer!

Why is that? Restaurants serve at all hours of the day (even in non-touristy areas), stores are open every day, the pace of life is more flexible. This freedom is further enhanced by a climate that invites good humor, the exchange of positive energy and encounters.

I spend more time outdoors, and for longer. What a pleasure it is to barbecue on the way home and stay out on the terrace until nightfall, sipping a little Port or Moscatel. I live outside and that’s really nice.

The warmth and generosity of the Portuguese make you feel at home. It’s true, as I said in my previous article, that at first sight the Portuguese can seem closed-minded and unsmiling, but that’s just^a1st impression. Come to think of it, I’m from Alsace and we have something of the same “reputation”. And in fact, all you have to do is approach the person to realize how generous and benevolent they are. No one can tell me otherwise: the Portuguese care about the well-being of others and give everything they’ve got.

My husband and I had our house built as part of a 10-home development. We’re the only French people here, and we’ve been very well received by our neighbors. We felt supported not only by our neighbors, but also by our builder, our estate agent, the supermarket cashier, the local baker… In general, Portuguese people try to help in any way they can. Of course, we’ve also had a few misadventures and put our trust in the wrong people, but that can happen anywhere. It’s important to remain vigilant and to have the support of a few people you can trust

As a good gourmet and coquettish woman, I’m going to end this article with Portuguese gastronomy, which translates into generous, fresh, quality dishes and a lower cost of living in certain areas (restaurants, transport, real estate, hairdressing, beauty care…).

As a fan of grilled fish and fresh vegetables, I’m well served in Portugal, especially in the Aroeira region. Eating well is good for your health, so how can you not be healthy in Portugal, I ask you? To this dish, you can add as a starter a small “queijo fresco” or shellfish or grilled sausage with a small glass of Port or Vinho Verde or even a Portuguese-style Sangria. And for dessert, a “bolo de bolacha”, an “arroz doce” or a “baba de camelo”. The choice is vast!

Speaking of fun, life here is cheaper for restaurants(ideal for good eaters, hearty dishes guaranteed), but not only that

• transportation (ideal for travelers like me)
• real estate (ideal for those who want to invest and live here)
• beauty care and hairdressing (ideal for coquettes and gentlemen who take more and more care of themselves)
• not to mention the tax advantages, but that’s another subject I’ll cover in a future article!

In conclusion

“A people who speak the language of those who visit them, a people always ready to set off on a voyage of discovery, to innovate, to build a more open and united world, always available to discover the other, the new, the further afield, always eager to know more and do better.”

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