I'm feeling Portugal withdrawal symptoms. Apparently the human body replenishes itself every 7 years, that's the time it takes for each cell to be replaced. I lived in Portugal for over 7 years; eating principally its cakes and fish, drinking it's water and wine, breathing the air. So at the end of that period I considered myself, physically at least, Portuguese. That was 3 years ago now. I'm not sure which bits are what now (English ears and finger nails, Portuguese thighs and elbows?) but I know the heart is confused.
Did you know that there's a music festival, Atlantic Waves, dedicated to Portuguese (or lusophone) music in London from 1-11 November?
Did you know that some of the best Kayaks in the world are made in Vila do Conde, northern Portugal, by Nelo?
Did you know that the sweet, delicious butternut squash at Leila's Shop this week are from Portugal?
Did you know that these bags designed by Worn Again, made from recycled Virgin Atlantic seat covers, are made in Portugal by a small family workshop (via TreeHugger)?
Can you guess where the world's first ( is? That's right. Off the coast of Aguçadoura, a little north of the Kayak makers. There must be something special in the water there. To be honest I never expected Portugal to be trail blazers in renewable energies. But there you go.
The UK Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has an online Portuguese Diary of events in Britain.
8 comments:
Eu adoro o meu país! E nesta frase não há nenhum orgulho nacionalista extremo. Mas é que gosto mesmo, apesar de todos os defeitos que lhe são apontados e que reconheço, gosto!
Tive a imensa sorte de ter nascido e de viver num lugar calmo, bonito e com bom tempo, se não é perfeito é porque não trabalhamos o suficiente para isso!
Did you feel at home and whole there?
hello there!greatings from Portugal:)
Wow! I feel even prouder to be Portuguese! :)
That´s not the first time I get the nicer news about us, coming from aboard.
You have a very interesting blog on which I drop my eye every now and then.
I believe it's always good for the soul to spend seven years in these lands. All the best for you !
Olga - yes I felt at home, and much more "whole", or the "hole" was smaller!
Thanks to all the Portuguese commenters. News is so often negative, about every country. Just one request, look after your beautiful country. Don't let the multi-nationals take over!
Would the thought of returning to Portugal again be scary?
I believe we are taking better care of teh country now that some years ago... At least I hope so. And therefore, I hope we have an even nicer country when you come back!
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