Portugal - Reflections

To borrow a sporting analogy, Portugal is a country of two halves. The northern portion has greater development, and appears richer. The southern portion is more rural (a horse and cart was seen doing work on one farm) and buildings are predominantly white. A strong islamic influence is evident within the southern architecture.

The people are mostly friendly, and younger people speak English, which made living easier for us.

The landscape is dominated by eucalyptus and wattle forests, gorgeous golden beaches (although the Atlantic is cold), and low mountains with clean rivers inland. Villages with narrow cobbled streets are very quaint. There are many impressive castles dating from Roman and Germanic wars through to Moorish and Crusaders conflict. The number of abandoned buildings was surprising, perhaps a result of declining population in some areas.

The highways are of very good quality, but are subject to tolls which are expensive. Other roads are of variable quality. They include a number of measures designed to reduce traffic speeds including traffic lights that change to red when you are exceeding the speed limit when entering villages (good idea) to potholes, judder bars and massive roundabouts (bad ideas).

Food highlights include tasty fish, fruit and vegetables. The supermarkets sell frozen fish the size of guitars. Oranges are about NZ $1.00 per kilogram Obtaining a good steak was impossible. Apart from fish, the Portuguese eat pork, chicken and turkey. As you can see food is in danger of becoming a preoccupation for us.

We had only one wet day in 4 weeks (unusual), however temperatures were not warm – ranging between 10 – 20 degrees. Marinas featured many yachts, as opposed to launches – testament to the strong winds that blew consistently.

Portugal is cheap to live in. With the exception of lamb and beef, everything appeared cheaper than New Zealand.

Barking dogs, particularly at night, were evident throughout Portugal and interfered with our sleep regularly. This was our only gripe apart from the lack of steak.

Favourite tourist attraction (man-made) – Knights Templar Castle, Tomar.

Favourite tourist attraction (natural) – Sagres (most south-western point of Europe)

Best Church – San Diago Cathedral

Best beach - Alvor

Best meal – Fish in Porto and steak and kidney pie in Alvor

Best City – Porto

Best Village - Silves

Best Aire – Penacova

Cost of Living analysis – Coffee 1.20 Euro per cup; Diesel 1.02 Euro/litre