Why You Should Travel to Portugal By: Sarah Levine

         

            

                                              An Experience to Remember

    Although I may be slightly biased, the best summers I've ever had were when my family and I went to Portugal for a month. Among other reasons, the food, culture, and scenery are a few contributors as to why it is amazing. Portugal is a second home to me, and it is a privilege that I have gotten to see it more than once.

First, the food is NOT for picky eaters. In fact, every part of the animal is eaten in Portugal, the elders especially enjoy fish eyes, goat tongue, and pig noses(for me that's a no, but it's still interesting.) In the summer, feasts occur every night and they don't stop until 3 in the morning, which is why everyone there eats dinner starting at nine pm and drink till they pass out, it's just one ginormous party. Personally, my family goes to all different cities to enjoy the feasts because we absolutely love seafood, but of course, there are millions of other restaurants to explore. Overall, the food is never dull, and there is always something new to try.

    The culture is prominent in day-to-day life. From the routines of the people to the gatherings they have. For example, my aunt wakes up every morning then goes to a coffee shop to have her"galone" milk with half coffee and half milk, then depending on the day goes to the "fata" a market run with various vendors selling fresh goods and knock off bags. Then for my aunt, she checks on her grape farm in the afternoon and has another coffee shop coffee(there is one on every corner) and prepares a gigantic meal for her and the neighbors to be ready at 8 o'clock. This is where the men sit and drink and women serve and gossip. At dinner there are routines as well, salad(a popular dish of choice) then soup and then the main course, which ranges from pig all the way to sardines, but whatever is being cooked it's eaten by all. And then cheese and fruit for dessert. This routine is pretty standard in a day for my aunt. In town, however, there are parties and festivals with traditional constantina dancers or concerts with lively music. My family has an apartment by the beach so at night we go down and listen to music or go bungee jumping or go to the carnival and then watch movies because going to sleep too early is nearly impossible there. 

    And finally, the most underrated aspect, the scenery. Portugal borders Spain, so the views upon the Northern Mountains is absolutely breathtaking. Other historical buildings or locations my family loves visiting is Viana Do Castello, the town right next to our apartment that has various activities for everyone. My favorite being riding bikes, but others love to sit by the water and enjoy a midday pastry. Portugal is great because it has mountains, the beach, hot, cold, and everything in between.                     

    Overall, Portugal is and will always be special to me. It truly is one of kind and I encourage everyone with the ability, to go and visit (AFTER THE PANDEMIC!) I assure you, you will not regret a single moment.