Upon arriving in Portugal I was so excited to explore this new country from the very start. It being my first time abroad, did also make me a bit nervous because I didn?t know what to expect or see. However, as soon as we got into the city of Lisbon, I was amazed at seeing how friendly and welcoming the people of Portugal are. It also felt reassuring being able to count on an amazing tour guide and professor that have made this experience wonderful from the first moment this trip began. I?ve had a great time exploring Portugal and seeing how it compares the U.S. on a cultural level and business perspective.?
Our first stop was the city of Lisbon, also known as the capital and the heart of Portugal. I was amazed at seeing how different the architecture of Portugal is compared to the U.S. Everywhere around the city we saw trams, buses, and cars as the mode of transportation. Most streets are narrow and the sidewalks are usually made up of stones. Some of the most historical landmarks of Portugal still stand in the same condition many years later like the day they were built: buildings, churches, castles, and many other famous landmarks that resemble the country?s colonial history. The nature and agricultural life in Portugal have also been amazing to see and explore. On our day trips to neighboring towns and cities, it has been so satisfying to see beautiful views of farms, the ocean, and gardens that are so well preserved in Portugal. The views of Portugal?s nature life and the scenery don?t compare to anything I have seen before and every time we visit a new place I am always amazed by the beauty of the country?s geography. The food here has also been exquisite with there being so many different options to choose from around the city. The food here is also different because most of the dishes unique in Portugal are made differently and contain different foods compared to the typical American plate. Portugal has an abundance of cafes and cuisine places that it has been hard to choose what to eat at times because everything looks so delicious. The Piri Piri Chicken and the Pastel de Nata have been by far my favorite Portuguese foods because of how delicious and unique they are to Portugal. I cannot wait to continue exploring this country during the remainder of our trip, and I can?t wait to see or experience something new in this adventure.?
During our company visits so far, I have learned many new facts and concepts about how the Portuguese do business. During our visit to the Cork farm, it was fascinating to learn about how the Cork industry is a unique and a big part of Portugal?s business economy. It was interesting to learn about how history and tradition play a big part in Portuguese businesses, because many of the leading Cork and Olive Oil farms, stay within families and are passed down from one generation to the next. In Portugal, most businesses tend to prefer staying connected to their customers and building strong relationships. It was also amazing to learn about how businesses in Portugal emphasize using local ingredients and resources in producing their goods and services because of how customary and traditional this is in Portuguese businesses. This business perspective was new to me because of how these views differ from the American view of doing business, but it was still intriguing to learn and hear about. I cannot wait to continue visiting more companies during the remainder of this trip and learn more about international business and its environment in a European country.