This country is stunning. It is my first time traveling abroad, and I’ve become exposed to so many new things in the first few days of being here. What has surprised me the most is how many English-speaking locals I have come across. I’m pretty sure that’s because we are in the capitol, and I will find less of this in more rural areas of the country. Another thing I have realized that is drastically different from the US is the transportation system. There are thousands of people living in this city in apartment or townhouse style homes, as opposed to the neighborhood style of living I have been around my whole life. All of these people enjoy walking, riding trams, utilizing the train, or some other form of public transportation. Even in the downtown area, the traffic isn’t bad because there are so many people who do not drive personal vehicles. I really enjoy the ease of access to nearby grocery stores and restaurants, as walking has been an ideal mode of transportation for so much of the trip.
Some things that I still haven’t fully grasped are the tipping system and the use of plastic water bottles. In America, we have water fountains almost everywhere – it is fairly easy to refill your reusable water bottle. Also, when you go out to eat and order water, most places in the US give you a glass of ice water. In Portugal, they serve you a bottled water which is not free of charge. They also have tax integrated into all of their goods, so the pricing has thrown me off a bit. And, I’m still unsure about the customs for tipping in this country.
It has been so wonderful seeing all of the unique architecture, the thriving vegetation, and the way others live across the ocean from me. I am excited for the rest of the trip and what is to come.