My time in Portugal was definitely one of the most memorable trips I have been on. From company tours ranging from cork, wine, textile, porcelain, and olive oil I got an inside look to the business structure of Portugal’s top industries. It was very apparent from the first tour that Portuguese businesses revolve around the idea of being “sustainable.” This was a theme was shown in not only the first tour but all of them.
Going to the winery in Douro Valley was definitely my favorite part. To get to see the beautiful mountains and vineyards and given an inside look to the ins and outs of the wine industry was so fascinating. We got to see where the grapes are grown, how they are collected, and see how the wine is made and fermented. To my surprise, she informed us that the while the grapes can be crushed with a machine, it is not any faster than just doing it by foot. It was a beautiful tour and I enjoyed getting to know all about Porto wine.
Overall, my time in Portugal was unforgettable. I learned so much about the cities of Lisbon, Porto, and all of the top industries. Our tour guide, Paula, was very knowledgeable and led us around Portugal telling us all of the unique facts and history behind it. I am very thankful to have been granted this opportunity through Mays Business School, as I have grown a deep appreciation for Portugal, its culture, and its businesses. While life runs differently over there, it was definitely very sustainable and I plan to apply this knowledge in my professional life here in the United States. I hope to be able to go back someday and learn even more about Portugal, because it a country that has so much to offer.