One of the first things I noticed and loved upon arriving in Portugal was the calm environment even within a busy, lively city. In the United States, people are always on the move from one place to the next, but in Portugal and Europe as a whole, locals take more time to enjoy these moments rather than be in a constant rush.
This is a great opportunity to take a deep breath and soak in what is all around you. You notice this environment especially when it comes to meals. In the United States, we have learned to treat meals as a quick break in our busy lives, often eating alone even. Abroad, meals are a time to fully unwind and recharge, especially amongst camaraderie. To-go options are far more scarce in Portugal, which is nice because it allows you no other choice but to enjoy your time with those around you over a meal.
Portugal is a beautiful country with so much culture and vibrancy. I am amazed by the preservation within its cities, as many original, centuries-old structures are still in place. This is fascinating because in the States, we just don?t have architecture as old. You can see the huge importance of preservation as the cities have grown from their original centers.
The final key difference I noticed was the added emphasis on sustainability in the country. You can see the desire to reduce waste, use less energy, and use far fewer plastics. I think it is so important that this is something that is prioritized and with the United States was in a similar position. Businesses have made a large effort to increase their own sustainability efforts, which is very hopeful looking towards the future. It is inspiring to see what other countries are doing in hopes of bringing some of the good characteristics back.
