Do you know anything about Portugal?

What to expect when living in Portugal?

• I'm going to Portugal for a minimum of one year to teach English. I don't know what to expect while living in Portugal. Are the people friendly towards Canadians? Is the water safe? Is the crime rate low or high? Should I watch out for pickpocketing? How is transportation? What's the difference between Canadian/American food and Portuguese food? Anything else you have to say is very appreciated. I will be choosing a best answer as well.

• Answer:

  Hi, I'm not Portuguese, but I've travelled all around there and lived in Spain, and I think I can answer some of your questions. I love Portugal. 1. Are the people friendly towards Canadians? From what I hear, they generally like Canadians better then Americans (I am one) because Canadians tend to be less arrogant and loud and are more polite. Plus, they actually take the time to learn some of the Portuguese language first and most Americans go there without knowing much. This is all generalizations of course. But regardless, the Portuguese are some of the nicest people I've ever met, they will be friendly towards you no matter where you come from unless you act rude and disrespectful. Just be with an open mind. 2. Is the water safe? I think so, I drank it fine. I've never heard of it not being safe. 3. Is the crime rate low or high? Should I watch out for pickpocketing? Crime rate is one of the lowest in the world... Portugal is a very peaceful country, with peaceful people. The only think you should watch out for is pickpocketing in the tourist areas, it is the same with Spain. It's not a very big deal, you will feel really safe, just don't keep your bag open or anything. 4. How is transportation? Walking is great, and I usually just travel by taxi when I was there. Also there are some trains that go between cities. There is probably a good metro system there too. Hopefully some Portuguese people here can tell you. 5. What's the difference between Canadian/American food and Portuguese food? I don't know much about Canadian food, but Portuguese food is very delicious, very focused on fish and seafood, some parts have a lot of tomato based things. http://deliciasecompanhia.blogspot.com/search/label/peixe Potatoes are mixed with a lot of dishes. They have this wonderful smashed spinach side dish I liked called esparregado. http://deliciasecompanhia.blogspot.com/2009/05/esparregado-de-espinafres.html Also in the southern region, there is this pork and clam dish: http://paracozinhar.blogspot.com/2006/10/carne-de-porco-alentejana.html Mmm and para a sobremesa, you have to try this: http://viagensdeisabel.blogspot.com/2010/06/pasteis-de-belem.html It is delicious, I have been to this shop pictured there. It is a Portuguese speciality. And have some Superbock too when you are there. It is a Portuguese beer. I suppose some Portuguese people can help me out more with this question... 6. Anything else you have to say is very appreciated. The Portuguese have a very rich and old culture. They are generally very polite and nice people that will go out of their way to make you comfortable. They are very sweet. They are very honest. There are some nice old fashioned classy gentleman there and some charming women. Most know English very well. I say just get to know them on a personal level and try to learn the culture and do what they do when you are there, make a lot of friends, and you will have a great time. You will fall in love. I did. Good luck! And great choice of countries to live in for a year.