Portugal, with its picturesque beaches, delectable cuisine, charming churches, and vibrant, colourful streets, is undeniably a beautiful destination. But if there’s one thing that makes this country truly captivating, it’s the people who call it home.
During my recent trip to Portugal, I had the privilege of meeting some remarkable individuals who left a lasting impression on me. In this part of my five-part series titled Obrigada, Portugal, I share the stories of five people who made my visit to Portugal unforgettable. Each of them taught me something invaluable, and together, they embody the beauty of this country.
1. Carlos: The One Who Taught Me Humility and Dedication
My journey through Portugal began in the enchanting town of Sintra, where my friends and I stumbled upon the O Túnel Restaurant, a cozy eatery tucked away on a charming cobblestone street. As we entered, we were warmly greeted by Carlos, a distinguished waiter with a head of silver hair. When I asked him if he owned the restaurant, with a friendly smile he confessed that he didn’t, but had been working there for what felt like a lifetime.
Carlos’s journey at O Túnel was nothing short of inspirational. He started as a humble dishwasher and cleaner, working tirelessly behind the scenes. Over the years, he’d transformed himself into an experienced waiter who knew the ins and outs of the place. His commitment was unwavering, and he often joked that he had “one arm and one leg” belonging to the restaurant, making it clear that O Túnel was not just a workplace. It was his home.
What struck me most about Carlos was his passion. He approached his work with a zeal that was infectious. He not only served us delicious dishes, but also took the time to suggest wines that would complement our meal. I still remember his recommendation of a wine that outshone even the renowned Porto wine. It was a testament to his deep knowledge and dedication to his craft.
Through Carlos, I also learned the importance of hard work, humility, and loyalty. He had found contentment in his role, even though others might have urged him to seek opportunities in supposedly “higher” or “nicer” establishments. Carlos taught me that what truly matters is finding joy and satisfaction in what you do, regardless of what others may think. His unwavering commitment to O Túnel was a testament to the beauty of dedication.
As I left Sintra, I carried with me not just the memories of its stunning sights but also the valuable lessons Carlos had imparted. He was the first of many incredible people I would meet during my Portuguese adventure.
2. Filipa: The One Who Taught Me the Joy of Connection
While exploring the bustling Corte Inglés Mall in Lisbon with my friends, I had an encounter that would warm my heart and remind me of the beauty of human connection. As we were enjoying a meal, a cheerful young woman named Filipa approached our table with a chair in hand and a radiant smile on her face. “Hey, I just want to make new friends, can I sit here with you girls?” she asked.
What struck me most about Filipa was not only her her spirit of openness and friendliness, but also her genuine desire to connect with others. In a world where many people are often too preoccupied with their own lives to reach out to strangers, her bold approach was a breath of fresh air. For the next 20 minutes, we engaged in a lively conversation, sharing stories and getting to know each other.
Filipa’s passion for Lisbon was infectious. She spoke animatedly about her favourite spots in the city, providing us with insider tips and hidden gems that only a true local would know. Her love for her hometown was palpable, and it made me appreciate the city’s beauty even more.
As our conversation flowed, Filipa revealed that she was a law student at the prestigious University of Coimbra. I was in awe of her dedication and intelligence, knowing just how competitive and demanding it is to gain admission to a law program in Portugal. Her commitment to her studies was a testament to her hardworking nature.
But Filipa wasn’t just about academics. She shared her passion for theater and her love for travel. Her adventures had taken her to France, Croatia, Italy, and beyond, leaving me inspired to explore new places and cultures.
More than anything, Filipa taught me the joy of genuine human connection. She showed me the beauty of being open to new friendships, of sharing stories, and of embracing the curiosity that brings people together. In those brief 20 minutes, she left a lasting impression on my heart, reminding me that sometimes, all it takes to brighten someone’s day is a friendly smile and a willingness to connect.
Filipa, with her authenticity, joyfulness, and curiosity, embodies the true spirit of connection that I will forever cherish as a treasured memory of my time in Portugal.
3. Graciete: The One Who Taught Me About Selflessness and Generosity
During my journey through Portugal, I had the privilege of staying with a remarkable host family in the charming town of Belas. Graciete, my host, instantly struck a chord in my heart, reminding me of my own grandmother. Her presence brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia, and in many ways, she became the heart and soul of my Portuguese experience.
Graciete wasn’t a woman of many words, but her actions spoke volumes.
Every day, she showed her love and care in the most touching ways. While I was out exploring the town or enjoying the sights, she would quietly attend to the little details that made my stay so comfortable. Whether it was washing and drying my dirty clothes, changing my bed sheets, or placing a bottle of water on my nightstand, her thoughtfulness knew no bounds.
One of the sweetest rituals she had was her early morning trips to the local market and bakery. Without fail, she would return with delightful treats like pastries and fresh bread, making each morning a delicious surprise. Graciete would also pack me snacks for the day, and there was always extra, just in case.
Graciete was also an extraordinary cook, much like my own grandmother. Her steaks, baked codfish, Portuguese chicken, and homemade apple cakes were culinary masterpieces that made me feel at home. Even the way she would skillfully cut our fruit into cute shapes added a touch of love to every meal.
Beyond the comforts of her home, Graciete’s heart was even more generous. She constantly ensured our well-being, taking care of the house, and offering warm hugs when she sensed that we needed them. It was through these gestures that I realized her exceptional selflessness.
What touched me most profoundly was Graciete’s role as the president of the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul charity group at the town’s Church. Her involvement in this organization, which gathers food and household items for poor families in Portugal, was a testament to her humble and giving nature. She quietly went about her charitable work, never seeking recognition or praise. It was a side of her that not many people knew, but it added depth to the profound respect and admiration I held for her.
Language barriers may have limited our verbal communication, as Graciete primarily spoke Portuguese. But love transcends language. Through her actions and the kindness she showed me, we formed a connection that touched my heart deeply. Graciete taught me that love knows no bounds and that even in silence, we can communicate the most beautiful of emotions.
As I left Belas, Graciete’s presence and her extraordinary capacity to give love and care stayed with me, a cherished memory of Portugal that I will forever hold close to my heart.
4. Ilda: The One Who Taught Me The Beauty of Perspective
The grand opening Mass at the Colina do Encontro for the World Youth Day (WYD) was a momentous occasion, filled with anticipation and excitement. However, as I stood on the asphalt route, squeezed between a thorny bush and a crowd of distracted youths, my initial annoyance threatened to overshadow the significance of the event.
Some of the youths were talking loudly, others were too busy texting on their cellphones, and a few were even sleeping on their tarps. And to add to my annoyance, my right eye suddenly became red and itchy, making it almost impossible to keep it open. In the midst of the chaos and discomfort, a kind Portuguese local, standing beside me, glanced my way, and offered a warm smile.
Later, she quickly realized that I couldn’t understand the homily delivered in Portuguese. She took it upon herself to translate the priest’s words into English, whispering each sentence into my ear. Her act of kindness touched my heart.
As if that wasn’t enough, she noticed my persistent eye trouble, and the frustration it was causing me. She turned to me with genuine concern and asked if I was okay or if I needed assistance. I explained that my eye felt itchy and painful, hindering me from looking at the stage properly. I mentioned that it could be due to dust or dirt, and that I probably just needed to cry it out.
Then she turned to me and said: “At least, you can still hear and feel.”
In that moment, her words struck a chord within me. I realized that the true essence of life’s most precious moments is not always captured by the eye, but also felt deeply within the heart. Her simple yet profound words shifted my focus from what I couldn’t see to what I could sense and experience on a deeper level.
She taught me the invaluable lesson of embracing a different perspective, and finding beauty even in the midst of discomfort. Her kindness and wisdom served as a reminder that life’s most meaningful experiences often lie beyond what meets the eye, resonating deep within our souls.
As I prepared to leave the Colina do Encontro, a thought resurfaced in my mind. I hadn’t asked for her name. I turned around, gently tapped her shoulder, and posed the question. Her name was Ilda, meaning “battle woman.”
And truly, you are, Ilda, a battle woman, for you’ve shown me that battles aren’t always fought on the outside but within our hearts and minds, where the power to change our perspective and find beauty even in discomfort resides.
5. José: The One Who Taught Me Joy and Unshakeable Faith
José, husband of Graciete, embodies the essence of contagious joy and unwavering faith. His presence alone has a way of brightening even the cloudiest of days, and his life story is nothing short of remarkable.
From the moment I met José, his warm smile and infectious happiness left an indelible mark on my heart. Even when my friends and I accidentally took the wrong train and arrived late, causing him to wait an extra hour to pick us up, José greeted us with nothing but warmth and understanding. His unwavering positivity was a testament to his character.
José’s life journey is a testament to his resilience and unshakeable faith. As a teenager, he was sent into Portugal’s military service, and faced a life-altering moment when he was shot in the leg, resulting in severe injuries. He was stationed in various locations, from Portugal to Spain, and even as far as Mozambique and Tunisia, spanning across Europe and Africa. Throughout these challenging experiences, José remained steadfast in his belief that God was watching over him.
José, who now walks with the aid of a cane, found not only strength but love during his recovery. While in the hospital in Portugal, he met Graciete, his now wife of over 50 years. Graciete, a cousin of his brother’s wife, visited him every day during his hospital stay, and their love story blossomed amidst adversity.
José’s knowledge and curiosity about Portugal’s History are boundless. At the dinner table, he would regale us with captivating stories. For instance, did you know that Porto wine isn’t actually from the city of Porto? Or that Newfoundland and Labrador was discovered by a Portuguese explorer? Or about the Moroccan inspiration behind the country’s exquisite ceramic tiles? His tales revealed so many hidden gems of Portugal’s History.
Beyond his passion for History, José is a man of many talents. He serves as the lead editor for the local newspaper, Elo, a role that speaks to his intellectual prowess and deep connection to his community. As an avid writer myself, I was delighted to peruse some of his work, and cherished the signed copy of one of his newspaper articles that he graciously gifted me.
José has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, faith, and the power of a positive outlook on life. His presence is a reminder of my own grandfather, who, like José, was an avid journaler, and played a significant role in nurturing my love for writing.
Dear José, your unwavering joy and passion for life are a testament to the beauty of embracing every moment with a smile and an open heart. I’ll never forget you.
The Five People You Meet… in Portugal
Portugal’s beauty is not just in its landscapes – it’s also in the hearts of its people. Each encounter with Carlos, Filipa, Graciete, Ilda, and José left an indelible mark on my heart, and a profound lesson etched into my soul. From humility and the joy of connection, to selflessness, the beauty of perspective, and unshakeable faith, these individuals have illuminated my journey through Portugal, reminding me that the world is a more beautiful place when we embrace its people and their stories.
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