PORTUGAL
Western Europe at its most beautiful (and most affordable)!
Western Europe is known for its large tourist numbers. Travellers from
all over the world do 'the Europe thing', but
somehow most of them neglect to visit Portugal. Maybe it isn't covered
by the many Eurail passes on offer or it isn't conveniently located...
but, whatever the reason, those travelling in Europe should not miss
this beautiful country and all it has to offer.
Yours truly travelled to Lisbon--or Lisboa--and then hitchhiked south, stopping on almost every beach we encountered! We decided that if Lisbon was a colour, it would be orange. The city is magnificent! Even though Portugal is one of the least developed countries of the original EU members, this gives it a deep sense of tradition and of 'something old'. Architecture is picturesque, even a bit arabesque, people are warm and friendly; there is a vivid sense of Latin spirit.
Romarias--religious
festivals honouring a patron saint--are still
very popular, as are folk festivals; there are
outdoor markets everywhere, selling goods such as deliciously pure olive
oil, fruits, bread, fish as well as cute trinkets (see photo of wooden
toys). Seafood and wine meals are extremely common, and, of course, football
matches are a passion shared by all Portuguese alike.
Towards the south we saw uninhabited beaches (it was April) and we slept in camping parks without a tent! Our sleeping bags were warm enough as the weather was so favourable, so we slept under the clear and starry Portuguese sky. My fellow traveller and I loved not being continuously surrounded by herds of tourists as well as the genuine desire of the Portuguese people to socialise.
Even though Portugal offers a smaller ESL teaching market than its neighbour
Spain, or Italy, there are still many opportunities,
with large franchise language schools, such as
Berlitz, Inlingua, Wall Street Institute and International House, all
operating in Portugal. EU citizenship is certainly a huge advantage,
but teaching experience is seldom required. Salaries are lower than in
other Western European countries, but cost of living is also much lower.
Furthermore, there is remarkably less competition for jobs in this beautiful,
but often ignored, country.
Like the sound of it? Portugal is a delightful country and for those wanting plenty of sunshine and a laid back lifestyle, look no further! Portugal, here I come!
