Dreamy country

Portugal is still the land of Fado music, which the young girls used to sing as a farewell to the sailors departing off to the sea, not knowing if they’ll ever return. This country is deeply connected with the ocean, which is obvious, since it is surrounded by the Atlantic Coast with flourishing ports. The people are a combination of Latino passion, desire to socialize, hospitality, but at the same time a deeply rooted sadness, which was started by many sailors leaving and many of them never returning. Still, it’s the country of friendly people, with one leg in the European present and the other in the golden past of the colonial era.

 

In the era when they discovered new territories made Portugal a driving force of the world for a while. For a short time it was always under the rule of Spain, but got freed from it. Portugal was the last western European country that let its overseas colonies go. Its interesting past and geographical position are still seen in its way of life, culture and architecture. Upon entering the EU Portugal was, along with Greece, the less developed country. But its development in the past years is still growing. The people are still making their living by tourism, boatbuilding, paper industry, textile industry and traditional china making, which are still the most important economic sectors. Nature gave them a mild climate and they are using it for the cork tree orchards, vineyards, olive oil orchards and various vegetables. And important source of food is also fishing and sheepherding. The people are proud of their history, geographical location, and about their country in general and like to boast they come from the country of great discoveries. They also like to say it’s the country of fado, their traditional music which is part of their lifestyle and culture. It’s the music that represents their way of life throughout history and is still closely connected with them. Fado was written by most important Portuguese poets so it’s very cultural. Fado could be also named the sad Portuguese songs, which has two variations. Both are named after the cities, it’s the Lisbon and Coimbra style, with the Lisbon sign being more popular and the Coimbra as the more elevated style. It’s usual that people during fado in Lisbon are clapping, but in Coimbra they show respect through coughing. A famous fado singer, Mariza, once said that fado is the music by which we share each other’s lives over the glass of red wine. 

Portuguese society is still under the strong historical influence of the catholic faith. The traces of catholic fate is still visible in the everyday life of people, mostly seen in the loyalty towards the family, the attitude of the young generation towards the elders, the whole society and standpoints of the religion. The people are sticking to the rules of the faith, seen in one of the most fundamental points such as the abortion or homosexuality. But sure the opinion is changing with the younger generation, mostly among students, who gain a different point of view on the world and directly faith and religion, also they are less connected with religion.

 

In the thoughts of the older people, mostly those from the countryside, the religion still has a very strong influence, mostly in connection to Fatima. Fatima is still the goal for many pilgrims every year. The path to this pilgrimage seems to be the path of opposites. It’s a small, poor village, which was obviously selected by god to show the world something great here. But this isn’t the only controversy, for we can see a village here on the mountain raising up from the flatlands, with fields and vineyards, that higher up become a bare stone. From here the path leads towards Fatima, the pilgrimage in the grand magnificent basilica. 

 

The story’s beginning is really common and the main characters are three children. They were shepherds, a 10 year old Lucy, 9 year old Francis and a 6 year old Hyacinth. One day they were on the pastures with the herd, where there was a large oak tree. Among the branches the children they’ve seen a beautiful young lady holding the rosary beads in her hands. They saw the lady two more times afterwards. She told them to build a shrine, where people would receive charity. She also told them that soon there will be a healing well coming from the oak tree roots. The authorities did not believe the children, until under the oak tree branches a clear fountain appeared. This was very unusual for the dry Fatima mountain, where they latter on built the magnificent religious objects.

You can feel the strong influence of the Portuguese countryside, for the country is traditionally strongly connected to agriculture. On the other hand there are special cities here. They are old historical cities, with the old fashion point of life and culture that left a tremendous influence. Usually these cities are heavily populated and most of them are along the coast of Portugal. And each of these has its own hidden charms, showing the unique history and charming people that take over each visitor. Apart from the special beat of the each of these old cities, you can still find the remains of the Ancient Roman Empire there.

 

The city of Coimbra needs to be especially mentioned, for it’s the first city in Portugal, where they started opening schools and it is still the most important university city. The city where you should experience walking, for this is the only way you can see the narrow and sometimes steep streets. On top of the university quarter you also get a great view of the city and the surroundings.

 

The capital of the Portugal – Lisbon – has a special charm as well. Not only because ti’s the capital, but also because of its role in the history. It was from here where the greatest explorers and conquerors set off around the world in the age of wooden ships and iron men. There are historical buildings here, with different architectural styles reflecting, from gothic to baroque, romantic and modernistic. The warmest European capital was founded by the Greeks and Phoenicians in the ancient times. Like many important cities around the Mediterranean basin there is a legend, how this city fits into the Trojan myth and was established after Odysseus landed here during his odyssey. Still, archaeologies are claiming that the city site has been settled for some 7000 years. 

 

With development, naturally, cities are getting new images in accordance with contemporary urbane styles. The important cities are the ones that attract important congresses, hosting scientists, cultural events, etc. The development of the country is raising steeply, which can be seen by the growing educated people with the knowledge of languages, computer skills and other contemporary themes. Despite fast development and all the progress many Portuguese still live in a part of their proud history and the melancholic fado.

The country is very proud of its long Atlantic coast, which is a large part of the country. They still like to boast with the historical and also modern ports along the entire coast. And it’s because of this long coast the country is so connected to the everyday life of the people.

 

The interior landscape was quite different and especially the northern part with many hills good for farming. The southern part is more flat and hotter, less suitable for farming. The coastline itself is mostly rocky and used almost exclusively for tourism. The best tourist beaches are to the south in the area called Algarve. Many people say that Algarve is not real Portugal, as the architecture, the food and the names of the places do not fit in with the rest of the country. 

 

For most people from central Europe it feels like Portugal is already on the other side of the Atlantic, but that’s just prejudice. It’s not nearly as far away. Except for the main tourist locations, the country is not all that visited by tourists, which means that the travellers have many great opportunities for exploration and discovering the beauty of the land and its people.