Features of the Portuguese national culture

Why do tourists need to learn the concept of "Portuguese time" what eating habits will have to review, and where the Portuguese call a friend to talk? Today we tell about the differences between our cultures and paradoxes of national identity.

They do not drink cappuccino

The morning begins with a strong Portuguese espresso, flavor and aroma they prefer to indulge in the nearest coffee shops on the way to office or university. Coffee with milk here are less popular, as cappuccino or latte generally not served in local schools. The average Portuguese drink five or six cups of espresso a day, the variety of the menu juice or mineral water. But tea is not caught, confirming a modest selection of any supermarket, where tea outright loses coffee.

Portuguese lunch - a siesta with wine

At the lunch break in Portugal moved away from one hour to two. All local restaurants have set menus, which often includes a carafe of wine. Wine improves appetite, improves the immune system and simply uplifting, if the first half of the day produces a voltage. After a hearty meal, the Portuguese again go to work, but a little tipsy.

They have a "yes" means both "yes" and "no"

The Portuguese do not like to refuse, but a positive response does not mean that the request will be executed. In order not to upset the other, be sure to tell the Portuguese that he would do everything possible, cheer up, reassure, and after the meeting safely forget about this promise. Find out what is actually meant spoken "yes", can be the manner of response. Sami Portuguese immediately understand when the "yes" - is actually "no", but foreigners are often confused, seeing a forgotten promise as disrespect. Himself with the Portuguese will be sure that made it clear he is not able to help.

They hang the national flag on the balcony

Portuguese - people are patriotic, they love their country and believe that all the best - only from them, from the food to the beaches and the weather. It is not surprising that the street can often see the symbols of the country. Flag adorns the main entrance, shops, it hung on the balconies, in cars and cafes. The Portuguese are proud of their history, especially the discoveries of explorers. At every opportunity, they will be reminded of this the other party.

They smoke grass

Portugal - is, of course, not Jamaica, but the smoke is like. Specific possible to smell the smoke in the bar, on the street, in the park, on the beach. Portugal was one of the first countries where the drugs are decriminalized. For smoking in public places and storage of materials in small quantities is not criminal penalties, but for the spread can attract. In the center of Lisbon or Porto tourists simply offer to buy marijuana or hashish (mostly fake, as tourists even warn special announcements).

They eat cod, 365 days a year,

The Portuguese are so fond of cod that are ready to import tons of it in the country (from the local shores is not usual). In order that the fish has not deteriorated, its pre-salted and dried. Bakalyan - so called delicacy in Portuguese - must prepare for all holidays, and women claim to know 365 recipes for the fish to eat it every day.

The most popular dishes - bacalhau a bras (cod with potatoes, eggs and onions) and bacalhau com natos (baked cod with mashed potatoes) - are available in all the local restaurants. In supermarkets have whole departments of dried cod, which are very easy to find, because the fish has a sharp odor.

They have time flows in its own

Amanhã, which means "tomorrow" - a favorite word of Portuguese. Slowness residents most western European countries is expressed in everything. As well as the Spaniards, they like to postpone the case the next day, and then another day - and so can continue indefinitely. Because of this approach to work to wait, for example, an electrician can be a week or two.

Tourists often use special concept of Portuguese time. The rendezvous with the Portuguese? Specify on what time you negotiate normal or Portuguese (+ one to two hours). Thus, a party or a friendly meeting never begin at the stated time. Even if it comes to any event or seminar, it was late for an hour, you will arrive on time, and perhaps one of the first. For the more serious attitude, although the delay is also not uncommon.

In Portugal, rarely come across people who are running in the subway escalator or on the move drinking coffee. Most leisurely living in the south of the country - over their slowness joke even the Portuguese.

They meet with friends at sunset

The Portuguese do not miss an opportunity to watch the sunset. The time when the sun is setting, ideal for meeting with friends: You can enjoy the view and at the same time to discuss the previous day. By the way, the Portuguese prefer a personal conversation, and not to communicate in social networks, so these meetings are held frequently. In Lisbon, Porto and many viewing points, where every day is going to dozens and sometimes hundreds of local. The atmosphere itself has to drink a bottle of beer or glass of wine after a hard day.

They do not dine at home

And they do it late at night. About the Portuguese can safely say that they like to eat at night. Dinner starts after 8 hours and is continued to 10-11. At this time in the local restaurants it is difficult to find a free place, and somewhere will have to stand in line to get a coveted table. Food cost an average of € 8-10 per person. By local standards, it is quite cheap, so the Portuguese are often eaten outside the home. If, however, the Portuguese decided to invite guests to a barbecue, you just will not make a feast of the stomach: here do not prepare ten dishes and eats everything until the end. Do not have time to take a second piece of meat, all already begin to clean up and wash the dishes. Sincere conversations, toast and dinner, gradually turning into dinner, the Portuguese are not peculiar. Although they are beginning at the wrong time, the festival has never delayed for a long time.

For them, football - more than just a sport

For Portugal, it is normal when a guest is waiting for the waiter half an hour, as the stands and watching the game on television soon. Work on the match virtually stopped: the Portuguese - one of the most avid fans. The eternal debate of Lisbon and Porto inhabitants about whose city more beautiful, reaches its climax when there are two main national team, "Porto" and "Benfica". However, for all the Portuguese Ronaldo - a national hero and a role model.