Hanging Out at the Bars in Portugal

laundry day in the village

The Portuguese love to ask those of us who have come from other countries and chosen Portugal as their new home, what it was about their country that most attracted us.

If you don’t answer quickly, they might helpfully supply the answer(s) for you.

“It’s the food, isn’t it!” they will say.

“And the weather, right?!”

“And the beautiful castles!”

While you’re busy nodding your head yes, they might also say, especially to an American, “And it’s so safe here!”

Portugal is often touted as one of the safest countries in the world, something the Portuguese are very proud of. And it is relatively safe (apart from the being on the roads with Portuguese drivers.)

So it’s kind of a puzzlement as to why so many homes have burglar bars on their windows.

Until it’s laundry day, and you see what the bars are actually used for 😆

© original art by Kristin Fellows

Kristin Fellows is a published artisan writer, a world traveler, and a well-seasoned documentary film consultant. This tale comes to you from a small farming village in Portugal, where she is still surprised to find herself living.

When not writing, Kristin can often be found walking Kiitos, listening to someone’s story, or behind the lens of one of her cameras. Or perhaps doing all three at the same time.

More about Kristin @ kristinfellowswriter.com

[photo of Kristin & Kiitos by Liza Debevec]