One cannot truly appreciate the beauty of Portugal without visiting. During our leisure time, my husband and I came to Lisbon and stayed in the house we purchased, and it felt particularly wonderful.
I vaguely remember the first time I was accompanied by the customer service staff from Worldway as we traversed the picturesque landscapes of Portugal. We were there to select a house. Worldway has a rich array of real estate resources, and based on my and my husband's preferences, their customer service colleagues accompanied us to view many properties. Many of the houses were quite nice, and at that time, it was even difficult to make a choice because we wanted a place that was not too far from Lisbon but also did not want to live in the bustling city center. Ultimately, we chose a villa in a golf community near downtown Lisbon. I appreciate the tranquility and safety here, with large green lawns allowing children to play freely, an international kindergarten for our child, and mature community services that are very suitable for my family. Moreover, renting is also very convenient when we are not living here.
Upon Arrival, Listening to Portugal
Upon arrival, I was both surprised and curious about everything in Portugal: the architecture, historical sites, narrow steep streets, beaches, and simple resorts, the warm Lisbon... Here, the Portuguese people's love for life and purity is something that needs to be savored slowly.
My main living circle is in Lisbon. Although I have not been here long, I enjoy every day. The cost of living here is not high; compared to my home country, the same level of consumption guarantees high quality here. The rich food, fresh air, and beautiful environment are things that other places cannot provide. Lisbon is not large, yet it has the largest Chinese community in Portugal, where everyone is Chinese, coming from all corners of our homeland, and mutual support is something that everyone subconsciously does. Here, throughout the year, there are many European tourists who come to spend their beautiful holidays, making the tourism and rental business very prosperous. Many Chinese immigrants investing in real estate in Portugal choose rental services, and it is quite common for apartments in better locations to have a monthly rent of around 2000 euros.
In Portugal, Being a Little "Familiar" Makes It Easier to Make Friends
When interacting with the locals in Portugal, it is essential to pay special attention to interpersonal relationships. The warmth of the Portuguese is well-known, so sometimes Chinese people may be surprised by such enthusiastic greeting customs. For example, men greet each other with warm hugs and shoulder pats, while familiar women greet each other with kisses on both cheeks. At my first friends' gathering in Portugal, I was slightly uncomfortable at first with the enthusiastic Portuguese, but after understanding the etiquette, I realized that this affectionate behavior is actually the most direct way to enhance friendship. The Portuguese love socializing and will express that intimacy from the very beginning.
In Portugal, Drinking Wine Makes You Good Friends
When in Portugal, one naturally has to mention the country's renowned cuisine and wine. According to Portuguese dining customs, it is customary to drink wine during meals, so we have made it a point to enjoy a bit of wine with every meal during our time in Portugal. When invited to parties or hosting friends, we tend to drink even more. It is said that in Portugal, only drinking is considered manly and heroic. Of course, the Portuguese have a refined way of drinking; traditionally, an aperitif wine is consumed before meals, and a digestif wine is enjoyed afterward, with wine pairings according to the dishes served. Red wine is paired with meat, white wine with fish, rosé with cold platters, and sparkling wine with desserts. This traditional and strict method of pairing wine has been passed down and has become a custom and habit for the entire nation during business banquets, social occasions, and family gatherings. A Portuguese friend told me they love Portugal because "wine is the son of the earth and the sun; it invigorates our spirits and inspires our wisdom." Portuguese wine is fragrant and rich, and with such beautiful legends, it is hard not to fall in love with it. Portugal's wine industry is thriving, with over 360,000 hotels alone.
In Portugal, Estoril and Sintra Are Paradises
Occasionally, I also go out for a few days, such as to Estoril or Sintra, which have completely different styles from other parts of Lisbon; one is a paradise for entertainment, and the other is a cultural city. Estoril is home to the largest casino in Europe and is the most important entertainment center in the Lisbon region, offering a dazzling array of gambling games and exciting entertainment activities, with various concerts and performances held in the evenings, making it a favorite spot for young people. Sintra, located in the suburbs of Lisbon, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and stunning scenery. There is also a particularly unique Indian-style palace here, and strolling through the estate's towers, caves, and charming castles offers spectacular views that will surely leave you enchanted if you are here.
Life in Portugal is colorful, and to truly understand Portugal, even a long time may not be enough. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to Worldway. If anyone wants to learn more about our life here, I would be happy to recommend it to domestic investors who love Portugal.
For more information on buying property for immigration in Portugal, please call 400-138-2929
