A Year in Portugal - Part 2

Life in Portugal has been interesting. I lived in the Lisboa (Lisbon) area, the largest city and capital of the country, but recently (as in the end of March recent) moved to a part of Portugal known as the interior. The Ribatejo (literally; above the Tagus {Tejo in Portuguese} river) to be exact. It's farther from the big blue ocean and hot sandy beaches. The towns are smaller and more quaint. The people, more friendly. The country here is just as beautiful as the other, but in a different way.

Here is where the farmers reside. The ones who make many of your Portuguese vinhos (wines) and azeite (olive oil). The ones who grow their own food from the land and choose to give the extras to their neighbors, not because they expect something in return, but because it's the thing to do. 

With a small horde of young galinhas (hens), my family and I are slowly getting this new home,  a quinta da familia do marido (husband's family farm), up and running. This will take time, work, and money. It'll take research and learning and a willingness to keep trying when something fails.

The goal is to produce enough for not just ourselves but to pay it forward to the people who have shown us such kindness. 

And, if you're interested, to share how it all goes.

If you enjoyed this post, please check out A Year in Portugal - Part 1.