Now for something lighter than yesterday’s grumpy rant.
Yesterday morning I got my lower back worked on by João, my massage therapist. We talked about his girlfriend of seven years and that he was planning to propose to her next year. They already have a toddler and he mentioned they would likely try for another baby soon. “Do you think you can have a good life in Portugal?” I asked him. I asked because I’ve been reading about the discontent of the younger generation (18-35) in Portugal. Many feel that the low wages are not enough to live on and are planning to emigrate to other countries. Portugal has some of the highest housing prices in Europe.
Note: Many blame foreigners alone for the high housing prices, but there are many factors at play.
João replied that “it depends on what you consider a good life. If you mean a life filled with family and simple things like going to the beach, then yes, I do believe I can have a good life here.” I was glad to hear him say this.
I left my massage in the city centre and immediately smelled espresso as I passed a taverna. I saw a tour group in front of the Arch and felt grateful to live in Braga as a resident and not just a tourist that would have to go home soon. Then, I turned the corner and smelled fresh bread coming from one of the bakeries. These simple things made me happy.
It seemed like a good time for coffee, so Sara and I headed to Tofa, the Pastelaria around the corner from our flat. Sidebar: Almost no coffee shops offer take-away coffee and don’t even have disposable cups. It’s not the Portuguese way. You sit down and enjoy the coffee.
We passed the pre-school, where the littles were playing outside, clad in matching yellow sun hats. Initially, I was put off by the very loud children playing noise that can be heard inside our flat, but now I love it.
On the way home, we greeted the gatos on the roof who are taken care of by the preschool.
At noon today, we heard the bells toll from the church near our flat. And as I write this, I can hear the drummers practicing at the non-profit arts center next door. Sara met one of the drummers (Mafalda) at the water department recently.
The simple things. May we all appreciate them.
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