🌞 Services in Portugal: a warm embrace
Recently, we spent a few days in Lisbon. A short city trip, combined with a practical purpose: extending Eus’ passport. Since we weren’t working this time, we noticed something that we might usually overlook: how personal and warm the service in Portugal is.
A welcoming feeling from the first moment
It started at the hotel. No problem checking in at 12:00 PM. In fact, our room was ready and we received an upgrade to an ocean-view room. To be honest, our previous visits to Lisbon were a bit disappointing. But this time felt different. Even at the Estoril train station, a friendly Portuguese man helped us by calmly explaining how the ticket machine worked, despite almost missing his own train. On the train, another local assisted us in knowing exactly where to get off.
Lisbon, a significant upgrade
During our trips to museums or coffee shops, we were treated everywhere as if we were royal visitors. Perhaps it was because this time we wandered through the less touristy neighborhoods; where the true Portuguese life unfolds. This gave Lisbon a significant upgrade for us.
Our local café as a second home
And that warm, personal feeling doesn’t stop in the capital. This is the service in Portugal as we experience it. But we also feel it just as strongly in our own Lagos; especially at our favorite local café: Everyday People Café. They welcome us as friends. They know what we drink, chat with us, pet our dogs, and when we come with friends, they quickly push tables together. On birthdays, we even receive a carrot cake from the house, complete with singing. It’s no surprise that we believe they serve the best coffee in Lagos; fair trade, of course.
Service in Portugal; Care with a smile
This personal service in Portugal is noticeable not only in cafés or hotels, but even in healthcare. A few years ago, I broke some ribs and my right elbow after a fall. During my visits to the clinic, I was always warmly greeted: “Bom dia, donna Ana.” A month later, when I fell again and broke my pinky, I was cheerfully noted upon entry: “But donna Ana, you have your sling on the wrong side!” That they recognized me, despite the large number of patients; that I call top service.
The power of personal attention
These experiences continuously remind me how important personal attention is. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, distant, and hurried, this human contact is so valuable. This service in Portugal acts as a mirror for us: personal attention is not only good for others but also for yourself. What you do for others, you often receive back; and thus, society becomes a bit warmer. We can contribute to that in our B&B.
Warmth of more than just the sun
Portugal is a country where everything moves a little slower. Efficiency is not a life goal, but attention is. And perhaps that is exactly what the world needs. So let’s take time for one another in our own lives as well. A chat with the neighbor, a smile at the checkout, a helping hand; these are small gestures that make a big difference. Because the sun shines not only in the sky. In Portugal, it also radiates from the people around you.
