Here in Portugal though I have totally given up, the language is incomprehensible, a mix of Arabic and Latin, spoken with a guttural sound that resembles Russian. Luckily most of the Portguese speak good English, so my inability to master this complex language has not been an impediment. All I have managed to grapple with is please - por favor - and only because it mirrors the Spanish - and obridaga - which is thank you when spoken by a woman, and just to confuse it is obrigado when spoken by a man. Four-year-old Siena got by with her version of obrigado, thanking everyone by saying, avocado, avocado.
Street art and graffiti are a popular modern communication form in Portugal.They say that people who are good at languages also have a brain for music and mathematics. Well that is me damed then, if you have heard me sing you would agree. Tom and both boys refuse to let me sing in public for good reason, and my mathematics is equally poor. I have gotten by just adding 'O' to end of most words, or alternatively putting 'Al' in front of words when looking for an Arabic feel.
Lack of language skills did not stop me ordering the local sour cherry brandy from this street stall. The brandy is served in tiny chocolate cups which you eat after drinking the sweet, strong liquor.Forza Portugal is the only other expression I have retained, however it has limited use. The Portugese are certainly looking to Euro 2016 and many shops and houses have flags and Forza Portugal banners hanging to support the fancied national team. Cristiano Ronaldo is the great Portuguese hope; you may remember him from an earlier blog post. Portuguese football tops with Ronaldo's famous number 7 are also everywhere.
The Portuguese make a nice take on the English Keep Calm tag.Luckily we are leaving Portugal today for Spain so I can leave the language woes behind me.
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