Spanish tourists have a distinct Castilian accent, and the Portuguese know the difference between an Anglophone attempting to speak Spanish and an actual Spaniard.

So Anglophones should be more aware of themselves

One very interesting fact about the drinking culture in Portugal is that it is one of the countries with the highest wine consumption per capita in the world, and it’s not far from the top in terms of total pure alcohol per capita. So it’s not even about not drinking a lot, but about how people do their drinking and behave even when drunk.

Very interesting and informative as always Rafael. You definitely need to bring some pretty good trainers to walk around. I discovered that on my trip to Italy. Can I take a guess at it being the British that get drunk and make fools of themselves and cause a nuisance. Thank you 😊

Enjoyed this vlog. Good advice about showing respect. Too bad people have to be told to do that. It should come naturally. You look very handsome in that yellow shirt.

Visiting Portugal in September with the intent of moving by the fall of 2023. I’m very interested in Braga. Could you do a video that breaks down the various neighborhoods— artistic, industrial, rich, middle class areas, etc. Thanks!

VINHO VERDE, YES (or binho berde as we say in Braga). You live in Braga and it shows my friend, very proud.

Language. Agree 100-percent that one shouldn’t speak Spanish in PT 🇵🇹 (or Italy 🇮🇹) to locals. Even worse is to speak English and expect locals to respond in English. This ‘approach’ is probably okay at the airport or a Hyatt Hotel but otherwise please don’t! Sad to say a recent YT video claimed the Algarve wasn’t for her because folks in the Algarve don’t speak English! BTW—not specific to English speakers. Many, many years ago a person growled at me while I was in Lugano 🇨🇭 because I didn’t speak German and couldn’t respond to his question! 🤷

Oh go ahead and say it: Americans. I live in the U.S. and tourists come to our state and some can be pretty disrespectful by taking bits of a religious burial as souvenirs, harassing the monk seals that are sunbathing on the shores, etc. Why? Because they feel entitled to do so. "I paid to get here so I can do anything I want." They know they can go home and not care what damage they leave behind. I know it happens worldwide and that's pretty sad. At least, when I visit another country, I try to be the utmost respectful. I do research on their customs, learn a little bit of the language, and not be so demanding when I'm a visitor in their country. We are their guests and that requires respect. I better stop before I really go on a rant. LOL Have a good one, Rafi!!

Helpful thing to carry when shopping is a bag or two in PT / Europe. Otherwise, it's at least 10 cents per bag.

My husband and I are trying to choose between scouting Portugal (him) vs Italy (me) as a retirement location. He’s not been to Europe at all, but I’ve been to Italy twice and love the culture, art, food and people. From what I can see of Portugal, it looks beautiful and pristine, but almost cookie cutter buildings in the towns or maybe it’s the touristy areas. It seems geared toward families and kids. Also, property prices in Portugal are going up due to a lot of influx of retirees. Seems Italy has more diversity in property prices and endless opportunities for deals in each region. Am I correct?

I've heard from several people to avoid restaurants that everything is in English. Going to be expensive…