Portugal: The California of Europe

A life-long Californian living in Portugal, this is my 1st entry in a year-long journal.

L to R: mouth of the Douro River, Porto; the shadow of Gen. Pombal Lisbon; wildflowers and Roman ruins in the Algarve. Photos by author.

“Portugal is the California of Europe.” I’ve said that myself, to the Portuguese. There are so many natural similarities. I’m heartened that many Portugese still express love for the USA, and California in particular, telling me that Americans are the most friendly, nicest people they meet. Portugal has an ace in…