Portuguese Windows

A Love-Hate Relationship

First, let me say I am not an expert on all windows in Portugal. I am writing as someone that has spent less than 3 months in Estoril and Cascais. But each of our homes so far has had pretty much the same set-up.

Our bedroom window. Note the white clips that snap into place to keep the shutter secure.

Love: Shuttered Windows

All of the apartments we have rented have had shuttered windows. While I expect the original ones were wood, these have all been made of aluminum. In our first place, and newest place they operated manually. In the modern, Airbnb the one in the bedroom rolled up or down with the flip of a switch. Regardless of how they close, I love the fact that there is near total darkness when closed. We realized early on that we weren’t sleeping later due to jet lag, but rather because the room remained so dark. Shuttered windows also:

• Keep the homes cooler during warm summer days as, traditionally, houses were not air-conditioned.

• Offer added security. While the crime rate in Portugal is very low if you are leaving a house for several months while you travel Europe this is an added benefit.

• Offer protection from the wind. Keep in mind, Portugal has 1,115 miles of coastline. (As a former Florida resident that lived through three hurricanes and installed costly, hurricane shutters on our home in Vero Beach, I appreciate this built-in convenience.)

Hate: Perhaps too Strong a Word

Okay, hate is perhaps too strong a word. Dislike may be more appropriate. But as an American, let me say, not having window screens seems odd. It’s the bugs…not just flys, but other flying insects (bigger than a gnat, smaller than a fly.) Denise was particularly bothered by them when we first moved in. She ran around the apartment trying to trap/kill them with clapped hands in the air. Here I am relaxing on the couch when there is a slap just above my head. Onix also gets into the act from time to time. Dancing about on her back legs, hoping to catch one in her mouth.

When we moved into our new place, I was enjoying the sun and warmth so much, after our first two cold, rainy months…I didn’t really care. But now I notice them too. I suspect this is something we will notice less over time. Until then, at least we can enjoy a good night’s sleep.