Those Crazy, Funny Americans

You Probably Won't Forget Us

I am not proud of the fact that as a manager I sometimes said things that would have gotten me in trouble with an HR department today. I seemed to lack a filter back then and just said, the first thing that popped into my mind. Now, at least, I asked Daniel if I could touch his leg.

Beautiful Évora

Remember Daniel

You remember Daniel, right? He was the waiter that waited on us during our first lunch in Évora. What I didn’t tell you was Daniel was very good-looking and had one smokin’ body. (Oops…there I go again.) I had commented to Daniel that he clearly worked out and he explained that this was his Covid-15. He had gained weight during the pandemic not because he was eating too many batatas fritas (fried potatoes or chips) but rather because he had taken up working out. He had become obsessed with Cross-fit. His chest, shoulders, and arms were very well defined. But I wanted to know about his legs…so I asked. He said it was okay and I gave one a squeeze.

I tell you this story not to solidify in your mind what a lech I am but rather because it is part of the reason we got free breakfasts when we checked back into The Noble House. You see after the first visit The Noble House sent us a thank you email with a discount code. We used the code during our second stay. It did not entitle us to free breakfast. But when we checked in we were asked what time we would like breakfast. It was compliments of the manager. We later learned that the manager at the hotel is Daniel’s girlfriend. During our first stay, she had commented on these two funny, American women that had checked into her hotel that weekend. Daniel commented on the two friendly, American women he waited on. After exchanging notes on our appearance (I’m sure they said something like, “I think they were both in their 40’s”😜) they agreed we were one and the same.

Lunch in Arraiolos

Our Waitress, Anna

Earlier this week I also told you about our trip to Arraiolos on route to Évora. While there we had lunch at O Gingão. I entered “gingão” into Linguee and it was stumped. DeepL.com thought it meant “gingham”…we asked Anna. She said it didn’t mean anything…it was a made-up name. She plopped down some menus and rushed away.

This was not the best of starts…but it got better! We learned that Anna was having a bad day. She had not slept well for several nights and her mind was a fog. “A fog…fog? Sim?” Yes, we understood. This led to an exchange of languages that resulted in hysterical laughter after Denise told her not to be a potato. And thus a new friendship was forged. We ordered beers with lunch, and then a second round. We drank the second round but were not charged for it. When we pointed this out to her, she shushed us frantically. She grabbed the empty bottles off the table and rushed away.

Denise put this on Facebook…my cover is blown.

Not Your Typical Americans

Perhaps it is the language barrier…but we have been told more than once that we aren’t the typical American tourists. We are friendlier…more engaging…funny. Of course, most tourists in Portugal are from Europe. So I am not certain they have had enough exposure to us crazy, funny Americans.

I tell you these stories not because I want you to think we are charming. (We know you already know that.🤣) But rather to encourage you to visit Portugal. And when you do…be the curious engaging tourists that want to soak in all that Portugal and the Portuguese people have to offer. Learn a few phrases and be willing to sound foolish from time to time.

Every Portuguese person we have met so far has said something like, “Oh I love America…I want to visit America.” We want to encourage you to slow down and take the time to learn about the people and share with them all you are. We promise you will have a lot of laughs along the way.