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Melanie Newfield's avatar

Wow, you've nearly achieved your art goal and it's only August! I thoroughly agree with you about language. No matter how many people speak English, it makes a real difference connecting with people if you are making an effort with their language. Even if I'm just passing through a place for a night or two, I try and learn a few words, just out of respect. Good luck with your Portuguese learning. I'm sure you'll do great.

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Melinda Yeoh's avatar

Haha, yes, I think the unexpected series of four pieces of artwork sped up the completion. It was scheduled to end in October 2022. It’s good. I can focus on brewing something else…

Ya, sharing a common language is a good way to connect with people. It really helps to break the ice very quickly. :)

Portuguese language is apparently a difficult language to learn. All the Portuguese friends I know told me that. Yikes! But, I gotta, have to, need to. Haha.

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Maja Milanovic's avatar

I love Vinho Verde! It was fun reading about your transition and Porto seems quite lovely! I had tickets to go there when COVID hit, so we never made it.

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Melinda Yeoh's avatar

Vinho Verde is light and refreshing, yes? Glad you’ve enjoyed reading this issue. Did you get a refund for the tickets?

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Maja Milanovic's avatar

We didn't! Quite unfortunate. Yes, Vinho Verde is exactly as you say and a bit bubbly! Perfect for summer.

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Melinda Yeoh's avatar

Hope you have the chance to circle back to your plans of traveling to Portugal one day soon.

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Karen Davis's avatar

I remember being in Portugal in the early 90s and going out for Vino Verde and espresso shots at 11 PM. I can’t member what those shots were called, they had a name, but I think of that now, oh my, I’d never sleep! I’m really impressed with how you are going about getting to know this new place. I love it.

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Melinda Yeoh's avatar

Nice hearing from you, Karen. Hope you are well.

Haha, even back in the 90s they have this practice? The espresso shot is just called "cafe". In Porto. When you order um cafe (a cafe), you will get a teeny weeny espresso shot of coffee. In Porto, it's called Cimbalino (“seemba-lee-noo”), but "cafe" is widely used and understood. Here's an article about this interesting "let's have coffee (at 11 pm!) culture and about drinking coffee in Portugal: https://www.aportugueseaffair.com/coffee-portugal/

Still loads more to explore and get to know about Portugal. We keep reminding ourselves to be open, adaptable, try to stress less, and keep looking to God for His grace and help!

There are some less nicer things that we've experienced, and I'll talk about it in my future HopeMail issues.

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