When Portugal becomes home | Pierre de Lemos

This week's Togetherness edition is dedicated to the foreigners who have adopted Portugal as their home. What has driven them to make this life-changing decision? What are the sunny and the shadowy sides of Portugal? Which good lessons can Portugal teach to their native countries? Find out the surprising answers to these questions. Home is - definitely - where the heart is.

Pierre de Lemos
1-star Michelin restaurant Mesa de Lemos
Wine estate Quinta de Lemos, located in Dão wine region
Abyss & Habidecor

1. How long do you live in Portugal ?
I live in Portugal for 7 years.

2. Why did you decide to move to Portugal?
We have decided to move to Portugal, basically for family and professional reasons. It was also a way of learning to live in a different culture. For our children is a true lesson, as well as a highly positive experience. The fact of learning another language, another culture and to live in another society can be very beneficial for their future.

3. What are the sunny and the shadowy sides of Portugal?
The sunny side is definitely the light of Portugal, the culture, the friendliness, the gastronomy and the diversity of the Portuguese identity. The shadowy side is a slow and heavy administration, but this is also a general European problem.

4. Which lessons can your native country learn from Portugal?
Belgium is more individualist country and more self-centred. It should be more open, more social and more focused on the simple yet meaningful values of family and work. The fact that Portugal is a more ancient country with a stronger culture makes it more difficult to compare them.

5. What can Portugal learn from your native country?
Portugal could learn to bake potatoes the Belgium way ! And urban planning, as well.

6. What have you learned with the Portuguese "saudade"?
The word "saudade" has taught us that we have made the right decision!