When Portugal becomes home | William Wouters

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.

William Wouters
Filipa Pato & William Wouters - Wines without make-up

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

2. Why did you decide to move to Portugal?
The reason was love. I followed my heart. For me, family is the most important thing.

3. What are the sunny and the shadowy sides of Portugal?
The sunny side has many things: the sea, the culture, the mountains, the food, the wine, the History and so much more. The shadowy side was no wonder to me, coming form a small country too: Belgium. A small country with a small mentality. It lacks the helicopter view to understand the real wealth that exists and that could be more appreciated and valued.

4. Which lessons can your native country learn from Portugal?
Belgium could be less materialistic, more tolerant and more human.

5. What can Portugal learn from your native country?
Portugal could respect more the deadlines and could learn organisation and logistics. Portuguese could travel more to discover other cultures, be more fluent in languages and more open-minded.

6. What have you learned with the Portuguese "saudade"?
Love, health and family are the most important things in life. "Saudade" nowadays is only on click away!