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My love affair with Portugal began in the seventies when I lived and worked in the Algarve and in Lisbon as a freelance journalist. I was fortunate to live in one of the Algarve's most beautiful villages, Alte, and later to work as secretary and PA at the legendary Centro Hipico of Vilamoura. The friends I made then will stay in my heart forever. I had tried to learn some of the language from books before I went. Within a month, I could read and understand basic Portuguese but noone understood a word I tried to say. One of the most embarrassing moments of my life was standing in a village shop while a kindly shopkeeper explained to the rest of the assembled neighbours, " Just nod and look as if you understand. She can't talk. Just makes noises, poor soul." Everyone turned, studied me solemnly, then nodded in agreement. There I was with degrees in English and French. I had been a news and features reporter for a prestigious English Sunday newspaper and I couldn't say a word in my own defence. I redoubled my efforts to learn the language and in the end could talk. Everybody still probably thought I was mad but they stopped mentioning their thoughts in front of me so I shall never know. I am now Head of Languages at the Isle of Wight College in Southern England where our language students have an excellent exam record, well above the national average. I love teaching, I love researching the Internet. Portuguese is a new language in our College curriculum. I really want to share my passion for Portugal and its people with all of you. I'll be interviewing other Portuguese adoristas who will also share their expertise. Please let me know of anything you really want to know and I'll do my best to help. Até logo, Ana |
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