I just got back from a trip to Portugal, and was thrilled by the musical and cultural wonders. Of all of the Latin speaking countries, Portugal gets overlooked, but it is really important for a variety of reasons. I’ve made a list of important contributions from this Iberian wonder.
- PORT WINE-this deliciously sweet drink was first grown here, and still supplies almost 70% of the world’s glasses. The best part is that it contains no sulfites, so you don’t get that “heavy” feeling.
- FADO-Basically, it’s the Portuguese version of folk blues. This gorgeous music is best exemplified these days by Ana Moura and the group Madredeus.
- OLIVES-I’m Greek, so I was weaned on Kalamata Olives, but Portugal has some of the most delectable olives I’ve ever tasted.
- CORK-68% of all of the world’s cork is grown on the oak trees in Portugal. It takes 45 years for the first pealing of the bark to be used to make things like shoes, purses, belts, and of course cork for wine. Talking about delayed gratifications!
- CHEESE-most of the cheeses are from sheep, and the most popular is Serra del Estrela, or “Mountain Star.” It’s hard on the outside, and gorgeously oozy on the inside. Eating this with some olives and port wine is a hint of heaven.
- KNIGHTS OF TEMPLAR-this military order of the Catholic Church was founded in 1119, and is still famous for a plethora of conspiracy theories as well as their work during the notorious Crusades.
- THE LISBON EARTHQUAKE OF 1755. The famed 8.5-9.0 earthqake on All Saint’s Day was one of the deadliest earthquakes ever, with fatalities ranging up to 100,000 people. So important was it, that theologians began questioning how a “good” God could allow people to suffer and die on a holy day, causing people to bring up the topic of theodicy. It’s a topic still being discussed.
- HORACE SILVER-the son of a Cape Verdian, this bopping pianist essentially created the classic hard bop combo of tenor sax, trumpet, piano, bass and drums, including classic pieces like “Senior Blues,” “Cape Verdian Blues” and “Song for My Father.”
- PORK-no other country has such a love affair with “white steak.” I rarely eat it at home; being Greek, lamb is my go-to food. But the Portuguese prepare it in ways from prosciutto to roast piglet that make the mouth water. YUM
- TILES-Portugal is covered in gorgeous and intricate tiles. Even the sidewalks are gorgeous mosaics of black and white.
- VASCO DA GAMA & FERDINAND MAGELLAN-Still considered two of the greatest navigators of all time, they set the standard for travelling around the world, and as they say in Star Trek, explored “Strange New Worlds.”
- SPENCER TRACEY. No, he wasn’t Portuguese, but he played one as a fisherman in the classic movie Captains Courageous. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing a lesson in life.