We will be traveling to Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto for 3 weeks, late September to mid-October. We are interested in creative ways to meet local people. Volunteering comes to mind and have tried special interests, like our interest in Buddhist meditation. We haven't received any responses. Any ideas? Stories of what worked for you?
Thank you.
Have a look at Global Greeters and Eatwith. Greeters are volunteers who enjoy showing off their cities to visitors, and it’s free. Not sure if there are greeters in Coimbra or Porto. Eatwith is locals who cook and host a dinner (for a price) for visitors in their homes. There’s usually a good mix of folks from around the world.
Anita , it’s a funny thing to me that so many want to befriend locals , but in their own towns at home they don’t really befriend tourists ! Sure you may chat to them if sitting beside them at a cafe , but have you ever invited any home ? Met them later for dinner ? Maybe you have , some folks are more open , but most locals have their own family and friends to interact with , and are busy with work and school ( kids ) etc . So I think the best one can hope for is some friendly interaction , like chatting briefly with a shop keeper , the people at table next to you , someone in line up near you etc .
Just being open to chat is all I can suggest , I’ve been lucky over the decades of travel , but I can’t say I’ve actually made friends as much as we’ve been friendly and had friendly interactions .
Three weeks is t very long , that’s about a week in each place right ? Just go and enjoy yourself .
Ps If you had more time ( a month or two) you could look at WOOFING . My nieces and daughter have done that and it’s a much better way of actually getting to know locals .
Thank you for your replies. :) They are helpful and food for thought.
I’ve lived here almost three years and have few Portuguese friends. The previous poster is correct. The Portuguese people are lovely, helpful and accepting of tourists (and expats). But, they are very slow to accept newcomers as friends.
However, there are a number of expat groups that have activities that you might be able to join - if that is something that appeals. If so, send me a PM and I will give you details.
Take a bus (not metro) and ask a stupid question. Everybody will want to help you, some will go outside with you to show you the right place where you want to go, and in the midle a coffee will be wellcome. Buses are a very friendly transport to meet locals. Although these locals will be old people without nothing to do in life, they would love to receive you at their home and introduce you to all family. Trust me. This is a big problem with my mom. And other moms.
Hello Helena,
Thank you for your advice. We are "old" people, too.
So, perhaps we'll meet some there.
:-) Anita
About various ways to meet Buddhist people, this (countrywide, multi language) site may help you.
http://www.ritmundo.com/20-melhores-retiros-espirituais-em-portugal/
