ELLLO Views #1333 Portugal in Comparison

Michael: So Ana, Portugal is not a very big country, is it?

Ana: No, it's not. We're actually quite small compared to most countries in the world.

Michael: But you are next to some pretty big countries in Europe, right? You're next to Spain, and France, and Germany, which are all bigger countries.

Ana: Yeah. Yeah, we are. Right by Spain. Spain is so much bigger than Portugal. And it kind of covers some of the Portuguese borders, so it's very interesting.

Michael: Okay, yeah. I've even heard Portugal being referred to as a province of Spain. What do you think about that?

Ana: Yeah. And they think it might be in South America or part of Spain, but not really. Actually, Portugal and Spain, they have a lot of things in common but also a lot of differences.

Michael: All right.

Ana: So the people are similar but our food is actually very different.

Michael: How so? What are the differences between Portuguese food and Spanish food?

Ana: Well, I think Portuguese food, we have a lot of grilled fish, and we're right by the ocean so for us, fish is really important.

Michael: Ah, I see.

Ana: Whereas in Spain, I think you get a lot of meat and food that's a little bit less healthy, I think. But maybe that's just my opinion.

Michael: All right. So is Portuguese food very healthy?

Ana: It can be but not always. Our desserts are really rich, so you should be careful. There is a lot of egg and flour and sugar in there. So you don't want to eat too much of that.

Michael: And you like very rich, cured meat, and sausages as well as they do in Spain?

Ana: Yes, we do. Smoked ham, and cheese is also very important.

Michael: Oh, that sounds good.

Ana: But you know there are also a lot of similarities between Portugal and Spain.

Michael: Oh really? What sort of similarities?

Ana: For example, our love for football is very important.

Michael: Ah, of course.

Ana: So both Portugal and Spain have very big football teams that are important in the whole world. And when we play against the rest of the world, Portugal and Spain really unite and we support each other.

Michael: What's the name of that famous football player from Portugal?

Ana: Oh, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Michael: Oh yes, Ronaldo.

Ana: Yeah, yeah. He's really good. I think he won the best player – well, yeah, the title of world's best player recently.

Michael: Really? Wow. Are you big fan of football?

Ana: Yes, I am. I used to be a big supporter of Porto, so that was really interesting. And Portugal also hosted the European tournament a few years ago.

Michael: Ah, I see. And Porto, is that a place in Portugal?

Ana: Yes, it is. It's in the north. Even though I'm from the Lisbon area, I actually support another team.

Michael: And why do you support Porto?

Ana: I don't know. I guess, I just like Porto when I was growing up and that's why.

Michael: All right. Have you visited Porto?

Ana: Yes, I have. It's really a beautiful city.

Michael: Oh well, maybe I should visit there as well when I go to Portugal this summer.

Ana: Yeah, you should.