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Calma
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Ellie
Calma
For years now I have been a fan of Patricia Westheimer,who writes for "The News" and always find her weekly column of the utmost interest.
Ive only just read this weeks edition(online) and was pleased to read-though not surprised--that Patricia had flown to London this week to take part in the "Unite for Peace" March -during President Bush's state visit.
Reading her column(written before she left for UK) some of her words "stood out" from the rest--and those being the "calm" that characterises Portugal---and that got me thinking--if only some of that "calma" could spread through this troubled world of ours--with all the terrible carnage thats taken place this week in Istanbul and again today --the horrific slaughter of those young Americans in Iraq--God help us -will it all never end--
Most countries of Europe have tasted terrorism --some much more affected than others --but this small country of Portugal--to me --shines out as a peacehaven---and I always feel at peace when Im there--and as Patricia says at the end of her column -- pray that it will always remain so.
Ive only just read this weeks edition(online) and was pleased to read-though not surprised--that Patricia had flown to London this week to take part in the "Unite for Peace" March -during President Bush's state visit.
Reading her column(written before she left for UK) some of her words "stood out" from the rest--and those being the "calm" that characterises Portugal---and that got me thinking--if only some of that "calma" could spread through this troubled world of ours--with all the terrible carnage thats taken place this week in Istanbul and again today --the horrific slaughter of those young Americans in Iraq--God help us -will it all never end--
Most countries of Europe have tasted terrorism --some much more affected than others --but this small country of Portugal--to me --shines out as a peacehaven---and I always feel at peace when Im there--and as Patricia says at the end of her column -- pray that it will always remain so.
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Ellie
Say it with Flowers
I never knew that Charles! Thanks for telling me 
That says it all doesnt it?
I must tell you this-------
We witnessed a "near collision" in the middle of Algoz(when we worked there)--in town centre between bus and car that had swerved in front of it---both drivers got out and started to "square up" to each other --fists up in front like a boxing match--they danced around in a circle---calling each other a few "nice " words!It all looked quite theatening!
I stood there fascinated --wondering what would happen--fearful of a real fight! But--although their fists jabbed the air--they came nowhere near touching or hurting--and finally--something was said and both their hands came out and touched in a stong handshake and then arms round each others shoulders--and we breathed a sigh of relief as they wandered off to a nearby cafe--hopefully to drink coffee
If only all troubles could be settled as easily
Flowers to replace bullets--lovely peaceful image Charles--cheers --Ellie
That says it all doesnt it?
I must tell you this-------
We witnessed a "near collision" in the middle of Algoz(when we worked there)--in town centre between bus and car that had swerved in front of it---both drivers got out and started to "square up" to each other --fists up in front like a boxing match--they danced around in a circle---calling each other a few "nice " words!It all looked quite theatening!
I stood there fascinated --wondering what would happen--fearful of a real fight! But--although their fists jabbed the air--they came nowhere near touching or hurting--and finally--something was said and both their hands came out and touched in a stong handshake and then arms round each others shoulders--and we breathed a sigh of relief as they wandered off to a nearby cafe--hopefully to drink coffee
If only all troubles could be settled as easily
Flowers to replace bullets--lovely peaceful image Charles--cheers --Ellie
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Ellie
Believe it or not
I think I can believe that Guest---or am I being naive?
I have to confess --that I know very little about the 70s revolution---Seem to remember our chief carpenter saying that he was in the army then and Ive seen wall showing bullet holes in Lagoa.
I find it hard to believe that the Portuguese in general--would have the inclination to hurt or harm anyone.
The only time I experienced anger towards me was when a man "stitched me up" when driving--nearly having me off the road.When I had a go at him(verbally) he waved his umbrella at me--using fencing movements---but I asked for it --Id called him "Doidoo" (idiot i think) and was told by Port.friend that it was very offensive
I have to confess --that I know very little about the 70s revolution---Seem to remember our chief carpenter saying that he was in the army then and Ive seen wall showing bullet holes in Lagoa.
I find it hard to believe that the Portuguese in general--would have the inclination to hurt or harm anyone.
The only time I experienced anger towards me was when a man "stitched me up" when driving--nearly having me off the road.When I had a go at him(verbally) he waved his umbrella at me--using fencing movements---but I asked for it --Id called him "Doidoo" (idiot i think) and was told by Port.friend that it was very offensive
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Ellie
revolution
Gerry--d'you know much about the "revolution"in Portugal?
Both you and Charles have told me something i didnt know-------youre not pulling my leg are you?
No! You wouldnt do that--would you
I keep wondering--whether there are any ex-pats (who use this forum) who lived in Portugal during that time--it would be very interesting to hear their story or experiences--or if they moved there soon after--what it was like then?
Both you and Charles have told me something i didnt know-------youre not pulling my leg are you?
No! You wouldnt do that--would you
I keep wondering--whether there are any ex-pats (who use this forum) who lived in Portugal during that time--it would be very interesting to hear their story or experiences--or if they moved there soon after--what it was like then?
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Guest
Ellie, my wife was living and working in Lisbon in 1974. She tells me how she got up on the morning of 25 April, switched on both the radio & TV, and nothing but classical music. It wasn’t until she got to the office that she was told that communist revolutionaries had taken over the airwave, amongst other things.
The rest is history. But I thought the classical music, like the flowers, a nice touch. digger
And….
Here’s a few words from my friend Rui:
“Thirty years ago Portugal was the last European colonial empire. A country fighting wars on three fronts in Africa, until independence came to its overseas territories in 1975. Public opinion against the state of the nation was severely repressed and censored under a fascist police state. The people had been subjected to decades of anaesthesia and suffered serious social injustice and persistent economic and cultural deprivation.
The sudden downfall of the dictatorship and tyranny released a huge sense of euphoria, but was achieved relatively peacefully. The symbol of this new long yearned freedom was the red carnation - and the "Revolution" became also known as the "Revolution of Flowers". And on every 25 April since 1974 thousands gather in downtown Lisbon to celebrate joining the democratic world waving a red carnation, with its green stem typifies the colours of the nation.”
The rest is history. But I thought the classical music, like the flowers, a nice touch. digger
And….
Here’s a few words from my friend Rui:
“Thirty years ago Portugal was the last European colonial empire. A country fighting wars on three fronts in Africa, until independence came to its overseas territories in 1975. Public opinion against the state of the nation was severely repressed and censored under a fascist police state. The people had been subjected to decades of anaesthesia and suffered serious social injustice and persistent economic and cultural deprivation.
The sudden downfall of the dictatorship and tyranny released a huge sense of euphoria, but was achieved relatively peacefully. The symbol of this new long yearned freedom was the red carnation - and the "Revolution" became also known as the "Revolution of Flowers". And on every 25 April since 1974 thousands gather in downtown Lisbon to celebrate joining the democratic world waving a red carnation, with its green stem typifies the colours of the nation.”
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Guest
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Ellie
quiet revolution
Thanks for that Digger--interesting to read of your wifes experience--classical music playing --red carnations placed in gun barrels---and tying up with Gerrys remarks regarding happenings in Georgia this week--would be nice to think that bloodless coups are a thing of the future-----Definitely
worth a few Hail Marys though Gerry
P.S Confess -I didnt know of Salazar until my youngest son--who was a schoolboy when we lived there--told me of him--I realise now what an ignoramus Ive been
But we live and learn--hopefully
worth a few Hail Marys though Gerry
P.S Confess -I didnt know of Salazar until my youngest son--who was a schoolboy when we lived there--told me of him--I realise now what an ignoramus Ive been
But we live and learn--hopefully
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Ellie
unarmed combat!
Sis--we're in this together----
I might need some help here--dont spiders have 8 legs------
But YES---love not war is definitely my motto-----carnations not bullets---tanks stopped at traffic lighs forvever------middle of a field or under a tree --to settle our differences---in unarmed combat
Spider --think youre on a winner here
I might need some help here--dont spiders have 8 legs------
But YES---love not war is definitely my motto-----carnations not bullets---tanks stopped at traffic lighs forvever------middle of a field or under a tree --to settle our differences---in unarmed combat
Spider --think youre on a winner here