I’ve lived abroad for four years – here are 5 things I miss about living in the UK
Plus, find out three of the big mistakes British tourists make while holidaying in Portugal
WHEN I share with fellow Brits that I live in Portugal, they tell me it sounds like the dream – and with months of sunshine, amazing food and beach life at close proximity, they’re right.
However, while I’ve loved making Lisbon home over the past four years, there has been the odd aspect of the UK that I’ve unexpectedly missed.
From certain food items to particular shops, I can’t help but feel a little homesick on occasion over weirdly niche things – and always look forward to getting my fix on visits back to Blighty.
In fact, being an expat since summer 2020 has given me a rather unexpected appreciation of some of things I’ve previously taken for granted…
Packaged sandwiches
There is nothing quite like a egg mayo or tuna and cucumber sarnie from the country of its birth – the Earl of Sandwich is credited with its invention all the way back in 1762.
While they do often list on the menu abroad something called a ‘sandwich’, you’ll usually receive a sub, and I don’t know about you but it’s not quite the same as the triangular variety.
I hadn’t realised until I left that it’s the perfect fast lunch – quickly purchased, smoothly transported and easily consumed pretty much anywhere.
While other countries may prefer a leisurely midday meal (in Portugal this can easily reach three courses on a standard weekday), here in the UK we have mastered fuss-free, but delicious, convenience come noon.
Public transport
I have spent much of my adult life getting around the UK on an array of trains and buses, and in the process have managed to slowly forget everything learnt when I passed my driving test aged 18.
However, public transport is something that’s often taken for granted by Brits.
We lover to moan about the price… the delays… the strikes, but we also forget quite how much the car reigns supreme in other countries – leaving all other modes of getting around with a lot to be desired.
I’ve had to get accustomed again to faffing around with a physical ticket for the metro (contactless has only recently been introduced in some places) and have heard from friends that waiting for the bus is a bit of a gamble.
There are amazing parts of Portugal cut off pretty much entirely unless you’re happy to get behind the wheel.
And we’ll have to wait until 2027 for a high-speed connection to finally be opened between Lisbon and Madrid.
Proper puddings
Ok, I am aware that Portugal is home to the world-renowned custard tart – properly called a pastel de nata – and upon entering any pastelaria you will find an array of sweet treats.
However, while many are delicious (and I highly recommend the Travesseiros de Sintra made from puff pastry, egg yolks, almonds and sugar), there is something second to none about British desserts.
Forget fish and chips, in my opinion the dish Brits do best is the winter pudding.
Who can resist a sticky toffee pudding, apple crumble or chocolate sponge when spotted on a pub menu.
It probably helps that these puddings are best served warm, and are the exact comforting dish you crave when the weather is on the chilly side.
Time-keeping
This isn’t to say that I was never running late before I moved to Portugal, but the leisurely pace of life in much of southern Europe has reminded me just how much of a stickler Brits are for punctuality.
If you’ve only got a one-hour window to go to the dentist or post office on your lunchbreak, in the UK you’ll be in and out the door pretty promptly.
However, there’s no such guarantee in Portugal.
While in London tardiness of even a couple of minutes can see you shut out of gym classes, I was amazed to find that it was a ‘we’ll start when everyone gets here’ mentality in Lisbon.
Which is great if all aspects of your schedule have the same flexibility, but not so funny if the trip to get your dental check-up somehow becomes a two-hour round trip.
Green spaces
I’ll happily lounge around by the sea all day or head to a beach club at night – but, please don’t hate me, I think there might be such a thing as enough coastal living from time to time.
There’s something surprisingly rejuvenating about being in luscious green spaces – and the UK has 198,000 hectares of it, from inner-city parks to nature reserves.
It’s not that mainland Europe doesn’t have some impressive countryside (Portugal alone has national parks in places like Gerês and Sintra), however Britain’s abundance of rain means things are usually a little less parched over here.
Sometimes all you need is a picnic or a walk surrounded by grass and trees – and it’s a dose of nature that doesn’t require washing sand out of your ears for days.
The big mistakes tourists make in Portugal that cost you money
Having lived in Portugal for four years, Lauren Clark shares the mistakes she sees Brits making on holiday...
Ditch tourist restaurants for traditional ‘tascas’
There are loads of great spots in Lisbon to eat but some of the most affordable are family-run restaurants called ‘tascas,’ much preferred by locals.
Prices will vary, and it will depend on how many of you are tucking into the sharing dishes, but it’s possible to eat for as little as €20 (£17.61) per person, including drinks.
Skip rooftop bars for £1.30 beers at quiosques
Instead of a pricey rooftop bar, head to one of Lisbon’s pretty quiosques, usually found in parks, squares or at view points.
Serving cheap drinks and snacks through their windows, you can grab a local beer for €1.50 (£1.32), a glass of wine for €3 (£2.64) and a caipirinha (a traditional Brazilian cocktail) for €5 (£4.40).
Don’t book a traditional ‘fado’ restaurant
Fado restaurants are popular with tourists, where you can watch live performances of the famous Portuguese music, but they are often overpriced.
There are a number of spots where you can see it for free – check out Tasco do Chico (8pm show), Solidó (8pm show) and Povo (shows Tuesday to Sunday between 8.30pm and 11pm).
All-purpose pharmacies
By which I mean the high street chains like Boots and Superdrug which are a mecca for everything you could ever possibly need – from SPF and paracetamol to mascara and tampons.
In contrast, Portugal’s pharmacies – usually independent and family owned – have leaned more towards their original role as a dispenser of medication.
Want to buy shampoo at the same time? You’ll need to remortgage for the one fancy option on the shelf.
On the downside, when I’m back in the UK and keen to stock up, I can’t help but buying totally unnecessary skincare that promises a complexion glowier than the moon.
Warm clothing
I never really understood why tourists to the UK wrap up like they were headed out on an Arctic expedition.
But since moving abroad, I’ve realised that for those who live in milder climates there’s a novelty to whipping out the hat and gloves.
And, much to my amazement, I’ve become one of them – itching during November’s T-Shirt (jumper, at a push) weather in Portugal to slip on the knitwear.
In the UK, you can lean into the festive spirit to celebrate the change of seasons by digging out your trusty coat and tights from the back of the wardrobe.
There’s something about that nostalgic back-to-school feeling in September that only really comes from a proper drop in temperature.
