Since medieval times, many rural Portuguese families raise pigs for domestic consumption.  People in the countryside were self-sufficient, providing for their own vegetables, fruit and meat.  Because the activity of pig slaughter has been practiced during many centuries, nowadays, the pig and its meat belong to the national identity. 

But the slaughtering of a pig is more than providing for food, it is also a social happening, where families, neighbours and friends...

The Portuguese are proud of their coffee. And not without reason! Some of the richest coffee growing countries in the world are ex-colonies of Portugal. Although the sound of the coffee grinder and the espresso machine can be annoying at times, it also promises a great quality coffee is nearby.

The Portuguese generally do not drink their coffee at home, but rather have one in the local café or pasteleria. Here they can order their beloved coffee, just the way they like it.  If you want to ha...