Because there is crime in Portugal (it's not a paradise...), I'll place some ocasional news about the subject here. Seven people were convicted to prison (7Y9M to 16 years) for a total of 36 robberies. They robbed houses, with old folks inside, and businesses, perpetrated in the districts of Coimbra and Aveiro in early 2022.https://www.jn.pt/3644566357/sete-dos-15-arguidos-do-caso-teia-dourada-condenados-a-prisao/

"Mais vale saber que haver e dar que receber" It is better to know than to have, and to give than to receive

For anyone who hasn't seen it, there's a useful English-Portuguese (and reverse) online dictionary at https://dictionary.reverso.net/english-portuguese/. It might be worth book-marking or saving as a favorite, whichever your browser uses.

For those interested in DNA and ancient history, here are a couple of YouTube videos that I found fascinating. "Why Portuguese DNA is the strangest paradox in European History" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBR2a1XfpEk ) and "Why are the Portuguese genetically different from Spaniards" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p36Jdv194Hw). Both are just over 13 minutes. In short, Spain and Portugal were warmer refuges for Europeans during the Ice Age that ended about 9,000 years ago, then while Spain was exposed to Mediterranean cultures, Portugal wasn't. But that's only the big picture, there are parts of Portugal that also came under different influences.

The European Commission named Silandro (Italy), Caldas da Rainha (Portugal), and Barcelona (Spain) as the 2026 European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) on January 29, 2026. These cities were recognized for excellence in supporting local commerce and creating vibrant, sustainable city centres, as highlighted on the EU Retail Platform. 2026 European Capitals of Small Retail Winners by Category - Vanguard City (5,000 - 50,000 inhabitants): Silandro/Schlanders, Italy - Vibrant City (50,000 - 250,000 inhabitants): Caldas da Rainha, Portugal - Visionary City (Over 250,000 inhabitants): Barcelona, Spain Key Details - Role of Winners: The winning cities, announced by the European Commission, act as centres for promoting small retail, fostering innovation in the sector, and sharing best practices regarding the digital and green transition, according to details on the EU Commission website. - Significance: The initiative is designed to highlight the importance of local, small-scale retail for economic resilience and cultural identity in local communities. - Activities: The, title year, which started in February 2026, involves, specialised, launch events in each city to showcase local commerce strategies. - Barcelona's Focus: As a "Visionary City," Barcelona focuses on local, sustainable, and networked trade. - Caldas da Rainha's Focus: Recognised for its iconic fruit market and strong community-driven commerce, as noted in the official finalist showcase. - Silandro's Focus: Focuses on the role of, small, retail in maintaining town vitality