Portugal (葡萄牙) is one of Europe’s oldest nations. First time visitors are usually struck by the friendliness of the people, the affordable food and wine, and the diversity (多样性) of a country that is relatively easy to travel in, you can travel around Portugal in just a few days.

Portugal’s cities especially Lisbon and Porto show Portugal’s role as a superpower in the past that that ruled the sea from Brazil to East Asia, though it’s, not all about history: “the cities have some of Europe”, best clubs and modern buildings. Head inland and there are endless possibilities from touring the countryside to walking, cycling or rowing down inland rivers. It is the coast, however, that is the biggest attraction. From cliff backed coves (背靠悬崖的小海湾) to endless hills of sand, you are seldom far from beautiful beach. While its western Atlantic beach is still relatively unknown to those outside the surfing community, the calmer waters of the Algarve offer a relaxed beach experience.

One of the many advantages of Portugal is its year-round sunshine. Although the winter months can be a little cold, the sun is often shining and the skies are blue. The best time to travel to Portugal is during late spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is warm. In the summer months, beaches are full of people, hotels are more expensive and the temperature can be unbearably hot.

Portugal’s relatively small size allows for much of the country to be seen within a short period of time while also allowing for it to be explored in depth over a longer period. You can create your own itinerary (旅行计划) with Rough Guides if you are looking for something especially provided for you, or for more ideas check out our itineraries to meet your every travelling wish!

Have you ever been to an Irish wedding? I have just returned from one. It is a quarter to five in the morning: the sun has already climbed about the horizon; the birds are busy celebrating the new day and have eagerly been in search of food. But some of the guests have not yet left. They are still prolonging the night: dancing, singing, gossiping, putting off the unfortunate necessity of undertaking a day’s work in the fields after a sleepless night.

Throughout most of her life, Bridget Mary, the bride, has been living in the small whitewashed thatched cottage I have just left. Twelve children have been brought up there but only two are still living at home. The eldest son, heir (继承人) to the small farm, is helping his father with the farm work (they employ no farm laborers); the youngest daughter is still at school. Two years ago, Bridget Mary went to England to take up domestic work in a hospital and it was while she was living there that she met her future husband, Terry. He himself is an Irishman who used to live in Dublin and now has a well­paid job in a light engineering works in England. They got engaged and started saving. Now they are thinking of buying a small house near Terry’s factory.

The wedding ceremony was performed in the church in the nearest town at half past eight yesterday morning. Another couple were being married at the same time. Nobody worried about the cost of the celebrations: four luxurious cars brought bride, bridegroom, family and friends home, and forty people were crowded into the tiled kitchen and the tiny living­room, hung with framed school certificates and religious pictures. A big meal was given; the wedding cake was cut and toasts were drunk in whisky or sherry (葡萄酒). And while the remains of the feast were being cleared away and the rooms swept, the four cars set out again, taking the married couple and relations for a drive round the countryside.

“Hungary?” I looked at my school headmaster in confusion. “I never mentioned wanting to go to Hungary.” And with that, my adventure started.

My name is Jonathan Diamond and I just finished an amazing exchange year in Hungary.

Going on an exchange had always been my dream. When my high school offered an all-year program，I jumped at the opportunity. It would pay for almost everything and all I had to do was get a plane ticket. I knew where I wanted to go: Spain, the country of dancers wearing flowing red dresses. So when I heard that I was going to Hungary, I was pretty shocked. But I decided to make the best of it, since it was，after all, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Before I knew it, I was on the airplane, leaving for Budapest International Airport, Hungary.

I had times when I almost gave up. Hungarian is the hardest language on the planet. Cultural differences occasionally embarrassed both my peer teens and me. I had to give up eating carrots, my beautiful favorite, for they think carrots are rubbish in their country. The change in the landscape was amazing, looking nothing like skyscrapers, bullet trains, cars，and people in tiny houses that I had been accustomed to. Gradually, I fell in love with the relaxing lifestyle, the warm-hearted people, and getting home at 2：30 p. m. at the latest from school. And I was sad to leave on my very last day.

Having the host family who took me as one of their own members was the best thing I have ever experienced. From my little sisters, I learned how to embrace life to its fullest. From my brothers I learned that it’s OK for a boy to run around the house. From my host parents I learned to stay positive, to smile, and that when you pick the right persons and take their hands, suddenly, you become friends.