Portugal

I feel the warm sun on my sandy beaches. The big Atlantic Ocean splashes cool water on my shores. My hills have so many colorful flowers, and my houses have pretty, shiny tiles on the walls like pictures. They sparkle in the sun. Do you know who I am? I am the country of Portugal. I am a happy place right by the sea.

I became a kingdom a very, very long time ago, on a summer day, July 25th, 1139. My people have always loved the big, blue sea. They built strong wooden ships with tall, white sails that looked like fluffy clouds floating on the water. Brave sailors loved to go on adventures. One sailor named Vasco da Gama left my shores in the year 1497. He sailed on the big waves to find new parts of the world. He wanted to meet new friends and find new foods to share with everyone back home.

Today, my heart is full of happy music and yummy snacks. You can hear sweet, gentle songs floating through the air in my towns. And you can taste my favorite treat. It is a little custard tart called a pastel de nata. It is crispy on the outside and so creamy and sweet on the inside. It is like a little cup of sunshine you can eat. My people love to laugh, share stories, and welcome new friends from all over the world.

I am a place of sunshine, stories, and smiles. From my wavy ocean to my friendly towns, I love sharing my home with everyone. I am still here, waiting for new friends to explore my old castles, taste my sweet tarts, and listen to the waves sing their song. I will always be a place where adventure and friendship begin. Come and say 'Olá.' That is how I say hello.