en 
A lot of people, not to mention companies, are saying I quite like this. I don’t have to commute; I can work at my own pace. I save money on transport, fuel and even food. Companies are realising that perhaps they don’t need such large offices. What we first rejected in lockdown, are we now adjusting to it, even to the stage of enjoying many aspects of it? This may well have long term impacts on our society. Portugal is a very ‘social’ country, we enjoy the company of others, perhaps rather different from the English for example. If two English families go to an empty Algarve beach, they will each go to the far end and keep distance from the other couple. Two Portuguese families will sit quite close, they enjoy company and being social.
What happens when lockdown ends? Will we go back to our offices, start going to the café again for our mid morning (or earlier) coffee? Will we eat out as much, or have we adjusted to home cooking or the local take away. Will life return to normal or will it take a long while to re-adjust. Recovering our social life might take longer that we think.
The old adage to agoraphobics was “the answer is just around the corner”. It was thought to be a joke, but perhaps its truer than we thought in todays lockdown world.
As soon as we can, lets get back to normal, but it might be a little more challenging than we think.
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You echo a lot of my thoughts. I think the eventuality will be a new normal - too much has taken place to allow the old normal to return on many levels. Many of the smaller communities have lost intrinsic parts of their social infrastructure. A typical village cafe that discretely made sure the local homeless had a hot meal or a coffee - or leftovers , and provided local hubs for the elderly as well as to passing trade have vanished , they will never return as they were. They may be replaced by something new ...... but their spirit will have gone for ever. the same may happen to established local enterprises , where people who went on for the sake of the community service they provided - as opposed to modern day commercial practice - may never return.
Tourism will change here and in the rest of the world , it will no longer be taken for granted that we holiday abroad - I have concerns that this may affect Portugal greatly - at best it will re-balance at worst some will be lost forever.
I think when people start to circulate again they will be looking for more space - a little more privacy and room to move .
I sincerely hope the new normal is a positive place for us all where we can embrace the lessons learned in the last year - the alternative is horrible to contemplate.
By Nicola Jane Brown from Lisbon on 13 Mar 2021, 13:52
Dear The Portugal News,
I am not sure where my comments or contents relevant to this article.
But, I wish you had a topic that I could express my interest or problem.
How one on monthly basic income afford to live in Portugal?
I am willing to spend all of my income just to rent one small studio apartment but there no chance because of sky high price. As well as my fear of spending all of my income on rent and no security for future. Having spent all of money on rent and no penny left in the pocket is extremely scary.
Living in shared apartment with strangers and saving some money is good. But not feeling good. Life does not feel worth living like this. It feels like my personal growth is compromised by keeping myself in my own prison.
I am not sure after having own apartment, would make me feel free and independent though. Or there would be underlining problems that would always keep me in my own prison.
What to do?
Save money and play safe?
Or spend and take a risk and explore other income options?
Thanks you.
By Shanta Gurung from Lisbon on 30 Mar 2021, 13:42