Some of our clients already know that this year we took Summer holidays for real. Due to all the European travelling restrictions imposed, instead of getting the usual quick flight to Lisbon with the laptop in the bag, ready for any work emergency, we decided to lock the office for a few days and head south by road in a motorhome, as soon as we were allowed by the various national authorities. The trip was the most amazing experience, with overnight stays in different camping sites from Wales to Lisbon. Keeping the distance, wearing masks and dispensing with the Portuguese tradition of kisses and hugs, we still managed to see family and friends and that was all that mattered. Now we are back in the office and ready for work during the second lockdown.

Mónica Machado is an English into European Portuguese translator, specialised in Oil and Gas, Mining and Geology, Environment, Hydroelectric Power, Renewables, HSE, Shipping and Business Legal Areas, working for Portugal and Portuguese-speaking African countries, such as Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe.

Picture from VectorStock