What a remarkable day we have experienced together! Yesterday, the Dutch Portuguese Chamber of Commerce had the pleasure of organizing an unforgettable boat tour in Seixal for our members, expertly guided by a Carla Ribeiro from the local municipality. It was a cloudy morning, which felt as a relieve after the heatwave of last week. As the wind provided for a cool breeze on the water, we set off on a journey filled with fascinating stories and the unique character of this special region.
Our route took us along the protected nature reserve on the peninsula, where our guide explained the history and importance of the ancient tidal mills—once an important part of the local economy and now cherished as a valuable natural sanctuary. We also learned about Seixal’s cork industry, which continues to play an important role in the area.
A particularly touching moment was hearing the story of tio João, a remarkable local figure. Even at an advanced age, he could be found on the beach every day, tirelessly collecting litter and keeping the shoreline clean. His commitment and love for nature continue to inspire the community.
Of course, Seixal’s fishing heritage was also highlighted. We sailed past old fishermen’s houses and listened to tales of the challenging yet rewarding life on the water. The neighboring area of Barreiro was not forgotten—our guide spoke of the close ties and shared history between these two communities.
A touch of mystery was added with theorigin of the Portuguese expression: " estou nas 7 quintas", which literally translates to "I am in the seven farms." In the context of Seixal, this saying refers to a historical area where King Carlos of Portugal used to spend many weekends, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the region in his 7 farms. The phrase has come to symbolize a feeling of being in a privileged, idyllic place—somewhere peaceful, pleasant, and almost paradisiacal. So, when someone says "I'm in the seven quintas," they are expressing that they feel exceptionally well, as if they are in a special retreat or a little piece of paradise, much like the king did in Seixal.
The boat crew was truly impeccable—always friendly, helpful, and cheerful. Their positive spirit made the trip even more enjoyable for everyone. Thank you Fernando Gomes, Ricardo Mourinha e Pedro Silva.
After our journey, we gathered for a delightful meal at Mundet Factory, the former cork factory. In this special setting, we took the opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to several of our valued members, including Luís Newton, Yvonne Kubbinga, Geesje Mosies, as well as to everyone whose ongoing support and involvement make our community so vibrant. We also extended our sincere gratitude to Esra Sen from the Embassy, who will soon be departing for the Netherlands, and to our dear colleague António Varela Cid, who is heading off to Switzerland. We wish both of them the very best in their new adventures. Good luck to you all!
In summary, it was a day filled with stories, connection, and wonderful memories. Seixal has once again surprised and touched us—a truly memorable experience to cherish!
We would like to thank the Municipality of Seixal for the organization of this wonderful visit, in particular our guide Carla and the crew, as well as Margarida Nunes.