Exploring European traditions and customs is simply wonderful

WHEN I was younger it was second nature for me to jump on and off planes. Fadó fadó my sister worked for British Airways, which made me eligible for cheap flights, something I availed of as often as possible. I lived in Germany and Italy for a number of years, which meant a lot of coming and going, availing of cheap fares.

As I get older and airports grow busier I have lost that early verve for flying. These days too I’m conscious of our carbon footprint.

The first time I flew through Dublin Airport was 1965. It’s changed since then. I remember on one occasion, probably 1974, flying to Frankfurt leaving some- thing behind me in my parents’ car. A cousin was allowed come right to the gate to give it to me. Imagine trying that today?

I had to travel to Portugal last week for a short four-day visit. It was my first time in Portugal and in the Algarve. Ryanair to Faro and then two buses to my destination. On my bus journey from Faro to the Algarve I noticed how people were so gracious towards each another. The bus driver greeted people in the friendliest manner as they got on and off the bus. In my four days in the country I did not once hear a car horn or see a hint of aggressive driving. I was struck by the gentleness of the Portuguese people.

Coming home on Sunday I bought a rail ticket at the local station to bring me to the airport. Sitting down waiting for the train I got talking to a fellow passenger, who was German. I had spotted her presenting a card to the railway official and asked her about it. She explained that EU pensioners travel on Portuguese railways for half fare. I was embarrassed to go back to the counter to ask could I change my ticket. But I picked up the courage and did just that. The railway official could not have been more pleasant. She simply printed me out a new ticket, smiled and refunded my overpayment.

All EU pensioners in Portugal and Spain can avail of half fare travel on the two countries’ rail networks. It’s surprising that it’s not something that is publicised more widely by the Portuguese and Spanish authorities in attracting tourists. I have never seen it mentioned in any travel literature I have read. Why don’t Aer Lingus and Ryanair tell their passengers about it?

But I am wondering about the entire tourist trade. While in Portugal the number of tourists I saw walking about looking bored, constantly peering into their smart phones. I saw a young fellow take a picture of his girlfriend’s shadow. Am I just being an old fuddy-duddy criticising the latest trends? I remember once cycling from Oostende to Trier and the fun I had navigating my journey with the help of maps.

My short visit to Portugal reinforced some of the many benefits of the EU. Whatever about the silly aspects to tourism, it’s wonderful to be able to experience other people, their traditions and customs with such ease. The European Union, in spirit and practice, fosters a sense of solidarity and friendship. It gives the citizens of the 28 member states ‘the right to move and reside freely within the Union. Individual freedoms such as respect for private life, freedom of thought, religion, assembly, expression and information are protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.’

It has brought us peace.