Remote work in Portugal 2022

At AgileWorks, it is important to offer various opportunities and activities for our employees, even when it comes to remote work. Two years ago, we combined work and travel with colleagues, resulting in our first spring remote work pilot project in Croatia. The month spent in the small town of Split was so heartwarming, motivating, and refreshing that we realized one thing: this kind of project would certainly not be the last in our company! A year later, in mid-March last year, many of us packed our travel bags once again and embarked on our next project – this time to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal!

March in Lisbon welcomed us with its gently warming sunrays and stunning architecture. The city is delightfully colorful and cheerful, thanks to its various patterned tiles (azulejos), which decorate both interiors and exteriors, as well as churches. Laundry hung to dry outside windows added even more color, and wandering the streets, we felt a cozy and pleasant atmosphere.

With its seven hills, the city managed to get our hearts racing a few times. Because of this, the streets were filled with elevators that conveniently took us directly to restaurant doors or small shops selling those same ceramic tiles as souvenirs or local cork crafts. Even before traveling to Portugal, we had read about their large cork production, but such shops were still a pleasant surprise, showcasing beautiful accessories, bags, and shoes made from cork.

Of course, retro trams were also an option for getting around – the hills were no problem for them. These small, charming, colorful trams, made of wood and clattering along, navigated winding and narrow streets. The streets were so narrow that you could reach out from the tram window and touch the walls of the houses.

Lisbon always had some pleasant and interesting surprises in store. Beautiful and large parks, where ponds were filled with turtles, and just behind the next tree, someone would start singing, and people would gather to dance. Chickens and peacocks watched all the hustle and bustle from the bushes!

In the evenings, the streets would come alive with the sounds of fado... For us, it felt like a step into the unknown! In somewhat dubious small bars, both tourists and locals gathered, sitting side by side, and enjoying traditional Portuguese music that is hard to describe. The word “fado” means fate. This music is emotional and powerful, intertwining melancholy and love, jealousy and happiness. It sings of something lost or unchangeable. Visiting Lisbon, it’s a must-do.

Of course, we cannot forget the local cuisine, as the Portuguese are huge fans of cod! Fish dishes and pies are the most traditional foods, along with other fresh seafood. The most famous traditional sweet treat is the Pasteis de Nata custard tart. These are sold throughout the country, but the best place to enjoy them is at the famous bakery in Belém, where they are made according to a recipe from the 19th century. At this café, they are also called “Pasteis de Belém.”

Our team’s most visited eatery was the Time Out Market, where Lisbon’s best chefs and bakers are featured. It’s an indoor market that somewhat resembles our own Balti Jaama Turg, but even grander and larger. The food selection was immense, from traditional fish dishes and custard tarts to sushi, pizza, and Asian cuisine. Although the market was always crowded and the restaurants had long queues, it was still a very pleasant place where each of us found something to our liking. In the evenings, you could dance between the long rows of tables or watch chess matches.

Some of the most memorable moments were in those small, charming family restaurants with 4-5 tables, where the friendly owner greeted us, and the wife, just a few meters away in the open kitchen, prepared the most mouth-watering dishes.

This month in Portugal passed quickly and joyfully, but also with a lot of work! Our new workplace was a combination of an office, museum, and labyrinth, which was an experience in itself. Our team once again had the opportunity to combine work and leisure time, starting and ending work at the same time, to enjoy local treasures in the evenings. Traveling and exploring a new environment without sacrificing work time was refreshing for all of us. Our batteries were fully charged with good energy!

We believe that such programs and experiences are a great way for employees to get to know each other better and strengthen our team even more. Therefore, AgileWorks has decided to make joint remote work projects an annual opportunity! Until the next trip!