Since arriving in Portugal I have stopped and admired this characteristically Portuguese phenomena. If you look at this chap you will notice that he is nicely dressed. Smart outfit, nice shoes and even though it’s summer, the gentleman is wearing a jacket. But do you see how he’s wearing it? Over his shoulders. I just happened to catch him adjusting it. Which begs the questions? If you’re going to wear a jacket why not just put your arms through the sleeves? Are you that much cooler wearing it this way? Is it some fashion statement? I honestly can not fathom the ‘why’. But regardless of why it’s done, doesn’t it detract from the how annoying it must be to have to balance the jacket on one’s shoulders? I mean it try it right now. It’s a bloody nuisance!

Since we arrived in Portugal I have been tempted to take a picture whenever I see someone doing this, but have felt a bit like a sociologist trying to capture an image of a unique cultural occurrence aware that taking a picture might cause an offense. My respect for people’s privacy has resulted in my only capturing this evidence now when I was able to sneak a shot.

Each time I see this ridiculousness I am reminded of the time we had a costume party and our friend Pete G. came as a Portuguese doctor. Besides carrying liquor in his doctor’s bag, his other brilliant touch was walking around all night with his lab jacket over his shoulder. You really can not be rushed or productive when you wear a jacket over your shoulders like this. It.Can.Not.Be.Done…PERIOD. So does that say something about pompous Portuguese people? Does that reflect on why our institutions and economy are such a mess? I think it may.

As part of my Portuguese language learning I am trying to watch more news in Portuguese. To be honest I never last more than 5 minutes, but alas as I turned the television on the other day I was met with this sight.

Don’t ask me what this woman was talking about because I could not see past that jacket.