Not “gracias” or “grazie” or “merci.” In Portugal, it’s “obrigada” — or at least it is if you’re a woman. Men say “obrigado.”  

It’s a lovely, musical word, this “obrigada.” It has more heft than “thanks,” as if the additional syllables hold additional appreciation.

I’m saying it to myself now: Obrigada for the safe flight here. Obrigada for this lovely city with its red tile roofs and its glimpses of blue water.  Obrigada for the hotel with its warm shower and tiny balcony.

Obrigada for the chance to explore this lovely country …. starting tomorrow. For now (11 p.m. in Portugal), it’s time to sleep.