— Which particular aspect of Saudi Arabia do you like the most?

Friendliness.

— What is your favorite and oft-repeated Arabic word?

Sabah Al-Khair.

— Which book is by your bedside these days?

A book on the history of Arabia.

— Your favorite holiday destination/s?

Having traveled around the world, I always like to return to Portugal.

— The dream city/country that you would like to be posted after Saudi Arabia?

I learned in my diplomatic life not to make plans.

— Which country’s people have you found to be most friendly?

Saudis, no doubt.

— How do you react to or deal with anger?

Take a deep breath, step back and look again at the issue.

— What is your source of strength during tough times?

Hoping to be doing the right thing (and praying that to be the case).

— What was your first impression about the Kingdom?

The vastness of the desert, seen from the arriving airplane.

— Which Saudi city fascinated you the most?

Jeddah.

— Your favorite Saudi dish?

Jerish.

— The one thing about the Kingdom that you will always remember?

Diving in the Red Sea or sleeping under the stars in the desert (among many other unforgettable experiences).

— If you were given only one option between Facebook and Twitter, what would that be?

Neither.

— If you were not a diplomat, what would you be?

I would have liked to be an architect (but I am, in fact, a lawyer).

— How do you keep yourself fit?

I do some exercise every morning.

— Your favorite restaurant?

La Melange in Jeddah.

— Your favorite football club?

Sporting Lisbon (the original club of Luis Figo, Nani or Cristiano Ronaldo).

— Your favorite actor?

John Cleese.

— Your favorite weekend activity?

Hiking in the desert, around Riyadh.