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The Condom Machine

Back in the day, buying condoms was quite an event. Especially when the girl behind the counter was someone I knew. Me blushing, her blushing — both pretending it was all perfectly normal. Funny how those small fears stick with you, like being afraid of flying or speaking on stage.

In Porto, I stumbled upon something brilliant: a condom vending machine. Or better said, a PharmaShop24 packed with smart solutions for life’s unexpected moments. Condoms, lubricants, paracetamol, sunscreen — even a bottle of water. Everything you might suddenly need when the pharmacy is closed and life decides to surprise you.

It’s a tourist city after all — anything can happen. Porto, the city of love . I love inventions like this: no embarrassment, no opening hours, just pure practicality. The shame of the past replaced by the convenience of the present.

Peter Cruiming
Peter's Desk · every Friday

Peter Cruiming

Every review is from his own table. His columns are where he tells you what's really happening around the Portuguese table.

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