The policemen in Portugal left an indelible impression on our minds. Friendly, warm and extremely helpful we always saw them either helping people, especially tourists, or simply minding their own business. Once when we got lost in Oporto, this policeman took out his pen and scrawled directions all over the palm of his hand for me. Realizing I couldn't possibly take his hand with me, he took out a scrap of paper from his pocket and re-drew the directions to our hotel. Meanwhile, a car parked at a pedestrian crossing, and a man walked by informing him that he was just popping in to a shop for a couple of minutes and then he would be gone. 'No problemo' said the officer. Can't see this happening in Boston for sure! I simply had to salute this smiling officer as I drove past him with the scrap of paper, my only route to our destination!