Lisbon
Nothing quite prepared us for the love affair that would become our time in Lisbon. We had yet encountered a place full of such romance, history and happy, charming people. This was Europe at its finest and still in reach financially. Although all of France seems to have figured this out since you hear more French than Portuguese as you wind through the charming streets. The old streetcars, architecture and history entice you further and further until you are planning your move to this last frontier of Europe. Portugal is having its moment and of all our destinations this was top tier by a long shot. The number of foreign tourists visiting Portugal rose by 12 percent in 2017 to exceed 12 million for the first time. Madonna has recently moved into an 18th century Moorish palace outside of Lisbon after an extended stay in the luxurious Pestana Palace Hotel in Alcantara. We joyfully extended our stay and were also ready to move.
Why is it so fab? Its beautiful - I mean like stunningly charming with multi colored tiles and old timey accent around every corner. Centuries old cute yellow wooden cable cars and iron funiculars going up and down hills. Gothic city elevators that shuttle you from one sun kissed Portuguese architectural marvel to the next. It is just astonishing that a city could be so charming.
The weather - is one thing, Lisbon is Europe's sunniest capital with an average of 2,799 hours of sunshine a year. There are shimmering viewpoints throughout the entire topographically layered old city and each one is more beautiful than the next.
The people- Portuguese are friendly, attractive and dynamically interesting folks who love life. On any weekend night you can see thousands of locals in the streets drinking, laughing, sharing and dancing like there is no tomorrow. Its affordable - your Euro simply goes further in Portugal, you get the high society European lux vibe with a price tag that doesn't make you wanna go running for the hills.
The food - is incredibly tasty, simple yet refined. Known for its seafood, sausages, stews, cheeses, salt cod and egg dishes there are a host of restaurants ranging from the highest of luxury to authentic local eateries that astonish you with large and delicious portions for bargain prices. Did I mention Pastel de nata? Perhaps the most decadent and superb egg yolk custard tart that with an espresso eaten in any town square will make you think you died and went to heaven.
We stayed in a superb hotel called the Pessoa Guest House, which was once the residences of adored Portuguese author iconic Fernando Pessoa who greatly personifies the character of the city and people. The gracious family that runs the Pessoa were so kind to us and advised us on many excellent restaurants and places to visit. The hotel itself was incredibly well decorated and filled with memorabilia of Pessoa's illustrious past in the city and a self serf bar of Port and local wines. The hotel located in the Santa Maria neighborhood bordering Chiado looked over the quaint square of Largo do Carmo where we enjoyed many a morning watching the city come to life and move with its magic.
We explored nearby hotspot Bairro Alto and took long walks exploring the winding streets and ally ways of the city. Upon the recommendation of our hosts we took the train to the beach city of Cascais and rode bikes along the coast reveling in the scenery and cool air.
Aahhh Lisbon. We are already planning our return....
The colorful tiles are a unique symbol of Lisboa and make you wonder why is everything not tiled in this manner. Its just so beautiful!
We stayed in the most spectacular hotel run by the most gracious family called the Pessoa.
The famous writer Fernando Pessoa lived there and the place is a historical living monument to his life and work.
The distinguished and lovable proprietor of the Pessoa Hotel, Henrique
We ventured to the beach town of Cascais and rode bicycles along the waterfront.
These are Pastels de Nata or egg tarts! Not vegan but only God could create something so delicious so its ok. The taste of Portugal
Our daily ritual
FOOD FACTS: Portugal's climatic and topographic conditions allow for an extremely large number of crops, including olives, figs, citrus, mushrooms, sunflower, tomatoes, cereals, bananas (in Madeira Island) and pineapple (in São Miguel Island). Wine, table grapes, leaf vegetables, dairy, tomatoes for processing, rice, sugar beets, mushrooms, cork and olives are very competitive. Our favorite was the young wine of the verdent Alantejo region