November 21, 2019
So nearly three full weeks in Spain and Portugal for our honeymoon and what a lifetime of memories, epic sceneries, delicious cuisines, and of course, blissfully romantic moments with my beautiful wife. We’ve learned a lot, lived plenty, and had more love for this place than expected. The generosity and love that we received from the Spaniards and Portuguese people were heartfelt and we couldn’t have asked for better hosts and lucky to have made a few local friends along the way.
Lisbon is a gorgeous city with its lovely hills and adorable cobblestone sidewalks. The Castelo de S. Jorge castle looks down on the city from a hilltop. Starting at the Figueira Square with the proud statue of D. Jaoa I, we took a short walk to meet with Eduardo, who showed us around Lisbon proper with much enthusiasm. Starting at the Praça Luis de Camoes and some Pastel de Nara (custard tart) at the Manteigaria Bakery. Standing high at the center of the plaza was the large globe and the statue of the famous writer Luis de Camoes, and a short few steps from Jorge R. Lopes Diaz statue whose eighty heteronym made his body of work quite a phenomenon and reckless lifestyle an obvious stimulus for his artistic genius and death by a cirrhotic liver. Chiado the square’s “Squeakie” was a well known poet dating hundred years back in Lisbon and his statue sits as the square’s mascot. Walking by the Carmo Convent we saw a couple singing Fado, unique Portuguese melodies, and we took a short cut above the Santa Just Lift elevator for a panoramic view of Lisbon. Breathtaking!
For lunch, Eddie recommended Nene (old Portuguese slang for “baby”), a local favorite of home made steamed meat platter and some fresh marinated cod, the locals say it’s just like what grandma makes at home. Our late night dinner was at Uma Marisqueira, where we followed the locals and had one of the best meals on our trip. Fresh seafood galore! This was the only thing on the menu and you better be prepared to get your hands dirty! Simply delicioooooous!! Lastly, Amorino Chiado Baixa’s “flower ice cream” to keep us dreaming for more.
Strolling and wandering the streets of Lisbon on a cool Fall afternoon was perfect! Dancing and sprinting like playful kids across the Praca do Comercio reminded us to just soak up as much of the moment as possible...it was as perfect of a day as can be.
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