Ola from Portugal!

I have never thought about coming to Portugal, but once my aunty suggested it, there I was on the computer and before I knew it I was entering my details on the Easy Jet website. My Portuguese housemates said that there are stereotypes of the Portuguese-short man with moustaches. To be honest though, I don't have a stereotype of Portugal, but what I can tell you is that this is one amazing place to visit.

My aunty, her husband and I arrived here Tuesday evening. Our apartment has an amazing view of the water and surrounding us are stunning mediterranean type like buildings.

Amazing views of Lisbon from the balconies.

Walking the quaint streets of Lisbon is such a nice change from walking the streets of London (or should I say running the streets of London). Here people are so laid back and on the whole are friendly. Sometimes I sit here and feel the need to do something. Yesterday I got out a pen to plan the few days that we have here and was quickly told by my aunty to put it away! Wise woman I say. As I sit here and look out the window, feel the breeze from the ocean and listen to the locals have a yarn, I know that this is what a holiday should be about.


Our first dinner here in Lisbon is something that I must share with you-partly I think it is quite funny and at the same time I want to remember it after all this travelling abroad has slowed down (you realise I said 'slowed down' and not 'stopped'). After walking the steep and pebbly streets for about 20 minutes, we found this nice little restaurant with a corner kitchen at the front. Small tables were scattered throughout this family owned basement and strong smell of fish and chorizo sausage were empowering my senses. Our attempts at Portuguese and the universal language of smiles and sign language landed us a feast of bread, cheese, extra chorizo, sardines and beef. Really there were only two choices- you either had fish or meat. Many glasses of red wine later (okay, by many I refer to myself) our bill came to a total of 55 euros! Our bread, cheese and chorizo worked out to be 26 euros at which I was very surprised. Nevertheless, we had a good giggle and agreed that next time we should ask for a menu first.

Now since I am talking about food, there is one place you must go to when you are here and that is Pasteis de Belem. The custards tarts here (which are topped with cinnamon and icing sugar) are absolutely delicous! We have been there for the last two mornings and without fail we have ordered the custard tarts with coffee and a nice duck pie.

Pasteis de Belem has been churning out their famous custard tarts since 1837.

Aunty Phuong and I sampling the local duck pie.

Belem has some great attractions like the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of Jeronimos. So, whether you are here for a short stay or a longer one, soak in as much of this place as you can. Lisbon is definately a place I'd like to come back and visit.

Below are some photos of Lisbon and its surrounds.