Spending a week in Lisbon, so I’m eating regular portions of these poor innocent creatures.
This is an absolutely fantastic city, with just the right mix of dusty, crumbling charm and shiny sophistication. Far too many galleries, museums and music venues to see in a week, and several distinct areas within the city, each with its own personality and vibe.
There’s a generally easy-going pace of life, and the place seems to run mostly on beer, which is nice… none of the “oh, we only drink with meals” attitude you get in a lot of southern Europe. You see matronly ladies nursing huge one-litre steins of lager at lunchtime, and plenty of glazed expressions and unsure steps late at night. Must be why British people like coming to Portugal, eh?
Oh, and speaking of booze, here’s the absolute coolest, loveliest thing about Lisbon…
Ginjinha… the local cherry brandy, served in generous portions for 1 euro, from tiny bars with barely room to stand in. The perfect chaser after a brain-tweaking espresso from one of the grand art deco cafes.
Right… my hour of wifi is about to run out. Time to go and explore some more. There are galleries to see, food to eat, Fado to listen to. Proper photos on Flickr when I get back.