From London I went to the final destination of Portugal. It was my good friend’s 40th birthday so the only due birthday celebration is to go to a country everyone wanted to visit and dine and relax in oddly California-esque environments.
Those party animals have been in Portugal for a few weeks but since I had my London layover, I was the last one to join the Portugal party. A short 3 hr flight away and I was there (gah, in Europe so many countries are under 3 hrs away! NZ is 4 hrs away from me right now).
I hit the ground running and landed and went straight to a group dinner on a beach, south of Lisbon. We had a sea bass (christened “sea beef”) so big one fish could feed all 13 of us. Saw a stunning sunset, that didn’t end until near 10p. It’s so nice being so north up here.
What a dream crew 
Baby squid 
Best sea bass I’ve ever had 
Such a nice, slow sunset. 8:38p to 9:42p
The house was a divine concrete oasis, perfect for lounging. Enjoyed many moments laying about, reading, swimming and napping. Such a nice balance from the London bustle. Lisbon was a 30 min drive away, so we were quite tucked away on a raspberry farm.
This was my fav door to sit by 
I liked the concrete everything 
Such a lovely open space in the house
I know you tend to reference memories familiar to you but Portugal did truly remind me of California. The weather and the environment and even the smells felt similar. I think the same brush and trees were growing around too. Gotta say that it didn’t help there was a bridge there was a spitting image of the Golden Gate bridge. Turns out it’s the same manufacturer!
April 25th bridge 
This bridge reminded me of the Dumbarton bridge!
One difference I loved was how low the skyline was. No huge skyscrapers about and you mostly had a clear view of the sky wherever you were in town. The undulating tiled sidewalks I very much fell in love with. It was wavy but smooth, and it was a nice way to stay focused while you’re walking since you’d trip if you even tried to look at your phone while walking.
When you sit at a restaurant, there’s usually bread, spreadable cheese and a paté (salmon or sardine) and maybe olives at the table. If you eat it, you’re charged for it, but it’s always worth it. This seafood paté I fell in love with! So yummy. I definitely brought some back home with me. I’d be happy if all my meals started that way.
This adorable frozen wine sleeve 
I’m still drooling thinking about this meal again
Francisco’s birthday lunch was at a delightful piri-piri chicken spot in town. It’s a tasty salt rub that is so delightful. Simple but very delicious. Oodles of side dishes too, especially the tasty rice pilaf-esque side.
We topped the meal off with watching the new Spiderman movie! It’s called Homem-Aranha. Rather fun and I believe Tom Holland is the best Spiderman to date.
It is such a nice and walkable city. Wide boulevards and gardens all over the place. Statues at many street corners and it can be rather hilly too. It was really nice to wander around, and there are little coffee stands all over the place too. Great street art all over.
Love the colors 
Give that landscaper a pat on the back 
Einstein’s motto was: Money, Bitches and Weed 
Isn’t that inviting? 
Portal to Lisbon 
It’s even pretty on the insides 
Largest flag in Portugal 
Art everywhere! 
Loved the late night dining and outdoor seating
The streets can be rather narrow too so you can see that in their smaller trams. They have to make tight corners so they have their wheels closer to the center of the tram car. Such iconic little trams.
Iconic yellow tram 
Less iconic but still cute red tram
Had to try the pasteis de nata (custard egg tarts), which were heavier than I expected. They’re not like the dim sum egg tarts that I can down pairs of, as after just one Portuguese tart, there’s just a richness in the custard not in the yum cha kind. Both good in their own ways. Tried the prego (steak) sandwiches too. The bread is very soft and sort of English muffin-like. Croquetes of a few kinds (codfish + chorizo, beef + pork, game sausage, & tuna). Simple and tasty. It seems to be a trend here and I like it.
Talk about a deal for €1,70 
Not super photogenic but mighty tasty 
Yum! 
Went for coffee and vanilla gelato 
This market was excellent!
It was the ultimate pampering to get to hang out with professional chefs. They made a homecooked meal my last night and it knocked my socks off. They turned a €7 pork loin into juicy magic. Deanie got featured in the NYT that day! I’m so thankful to have such awesome friends.
Perfectly roasted pork loin 
Best leftover breakfast spread ever 
Cherry dessert Dutch baby pancake 
My final group dinner! 
The master chefs
Thank you Sesimbra and I will never forget my time with Barack O’llama.
Barack, I miss you 
Happy Birthday, Francisco! 
Portugal 4 eva!
This return was a little different. Went Lisbon -> Paris -> Abu Dhabi -> Melbourne. My first time flying Etihad and I loved it. Superb movies (The Inventor, Fyre Fraud, Project Gutenberg) and I got to see Paris from the air. Ate some macarons at the airport too. Not a bad deal. My screen on the plane was larger than my iPad! Good job, Etihad. Finally back in Oz for a beat… then I’ll fly away again next week. 😀
I’ll stop next time for you, Paris 
Okay, Laduree, you’re rather tasty 
Thanks for the lovely screen time, Etihad.
What Em's Eating Now 
I am overcome with jealousy.
LikeLike
You know it would’ve been kind of an awesome overload if you were there. Doesn’t mean I would wish it, but the world could’ve imploded. Miss your face!
LikeLike
Lovely, thanks for the memory nudge.
LikeLike