Uma aventura em Lisboa...

Lisbon is a city that's as proud of its turbulent history as it is of its ubiquitous cobbles. Once the capital of a sprawling empire, it's had earthquakes, fires, plagues and tidal waves, and spent much of the 20th century languishing in a haze of underdevelopment and authoritarian rule. By the time the Carnation Revolution swept through in 1974, Portugal’s coffers were drained by colonial wars, and its cobbled streets whispered stories of a nation long left behind by its European neighbours. But much like it's famously resilient trams, Lisbon was simply waiting for the right moment to climb back uphill, and Lisbon has seven of those to climb.

Today, Lisbon buzzes with an irresistible energy, a dazzling blend of its melancholic fado soul and  Atlantic shabby chic. Crumbling facades meet rooftop bars, historic trams rattle past modern street art, and around every corner is a free spectacle worthy of applause. It’s a city where sardines are chic, pastéis de nata are practically a religion, and a simple stroll can turn into a love affair. History lingers in its corners, but make no mistake - this is a place that thrives in the here and now.

And to it's here and now is where I arrived with two friends (we were a last minute man down). And we were blown away - not by the steady Atlantic breeze, but by Lisbon's charms. It's a beguiling, captivating, higgledy piggledy kind of place. It's understated yet undeniably classy. We loved it. 

From our first lunch, tour of the castle to exploring Alfama and the Barra Alto on day one. To a bike tour around the city then along the river taking in all the old and modern sights on day two, topped off with a mind blowing trip to MAAT and an evening of fado soul. Then a day out in Sintra and some amazing Goan Portuguese fusion food on day three. Our steps were high, our souls soared, we ate, drank, made merry and talked deep. Wow, what an adventure it was, and a euphoric sensory-bomb to boot. Thank you Lisbon - we loved you.

Lisboa

Fish!!

Barro Alto

Castle by night

Jorge our bike tour guide

The powerful burned out Igreja de Sao Domingos

You gotta love a cycle tour

The very cool Time Out Market

The Golden Gate and Christ the Redeemer

The amazing MAAT

Belem Tower

Jeronimos Monastery

Pena Palace, Sintra

2000ft up at Sintra

Videoclip: Fado

Or you can watch the videoclip here

Thank you Lisbon - I'll be back...

Tricks, tracks and treats…

A lot can happen in a fortnight…

First off Emily’s had braces fitted, they look pretty cool and it seems that the main downside was that she couldn’t eat half the sweets she acquired trick or treating. Both the girls went trick or treating – Emily for the first year went out just with her pals, and Niomi was chummed round with some friends and the Cat in the Hat. And then in between sugar rushes and sugar crashes there’s been a Halloween disco and I went to see Nick Cave with my friend Colin. 

There’s also been some autumnal stomping around whilst Mummy swanned off to Stobo; and Emzo turned 12 with a karaoke room party, an escape room and (my highlight) was a meal in Wagamama's. The garden’s been put to bed for winter and the final harvest’s have been made – although there’s still carrots, potatoes and parsnips in the ground and some sprouts ready to go; and with a bit of luck we’ll all be treated to them at Christmas. Wow - I'm exhausted writing all that but its all been good, and very much helped me get back on track after the hours changed and the dark nights appeared.

And then for a final treat I'm off to Lisbon on Thursday with friends John, Colin and Andrew. Can't wait - sunshine and vinho verde here I come😁

Tracks

Cruella

Kiss

Cat in the Hat

Videoclip: The powerful, intense and enigmatic Nick Cave

Or you can watch the videoclip here

Sisters 1

Sisters 2

Videoclip: Happy 12th Birthday...

Or you can watch the videoclip here

Happy 12 Emzo 💓