Lisbon and Porto: Revisited 2023

I talked to my father about our upcoming trip before we left for our 2010 sabbatical to Spain and Portugal. I told him we would spend about three months wandering through these countries to understand their history and culture. His first comment was, “Not Portugal; they are crazy drivers and hard people!” I still have not figured out exactly what he meant by either of these comments, but I have come to love the area and the people.

In 2010, we flew into Rota, Spain, and rented a car. Our friends Martin and Linda Smith recommend we stay at the old Portuguese Naval Base in the Algarve. We requested an invitation, and we could stay on this base built in the 15th century. We were told Christopher Columbus sailed through here on one of his voyages.

We explored the Algarve extensively and said we would come back to see the northern part of the country on another visit. This is what we are beginning to do. In 2015, we walked from Lisbon to Spain, then again in 2022 from Porto to Spain. This is the perfect way to get to know the area.

Lisbon and Porto are beautiful cities, and I love visiting them. Lisbon is a little more cosmopolitan, and Porto is a little more cultural. Either way, they are lovely places to be, and I am happy to be back. We always enjoy walking and exploring these cities, sitting, drinking Portuguese wine and snacks, and then watching people.

 While we tried to visit our favorite haunts, we also tried a few new things. Hugo and Marta took us for Pastel de Nata or Pastel de Belem, an egg custard tart pastry famous in this area. We went to the Fabricia de Pasteis de Belem, a few minutes walk from Jeronimos Monastery, where they say these pastries originate. In the aftermath of the Liberal Revolution of 1820, and with the dissolution of religious orders and the closure of convents and monasteries, the monks of Jeronimos began making and selling these pastries to keep the monastery financially afloat. In this pastiera, the original recipe is kept in the secret room in the bakery, and it’s still run by the ancestors who began this product in the 1800s.

My heart feels alive in both of these places. I feel happy breathing the sea air and absorbing the bustling life around me. The vendors selling their wares, the musicians singing, and the joyful sounds of life will always make it a favorite.

You are loved…