Time passed so quickly and I’ve already spent one week in Lisbon fighting cockroaches with hair spray, slippery cobble stone and hills (Lisbon – The city of hills). This city is unbelievably beautiful with warm smiling people, cheap restaurants with absolutely delicious food, an overflow of Sangria and the mouthwatering Pastel De Nata (egg custard tart, sprinkle some cinnamon on top and you’ll be in heaven for a few seconds).
Yesterday was spent at the Carcavelos Beach about 30 minutes with train from the station Cais do Sodre in Lisbon (maximum 4.80 euro return ticket). My lesson learned from this little adventure is to check the wind before ever planning a trip to the beach with the intention to tan my white bum. We were completely covered in sand and I brought half the beach home, temporarily hosted by my ears. Anyway the beach was wide and long with plenty of space to lay down and with cafés all along. Crystal clear water but far from an enjoyable temperature. And yes, that’s coming from a Swede who managed to enjoy 19 degrees sea temperature back home this summer. In the evening we had an amazing dinner at Restaurante Churrasqueira close to where I live. I tried out the Portuguese specialty Bacalhau, grilled cod fish with garlic and potatoes (first boiled then smashed and grilled) which I enjoyed immensely together with good company and some Sangria. For the first time since I got here I also visited Bairro Alto (the bar district) at night, crowded by cheap bars and mingling people on the streets.
Today my flat mate and I decided to explore the two flea markets Feira dos Almas (open every 1st Saturday of the month) and Feira Santa Clara. The first one was cool, with a DJ inside and things and styles from everywhere in the world. But not typically what I would call a flea market, selling new stuff and not so much second hand. The second flea market was HUGE. For a dedicated bargain hunter, be sure to find something special! We had a great day walking by foot exploring the city’s small non touristic streets.
And for anyone wondering about my accommodation I live close to the metro station Avenida, so super central, surrounded by restaurants and awesome people. I could not have been happier about the house and my flat mates.
I’m already in love with Lisbon and I’m so incredible lucky to be able to call this my home for the next months.
Pastel de Nata
Grilled Golden Bream
Bacalhou, tram to Bairro Alto and my street at night
