O homen de Lisboa
Have just spent three days in Lisbon and it was interesting to say the least.I can't quite decide what the place reminds me of, but it certainly reminds of somewhere. It has a decidedly Eastern European feel but also Latin American (or at least how I imagine Latin America to be). Perhaps that's because it reminds me of Spain, but is quite different, and is certainly not mediterranean! In some areas it is decidedly modern, but in others we felt as if we were still in the 70´s. The food was reasonable but seriously overpriced, especially the bastard who charged us 5.50€ for a dish of olives... These were put on the table when we went in and although we knew we´d have to pay for them, didn't expect it to be that much! On the other hand, the beer, with the very Portuguese name of Super Bock, was actually very good and served in reasonably sized glasses.
Another difference is the lifestyle. Where the Spanish do Tapas the Portuguese do Coffee (which was very good) and Cakes, meaning that we had the impression of there being very few bars. On Sunday the city centre was empty, but the shopping centre was full and the shops open until midnight, if not later. Yesterday was a public holiday and yet for some reason the post office was open.
Go figure.
Not sure if I'd go back, but would recommend it for a long weekend. But watch out for the expensive starters...
Back in Madrid nothing much changes, except it's now very cold. Next Tuesday is yet another public holiday to celebrate the Almudena, patron of the city of Madrid.
You'll like this!!- According to one of my students the only reason that this day is being celebrated is that San Isidro Labrador (the main patron Saint of Madrid, and coincidentally the name of my street) happened to fall on a weekend this year so they are using the Almudena to make sure they have their full quota... (Two more to go before Christmas!!!)
On the football front, Mike is now flavour of the month having scored 4 goals in consecutive games, Dave is watching Tennis at the Madrid Masters and God only knows where John is!!!!
Apparently there is a Spain- England friendly at the Bernabéu in a few weeks so I am going to see if I can get tickets, but noone seems to know...
And that's it. Am waiting with bated breath to find out who will be leader of the free world and wondering if I should perhaps start my Christmas shopping... (Decorations all over the place in Lisbon, but maybe it's just that they haven't taken them down since last year!)
posted by SG @ 2:44 p. m.
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