All in the same line, going to the same city, seeing the same things, and then posting it all on Facebook or Insta. Lisbon is choking with tourists. You stumble upon them at the Torre de Belém, at the famous elevator to the upper town, at all the tiled churches, recommended fado evenings, hip restaurants, […]
All tourists are crazy (about authenticity) Read More »
Carnival and Valentine in one week. Even better: right after each other. If you went completely crazy during Carnival, you have to go romantic the next day – perhaps with a huge hangover. Oops. In Lazarim they celebrate a special kind of carnival In Lazarim – in the north between Vila Real and Viseu –
Carnival and Valentine Read More »
The screen door of room 2 makes a “schreeeeeech” noise across the floor. I always lift it a little, but of course the guests don’t know that door like I know it. The sliding door of the adjacent living room goes “zzzzzzztpoom”. I can hear that when I’m sitting in the kitchen waiting for breakfast
The first guests and a dead hawk Read More »
I once worked for a portuguese estate agency. That was in the Dreamtime, when we were still dreaming of a better future in Portugal. Working for the agency was an excellent introduction to the portuguese culture. What I found striking then, and what has changed a lot in the 20 years that we now live
Portuguese culture: your own private junk yard Read More »
For reasons that don’t really matter, I’ve been in contact with a lawyer a lot over the past two years. I helped someone sell several houses, and that’s where the services of a lawyer can be very useful. If you are going to buy a house in Portugal, you hire a lawyer This “compra e
About a Lawyer and eggnog with whipped cream Read More »
I hear them screaming when I’m about to fall asleep, and I have to let it sink in that this is reality and I haven’t arrived in Dreamland yet. I still listen carefully, and then I think: “By the time I get my clothes on and find my shoes, it’s already too late.” (I don’t
A hungry fox, a lonely dog, and a lot of dead bodies Read More »
Right. The Christmas shopping has already been done. Completely against my habit, I put the money in the pocket of my warm wintercoat. I still have to walk the pugs, and it’s almost dark, so it’s time to move on. All Christmas gifts have been bought and wrapped so no worries anymore As usual, I
Involuntary Christmas gift and a handkerchief Read More »
So here I am, a week with three pugs and a car that is still a bit sick. With “the little Puggies” as we affectionately call them, because they’re sweethearts, and with a kind of repaired car, but not completely yet. With pugs you’re not very mobile, but without a car you lose your mobility
“A quarter to seven at Bifurcação then… just look,” I point out, “otherwise you won’t be there on time, because you also have to allow an hour for the metro.” Broes looks a bit down. He had found a nice ticket, flying at one o’clock, arriving at half past three dutch time, absolutely ideal. By
If the train doesn’t get a flat tire… Read More »
