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Portugal September 2022

(77 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Tree Schmidt

Lakewood, CO

Bucket List Travel

I have been blessed to have traveled the world extensively and can't wait to assist you in making your travel dreams a reality.

My specialties are Tahiti and her islands including Bora Bora, Fiji, Cook Islands.

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Family fun in Obidos

My August-September trip continues...

Flying into Lisbon on a sunny morning expecting to see red tile roofs, I was surprised to see numerous apartment buildings. Like many other Europeans, in Portugal apartment living is a way of life. Even though Lisbon has only a half million residents, it is a busy city nonetheless, graffiti and all. As we had experienced in Athens as well, “street art” is rampant especially along the highways on the sound barriers.

Upon arrival our first stop was Pastéis de Belém. I had heard tale of the amazing Pasil. A crisp phyllo dough cup filled with the most delicious custard imaginable for just over a Euro! This is a must do (and repeat)! The custom is to flex the cup a little to hear the crunch of freshness. Three or four bites of bliss follow. The menu is large and quite varied, I suggest sticking with Pastéis (plural). They are the stars of the show!

The old city is another story entirely! Winding cobblestone streets climb up and down seriously steep hills. A probable inspiration for San Francisco, cable cars (a wise choice for pedestrians) scale the sharp pitches under electric power with ease. Tiny sidewalks are the rule. Every one we saw was made of small cubes of white limestone called “calçada portuguesa” or simply “calçada”. Walking single file is often the only way to go. In plazas and pedestrian zones the cobbles are arranged in beautiful swirling patterns. True old world craftsmanship is evident everywhere. Many buildings are hundreds of years old, and still in excellent repair.

Restaurants abound in Lisbon and affordable is the rule. Mediterranean fare is of course most common. The house wine is usually a safe bet anywhere you go. On a hot summer afternoon, the Vinho Verde or green wine is a slightly effervescent refreshing crisp white and is just perfect!

Our side trip to Obidos was my favorite little town in Portugal. Nothing but red tile roofs! This charming walled village was gifted to Queen Isabel of Portugal in 1282. Feel free to walk all around the high stone walls, and large stone steps to take in the views. Be aware, No railings, no safety net like at home. In Portugal you are expected to use good judgment. What a concept.

The Hotel De Obidos is a very traditional upscale European hotel including a very nice breakfast. For under $200/ night I thought it was a bargain. The five pound antique room keys are a real throwback. We were referred to the restaurant Pontinha, which is almost next door to the hotel. Unassuming from the outside, cozy on the inside, we opted for the private four top in the back. They offer a tasting menu, with optional wine pairings for each course. Our server was wonderful, and the food & wine superb. If possible I would have dinner there nightly from now on!