A long-time resident of Italy, I visited Portugal for the first time this summer and I find your observations spot on. Portugal has a "sleepiness" about it that I did not expect. It was surprisingly clean and I felt that all the tourist services typically lacking in Italy were readily available. I also found the Portuguese to be incredibly generous, patient and kind. It was just EASY to be there. I hope to get back and visit more of the coastal areas.
Agreed! And so many of the younger Portuguese speak English, for which I am eternally humble and grateful. The over-forty crowd speaks French. I love Portugal. So glad you do, too.
Portugal has always been on my bucket list. This only makes me want to go more. I love quiet and peaceful, which is one reason I've never been keen on going to Italy. Your description of Portugal sounds like Cyprus, which I loved for it's quiet beauty, even if its political situation was a bit screwy.
I feel you. And your instincts are spot on. Italy IS loud. It might drive you a little bonkers. Portugal, on the other hand, is the most chill place on earth. You and the Missus would love it there. Maybe it’s time for a trip?
I went to Lisbon... four years ago? (The pandemic has screwed up my internal timeline. ) I had been there 50 YEARS before with my mother and my sister. It had all the components of a large city minus the frenetic energy of Rome, NY, Paris etc. It was a wonderful place to walk. I am thinking of it fondly as I write this and RAW SEWAGE is flowing down Via Geraldini! Something backed up, sigh. We called Ricardo at the Commune, though, and five guys are out there doing some truly nasty work!! Anyway, I digress. This post was the perfect antedote to this mornings activities!!!
OMG, are you serious? RAW SEWAGE? That’s horrible. Frankly, I’m astonished they came that quickly. I’m just so sorry. You know, I’m willing to bet you can write under inauspicious circumstances, but no one can write when it reeks of shit.
Sep 7, 2022·edited Sep 7, 2022Liked by Stacey Eskelin
Nicely done.... lots of interesting stuff about Portugal, obviously, but you throw a bit more light on Italy too, even though you'd think Italy would be fully illuminated by now.
Italy’s like a very flakey pastry, isn’t she? Lots and lots of buttery layers. Best thing about her: she is unapologetically herself. There is virtue in that, I suspect!
wonderful! I went to Portugal and Spain with my family when i was 16. I felt more comfortable and happy there. I remember the ceramic tiles, the fishing piers and the soups. They had great soups. I am Italian American and was raised on the yummy authentic foods. never been to Italy and plan to go- thanks for reminding me of Portugal.
You are being transfused with Italian blood through osmosis while you are living there. I envy your adventurous spirit. Looking forward to reading your newest post!
I never got to Portugal, but there is far more of Europe that I've not been to than that I have. Some of those pictures reminded me of the Pacific Beach area of San Diego, except for the absence of people actually on the beach.
But make no mistake, the Med is one cold little puddle in winter. I'm glad I got to spend my brief visit there in the summer.
God I miss being able to travel. The Wind is my elemental, not The Ground (a reference that won't make any sense until book II is actually published.)
Wait, what? Portuguese food is flavorless and underseasoned? Oh girl, no. You definitely need to visit better restaurants. Better yet, get to know some real Portuguese who can cook and will invite you for lunch. I also think Italian food is delicious, for sure, and I've always loved my time in Rome and Florence, but I wouldn't trade a cataplana or a good churrasco for anything you've got. One of these days try the complex, layered flavours of a good frango na púcara. Has to be made well. Ask a native where to eat it. Tourist restaurants definitely don't count. Best!
A long-time resident of Italy, I visited Portugal for the first time this summer and I find your observations spot on. Portugal has a "sleepiness" about it that I did not expect. It was surprisingly clean and I felt that all the tourist services typically lacking in Italy were readily available. I also found the Portuguese to be incredibly generous, patient and kind. It was just EASY to be there. I hope to get back and visit more of the coastal areas.
Agreed! And so many of the younger Portuguese speak English, for which I am eternally humble and grateful. The over-forty crowd speaks French. I love Portugal. So glad you do, too.
Portugal has always been on my bucket list. This only makes me want to go more. I love quiet and peaceful, which is one reason I've never been keen on going to Italy. Your description of Portugal sounds like Cyprus, which I loved for it's quiet beauty, even if its political situation was a bit screwy.
I feel you. And your instincts are spot on. Italy IS loud. It might drive you a little bonkers. Portugal, on the other hand, is the most chill place on earth. You and the Missus would love it there. Maybe it’s time for a trip?
It might be. Portugal has been on my bucket list for some time. Though I wouldn’t mind a side trip to Italy to meet you. 😁
I went to Lisbon... four years ago? (The pandemic has screwed up my internal timeline. ) I had been there 50 YEARS before with my mother and my sister. It had all the components of a large city minus the frenetic energy of Rome, NY, Paris etc. It was a wonderful place to walk. I am thinking of it fondly as I write this and RAW SEWAGE is flowing down Via Geraldini! Something backed up, sigh. We called Ricardo at the Commune, though, and five guys are out there doing some truly nasty work!! Anyway, I digress. This post was the perfect antedote to this mornings activities!!!
OMG, are you serious? RAW SEWAGE? That’s horrible. Frankly, I’m astonished they came that quickly. I’m just so sorry. You know, I’m willing to bet you can write under inauspicious circumstances, but no one can write when it reeks of shit.
Wow. WOW.
Nicely done.... lots of interesting stuff about Portugal, obviously, but you throw a bit more light on Italy too, even though you'd think Italy would be fully illuminated by now.
Italy’s like a very flakey pastry, isn’t she? Lots and lots of buttery layers. Best thing about her: she is unapologetically herself. There is virtue in that, I suspect!
wonderful! I went to Portugal and Spain with my family when i was 16. I felt more comfortable and happy there. I remember the ceramic tiles, the fishing piers and the soups. They had great soups. I am Italian American and was raised on the yummy authentic foods. never been to Italy and plan to go- thanks for reminding me of Portugal.
I envy your heritage, Susan! Wish I had even a drop of Italian blood. You are in for a real treat, BTW. Europe awaits you.
You are being transfused with Italian blood through osmosis while you are living there. I envy your adventurous spirit. Looking forward to reading your newest post!
Now Portugal is on my "places to visit" list.
If you love chill, Portugal’s got you.
I never got to Portugal, but there is far more of Europe that I've not been to than that I have. Some of those pictures reminded me of the Pacific Beach area of San Diego, except for the absence of people actually on the beach.
But make no mistake, the Med is one cold little puddle in winter. I'm glad I got to spend my brief visit there in the summer.
God I miss being able to travel. The Wind is my elemental, not The Ground (a reference that won't make any sense until book II is actually published.)
You were born to travel, Gares. With a mind like yours? Can't keep that thing in a bottle.
Keep playing that lottery, you hear?
Wait, what? Portuguese food is flavorless and underseasoned? Oh girl, no. You definitely need to visit better restaurants. Better yet, get to know some real Portuguese who can cook and will invite you for lunch. I also think Italian food is delicious, for sure, and I've always loved my time in Rome and Florence, but I wouldn't trade a cataplana or a good churrasco for anything you've got. One of these days try the complex, layered flavours of a good frango na púcara. Has to be made well. Ask a native where to eat it. Tourist restaurants definitely don't count. Best!