INA AYALA
It was, for most of us, the first time to set foot in such a
beautiful country. We were all smitten—and I can’t help
but want to go back and be smitten some more.
Old World beauty abounds here: patterns everywhere!
The Calçada Portuguesa (Portuguese pavement) stonework
patterns on sidewalks, plazas, and atriums were so
photogenic, as were the Azulejo tilework on their walls and
ceilings. The tilework inside the train station in Porto was
also unforgettable.
I loved the old shops around the hilly streets of Lisbon,
with storefronts just as they were a generation or two ago.
Shopping for gloves at Luvaria Ulisses in Chiado was a
particularly novel experience. They’ve been at it since 1925;
even now, there’s always a long line to get fitted for a pair
of quality gloves.
What was the most unforgettable treat there for me? Aside
from the razor clams and the bacalhau with potato chips, it
had to be dessert at Santini Ice Cream where the coconut and
green apple flavours were to die for! Another of my favourite
dishes was the ameijoas a bulhao pato (clams in white
wine) which I enjoyed at Cascais in Monte Mar, Solar de
Presuntos, and at Ramiro.
I fell in love with Porto as we were sitting by the water
at sunset, sipping white port and tonic while a street
musician played classical music. I also loved Óbidos with
its whitewashed walls, terra-cotta rooftops, and narrow
cobblestoned streets filled with craft stores, and bars
serving the popular sour-cherry liqueur Ginginja.
Our visit to Fátima filled us with peace and tranquillity,
and gave us time to reflect and express our gratitude for the
opportunity to travel, celebrate true friendships, deepen
connections, and create new memories.LIZETTE COJUANGCO
This is my Portugal: Lisbon, Cascais, UNESCO world
heritage sites, Porto; Óbidos enchanted me with its
charming, quaint cobblestone streets and walkways,
restored historical homes, buildings, churches, and
the gastronomic array of seafood, drinks, and
imaginative cuisine.
We found the more relaxed pace of life infectious,
despite our hectic schedule that tried to squeeze in as many
places to see.
Meeting gracious people in Lisbon, particularly two
generous men and local drivers who showed us Portuguese
hospitality, was an added treat. We were honoured to view
the Pestana Palace in its raw, unfinished state, and to walk
through a secret garden that fired up our imagination and
made us wonder how the palace looked originally. We
also were made privy as to how it will be converted into a
seven-star hotel by next year.Visual feast
Castelo de Sao
Jorge; Monument
to the Discoveries;
(opposite) With
friends like these,
travelling to foreign
places will never be
a borephilippine tatler. august 2019 179