low-rise, mosaic-covered historic architecture, it was as if
time stood still. There is a true respect for the country’s rich
and colourful past. This is evident as Portugal celebrates
everything craft and artisanal, from its old methods of
crafting chocolate, to the aging and bottling of Port, to even
the canning of sardines.
But what I loved best was its pace of life—slow and
deliberate, with pauses to enjoy. You will see people around
you who take time to enjoy the moment, and never seem
rushed, whether it be strolling down the Baixa district,
having a shot of ginja or a sip of port, enjoying a great crab
dinner at Ramiro or absorbing the views in Miraduoro de Sao
Pedro de Alcantara.
The food—crab roe at Ramiro; bacalhau, polvo, and
pasteis de nata at Pasteis de Belem, Chef Silva’s bacalhau
a bras at Time Out Lisbon, Santini coconut ice cream and
of course, the amazingly delicious Gin and Tonics at Gin
Lovers Bar at Embaixada!
POPS FERNANDEZ
I had to sit down and think about what the word “friends”
meant and this is what came out. Being a friend means that
you are the biggest support system. It means being able to
share life, laughs, and love for the rest of your lives. It means
not getting angry when your opinion is different.
When you have friends, you can call them up at any
time and know you will have the help you need and at
all times, a shoulder to cry on.
This travel group started from the idea of travelling and
sharing special moments with people I grew up with. We
made more of an effort when Anton had his accident a
couple of years back, realising that life can be shorter than
expected, so let’s make the most out of it.
I always get a little sentimental because these are the
persons with whom I have shared moments of laughter, anger,
and sadness with. Laurie, Kit, Anton, Mela, and Marianne—we
all have different characters, yet we have listened to each other
with so much respect. Sometimes we give each other advice;
but most of the time, we just listen.
This year our group got even bigger—that means more
chaos (the good kind, of course), more laughter, more
stories, and definitely more photos! Never was there a wall
where we didn’t find an opportunity to strike a pose. And
Portugal—what a place! The scenery was worth every shot.
I love that, whenever we are together, we go back
in time, we’re like first graders all over again—reliving
moments and creating more unforgettable memories.A BRIDGE TOO FAR
The 25th of April Bridge built in 1966, connecting the
cities of Lisbon and Almada. It was built by the same firm
that constructed the San Francisco Bridge; (opposite)
“#50+goingto” at Torre de Belem, a16th century structure
symbolising Portugal’s rich culture which has long served as a
ceremonial gateway to Lisbon
184 philippine tatler. august 2019