Spirited yet unassuming, Portugal retains a dusty patina of faded grandeur, reminding every visitor of its glorious past as a colonial power. Even as it flows towards the economic mainstream of the EU it seems to gaze nostalgically at its past glory.

Lisbon, or Lisboa as the Portugese know it, is more than just the capital. Situated near the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon became the conduit between the world and the Mediterranean region. You can hardly find any modern skyscrapers in Lisbon. Much of the landscape remains as that of a colonial era port. Although it has the crowds, noise and traffic of a capital city, its low skyline and breezy position beside the Tagus River lends it a small, manageable feel. The Portugese are a friendly, warm people. Most of the young generation speak fluent English.


Lisbon, quite simply, stands in a valley, with the Tagus running through it. The Castelo Se Jorge, a medieval fortification, stands at the top of the city. It obviously served as a defensive fortification for the capital in past ages.


The food is cheap! We actually get fine dining at about 8 euros each, which is cheaper than Singapore (VERY VERY RARE IN EUROPE). The place has a thing for al fresco dining. Almost every other restaurant offers al fresco dining. Who can blame them, when the weather´s warm, sunny and cosy?

The thing about Portugal, and maybe most of europe in general, is the laid back lifestyle. People here bother to slow down, take a breather, enjoy life. They´re not hemmed in by the busy pace that Singaporeans are so used to.

And the sea, undoubtedly, is one of the Lisbonese favourite.

And one more thing: alcohol here is damn cheap. Wines go generally for 10-20 euros. 12 euros (24 SGD) can get you a decent bottle of red. Beer goes at 1-1.5 euros. Yep, it´s cheaper than water.

Now I need to eat my dinner.