Portugal is... OK. It's hard to be inspired to write a creative, interesting and exciting blog entry about a trip that was, for me, just "OK," but I'll do my best to keep your interest as I share with you my reflections on our little four-day excursion to Portugal.
On one hand, the group trip to Évora, Lisboa, Sintra, and Belem was a great refresher in terms of the scenery. Everything I saw was just so green in comparison to Cádiz and the other completely urbanized Spanish cities that I've visited! Having lived for over two months confined by cityscapes, I was at first completely taken aback by the lush fauna and sprawling grassy hills that surrounded us during the bus ride into the country. Then it completely put me at ease as I was soon reminded fondly of the thriving landscapes that I am accustomed to back home in the Pacific Northwest.
On the other hand, Portugal is quite. Portugal is subdued. I've acclimated to the Spanish custom of flocking to the streets and to your neighbor's and to the plazas to mingle and socialize whenever possible. In stark comparison, it was initially difficult in Portugal to find anyone to interact with (granted the exception of other international tourists, and drug dealers). When, on occasion, we did manage to speak with some of the locals, I discovered that they are quick to jump the Spanish-to-Portugese language barrier and speak instead explicitly in English. As a result, I feel as though our trip, although pleasant in general, was strictly an excursion as opposed to the immersion that I've enjoyed in Spain.
An anecdote: One friendly native does stand out in my mind, and I remember our exchange fondly and with a compulsory chuckle. Several of us went out one night for late bite to eat, determined to sample the local fare (a few of us were unclear on what, exactly, "Portuguese cuisine" entails). After walking for a few blocks and considering a several different menus, we wound up in some hole-in-the-wall restaurant that was empty except for a large, rowdy group tucked into the back corner. A cook up front was hard at work flipping tender strips of meat and vegetables on a flattop grill, and the aroma that wafted from his station was overwhelmingly enticing. We were sold! After the owner/maître d' greeted us with a warm bom dia, we asked if he had menus available in Spanish. "Sim, sim! Of course!" he told us as he ushered our group to a table. "What would you like to drink?" After a short wait and returning with our drink order, the man begins to deal us our menus, saying as he does so, "You don't speak Portuguese? No? Well, you speak Spanish," he continues, "...same thing!"
Of course, having already ordered our drinks and being seduced by the amazing smells coming from the cook's area, we probably would have ordered from that menu had it been written in Braille. But, kudos to that crafty bastard who swindled us with his wit and humor! He joked with us for the rest of the meal, which I can say without hesitation, was divine. If you're in the mood for Portuguese: Order frango! This barbecue-chicken dish will practically melt in your mouth.
Other memorable moments of our trip include an ascent into the Serra da Sintra, around 45 minutes from Lisbon. Nestled in the clouds (yes, it rained upon arrival), Sintra is famous for the spectacular palaces and parks that decorate its mountainous landscape; the most notable among them being the 600-year old summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and aristocracy. We toured the Pálacio Nacional da Pena, and Castelo dos Mouros for several muggy hours, taking full advantage of the great photo opportunities:
Several things for you to note:
1. The hazy gray-blue of the sky. Very reminiscent of WA.
2. There's no one leaping into frame at the last possible second; this is because everyone in Portugal, who's from Portugal, takes great precaution to avoid other people at all costs. Unless it's to lure you into their restaurant.
3. It's... so... GREEN.
We also went to some other very photographic places. Such as the Castelo de São Jorge:
Cabo da Roca (the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe):
And Boca do Inferno; Hell's Mouth:
All in all: Portugal is... OK. Yes, I got some great dynamic photos, (should I ever desire to enter a photography competition, I'll be ready) but I'm still left with the feeling that I didn't get much more than that out of our trip.
...Not counting the souvenirs, of course. There's a-a-always the souvenirs.
Foot Note
**Although I am entirely in agreement with this analogy, I can't take complete credit for coming up with the idea to reference (now and forever) Portugal as "Spain's Canada." A group of us mutually decided on the nickname while chatting about the trip with our gaditano crew over a few beers. Now having been to Portugal, it's funny to realize how absolutely perfect a moniker it is. (:
