lisboa city lisboa city

NUNO DELGADO
JUDO ATHLETE, BRONZE MEDALLIST IN THE
SYDNEY OLYMPIC GAMES, 2000
“My vision
of Lisboa”
MY LISBOA
So that you can really understand my
choice for a day’s itinerary in the city of
Lisboa, I suggest that the reader
accompanies me over the course of a
day, which would consist of my ideal
programme for the city of seven hills.
First, I must confess that I am a person
who has travelled a great deal. Through
judo, I have already been around the
world. But Lisboa has a special place in
my heart and you are about to see why.
We’ll start our day early and make the
most of it by having a good breakfast in
Belém. We just have to sample some hot
pastéis de Belém, fresh from the oven.
While we are enjoying the cream pastry
loaded with cinnamon and sugar, we
can enjoy a view of the Jerónimos
Monastery and the beautiful gardens.
By walking along the underpass, we can
visit the Tower of Belém and the
Monument to the Discoveries. We can
look out over the horizon and feel like
the first Portuguese who set out to
challenge the world.
Talking about challenges, how about a
jog along the riverfront to the Santo
Amaro Docks?
Heavenly, the sun is already hot, there’s
a light breeze in the air and the river is
by our side. After half an hour’s exercise,
we have to restore our energy. Have you
tried Portuguese bacalhau (codfish)? You
can now, in this area.
So, after an excellent meal, I suggest a
trip along the Avenida da Liberdade,
passing by Rossio and stopping at
Chiado. Let’s go shopping!
Now, already laden with shopping bags,
we’re on our way to the Lisboa Regency
Chiado Hotel for coffee. What a
wonderful view! A pleasant conversation
and the time just flies by. I check my
watch, we’re already late!
I have reserved a table at a Cape Verdean
restaurant. Why? Because Cape Verde is
also a part of Lisboa. We’re already
comfortably seated when they bring us
the pastéis de milho, (corn fritters), while
we wait for the very popular cachupa, a
typical Cape Verdean dish. This is
delicious, it could have been made by
my mother. The musicians are busy
playing a song by Cesária, how
wonderful! We’ve finished our dessert,
asked for the bill and… No, sorry, I’m the
one who invited you. We say our
goodbyes and leave.
Well, my friend it’s been a long day, and
for me that’s enough. But why don’t you
call by the Avenida 24 de Julho, and
there you’ll find something of everything.
At night time, Lisboa never stops…
Lisboa 30th May, 2005
ACCOMMODATION
48 _
49