We recently decided that we needed to escape the cold blizzardy weather in Amsterdam and spend a weekend away in a warmer climate. After taking a quick gander at the 2013 "travel wish list" and getting some friends on board, we booked cheap flights to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
Our travel buddies were; Chris and Lindsey Oman, Karl and Courtney Keating and Mike Davis. So we met up with our friends at the airport on a Friday evening and after a quick 2 hour and 45 minute flight we were in LISBON! What we found there, was one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Europe.
On our first night in town it was raining cats and dogs! So after dinner we rushed into a pub recommended by our waiter, saying that it was not far from the restaurant. We found ourselves inside Pensao Amor, directly translated it means "Guesthouse of Love." Once a brothel, it has been reborn as an art space with an amazing vibe. Located in a typical Portuguese 18th century building, rooms were once rented by the hour. But now it's walls are covered in graffiti murals, sexy pin-up posters, and even shaggy carpet. Made up of several floors, each room is more interesting than the last... there is even an erotic bookshop with literature I've never dreamed of reading. Apparently, the riverside neighborhood of Cais do Sodre used to be Lisbon's seediest. It's side streets were frequented by whisky-slugging sailors looking for a little after-dark sleaze. But the neighborhood was revitalized in recent years. After one night at this place, it was clear to me that Pensao Amor is the coolest bar!
The next day we set out to see the town and fell in love with Lisbon. There was no shortage of attractions, hip neighborhood exploring, easy shopping and delicious food. It seems that this city effortlessly blends traditional customs and architecture with modernism and progressive thinking. Additionally, we quickly realized that Lisbon is one of Europe's most affordable cities where we found excellent value for money.
The city of Lisbon is small enough to tour on foot and contained within seven hills where we explored numerous historic sites, churches and museums all linked by the delightful and famous Yellow Tram Network. We were told that a ride on tram number 28, is a must-do, so we joined the other passengers on a scenic ride from the city center at sea level up through the narrow maze of streets towards St. George Castle. We learned that each district has something different to offer. Our apartment was downtown, the Baixa, but close enough to visit the traditional quarters (Bairro Alto, Madragoa and Belem) with their typical streets offering an unforgettable experience of the city's past and present. 
We stumbled across an amazing hilltop view of the St George Castle and the Tagus River, it was beautiful!
When we finally left the hilltop, the sun was shining and shimmering on the water. It really was a sight to see.
We also came across some interesting tiled sidewalks and squares.
Oh, and I can't forget about what we ate! I should have mentioned the cuisine first, because it was THAT good! We were not disappointed at all, quite the opposite in fact. Fresh seafood, custard pastries, and delicious wines kept our appetites wanting more. Let me tell you; the home of Port and Sardines has alot more to offer than a tawny dessert beverage and a salty fish! We had fantastic meals at Tasca da Esquina (http://www.tascadaesquina.com/), Largo (http://www.largo.pt/) and an unforgettable brunch at Orpheus Cafe. I would recommend all of these places and hope we get to visit them again soon.
Lisbon is a great city. I would go back in a heartbeat. We were impressed by how friendly and courteous the locals were, how much beauty could be found in the architecture, how delicious the food was and by how much character this under-rated city has. I hope to see you again soon Lisbon... until then, até logo!
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