Archive for posts tagged ‘Portugal’

On a Golden Shoestring Maybe

So our lonely planet has been helpful, don’t get me wrong… it’s just that I’m not so sure about their idea of a shoestring budget. Either that, or the prices have gone up in the past year. We haven’t had much success, or enjoyment out of the places that the book recommends, accommodation and mostly [...]

I forgot my pipe

In Toronto, I was never offered pot. Never. I say this because every time Mar and I walk through the main squares of Lisbon, we are offered hash. Countless times a man would walk by, and quietly blurt out “’ash?” In the time it took him to utter that syllable, he’d flash a chunk the [...]

My Travels in Hyper-reality (with apologies to U. Eco)

A few days ago, Mar and I were at the Mosteiro des Jeronimos in Lisbon. This 17th century monastery has a great courtyard. Full on Manueline architecture. We were wandering around with. Mar was taking pictures. She then turned to me and said, “I wish those garbage cans weren’t there.” I could understand. Although the [...]

Did you see me waving?

We were at Cabo Roca yesterday (I think that was what it was called).
The most western point on continental Europe. Very, very high up. On a cliff. No guard rails. Not even a sign saying “be careful”, or “watch your step” or “don’t stand so close to the edge, what are you crazy?!”
I love Europe.

Yearning for Flatter Ground

Portugal breeds strong calf muscles. My mind and eyes are saying “Yes. Yes. More!” while my legs and feet are threatening mutiny. ‘Spose I better get used to it.

Globalisation and Constipation

When Mar and I arrived in Lisbon, after an over-night train ride (love the couchette), we were feeling a little, hum, corked. Martha thinks it was due to the magnesium enriched bottled water we picked up in Paris. Anyway we needed to do something. And what get’s the body movin’ better than Rotten Ronnie’s. So [...]