Lisbon
I went to Lisbon on my first Erasmus internship to work for a language school in a summer during the world cup. Lisbon was the first time I’d stayed in a mediterranean country for longer than a few weeks for holiday. A first proper chance to really see things, and to experience the culture. I went in June, in time to spend the entire month there for Santo Antonio, the festival of popular saints. It’s the perfect time to visit and to experience the city come alive slowly and then in a huge burst as the streets erupt into various celebrations including the big Santo Antonio carnival night, the Rock in Rio music festival and small shows at the beaches along the coastline. I remember going to see Roger Sanchez one evening at one of the beaches along the coastal tramline from Lisbon to Cascais. Which place escapes me as we went to one of those beaches so often after work or at the weekend. Lisbon was a dream place to live, although the wages were a little low at the time as remote work hadn’t yet become a thing.
Quinta de Regaleira Initiation Well
Lisbon was, and I gather still is very affordable and very, very liveable. Especially in the summer when it is warm with a helpful sea breeze to help you stay cool. Because it was using the world cup I remember going to watch the football at these small bakeries and cafes in various neighbourhoods rather than at bars. That was different in a good way as beers are swapped for nice local pastries and a coffee, it made watching the games seem so much more normal and communal than having to feel the need to sink a few pints of beer for the sake of it. Everything about Lisbon was wonderful, even if it was a little dilapidated and rough around the edges in places, there was a rustic charm to it. With its intricate traditional Portuguese paving (calçada portuguesa), melancholy Sudade music and open air dining.
Location
Lisbon.
Writing
Elefante Branco, or the White Elephant is a fantasy story named after the high profile strip club that was across the road from my work place. Frequented by politicians and other rich Lisbon residents. The story features the place in the images above, an old enchanted stately home in Sintra, just outside of Lisbon. Quinta de Regaleira, complete with its spiral staircase, the Initiation Well, leading down to a system of caves and a pool that must be traversed by stepping stones.
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