I recently was in Portugal for 11 days playing European Tour Qualifying School. What an absolutely beautiful Country! I never would've expected so much from Lisbon and Portugal as a whole.
For the first 9 days we stayed across the Rio Tejo in Alcochete. The city was really cool and had a great view across the Rio while the Lisbon lights danced along the water. I really, really enjoyed this part of Portugal, reminded me lots of parts in the Greater Toronto Area that weren't necessarily considered in the city. The people were some of the most friendly and accomodating I've ever encountered.
My mom and I stayed with a Brazilian lady Marinha who spoke NO english. Sometimes it was a little difficult but she was one of the most caring ladies I've ever met in my life. It was a great experience living with the locals and doing something a little out of my comfort zone.
The food of Portugal can be described as whole, delicious and large. Fish or meat was basically the choice most nights but it was so good you could eat the same thing every night and not be dissappointed. Local fare such as Bacalhau (Cod), Salmao (Salmon) and Garoupa (Grouper) was amazing. You better come hungry too because the Portuguese defied my notion of Europeans being relatively small eaters as compared to Americans. While salt and butter are used copiously the fish couldn't be any better. Ameijoas (Clams) were some of the best I've ever had. Oh, and Wine is cheaper than water! Loved that aspect.
I must say though not required the Quiejo Ovelha (cheese from Sheep) were the perfect appetizer every night and paired incredibly with bread (pao).
The last two days we were able to tour around and discover a little more of Portugal. We spent the first day in Cascais and Sintra. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE is the only way to describe this experience, especially Sintra. If you ever go to Portugal it is an absolute must you visit Sintra and the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace. I could write for days on it's beauty and the views of the mountains but they won't do it the justice it deserves.
Our last day we walked around Lisbon for 5 hours and didn't discover everything This city is suprisingly not as talked about for it's architecture and beauty as much as Paris and Rome. Having now been to all three, it is a tie as I can't possibly measure them up against each other. Bring comfortable shoes and enjoy. It felt like a dream where you could potentially be walking down a narrow hallway and turn a corner to an absolutely massive church that you had no clue existed. Don't take a tour bus, walk the city, discover a corner spot for lunch, grab a pasteis de nata (national pastry, fig pie) and discover why I rave so much about Lisbon. The view from the Parque Eduardo VII is astonishing.
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