My journey with Lisbon began long before I visited this beautiful city. While studying in university, I remember reading a captivating book called “The Night in Lisbon” by Erich Maria Remarque. Later in my life, I would witness myself walking in those narrow streets that Remarque so beautifully described and observing the Jacarandas that magnetically enchant the gardens of this unique city.
As Remarque describes: “By day Lisbon has a naive theatrical quality that enchants and captivates, but by night it is a fairy-tale city, descending over lighted terraces to the sea, like a woman in festive garments going down to meet her dark lover.”
By day Lisbon has a naive theatrical quality that enchants and captivates, but by night it is a fairy-tale city, descending over lighted terraces to the sea, like a woman in festive garments going down to meet her dark lover.
But let’s go back in time so I can introduce you to my first encounter with Her. It was December 2014. Lisbon was dressed Christmas lights for the festive season and the Lisboetas were rushing to prepare their gifts. I arrived to the city with curiosity and excitement, as I was not only supposed to visit the city, but also reuniting with my partner.
Our journey started from Her Majesty Ocean. Being originally from the world’s largest landlocked – Kazakhstan – I always felt a longing for the ocean. Here we are, driving along Avenida Marginal and passing by historic Estoril . While we drove by those cozy villas with flowers, palms and the other well-cared greenery, I added a dream to my already long Wish List – buying a house here.
We then park the car and start to walk in Cascais, where I am introduced to the tastiest ice cream in the world: Santini. I try my very first chestnut flavoured ice cream here – just the memory of it makes me feel nostalgic.
As we eat the ice cream while strolling on the shore – I see it – the beautiful sunset on the Cascais bay. As if wanting to caress its viewers, the pink blue sky kisses the horizon made of ocean and I express the wish one more time – I want to live in Lisbon!
As if wanting to caress its viewers, the pink blue sky kisses the horizon made of ocean and I express the wish one more time – I want to live in Lisbon!
Thus, in September 2015, I decide to move to this soulful city. I’ve studied here, worked, found amazing friends and most of all, I fell in love! I fell in love with the soul of Lisbon.
Someone found love, others found life here… All I did was to find you, my dear Lisbon!
