#where to go in portugal

[chiropteracupola]

sing me silence, my soldier / sing us gently into death...

[garrettwrites]

People on this website will be like: "In a gay ship you don't need to have a feminine one and a masculine one! No need for sub/dom dynamics! No need for strict top/bottom sexual positions!"

And you think to yourself yes. Indeed. We are finally accepting that gay people are as varied as any other person because we're all human!

But then the bottom line of the post is something along the lines of "they can both be real men and masculine and muscular and hairy and do fart jokes and maybe have a beer belly" and you're just like oh. This is just one of those posts that doesn't view not-idealised men as men. You don't view "girly guys" as just guys. You're being progressive by saying men... get to be men. You're being progressive by getting mad at... men being depicted as feminine, rather than being progressive by just stating you don't need to enforce stereotypes onto a gay (fictional) couple.

Which btw I agree. Unfortunately it still needs to be said that gay men can be masculine. But there's a difference between that and you just being shocked at the notion that, idk, two guys who pass as women on a good day can be in love with each other and be, indeed, a gay couple and not lesbian lite.

[jessmac566]

Now I was confused with why André is in Portugal. Could've just been a weekend away (which is an André thing to do). However, then seeing Jake Dennis' insta story with him also near Lisbon playing golf and his gf practically having identical pics to Dré, it all seems too coincidental to me...

But then it clicked. Which Formula E driver said on their stories a few days ago that it's Wedding Week?? None other than Portuguese, AFDC!!

[isa-ah]

gunna be real my mother in law crossed some lines today that i dont even know how to come back from. how do i make 10k in the next 6 months to pack up and leave actually though.

[josefavomjaaga]

In truth, his conduct is more than foolish, and I can only explain it by the influence of a much too hot climate.

Napoleon Bonaparte, 1809 in Schönbrunn, about Soult’s alleged attempt to make himself King of Portugal, according to Brun de Villeret’s “Cahiers”.

[waugh-bao]

*

[queenangella]

.

[opens-up-4-nobody]

...

[sakuhina]

No reason why Mirandese shouldn’t be a co-official language in Portugal already.

[thefloatingstone]

I am not as sick any more but I am just really really tired a lot of the time. And also my brother took the car for a week or two and my mom was at a writing festival so I have been sitting in the house for a week now and I am CLIMBING THE WALLS at this stage.

[garrettwrites]

I think Americans would benefit from having naked statues in their streets and naked people on paintings in every schoolbook related to history/art. I think it would make them more qualified to talk about nudity in art without frying other people's brains.

[lasthumaninwales]

My wife and I have been burned too many times by historical fiction writers taking a sudden left turn into Richard III/Elizabeth of York territory that we're both just, coiled springs whenever they're in the same room around the time of Anne's death.

Author: -brings up that time Anne and Elizabeth wore matching dresses-

Us: Bitch you better not...

[waugh-bao]

Portugal: Week 1

[vfsportugalvisa]

Alfama District of Lisbon: Guide for Traveling in 2024

One of the Lisbon neighborhoods you should definitely visit on your 2024 trip is Alfama: the oldest and most authentic neighborhood in the city. Read here everything you need to know about Alfama-from its rich history to the best places to eat, drink, and soak up the culture. And then there's why you should put this on your list.

Overview of Alfama: the oldest district of Lisbon

Why Alfama Should Be on Your Agenda

Traditionally, the Alfama quarter is called the soul of Lisbon. Indeed, only a few quarters survived from the 1755 earthquake, and it maintains all its medieval charm, narrow streets, and Moorish influences. This district has such a special way of showing its historical depth: along its narrow streets are alleys, tiny squares, and historic buildings.

Don't miss: If you want to visit Alfama and travelling from the UK then you must apply for a Portugal visa also If you are UK Citizen then you no need to apply for Portugal visa

A Short History of Alfama

Alfama through the Ages: From the Moors to Today

Alfama was originally settled by Moors. Its history is very deep. Alfama is derived from the Arabic word for "hot springs" - "al-hamma." The district has developed through history but retained all its Arab origins in its architecture and design.

Alfama: Portuguese History in Cultural Significance

Alfama is rich in tradition, especially with regard to Fado, or Portugal's soulful and melancholic music. Stepping through Alfama feels as if walking in a living museum-to witness history and tradition blend into the present-day life of the Portuguese.

Alfama's Narrow Streets, exploring

What makes Alfama special?

Alfama does come alive, however, in its labyrinthine streets best discovered on foot. Cars cannot make their way through these narrow lanes, so put on your good walking shoes and get lost in the charms of the district.

Stunning Buildings and Old Structures

The architecture of Alfama is always a hodgepodge of Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Large swathes of buildings are covered with beautiful pastel-hued Portuguese ceramic tiles, or azulejos, which give the quarter a special flair.

Secrets of Alfama: hidden corners

Alfama is full of mysteries except from the best-known attractions. Discover some tiny cafés, local artisan shops, and hidden views from which to enjoy a wonderful city panorama.

Don't Miss: Portugal visit visa application form | Portuguese tourist visa UK

Main Attractions in Alfama

São Jorge Castle: the Historic Wonder

This confers fantastic views over the city, dominating Lisbon's skyline; originally a Moorish creation, this has become one of Alfama's more famous landmarks.

Miradouros: The Best Viewing Platforms in Alfama

There are, of course many beautiful miradouros - scenic viewpoints in Lisbon. Alfama contains two of the best examples: the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol-a must-see for views over the River Tagus and the red rooftops of the city.

Lisbon Cathedral: Transition of the Gothic to Romanesque Style

The Lisbon Cathedral is actually one of the oldest religious buildings in town. It reflects the differing architectural styles-a reflection of the history and diversification of the city.

The Fado Houses: Experience the Traditional Portuguese Music

Born in Alfama, a traditional Fado house is the only place where everywhere is likely to live up to its promise. Spend an evening listening to soulful sounds and savor Portuguese cuisine in local haunts like Clube de Fado and Tasca do Chico.

Don't Miss: Portugal visa required documents

What to Eat in Alfama

True Portuguese Gastronomy in Alfama

From fresh seafood dishes to traditional hearty stews, an impressive variety of Portuguese dishes exists in Alfama. High-class restaurants and small local taverns complement each other.

Popular Alfama Restaurants

For a truly unforgettable dining experience try Restaurante Santo António de Alfama or O Pitéu da Graça, which serve the finest in Portuguese cuisine.

Best Places for Local Food

To sample something seriously local, venture out to the smaller eateries, like Pastéis de Bacalhau, where you might even get to taste Portugal's most famous codfish cakes.

Best Time To Visit Alfama :

weather and seasonal highlights

Spring or early autumn would probably be best to visit Alfama because the weather is warm enough to be pleasant and enjoy some discoveries; summer days get horribly hot, and winter is usually pretty mild but a lot with rain.

The Lisbon Festas: June Vibrancy of Alfama's Festival

If you arrive in June, don't miss Festas de Lisboa, that very warm festivity which invades the streets of Alfama with music, stalls with food, and parades for Saint Anthony.

How to get to Alfama:

Transportation tips for travelers

Alfama is pretty accessible by Lisbon's world-famous Tram 28, which winds along the narrow streets of this district. And, of course, quite fine just to walk about. Just be prepared for some pretty steep hills!

Trams, Walking Tours, and Access

If walking is not up one's alley, no worries: the tedium of several walks and tuk-tuks will be rich in history and several secrets about Alfama.

Where to Stay in Alfama

Top Hotels and Accommodations

With all types of accommodations, from the highly luxurious to comfortable guesthouses, Alfama has it all: Memmo Alfama Hotel allows beautiful views, while in Alfama Patio Hostel, the offer is many times cheaper.

Sweet guesthouses and boutique hotels

Boutique hotels like the historic charm of Solar dos Mouros can offer an ever-comforting place for a far more personalized experience.

Safety Precautions for Every Visitor in Alfama

Cross Safely Through the Narrow Alfama Streets

Generally, Alfama is safe, though, like most tourist destinations, they do have a problem with pickpocketing, and it's worse in crowded locations.

Also see, 8 Reasons to Visit Portugal in Winter – Does it Snow?

Shopping in Alfama

Local Artisan Shops and Souvenirs

Alfama is indeed full of unique shops where one can find all these handmade crafts, traditional ceramics, and authentic Portuguese souvenirs to bring back home.

Nights in Alfama

Top Bars and Nighttime Entertainment

But aside from this, Alfama is a place of much history. The best places for a nightlife include: enjoy Ginjinha in some of the local bars or live Fado performances in Alfama.

Experience Fado in Night

For an unforgettable night, visit any of the Fado houses, such as Mesa de Frades or Parreirinha de Alfama, and listen to their absolutely soulful sounds of pure Fado.

Cultural Heritage at Alfama

Do's and don'ts when visiting Alfama

And visiting the Alfama district is not acceptable to offend locals. They greet them with a "Bom dia" (Good morning) and never make noise in residential areas.

Sustainable Tourism in Alfama

How to be a Responsible Visitor in Alfama

So sustainable tourism would maintain the beauty of Alfama. One should use environmentally friendly accommodations, patronize the local operators, and avoid crowding those hotspots.

Conclusion

This is a mystic, historical, and cultural district, so expect some unique memories. You will either enjoy electric views from the miradouros, absorb the fado music, or discover secret streets within Alfama. Don't forget to add it to your plans for 2024 in Lisbon!

[ravenovni]

Y'all ever see someone claim something about a country's culture and the person doesn't necessarily seem ill intentioned but you just have to cringe real bad because they clearly don't know what the hell they are talking about?

I don't even remember the context I saw this in but sometimes I remember that time I saw a (non-Portuguese?) person claiming Portuguese people aren't racist against Brazilians.

IIRC they were saying this in comparison to another ex-colonial country to claim that other country had a stronger racism problem