Solo Travel Diaries: Lisbon
... the start of a solo slow travel life ... (slow travels ~2 months)
Lisbon Day 1. Ah, the joy of touchdown. Landing at Lisboa (aka Lisbon).
Where did it all begin? — I guess getting ready for the trip. I was waiting for a sign.
My sister came home for our cousin's wedding. And she brought me a gift. Even though I told her, I didn't need anything and living a simple life. But it was the most adorable gift - A calendar with cities for each month.
I went through the calendar - March was Amsterdam which I visited in 2016 and saw Lisbon for April. And I don't know why. It was a sign. I told her it was a sign. (I wish I took a photo of the calendar to show y’all …)
Aug 2023: adding the calendar photo as promised :)
After my cousin's wedding in Feb, I started to make plans. Looked at travel options and couldn't find one that would get me from Calicut to Lisbon. Unless it was 2-3+ stops and ridiculously priced. Yes, I'm aware, I'm trying to book something in a month. But, I guess my anxiety doesn't like it if I'm planning way too ahead. Or the feeling of locked in and not having the freedom to adapt as needed.
And my doubts and fears did its job of freaking me out. I have a month to plan.
Following the path of Vasco da Gama.. in 1498 he came from Lisbon to Calicut..
And me an explorer born in 1984 came from Calicut to Lisbon.
» Do you see the play of numbers.. it's a sign.. lol
.. or at least that's the story that I'm telling myself …
And, I reached out to my mentee who has been the biggest gift ever in making this a reality. Walking me through Google Maps of Lisbon. So I know what areas and neighborhoods to look for for a place to stay.
And then she shared a friend of hers who is renting their apartment. And their name translates to God’s Grace. Indeed, the magic, as if the stars couldn't align any better.
I finally found my ticket via Emirates - CCJ to DXB to LIS. I was ready. I had my flight tickets. I had a place to stay. And with my US passport, I could be in Europe for up to 90 days. And that was the kind of slow solo travel I was looking for.
To experience the city. To walk the streets. To enjoy the cuisines. To check out the groceries stores.
To take it one day at a time. And also continue to work, mentor and teach along the way. And I made a schedule Mon - Thu work/mentor/teach | Fri-Sun explore/travel/food.
This is exciting and scary at the same time.
Could I really do this?
Is it safe?
Those were the questions I kept asking. And folks assured me that Lisbon is safe. So I can go with that.
And of course, solo travel is scary.
You are in a new place. And at the same time, there are so many similarities around the world that it's hard to miss them.
Lisbon is a sister city to San Francisco.
The Bridge. The Seven Hills. And at the cable car.
And I love the cobblestone streets.
Now, I am here in Lisbon.
I'm ready to explore. And see what the city has in store for me.
The Bridge
Love the different views of Ponte 25 de Abril along the promenade and the mindful walks. Each time I see you, I am back in San Francisco by the Golden Gate bridge. Beautiful memories forever.
The Garden
Over the weekend, I went to my favorite happy place. The botanical gardens. And captured spring and the flowers in bloom. It brings peace and calm always.
And during the walks, I took photos of scenic views from miradouros around the city with breathtaking art and architecture everywhere. From the tile designs on the walls to the historic buildings. So, sharing a glimpse with you.
The Tower
And I got to experience violin music with Soul.Violin which truly moved my soul. So beautiful that it made the visit to Belém Tower magical.
Now within a few weeks, I can make my way back home once I am near without relying on gmaps directions. That feels good to feel comfortable where you are.
I have been walking for hours and finally got the reloadable viagem travel card from the metro station to use on the metro/bus/subway. A great option to pay as you go.
A few things I found interesting in my solo travel:
making sure phone has enough charge + power bank so I can be outside for 5+hours.
staying outside without data and using offline Google maps to map out directions of the area to explore.
the cable clothes line outside the apartment window is an innovative use of space and design. Something I came across in Europe in 2016, and a good reminder to make the most of what is or is not available. The laundromat is another option. This works well for my needs.
it takes a few tries to get everything going - from operating an electric oven to hot water etc. and being ok without a microwave.
not to turn all appliances at the same time. Day 2 - I had a power out, since I had the dishwasher, oven and nespresso on at same time. Now, I know I don’t need the dishwasher or nespresso and can better manage.
The Pastry
And yes, I tried Portuguese custard tart aka Pasteis de nata.. these custard tarts are to die for… I loved them when I had variations of the custard tart in Japan and Hong Kong. And I found my sweet bliss.
The best ones so far (tried 8+ so far and counting)
Food to try
Barnacles - interesting texture and tasty (first time experience)
Bacalhau - cod fish
And now I am trying to learn portuguese on Duolingo.
A few words so far that come handy
Bom Dia - Good morning
Ola - Hello
Obrigada - Thank you
Shops
Open - Aberto
Closed - Fechado
Days of the week
Monday: Segunda-feira
Tuesday: Terça-feira
Wednesday: Quarta-feira
Thursday: Quinta-feira
Friday: Sexta-feira
Saturday: Sábado
Sunday: Domingo
Metro signs
Linha - Line
Amarela - Yellow
Verde - Green
Azul - Blue
Vermelho - Red
I took the metro to see Ponte Vasco Da Gama. And it reminded me of the new extension of the Oakland Bay Bridge.
Ponte Vasco Da Gama 
SF Oakland Bay Bridge San Francisco sits on the West Coast of the United States, while Lisbon is on Europe's West Coast. Interesting isn’t it …
I got a lot of recommendations from folks in Lisbon.
Sharing my Google Maps Lisbon list as I keep curating it.
And if you have any suggestions for places to go or things to do in Europe, send them my way. An explorer at heart or scout as my friends called me during our trip to the Outer Banks.
And the story continues in April - read more
