Lisbon - Basically SF with more Graffiti

-

I visited Lisbon earlier this summer, and my impression was that it is basically SF with more Graffiti. There is a tram, a golden gate bridge, hills, so it basically felt like being in California (but jesus statue is different from SF I guess).



I was mostly there to see Olivia Rodrigo, but if you want to visit the California of Europe for the hipster scene and to check out architecture, getting the 3-day Lisboa card discounted some tourist sites and also covered my tram rides and other public transit (train). 

Lisboa Card: 

I liked having the 3 day pass. I bought it online in advance to pick up at the airport. The kiosk had no line when I arrived at Humberto Delgado (LIS) in the arrivals area. My regret is doing Sintra in between, when I could've gone to Sintra after the pass expired and then shown it for 20% discount at: Quinta de Regalia, Castle of the Moors, and Monserrate. 

General favorite experiences in Lisbon: 

Time Out Market is touristy but where else could I get a 3 course lunch with dessert (for 16(€)) from a Michelin-starred chef (Henrique sa Passoa) and do a Port Tasting at noon? 




Monastery de Jeronimos: Because it was definitely inspiration for Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Indol. But I waited 40 min in the sun and got sunburnt. Apparently afternoon/sunset time there is only 15 min wait. But this is free with Lisboa card! I'd only recommend for less than half an hour wait. 






Monument of Discovery + View: 

The Lisboa card lets you go to the top without having to pay 10€. and it was a nice view! 


SKIP:

Belem Tower - we went at opening and got in, but it was just ok. Not a must. Some tourists I talked to said they really like it but it was just climbing a few stairs for a tiny view, when the better view was the top of Discoveries Monument and I had the view to myself.

Santa Justa Lift - unless you have the Lisboa card, the ride was 10 seconds and I wouldn't pay for it. The only cool thing was that Anthony Bourdain rode it.

Favorite Pastel de Nata: 

Belem 


This was more solid than custard and just so good.

Mantegeria was second for me: 


Chocolate Cake at LX Factory: 

Favorite restaurant: 

Hifen in Cascais 

Tuna, egg, and potato chips.

Chocolate dessert and a tart.

I got a kale elderflower drink.

I generally did not enjoy Portuguese food besides the pastel de nata. We did try Mini-Bar at Bairro do Avillez and I liked the tuna tartare and a meagre sauce, but the rest of the food was just ok. 

Overall - Lisbon was cool to check out, especially if you like architecture. 3 days is definitely enough to check out most of the tourist sites. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hilton Moorea – Overwater Bungalow Review

-
Image
The Hilton Moorea was one of the coolest hotel experiences in my life: staying in an overwater bungalow and sharing the turquoise ocean backyard with fish, sting rays, and sharks was incredible. While I was fortunate to be upgraded from a land bungalow, we still paid a pretty penny to stay at this property and the Hilton Aspire card helped cover several costs (breakfast, premium wifi, etc.) If you stay, I recommend having at least Hilton gold status (through Amex Platinum or other Hilton Amex card) to maximize covering costs. This Hilton is pricey and not exactly super luxurious, but being in an overwater bungalow for a few days really did feel like paradise. Rates/Booking: There are a few different categories of rooms/bungalows:         On the land – King or twin bungalow, with or without private pool (49 rooms)         Lagoon/Beachside King overwater bungalow (3) – I do not recommend booking these         King Overwater Bungalow (25)         Panoramic Overwater Bungalow (20
Read more

How to ask an attorney/professional to get coffee

-
Image
Like any profession, getting a job in the legal field is all about who you know and your reputation. But networking doesn't have to suck, it can be as easy as grabbing a casual cup of coffee with a fellow colleague. You never know where a simple meeting may lead you- possibly to your next job or inspiration for where to go next! One of my 30 goals before 30 was to: Set up informational interviews with an attorney/professional once a month. I actually started doing this a few months before starting my blog, and I've gotten a variety of advice and perspectives on how people have practiced law. Here is my guide on how to ask an attorney to get coffee: 1. Know why you want to talk to this person Are you looking for a new job? Looking for general advice on how who you're meeting with got to where they are? Maybe you want to be connected to someone they know? You should know your purpose and make sure it warrants a 15-30 minute conversation, time is valuable to attorneys
Read more

Being a first gen lawyer/law student

-
Image
Today I was on a King Hall First Generation alumni zoom panel with Alex and John, who were also first-generation college and law students (and now lawyers). It's great that UC Davis is setting up this group to help first-gen students, and I myself got valuable advice from Alex and John and also got the chance to reflect on my own challenges as a first-gen lawyer/law student. I forgot to advise the students to take advantage of the deals at the Davis Grocery Outlet, Bargain Market, but hopefully still was able to share some tips based off my experience working for state government. Below were some of my reflections: What do you wish you knew in law school that would have prepared you better for your work and in general as an attorney? I wish that I practiced legal writing more/tried to enter more legal writing essay contests/scholarship competitions. I also wish I used Westlaw more to read sample pleadings/briefs/cases in certain areas of law.  My colleagues gave advice on networkin
Read more