Pink Street

Tomorrow, we’ll arrive at The House on Pink Street in Lisbon. It’s our jumping off point for a vacation in Portugal. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to stay on a Pink Street, especially one with a history? After a couple of days there, we plan to eat and drink our way across Portugal. 

Portugal has been on our list of places to visit for quite some time. When we were stationed in Germany for most of the ‘80s, we visited many countries, but never Portugal. Maybe it was just a bit too far (except for flying to Greece, we drove to the other places we visited or occasionally took the train). Or maybe with the military coupe during the Carnation Revolution in the ‘70s and democracy only established in 1976, we weren’t quite ready. I cannot remember. 

In any case, we are going now. Other than the first three days in Lisbon, we have no reservations or detailed plans. We have a general route we plan to drive, but that is about it. Yes, we will make Porto and the Douro Valley, and visit some places along the way, but nothing is set. We will enjoy life as it appears before us. 

This won’t be a trip visiting museums, churches and castles, although Portugal has many fine ones. When we were stationed in Germany and travelled throughout Europe, we visited enough of those to last a lifetime. My mind goes into a coma just thinking about it.

This trip will be at a slower pace with (hopefully) food and beverage serving as highlights – Cod cooked many ways, grilled sardines, octopus in oil, barnacles, fish stews and tinned seafoods; pungent cheeses; sausages, cured meats, tripe, pork dishes, Francesinha sandwiches and stone soup. Certainly, we will drink port, but also vinho branco, tinto and verde; Ginjinha and Aguardente; cerveja; and strong coffee. We plan to challenge our senses of sight, taste, and smell, with just enough walking and sightseeing between meals to ensure all three reawaken. 

As to the House on the Pink Street, it seems a fitting starting place. Pink Street, also known as Rua Nova do Carvalho, or Rua Cor de Rosa, is a small pedestrian street a couple hundred meters long. This is an area near the harbor where previously, sailors from around the world gathered, doing what sailors do – seeking out brothels, cheap bars and gambling. It was the Red-Light district of Lisbon. In 2013, an urban renewal project cleaned up the area, and as an added attraction painted the pavement pink. The street is packed with stores, cafes, restaurants, and yes, bars. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and they say activities can go well into the night or early morning hours. Reviews say The House on Pink Street is well insulated and soundproof from the nearby goings on. 

That’s about it. Our next two weeks in Portugal – Taking in Mother Nature. Some people watching. A little drinking. A little eating (Maybe a little more of both). Some on, and some off, the beaten path. Just the two of us on the road with no agenda.