Jill and me in Praca dos Restauradores in central Lisbon
My cell phone pinged. I glanced at the screen and saw I had a text from Jill.
“Dad, I’m going to Lisbon for a few days. Would you like to join me?”
Jill, you see, is a freelance journalist who writes about food and travel, and many times she’s invited me to join her when she’s ‘on assignment.’ From a few days to a few weeks, we’ve explored Ireland, North Dakota, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Iceland, and many other destinations.
“Dad, I’m going to Lisbon for a few days. Would you like to join me?”
Jill, you see, is a freelance journalist who writes about food and travel, and many times she’s invited me to join her when she’s ‘on assignment.’ From a few days to a few weeks, we’ve explored Ireland, North Dakota, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Iceland, and many other destinations.
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.
~ Susan Sontag
~ Susan Sontag
Jill and I were cut from the same cloth when it came to travel: We are enthusiasts—it must be wanderlust, right?!—with adventurous spirits and endless curiosity about cultures, landscapes, and history that helped shape the identity of places we’ve visited. Our trips have been great adventures through the intersection of these elements, and I had no doubt Lisbon would be another grand escapade.
“When are you going?” I asked.
“In two weeks,” she answered.
I’m an accountant by training and trade—accounting was the foundation of my 45+ year career—and as an accountant, I was patient and methodical. It wasn’t in my DNA, you see, to be compulsive.
Yet, there were moments—like when it came to travel—when I could be spontaneous.
“Sure!” I replied as quickly as I could.
And with that, Jill and I would soon be off on our next daughter-father getaway.
We booked our flights ($750 per person, which seemed cheap) that night and a two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment ($700 for four nights) the next day. And over the next few days, we made reservations for two half-day tours in Lisbon and one full-day tour outside the city, which gave us the ‘bones’ of our four-day journey to ‘The City of Seven Hills.’
Join Jill and me, through a series of short stories I will craft and share, as we delve into the rich heritage, explore iconic landmarks, uncover fascinating history, and savor the vibrant cuisine of Lisbon. We had a wonderful time, and I’m certain you will, too.
“When are you going?” I asked.
“In two weeks,” she answered.
I’m an accountant by training and trade—accounting was the foundation of my 45+ year career—and as an accountant, I was patient and methodical. It wasn’t in my DNA, you see, to be compulsive.
Yet, there were moments—like when it came to travel—when I could be spontaneous.
“Sure!” I replied as quickly as I could.
And with that, Jill and I would soon be off on our next daughter-father getaway.
We booked our flights ($750 per person, which seemed cheap) that night and a two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment ($700 for four nights) the next day. And over the next few days, we made reservations for two half-day tours in Lisbon and one full-day tour outside the city, which gave us the ‘bones’ of our four-day journey to ‘The City of Seven Hills.’
Join Jill and me, through a series of short stories I will craft and share, as we delve into the rich heritage, explore iconic landmarks, uncover fascinating history, and savor the vibrant cuisine of Lisbon. We had a wonderful time, and I’m certain you will, too.
The National Pantheon—The Works that Never Ends
Alfama’s Welcome: Our First Look and Tastes
Lisbon: A City Center Tour
Lisbon on a Plate: Tastes & Sips to Savor
