Month: January 2016

Évora, another short jaunt from Lisbon

On By ChérineIn Lisbon, Portugal, Travel, UNESCO World Heritage Sites2 Comments

An hour and a half eastwards from Lisbon, lies the historic centre of Évora. A small town filled with historic significance and beauty.

Once the residence of Portuguese kings, the town offers a number of monuments worth visiting: the Capela dos Ossos, the Roman temple, whitewashed houses and many more.

Once you have walked through the city streets and absorbed the majesty of the architecture, the colours of the azulejos….

…take a break and have lunch at Páteo (https://www.facebook.com/pateowinebar?_rdr=p#_=_). A lovely wine bar where the cheese and charcuterie board was to die for.

Lunch break at Pateo

And the sangria was not bad either…

Sangria

On the way back to Lisbon, make sure you stop at the Almendres Cromlech.

Cromlech of the Almendres 2
The megaliths have been standing there for several centuries.

And check out the cork trees doting the country side.Cork Trees

Sunday Kitchen Experiments: Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Bean Rice

On By ChérineIn Cooking, Healthy Eating, Kitchen ExperimentsLeave a comment

The last few weeks have been very busy at work. By the time I get home, I do not feel like cooking anything so I have been resorting to unhealthy take out options.

I know this week is not going to be any different, so today I planned on cooking a meal that I could reheat in the next couple of days.

So here is my #pinterestwin.

What I loved about this recipe was how quick the prepping was. A handful of ingredients, one pot …

…and presto, dinner is served!

20160124_191136

Thank you @cookingclassy1 for the recipe.  http://www.cookingclassy.com/2015/04/one-pan-cilantro-lime-chicken-and-rice-with-black-beans/

BON APÉTIT!

 

Sintra – a short jaunt from Lisbon

On By ChérineIn Lisbon, Portugal, Sintra, Travel3 Comments

New year, new travel list! Over the last couple of years, I have thought a lot about my bucket list of cities and countries to visit. So I think I have finalized the list: check it out here! I know most of you will say it is ambitious, but there is nothing wrong in dreaming big!

I thought back to the beautiful places I have already visited and luckily some are from the list.

A short jaunt from Lisbon is the town of Sintra and the Pena National Palace.

The palace is breathtaking! The bright colours and the architectural style leave you in awe and is truly worth the 45 minute train ride from Lisbon.

 

After visiting the palace, walk down the hill to the town of Sintra and visit the Gothic National Palace. Take the time to walk around the town and explore the small streets. You just may discover some stunning sites.

Lisboa

On By ChérineIn Lisbon, Portugal, Travel4 Comments

My bucket list of cities to visit is extensive and diverse, however I can honestly say that Lisbon was not in the top 10. But when opportunity knocks, one should answer. I did not regret it.

As a seafood lover, Lisbon was the ideal place to be. But the city also has so much more to offer…

Rossio
Rossio – The square is surrounded by cafes where locals and tourists alike enjoy aperitifs and good company.
Azulejos
Azulejos – These painted tiles are found all over the city. On buildings, on the sidewalks, on inner walls. They are beautiful and the colours stupendous.
Jeronimos Cloister 3
Jeronimos Monastery – well worth the visit.

Jeronimos

Lisbon boardwalk
The walk along the boardwalk was refreshing, in more ways than one
Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio

Rua Augusta Arch

 

When visiting, bring comfortable shoes that have a good grip. The city is hilly and took it’s toll on our feet, but the trams and funiculars were life savers and full of character and colour.

Tram

Pasteis de Belem – Sublime custard dessert and a must
The best seafood in town – Cervejaria Ramiro

And if after feasting on the fresh seafood, you still have the energy, take a walk in the Alfama  district. It is stunning!

Alfama 2

Obrigado Lisboa!