gulbenkian museum - lisbon

While we were in Lisbon we took a trip to the Gulbenkian Museum which was founded by Calouste Gulbenkian. During his life (1869 - 1955) he amassed a huge fortune and an art collection which he kept in a private museum at his beautiful Paris home. His four storey, three basement house was said to be crammed full with art from artists such as Renoir, Manet, Monet, Rembrandt and Lalique to name a few!  It was fascinating walking around the museum thinking this all belonged to one man.

lisbon

I've just got back from a trip to Lisbon. It's such a beautiful city and we were there for a big  saints day festival 'Santo Antonio' where every street is decked out in coloured ribbons and pots of lucky basil on every windowsill.

We got lost in the narrow streets of the Alfama district, around every corner the locals were cooking sardines over hot coals and drinking their local beer 'superbock' there was a real party atmosphere.

 

The buildings in Lisbon have a real charm to them, a bit faded and chipped but full of character, ornate tiles decorate carved wooden doors, balconies crammed full with plants and herbs and beautiful purple blossom trees line small parks and squares.

 

One of the best things about the city is the delicious food, simple grilled fish and seafood with rock salt and garlic, olives, sliced cured hams, cherries and oranges, their little custard tarts 'pastel de nata' they are so moreish. I ate far too many!