I know, after my last visit to you in december many things came in between us, dear Lisboa: Holland and with it that save feeling, that comfort zone with friends and family around, that feeling you get when you know every single stone on the pavement and every gum that is stuck to it, every bump on the road, that feeling when your regular grocer is waving at you from across the street, that feeling when you randomly meet a friend in your favourite cafe, where the coffee tastes like home. Feeling at home is a great feeling, being in a comfort zone can be wonderful but here is the problem with the comfort zone: it scares the hell out of me! Getting stuck, not challenging myself anymore, having the same routine every day, that has always been a great fear of mine.
So I needed to get out, get back to the original plan, go to meet you Lisboa and check if we are still doing ok. And I can tell you one thing: We absolutely are still ok! It took me about 2 seconds to fall in love with you all over again. Everything about you is so charming, your beautiful Azulejos (my new favourite portuguese word, means tiles), your warm and lovely people and their clothing on the washing line, your hidden staircases, gardens and places, your warm summer nights and kale lamps in bars!


I might be tripping over your unfamiliar pavements but they get me back into focus, the grocer might not be waving from across the street but he is giving me his warmest smile if I do too and your coffee might not taste like home (yet) but it surely is pretty damn good.
Many things have made this last week an amazing week: of course Veganario fest and all the lovely people there, Ericeira and beautiful Omassim Guesthouse, the inspiration and positivity I get from Karo, my partner in crime and as the cherry on the vegan cake: a new job in South Portugal. I know, it is not quite Lisboa yet but it is definitely a step in the right direction. And a chance to expand my portuguese beyond “Bom dia”, “azulejos” and “obrigada”. I make sure I’ll keep you updated on the country life for the summer ! So to sum up: I am ready for the ride, Lisbon and to leave foodprintz all over the place. Stay tuned, it’s all happening.


