Our trip to Lisbon

 Leo Conrad D'Souza

We have just returned back to London (where we are continuing our summer vacation) after attending the EDTNA/ERCA,  29th International Conference in Lisbon - Portugal. 

EDTNA/ERCA stands for European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association. This Conference is held every year in some part of Europe. This year it happened to be in Portugal, which also gave us the opportunity to see and experience Portugal first hand.

It was in total contrast to all the misgivings I had about Portugal,  presented to me by various sources. One must see and experience a short stay in Portugal to witness the functioning of the Country. Now I begin to understand why many of the older generations of the Goans comment "we were better of in the Portuguese rule than in the present era". 

The country is so meticulously organized compared to our present Goa. Our current lot of politicians should take a cue from this rather than trying to be selfish and look after their own personal gains and interests. Of course we (By 'we' I mean the majority of us) are to be blamed for their attitude and behavior as we ourselves have elected them. 

We (My wife Hortencia and self) had the privilege of meeting the gentleman  Jorge, and his charming wife Livia de Abreu Noronha. We did have a number of discussions and conversations with them and we enjoyed every moment of it. 

We did have authentic Goan Food at 'Restaurante Cantinho de Martins' in Lisbon. I used to find Livia's posting's very informative and genuine. I do hope she continues to write regularly. 

We leave for Rome on 15/7 for about 10 days, returning back to London to enjoy the rest of our holidays before heading to Dubai during the second week of August. 

Leo D'Souza
July 13, 2000

[ TGF comment:  Lisbon comes as an absolute shocker to a newcomer.  It is a mixture with delightful European charm, architecture and near-EU efficiency.

Goan visitors will see familiar looking buildings and even faces, especially as dusk falls on the capital.  Don't be too surprized to hear Hindi after the sun sets. Hundreds of non-Goan Indians have slipped through the cracks and have made Lisbon their home. They earn their living selling curious, ties and roses to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who are captivated by this quaint Portuguese capital city. While in Lisbon, remember to visit Belem, the various squares and the Indian restaurant Kashmir.

Another place you might wish to visit is Fatima which is world famous for the serene and truly beautiful shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. There is a very nice, comfortable and on time bus service from Lisbon to Fatima. It is an experience no visitor is likely to forget.  On another day, you might wish to visit Sintra up in the hills to get a first hand glimpse of the Islamic influence on Portugal.  No football fan is likely to miss visiting the home ground of Benfica or Porto ( a place famous for Port wine)

Like the author of the above post, we too had the pleasure of meeting Livia and Jorge de Abreu Noronha in a tiny Goan restaurant in down town Lisbon. Both the location of the restaurant and the food served was reminiscent of Fontainhas, Goa.

Lisbon has captured our hearts and our minds. Do keep this city in your travel plans. You are unlikely to be disappointed.

JC and ES-C for TGF]
January 26, 2002

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