We weren’t sure what we were going to do for New Year’s Eve. We had been in Lisbon for a little over 24 hours, and knew we wanted to see the fireworks down over the water. The plan was to meander through the city, find a little spot for dinner, and then ring in 2019 surrounded by Portuguese revelry.
The new year is one of my favorite things to celebrate as it feels like a truly global celebration. We come together as humans to celebrate another trip around the sun.
We took the subway to Bairro Alto and started walking through streets that were teeming with life. This section of Lisbon has a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops, and people were starting to settle down for meals and drinking. I was starting to get alarmed that we wouldn’t be able to find an adequate place for food, but then we rounded a corner and stumbled upon an inviting restaurant that didn’t look too busy. Upon inquiry, we were told that there were only spots available outside on the balcony. We accepted the table.
The night was chilly, but not cold, and the balcony was more than perfect. It was cozy with about 8 tables and decorated with plants and low lighting. The waiter came over and informed us that there was a set menu. Wine was included in the meal and he returned with two full bottles of wine – one for each of us. At this point we exchanged glances, smiles slowly crept across our faces and we realized that we were about to embark on something memorable.
The meal we had to close out 2018 was beyond incredible. Course after course was presented to us and everything tasted flawless. We had charcuterie with delicate cheeses and a pate that made my taste buds dance. Fried duck breast, short rib, cod fritters, marinated mushrooms and quintessential Portuguese desserts were all presented to us in succession. We were thrown in to a foodie paradise and fed until we could barely move.
Every year has its ups and downs, but I make the same (unofficial) resolution to myself, and I have been since I was a teenager. I vow that I’ll try my best to appreciate everything life has to offer and live every day taking advantage of it. If I were to get hit by a bus tomorrow, I don’t want to think that I wasted any day waiting for life to begin. Being in a new country with the person I love experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime meal felt like I was meeting my resolution. I don’t always – but when I do it’s nothing short of magical.
Here’s to another year of travel, family, friends, love, food, wine, new people, new experiences and living life. Happy New Year.