See Portugal

Principe Real is one of the nicest parks in all of Lisbon. Above is a painting from Principe Real made by Japanese painter M. Nagashima, who is very often found painting scenes from the park. His paintings, which are some of the finest in the city, are displayed for sale as he works. If it is a clear weekend day, more then likely Nagashima will be at Principe Real, set up in the corner, on the Rua da Palmeira side of the park. In the picture you can notice the landmark tree at Principe Real, the 100 year old ceder which extends out like an umbrella.

Spending a Saturday morning at Principe Real is extremely peaceful. There is an organic food market which is open every Saturday on the opposite side of the park. Behind the market, under another huge tree, is a great cafe set up with tables both inside and out. It is a great spot to have a coffee and read the newspaper, or else watch the dogs which often run loose through the park.

Head over to Principe Real, which is just north of Barrio Alto. It is a very relaxing place, especially on the weekends. If you see Nagashima making his art, what better souvenir to take home then one of these tasteful pictures. Principe Real is one of the treasures of Lisbon, and to really appreciate the city, give yourself some time to look around and absorb it’s unique atmosphere. You will certainly not be disappointed.

Gilberto Gil, Brazilian Cultural Minister, and the ambassador for Brazilian music throughout the world, is coming to Portugal. The performer can be seen at the Lisbon and Porto Coliseus this April. The show is billed as Gil Luminoso, and is in promotion of the recent Gilberto Gil album with the same name. It is an album that celebrates Gil’s career, from Baia, and the times of Tropicalismo.

Gilberto Gil will be accompanied on guitar by his son, Bem Gil, and the show offers the audience a live tour through the classics of one of Brazil’s most important musicians.

The shows are scheduled to take place at:

Coliseu de Lisboa - April 17, 2008 - 22:00

Coliseu do Porto - April 19, 2008 - 22:00

Tickets are on sale, and run anywhere from 20-45 Euros.

If you are going to be in Porto or Lisbon during April, don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the most exciting musicians performing today. Since most of the set will be Gilberto Gil alone with his acoustic guitar, the atmosphere should be extremely intimate.

The fifth edition of the Lisbon International Independent Film Festival, IndieLisboa 2008, will begin on April 24th, with the presentation of the film My Blueberry Nights, directed by Wong Kar Wai. The film stars Jude Law and Norah Jones. The festival will run until May 4th. This year there will be a total of 250 films from all over the world, both feature length, as well as shorts. This year IndieLisboa will feature New Romanian Cinema, which has been gaining attention at other independant film festivals.

Besides film screenings, IndieLisboa runs many other activities. One of them is the Lisbon Talks, which are divided into a seminar, panels, round tables, along with master classes.

For more information, as well as a PDF download of all films and screening locations and times, visit the website at IndieLisboa.com.

The wonderful thing about Lisbon, is the cultural diversity and energy that flows through her streets. With the large African and Brazilian communities that have settled here, there is a strong cultural mix which gives Lisbon its flavor. As Portugal spread its language and culture during their age of discoveries, these earlier Portuguese outposts have come back to Portugal, bringing with them their unique cultural heritages. Brazil is a great example, and Rock in Rio, the famous Brazilian music festival is a perfect example of a piece of Brazil washing up on the shores of Portugal.

Rock is Rio, which began in 1985, was a huge success for Brazil. The multi-day music festival showcased some of the most popular artists at the time, and the atmosphere was so spectacular, that it became a favorite for artists as well. By the time of Rock in Rio 3, the popularity continued to grow, and Portugal decided to bring the event to Lisbon. Read more »