Let me tell you a little bit about the town we are staying in. I mentioned before that Seixal is located across the river from Lisbon. To get to the center of Lisbon, we have to take a ferry across – but the Terminal Fluvial is very close to our flat and it is only a 15 minute ride to the other side. I actually enjoy the ride because the water is usually beautiful, but Jared finds it tiresome lately. He has a really long trip to all the different archives that he is researching in, what with the ferry, trams and at times metros too. But, we really like Seixal and do not regret our choice to live here instead of in Lisbon.
Seixal is an old fishing village. People have told us that it is 500 years old, and the oldest buildings we have found are 400 or so years old. The church we are attending, and the only one within walking distance to us, was built in 1646! It is beautiful inside, though the azulejo (tiles) on the outside could use a bit of repair. The church is actually a Catholic cathedral so Jared and I are learning Mass in Portuguese. I have no idea what is going on, so I bought a Children’s Missal to read along with and translate! Jared, however, understands everything!
Seixal was on of the places that the royal court would vacation at in the 1700s and I do not blame them. It is gorgeous here! There are always tons of boats out fishing and sailing and the people here are so nice and welcoming. Not everyone speaks English (like in Lisbon) and this helps me quite a bit. I am forced to use Portuguese; but people know me now and help me, are patient, and very kind!
We have made a few friends already, which is really nice! There is a bar around the corner from our flat called Alkhol that is owned by Fernando and Christina. They both speak English and are very interested in all things American. They love American movies, music, and TV shows and the have plans to visit New York for New Years one year. They are super-nice and are helping me with Portuguese and letting Jared practice his. Since they are so close and we have a good time with them, Jared and I go there a few times a week. Needless to say, we have met other “regulars” like Manuel, a retired fishing boat captain who (EVERYONE says) is the best fisherman in all of Seixal.
The other day, he treated us to a fresh seafood dinner. He caught mussels and shrimp during the day, dropped them off to Christina, and them we all met at 7 pm for dinner. Christina is a fabulous cook, and Jared and I had the best dinner we have ever had! The mussels were so yummy, I cannot tell you – and the shrimp were huge! There were fried shrimp (not breaded and fried like in the US) and boiled shrimp, bread, and lots of beer! The plates of food just kept coming and coming, and Manuel had several of his friends and family there to eat too. It was a really special experience for me and Jared and I keep telling myself that something like this would not have happened in Lisbon, but only a small fishing village like Seixal! Manuel has offered to take us fishing with nets in the ocean when the weather is a bit warmer in March, and I cannot wait!!
To see more pictures of Seixal and our amazing dinner, click here.
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