Many of you have asked me to share some of the photos I took on my recent trip, so I decided to share extracts from my travel journey here, along with some of the photos. I’ll start with my first port of entry, Lisbon, today and give you a couple more impressions over the next few days. Please let me know if you’ve been to any of these places and share with all the readers what you liked most about all these destinations. I think that by sharing our experiences, we make travel so much more accessible to everyone. (Click on the photos to see a bigger version.)
Lisbon – A city of tiles
Small in comparison to other European capitals, Lisbon makes up for what it lacks in size with its charm, its many hills and the churches that are scattered throughout and that expose the high Rococo style.
All over the city, the shimmer of gold leaf and the wealth it gathered with the colonization of India and Brazil is evident. Gold, silk, spices and precious woods were brought here and a maritime nation was launched with the exploration of Vasco de Gama and his men, who found a sea route to India.
My favorite parts of the city are the great museums – small in size, but rich in objects and art. The best of all of these is the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, which houses an outstanding Lalique collection. The architecture of the building and the area where it is located, is just great. It is part of the Museo de Arte Moderno.
Because Lisbon is by the sea, fresh seafood reigns in their cuisine – and I indulged in daily fresh offerings during my visit.
I also loved seeing how tiles have been used throughout the city – in the facades of the buildings, in the hallways and in churches. It brings tilework to a very high art.
The churches throughout the city are quite magnificent, embellished with gold mantles, carved wood and frescos which, when combined with the color of the local Travertine and marble, ends up with a very soft coloration which is augmented with the Rococo swirls and fantasy.
#1 by Karena on February 23, 2010 - 4:58 pm
Vicente The ceiling is stunning! I also love the Lalique collection.
Karena
#2 by Deb Day Olivier on February 23, 2010 - 8:22 pm
Obrigado por suas fotos e comentários tipo.
#3 by Gary Nelling on February 23, 2010 - 9:45 pm
I’ve never been to Portugal, but I have to its eastern neighbor, Spain, in cities like Barcelona and Tarragona on the Mediterranean, where they have handsome tile-faced buildings like the ones you’ve shown. I am struck by the similarity of the tile patterns on these buildings to those in the photos of Uzbekistan, and I recall that much of Spain and Portugal was controlled by the Muslim Caliphate from about the 8th c through the Crusades in an empire that stretched east to Central Asia. Have you seen similar architecture and interiors in Syria or other Middle East countries you’ve visited, or is this a unique blend of Muslim and other cultures? Have you brought back objects from Lisbon and from the Middle East for your showroom as you have from the Asia and Africa?
#4 by melissa on February 24, 2010 - 1:15 am
Vicente,
Love the tiles…
I have a fantasy that I have a small house and in the main area of the kitchen is a large fireplace with these tiles from your trip…
xxoo
Melissa
#5 by Mario on February 24, 2010 - 8:46 am
In response to the comment by Gary Nelling, tilework in Portugal (and Spain) was in fact greatly influenced by the Moors, however in Portugal they evolved way past the geometric patterns of the Moorish style. After the Age of Discovery, Portugal’s tilework was influenced by Chinese ceramics (Portugal had a colony there — Macau), which is why most Portuguese tile panels are blue and white. Anyone interested in the art should not miss the Tile Museum (much more interesting than expected) and the interior of the Sao Vicente Monastery during a visit to Lisbon: http://mnazulejo.imc-ip.pt/
#6 by Vicente on February 24, 2010 - 9:31 am
Gary, I did some shopping for VW Home. Will be sure to add some photos once the new items have arrived.
#7 by Gary Nelling on February 24, 2010 - 4:51 pm
Mario – Thank you so much for your information and link! Several times my wife and I flew into Paris and worked our way south and/or east from there, except for one trip to Spain. Next time we shall give the unique countries of Portugal and Spain the attention they deserve. I really look forward to the Tile Museum. I am often intrigued by the positive cultural cross-pollinations that have historically occurred between different cultures and religions, even those in conflict, and what if anything we can learn from this to help us in the future. – Gary
#8 by Gary Nelling on February 24, 2010 - 6:52 pm
Vicente – Thank you. You have a unique assembly of furniture, fabrics and decorative objects from around the world in your showroom that I have seen no place else. It is so engaging. I’ll look forward to your new additions. And to all of you out there, you must investigate this showroom as you would a museum or gallery when you are in NYC. – Gary
#9 by World Travel on March 6, 2010 - 6:49 pm
In my eyes, the most beautiful destination for travel is Spain. I like Madrid, Barcelona and all other cities. Very beautiful country.