In this series we gather stories from people we believe to have particular relationships with the city of Lisbon, people we get to know as part of our project and, of course, through friends. In Lisbon in Us by Itamar De Grandi we make room for a longtime friend. A Brazilian, from Rio Grande do Sul, who adopted Lisbon as his home over 30 years ago. A creative and multifaceted spirit that has ingrained and loves this city.
The first time I saw Lisbon was on an April morning. Upon arrival in Portela airport, Lisbon welcomed me with sun, blue sky and a few clouds – I’ve never forgotten this moment. From then on, there was no need to get used to the city, it became ingrained in me right away.
I bring with me everything I’ve experienced in so many years in Lisbon: the smell of roasted chestnuts announcing autumn, the late nights after work in cacau da Ribeira, the contrast between the green of the Tagus river and the pink of the sky in spring, the partying concerts nights at Coliseu dos Recreios, the discovery of other meanings for the words I already knew, the sound of Portuguese guitars, the films in Quarteto, the naive marches at the June festivities, the exuberance of Expo98, the prophecy of the Chinese candy that I would rise in life … with the Santa Justa lift, the 2-tone drawings of the Portuguese pavement, the loves I had and still have, the flowering jacarandas, the sad moments I had, the joys I celebrated, the streets and alleys where new forms of Lisbon are always discovered, the passion for tiles, the disinterested friendship maintained after so many years, the museums, the gardens of Gulbenkian, the bustled 80’s, the countless viewpoints each giving us a special view of the city, and the Tagus river, serenely flowing in towards the sea.
How can I not love this city, how can I not thank it for everything it has given me, everything that has made me who I am now? A single life in Lisbon is not enough. I want more.
| Lisbon in Us by Itamar De Grandi | |
|---|---|
| Mini introduction | In Lisbon for 38 years, this Brazilian from the south of Brazil has lived many experiences. I managed to do many things, some quite different at the same time, but always exciting: jewellery, Arraiolos rugs, representing a Spanish clothing brand, bar manager in Bairro Alto and much more. Self-taught cook, I have been responsible for the creation and cuisine of the vegetarian restaurant GRANOS, in Campo de Ourique, for 3 years. |
| An inspiring place | Praça do Comércio |
| An unmissable visit | National Tile Museum |
| His mouth waters with… | Crushed potatoes, yummm |
| A song… | Gaivota by Amália |
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