Years ago when we started traveling around New Year our expectations for NYE were high – we always looked forward to experience how other cultures celebrated this special day of the year. The reality was completely different- The locals either celebrated the NEY like we do with family and friends OR together at MEGA parties either at the city’s usual party venues OR around the venues where the local fireworks kicks off at midnight. Parties that are either too crowded, too young OR too local in terms of Music & entertainment etc.Β
So we always ended up feeling like strangers & intruders at other peoples parties.Β Or as spectators watching other people having fun –Β which is not funny at all!Β
Today when we are away around NYE we have dropped searching for something special. We either take things as they come or arrange a more βupscaleβ dinner party alone. Good food & wine with close friends never fails.
If we want to see the fireworks WE ALWAYS book a table at a restaurant near the BEST VIEWPOINT. No matter where you are its impossible to get transportation around midnight… all taxis & busses are packed with people going to the same venues. And only a few of them will reach their destination because of traffic jam.
So if you are planning to spend NYE in Lisbon lower your expectations and keep our learnings above in mind when you plan your evening.
Like last year, the year before and several years before them we will enter the new year with the same few friends.
The menu is the same: Oysters, Lobster, pate de foie gras, caviar, cheeses and our traditional new years cake.
It sounds expensive – but its not. When you, like we do, make everything yourself and buy as much as possible locally, it ends up being much cheaper compared to the bill we would get in a restaurant – not to mention the costs in Northern Europe.
So NO fireworks for us!
See you in 2024 – if not before π
Happy NY with lots of love …. /Annette & Thomas