If only they made an air freshener like this.
We started the night at the nearby concert, but very quickly began wandering the streets. Never in my life have I seen so many people crammed into a city before! In the US, festival organizers typically block off a few streets for pedestrians, but here in Lisbon, the entire city was on lock down. Every single street in the old Alfama district was packed with people shoulder to shoulder – much like the very sardines they were consuming by the truckload. Periodically, small groups of locals would parade through the streets drumming and cheering away. Invariably, these groups created mobile dance parties that flowed freely throughout the crowds. While we spent the evening in Alfama, I’m told the entire city of Lisbon was exactly like this!
As we wandered, the heavenly scent of salted sardines cooking on an open fire permeated the air around us. It didn’t matter where you went, the intoxicating smell of grilled meat and fish was omnipresent. On different stages throughout town, local bands played regional folk music. Katharina, Anton, and I spent the evening drinking, eating, and dancing throughout Lisbon making spontaneous conga lines through the crowds as we went.
Due to a communications break down as a result of thick German and Hebrew accents, we inadvertently walked off without Tommy at the first concert. When we discovered our mistake the following morning, we felt terrible, but Tommy responded with his signature gesture and replied, “No worries, it was meant to happen. I made new friends and had a great night.”