Lisbon, Portugal | In the realm of travel and exploration, my trip to Lisbon (the final leg of my 10-day Christmas travel) left an indelible mark upon my very soul. Nestled along the meandering Tagus River, this capital of Portugal seamlessly weaves together a tapestry of historical landmarks, delectable cuisine, and a captivating yuletide ambiance that ensnared my senses from when I set foot upon its enchanting shores, on that December afternoon.

Right there, I stood in awe before Lisbon's architectural marvels such as the Arco da Rua Augusta, the grandeur of the Belém Tower, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos; the latter symbolizing the historical ties that bind our nations. It effortlessly screamed reeks of Ferdinand de Magallanes, the esteemed Portuguese explorer whose path led him to the Philippine shores for a pioneering voyage, the first European arrival in our archipelago's embrace. It brought me back in time to 20 years ago, sitting in my grade school classroom, studying the profound impacts of his arrival, the introduction of Christianity, and the bloody battle in Mactan. Lisbon's Portuguese architectural influences served as a constant reminder of our shared heritage and the historical significance embedded within Magallanes' daring odyssey.

Unexpectedly, Lisbon emerged as a sanctuary where I, some cold lost soul yearning for some Christmas warmth, found other kindred spirits—fellow Pinoy Erasmus scholars who, too, had found their way to this enchanting city. Amidst Lisbon's majestic attractions, bearing witness to Portugal's opulent heritage, I happened upon this vibrant company, their presence a source of home’s comfort. As we together embarked on a few trips around Lisbon, the spirit of Christmas resonated deeply within the core of my Filipino being. The luminescent streets, the iconic pastel de nata eliciting memories of our own beloved Filipino custard creations, the bustling Christmas market, and our improvised noche buena on Christmas eve, transported us back to the exultant celebrations back home. In the end, this trip to Lisbon not only allowed me to immerse myself in the city's captivating attractions and enchanting Christmas spirit but also gifted me with meaningful friendships. Amidst the enchanting sights that Lisbon had to offer, it was actually these people I had the pleasure of meeting, who brought the fire warm enough to defy the cold in this European season.