BHPian SJM1214 recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Back in February, one fine day, I got a call from our HR asking about my availability on a specific date in April. They didn’t tell me where or why-just wanted to know if I was available. I didn’t have any personal commitments, so I said yes. After I confirmed my availability, we received further instructions to apply for a Schengen visa. It turned out there was a 2-day business conference in Lisbon, and we had been invited to attend. I had never been to Europe before, so this was exciting news! However, when we looked at the conference schedule, it seemed quite hectic. From the looks of it, we’d fly to Lisbon, attend the 2-day conference, and catch a night flight back right after. We applied for the visa, and I decided to add two extra days to the trip so I could do justice to a city I was visiting for the first time. Thankfully, my company graciously approved the additional leave. And that’s how I got the chance to explore a beautiful European city beyond the business agenda. This is the story of how I went beyond my business blazer and briefcase to explore one of Europe’s most charming cities – Lisbon. It’s a story of trams and tracks, timeouts and tiled walls, steep hills, soulful Fado music, scenic miradouros (viewpoints), and of course, endless bites of pastis de nata. A Teaser. Nestled on the western edge of Europe, Portugal is a country rich in history, culture, and coastal charm. Its capital, Lisbon, sits strategically at the mouth of the Tagus River, opening into the Atlantic Ocean. This unique geographic position made Lisbon a powerful maritime hub during the Age of Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries, when Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan set sail to map new sea routes and expand global trade. Vasco Da Gama Portuguese explorer best known for being the first European to reach India by sea Ferdinand Magellan Portuguese explorer best known for leading the first expedition to successfully circumnavigate the globe Lisbon’s deep natural harbor, mild climate, and access to the Atlantic made it a launching point for some of the most important sea voyages in history. It grew into one of Europe’s most influential cities during the global expansion era. Flag of Portugal and Lisbon city Today, Lisbon remains a vibrant blend of old-world charm and modern energy. While its cobblestone streets, historic trams, and centuries-old neighborhoods reflect its rich past, the city is now also known for its tech innovation, tourism, and quality of life. With a growing global presence, Lisbon continues to attract visitors and businesses alike, still benefiting from the geographic advantage that once made it a seafaring powerhouse. Portugal was one of the first global maritime powers, and by the 15th century, it had established a vast colonial empire that spanned several continents. From Brazil in South America to Goa in India, Mozambique and Angola in Africa, and Macau in China, Portuguese explorers and traders set up key outposts for trade, religion, and military influence. The Portuguese ruled their colonies with a mix of commerce, Catholic missionary work, and often strict administrative control. Their language, architecture, cuisine, and customs left a lasting impact on local cultures. Portuguese Colonies Map. Even after decolonization in the 20th century, many of these former colonies remain deeply interconnected through language, culture, and diplomatic ties. Portuguese is still spoken in countries across four continents, including Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Timor-Leste, and of course, Portugal – all of which today form the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), promoting cooperation and shared heritage. So, if you’re part of a business in Portugal that’s over 60 years old, there’s a good chance it has roots or offices spread across places like Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Portugal, Spain, and even former Portuguese territories like Diu, Daman, and Goa. The colonial connections built over centuries still reflect in today’s trade networks and cultural ties. In fact, I know two or three firms that run businesses across many(or all) of these locations – a fascinating reminder of how history continues to shape modern relationships. BHPian SJM1214 recently shared this with other enthusiasts: My flights were booked with Emirates, and since the layover was over 8 hours, I was eligible for their Dubai Connect program, which included hotel accommodation and meal vouchers. Honestly, I didn’t really need it, but since it was offered, I decided to make the most of it. Emirates arranged a transfer to a nearby basic hotel, where I managed to get a good nap. Quote:Dubai Connect by Emirates Emirates offers the Dubai Connect service to eligible passengers with long layovers in Dubai. If your stopover is more than 8 hours (and less than 24 hours), and no shorter connection is available, Emirates provides complimentary hotel accommodation, meals, ground transfers, and visa assistance if required. It’s a great way to rest and recharge during extended transit or even get a brief taste of Dubai – all at no extra costGetting out of Dubai Airport. The quick nap in the hotel room gave me a good amount of time to rest and explore Dubai Airport and its expansive duty-free shopping. The airport itself felt like a mini city – well-organized, luxurious, and full of things to see, shop, and snack on during the layover. I never find layovers boring – in fact, I enjoy them. They’re the perfect time to relax, catch up on emails, and get some rest. And of course, watching planes take off and land has its charm. I may be a frequent flyer now, but the excitement of seeing aircraft in motion still feels just as amazing and new as it did the first time. Getting into Dubai Airport Dubai Dutuy Free. BHPian SJM1214 recently shared this with other enthusiasts: I boarded the plane for our flight to Lisbon, which was scheduled at 14:25. I had a window seat – something I usually avoid on long-haul flights. However, I always prefer a window seat when it’s in a twin-seat row. I don’t mind paying a little extra for that setup. The charges aren’t too high, and since most people don’t like paying for two seats, I often get lucky and end up with both seats to myself, which happens almost every time! Dubai Sky We were flying westward, which meant we were moving opposite to the sun’s path – essentially, against the sun. Since it was a day flight, the sun was right beside us, just hidden behind the clouds most of the time. Every time the sun peeked out from the clouds, we’d momentarily look up from our in-flight screens – as if even they were saying, “Hello, sunshine!” Other than that, the 8-hour flight felt like a non-stop marathon of movies and drinks. Hello Sunshine We landed a bit late, but the immigration process was smooth, and I was out of the airport in no time. Our host had suggested we take the metro, which would drop us close to our hotel. However, at that late hour, I wasn’t really in the mood to figure out the metro’s color-coded lines – especially without a local SIM or internet access. So, I ended up taking a local taxi. Unfortunately, the driver practically robbed me, charging 15 for a ride that would’ve cost around 3 on Uber. This is exactly why app-based cabs are gaining popularity worldwide – convenience, transparency, and fair pricing. Welcome to Portugal I checked into the hotel and called it a day. Our conference was scheduled to start at 8 AM, and the pickup was arranged for 7 in the morning. Continue reading BHPian SJM1214’s travelogue for more insights and information.
