He is a journalist and so many other things he would rather sum professional activity up his in the expression “awaken”. He admires his city with the same open-mindedness he has towards life in general. He has already lived in São Bento, Campo de Ourique, São Vicente and now his house is in Campo Mártires da Pátria. Between the last two, he is divided: “São Vicente is more genuine, but Mártires da Pátria has a central location”. Deep down, Lisbon is in fact his favourite “Lisbon neighbourhood”. “Every time I leave my comfort zone, I find another comfort zone. Instead of parishes, Lisbon should be divided into comfort zones”, he claims. Therefore, when he bumps into a tourist holding a map, he likes to tell them the way (the one to reach safely, but also showing the” shortcut to the big bad wolf”). Because, according to Somsen, Lisbon is beautiful and sarcastic. In his neighbourhood there’s an ice-cream store opening next to a funeral home…
Places that the visitor cannot miss in Lisbon?
The obvious: Alfama, Graça, the viewpoints, the Castle and Mouraria. Though I’m not a fan of Campo de Ourique, I think the tourists have to get there. Just as they should go to Avenida da Igreja, Campo Grande, Cacilhas and Trafaria. Cross the river to return home. It’s always a good perspective.
A place in the city that you consider yours?
My home. Of course it is not mine, but I have been enjoying it. At the moment, Vestigius Wine & Gin, because me and some friends are exploring a gin bar there (with some arrogance I always think that it is my bar because I work for it), Station and Ibo restaurant.
That postcard picture that says “I’ve been here”, must be taken where?
Currently, at the top of Rua Augusta Arch. Before it closes. And in Monte Agudo Miradouro, Penha de França, because it is always empty.
Three best restaurants in town?
Bistro 100 Maneiras e Bica do Sapato (Sushi). Marginally, Cervejaria Ramiro. And any place where I can eat oysters.
Three hotels where you could live?
I could never live in a hotel. The rooms don’t have kitchen.
Three cafés where time goes by unnoticed?
A Outra Face da Lua, Jardim do Torel and the city kiosks.
Three mandatory nightlife stops?
Mercado da Ribeira, Vestigius and Lux.
Three unique shops?
A Outra Face da Lua, Viúva Alegre e New Waste. For other purchases I go to other bigger stores. It’s the only place where I have other guarantees and lower prices. I’m sorry.
One leisure activity?
Drink gin. Eat oysters. Post on Facebook.
A perfect day in Lisbon…
A perfect day in Lisbon lets you enjoy unpredictability. Knowing that you favourite restaurant closed and the next wee another one wil be in the same place. Being deluded, disappointed and reconquered every weekend. Don’t create big expectations because the city renews itself quickly.Perfection perfection is to end up always drunk in Bistro 100 Maneiras in the company of friends.
