Follow Portuguese immigration to understand life in Portugal: FADO — a traditional Portuguese folk song with a history of over one hundred and fifty years, regarded as one of Portugal's national treasures. The melodies of FADO narrate stories of sorrow, nostalgia, contemplation, and ethereality, drifting softly from a narrow alley, a tavern, or a café, singing of life, death, longing, and love...(Note: The background music is a famous FADO song performed by Portugal's FADO diva Dulce Pontes)
In my eyes, the alleys of Lisbon are like FADO music, exuding a hint of sadness, a faint, inescapable sorrow. Perhaps this is a remnant of ancient centuries, a different kind of melancholy. I recall the many old cities I have walked through in Europe, and it seems I had a similar feeling in Florence, Italy. With a deep sense of stillness, an outdated yet still elegant noble quality, it conveys the glory of the past to future generations. This nobility is not as overt as that of Paris, but possesses a unique charm, subtly whispering of history and culture. Such murmured self-narration is precisely what captivates and enchants, and thus, I breathe in harmony with this city, forming a certain connection.
In Lisbon, you can walk into any small alley without hesitation; the ancient template is painted with the soft tones of sunlight, in the finely carved window eaves, in the exquisitely sculpted doorways, in the heavy stone walls, at the vibrant street corners, and most notably, in the patterned cobblestone streets beneath your feet. Even for the sake of those beautiful mosaic pavements, one should take a good walk in Lisbon. This makes the walking space filled with art, with every step playing a wonderful flowing music.
This beauty beneath my feet dissipates the emotions of sadness. And when I arrive at the famous Commerce Square, facing the expansive Tagus River, my mood becomes clear and bright. In the sixteenth century, this was once a royal palace and the busiest port in Europe; even today, it remains the center and landmark of Lisbon, with the towering statue of King Joseph I, who established the Kingdom of Portugal, still symbolizing an indomitable presence.
Passing through the Arch of Rua Augusta, you enter the famous pedestrian street, where sunshine, food, and beautiful scenery converge. Beyond the pedestrian street is the bustling Rossio Square, built in the style of Paris's Place de la Concorde. In the center of the square is a large fountain commonly seen in central Europe, along with a statue of the former King Pedro IV; the four small statues at the base of the statue are worth appreciating, representing King Pedro's self-assessment of his life — Justice, Wisdom, Strength, and Moderation. The streets and squares are filled with leisurely people, and the ubiquitous pigeons share in the comfort, dancing joyfully before you, either circling around your pant legs or tiptoeing around your heels.
Today, Portugal no longer possesses the majestic maritime power it once had; in fact, it ranks among the poorest countries in Europe. Who can resist the unpredictable changes? Yet, what deeply resonates with me is that in Lisbon, I did not feel a sense of decline, did not see the furrowed brows of the locals, did not sense the negativity of drunkenness, nor did I witness a life of rejection. Perhaps these aspects are somewhat concealed, and I may not see them, but at least when I immerse myself in their world, I consistently feel — smiles, ease, comfort, tranquility, relaxation, and enjoyment.
This suddenly makes my thoughts leap, and I cannot help but recall when someone asked Siddhartha Gautama: "Holy one, you live in a simple hut in the woods, eating only one meal a day, why are you so happy?" Siddhartha replied: "Do not grieve for the past, do not crave the future, focus on the present, and thus find peace." The essence of this saying is to live calmly in the present, in the place where you are. Happiness is right before your eyes...
On this day, I fell in love with nostalgia, quietly reciting the silence of time;
On this day, I also lingered in the ancient, opening a pool of warmth;
On this day, my thoughts drifted over the Tagus River, gazing into the distance;
On this day, I promised a quiet intoxication;
......
On this day, I am nowhere else, but right here.