a night with a single man

19:10h

on this last rainy friday evening i went, with a friend, to a little cafe to have a snack before a cinema session.
The Vertigo Cafe, located in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in town, recovers the old idea of coffee house as a cozy and comfortable place, where the hours are likely to be forgotten... inspired by the cuban cafe, the small interior is decorated with antiques and has, displayed on the walls, old photos from the 30's and 40's.

In addition to the varied menu which features delicious meals (soups, salads, sandwiches, quiches, toasts,...) made with organic products, at your disposal and preference are 17 different types of teas, perfect for that cold and nostalgic afternoons.

price: the average for person is 15€
address: Travessa do Carmo nº4, Lisboa
open from 10:00h until 02:00h - monday to saturday
open from 10:00h to 00:00h on sundays

21:45h

later we went to one of the city oldest film theaters, with only 2 auditoriums, to watch a screen projection of the 2009 film
'A Single Man'.
Based on the 1964 novel by Christopher Isherwood, this film «is a romantic tale of love interrupted, the isolation that is an inherent part of the human condition, and ultimately the importance of the seemingly smaller moments in life». After his premiere on September 2009, this movie went on the film festival circuit, winning several awards and multiple nominations.

the story:

Los Angeles, November 30, 1962
George Falconer, a 52 year old english college professor, is struggling to find meaning is his life after the death of his long time partner. As we follow him through a single day, we witness his memories and his thoughts along with a series of events and encounters that will lead him to decide if there is a reason to live. His relationship and conversations with the characters Charlotte or Charley - is closest and best friend, a 48 year old beauty with romantic problems, who is wrestling with her own questions about the future; and Kenny Potter - one of his young students, who is coming to terms with his true nature and stalks him; will help him realize if life is really worth living.

about the film:
written, directed and produced to the screen by fashion designer Tom Ford
cast - Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult, Matthew Goode and Ginnifer Goodwin
the movie trailer & official website

00:35h

after watching that beautiful, emotional and visually enthralling film we went to a bar, Magnetic, to meet with some friends. Ending the night catching up with friends, even if only for a few hours, it makes you feel really good, specially if you add amazingly delicious waffles with ice cream and hot chocolate on top!

adress: Avenida Conde Valbom, 18A, Lisboa
open from 10:00h to 02:00h
reservations: 00351 213 571 519

against discrimination

«Se eu fosse seropositivo...? If I was HIV positive...?»

A campaign aimed to draw attention to discrimination against a disease, that has infected around 35thousand people in Portugal and millions around the whole world, was launched this month across the country.
40 public figures, including actors, athletes, musicians and some political leaders, among others, came foward against discrimination. "How would you react if a public figure that you recognize and admire for her or his work, talent or charisma was HIV positive?", this is the question asked on the campaign promoted by 2 associations that support HIV/AIDS patients - SER+ (Portuguese Association for the Prevention and to Challenge AIDS) and GAT (Portuguese Group of Activists on Treatment of HIV/AIDS).
This project is a response to cases of discrimination reported in the media. The purpose is to start debating this subject, ask and answer questions that are still considered taboo, and inform people about several things, being one of them the modes of AIDS transmission.
This campaign will be present on several radio stations, television channels, social networks, newspapers and magazines, ATM machines, on the MTV website, street posters/billboards, and also in all the theaters. There's also an intention to launch an anti-discrimination center, which will have a telephone support line to everyone who feel discriminated for being HIV positive.

Say No! to discrimination and express your solidarity.
more information about this campaign @
http://www.seeufosseseropositivo.com/

other websites on the subject:
http://www.worldaidsday.org/
http://www.avert.org/
portuguese HIV commercial videos:
5 Reasons Not to Wear Condoms - Just Use It
Still Believe that Angels are Sexless? - Test Yourself for HIV/AIDS

a sunday afternoon at the market

Every first weekend of each month, the garden 'Jardim da Estrela' is open all day to receive the Crafts & Design market. Since September 2006 this local initiative promotes, in this beautiful and natural place, the design and urban contemporary crafts through products created 100% from scratch.

This sunday i decided to take a walk after lunch and visit this beautiful garden in the middle of the city of Lisbon. This weekend the fair was on her 37th edition and the main theme was "Love Garden" - dedicated to Valentine's day that is a week away.
Walking through the stands you could see the originality and creativity in the amazing works of the very talented participants. For those in the mood for love the fair provided a huge variety of pieces that could be offered as a gift to someone special...
The heavy sky and the light rain didn't help the fair dealers, but at least presented a graceful ambience to the nostalgic day, while the families enjoyed the afternoon walk and the lunch at the small coffee garden.

more information @
http://crafts-design-no-jardim-da-estrela.blogspot.com