Take A Virtual Trip To Lisbon – Lucy Coleman
The Villa of Dreams required a memorable setting and it doesn’t get any better than the shining jewel in Portugal’s crown – Lisbon!
What I love about researching locations to feature in future novels is that when I’m there it triggers my thought processes. It might be a year – or more – until I get to sit down and write the actual story, but, subconsciously, my brain is piecing together a little plan. And when I eventually find myself in front of that blank page, for the most part my fingers simply begin typing. That’s the exciting bit, as I feel as if the characters are taking me on their journey.
Lisbon was so inspiring, though, that it was tough having to limit the number of places that could be featured in the storyline. Seren Maddison is an events coordinator for a prestigious art gallery in the heart of Lisbon and there is plenty of glamour and glitz. She’s organising an evening fashion shoot at the Santuário Nacional de Cristo Rei. She’s taking a big risk and turning student models into living canvases for artist Reid Henderson’s work. It’s daring, bold and a spectacle everyone is eager to attend!
The monument is set high on a hill that looks out across the river Tagus and Lisbon. It’s an event to celebrate the 5thanniversary of the gallery’s opening and it will be followed, the next day, by a lavish party held at A Galeria das Almas-The Gallery of Souls.
And here is what inspired me to choose this setting:
If someone asked me to share my second favourite place in Lisbon, well, that’s easy. The Time Out Market is a gourmet experience second to none!
Everything there has been chosen, tasted, and passed by a panel of Time Out’s own journalists and critics; make no mistake, this is a five-star dining experience. With representatives in the various the food categories, it celebrates the true taste of Lisbon’s gastronomic experience, all together under one roof.
The vast hall is surround by micro restaurants belonging to some of the most well-known Portuguese chefs in the business. I could spend all day walking around, watching them beavering away and fussing over the smallest of details. Which is incredible given the sheer volume of customers they serve each day.
They also hold cookery classes there and host international music events at night.
I was lucky enough to fly there in 2019, but if you can’t make the trip then I’ll be delighted to take you there in ‘The Villa of Dreams’ – enjoy!
The Villa of Dreams is available in ebook, audiobook and paperback. Click on the cover below to buy.
