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[Odler]

At night, fifteen minutes from the city center, on the banks of the

Tragus River, at least four dancing spots compete for revelers. After

hopping through Cosmos, Matres and Hawai, I landed at Havana and

anchored there.

At Havana, the DJ was obviously savvier, I was attracted by Elvis

Crespo (Suavemente) and hooked by the Bragga Boys (Sexy). Ivete

Sangalo followed not far behind.

The truth is that, despite the claim of a terrific traditional music,

it seems that Portuguese thrive on the beats coming from Latin

America: merengue, salsa, axe. I have even heard some calypso.

The crowd inside the club was the usual 20-99 that you find in joints

with an international trend, I noticed no courtisane (to be sophisticated); Lisbon, I think to myself, is definitely not a big

money metropolis.

It is carnival time, so several dancers wore costumes. I found a

partner for each piece I cared to dance, meaning that a certain level

of cooperation can reasonably be expected from the population under study.

The night before, while wandering on Avenida da Liberdade, I heard

some loud party music coming from a side street. In what looked like

a rental hall (Solar was the name), a party was under way. The

poster (in Portuguese, of course) told of an organization, with

ABCD in its name, throwing a carnival party with food, etc.

Everyone seemed to know everyone. But there was an admitting fee:

?5. I therefore considered myself an honorary member of the

organization with ABCD in its name, and joined the crowd.

Inside, there were several dance floors. The most attractive people

were on the floor where fast-paced music was played. As an attractive

person myself, I remained in the room where fast-paced music was

played. Before I knew it, it was 4:00 a.m. at my watch. I had to

leave.

How quick time flies when one is having fun!

Back to the docks, now. On the docks (docas), one may also find half-

a-dozen of restaurants. All offer to the hungry and starving the opportunity to eat outside, by the water. It is hardly ever too cold

to do so in Lisbon.

(The Traveller, Monday, Feb 11, 2002)