About

Hi, I'm Sonia,

I started this blog on December 26, 2014, Lovely Lisbonner, a travel and lifestyle blog. Initially, I focused a lot on Lisbon, the city I was born in.

Welcome to my little corner of the internet. Where I share a bit of my lifestyle and my favorite things. I hope it inspires you to travel and walk more. We just need to look at our own city more. And rediscover the places we sometimes pass by every day without paying enough attention.

Lovely Lisbonner is my "Happy Place", and I hope it can be yours too.

"We don't control everything that happens to us in life, but we do control how we react to what happens to us."

This is my motto in life. Read on and find out a little more about me.

A little more about me  

I was born in Lisbon and lived most of my childhood in Alvalade, my favorite neighborhood in Lisbon. I'm very focused on my goals, don't tell me something is impossible. I'm someone who, when I believe in a project, really puts my shirt on.

What inspires me most

I don't believe in "more or less". When I commit to something, I put my heart and soul into it. When I'm motivated, I "fight" to the end. But I really have to be motivated, that's the only way I can work. That motivation comes from being sure of what I want. And from constantly being in love with what I do, and with life.

I think that's why what inspires me most is success. Other people's success makes me see that it's possible. That if others have made it, I can too. And there are so many wonderful stories and inspiring people.

And of course my family, without a doubt my greatest source of inspiration. I was always brought up by my parents to believe in my worth. And that I was capable of achieving anything I set my mind to, as long as I put my mind to it.

And of course my brother. He's 10 years older than me and has always been and continues to be one of my pillars. He's an inspiring person.

My favorite thing to do

I love Lisbon, walking, traveling and eating. I have this constant desire to see and learn, I can't stand still. And don't ask me to stay in one place for too long... sometimes I have to "force" myself to stop.

I've always had this thirst to see things and know more. I remember being very little and telling my mother that I was afraid of "not enjoying life" because the world was so big and there were so many things to see and do that I might not have time...

How the idea for the blog came about and what we'll find there

The blog officially started on December 26, 2014. But it was an idea that had been "cooking" for about 6 months, until I was sure I wanted to go ahead, and had an idea of what it would entail in terms of commitment and delivery.

Although it is positioned in the Travel Blog category, Lovely Lisbonner is above all a City Blog, a blog very focused on Lisbon, especially about experiences. As I say in the blog, it's about Lisbon and the World. Things you can see and do in the city, the concept is a bit like being a tourist in your own city. I realized during my travels abroad, through conversations with other Portuguese tourists, that most people who travel don't do so in their own city, and I thought it could be an interesting challenge and a great topic for the blog. Then I'll also talk about the trips I make in and out of Portugal.

I make a point of only writing about experiences I've had or places I've been. Above all, it's my vision and my experience that I'm reporting, so my readers know that I only speak from experience. I give tips on travel, restaurants, new and different experiences, events, concerts and so it ends up falling a bit into the lifestyle category too.

The main reason I created the blog was to share my trips and outings, as well as a bit of my day-to-day life

It was for health reasons that it all began

In May 2014 I was diagnosed with Tietze's Syndrome, an inflammation of the sternum accompanied by acute chest pain and which, according to doctors, is often mistaken for a heart attack. I was lucky that when I arrived at the hospital the doctor who attended me was familiar with this syndrome. The good news is that he knew what it was, the less good news is that there is no known cause or cure, and you can have a crisis at any time. When it happens, it's extremely disabling and the lump in your chest is visible, to the point where you can't even pick up a glass of water.

I went to several doctors, always with the same diagnosis. Initially, the strategy was to try to understand what triggered the crises. Once we realized that it was high-stress situations, and the fact that I was very focused on work and at a stage in my life when I didn't have a hobby, this only made the situation more difficult.

I've always had lots of activities and interests, but throughout my mother's illness (Alzheimer's) I focused on her and my work. This meant I stopped doing some of the activities I used to do and also constantly thinking about work.

The rheumatologist told me that I had to find a way to relax, a hobby, and that it wasn't optional if I really wanted to get better. This is where it was most difficult, realizing after the whole process of my mother's illness, who died a month after my first crisis, what interests I had now. It was as if I had put my life on hold, I don't know if I'm making myself clear... and now I had to learn, or rather find out, what my interests were after three years.

Rediscovering what made me happy

I didn't feel like studying a foreign language again, something I had done for a long time (English, French, Spanish). I tried sewing, bought a machine and everything, but after several broken needles I realized it wasn't for me. I tried a number of other things, to no avail.

Until one day I thought that what I really liked was traveling and sightseeing, yes it was true but I couldn't really think of it as a hobby...

Then I remembered that whenever I shared on social media the places I went and the walks I took, friends would ask me for tips and advice and that's how the idea came about.

Creating Courage

Then it was time to build up the courage and get everything ready to launch the blog. Only three people knew about it, and they were decisive in my decision to take the risk. My brother, a friend and my ex-boyfriend (boyfriend at the time). I only told them because they were the opinions I valued most and I knew they would be sincere and that I would have that emotional support to get the project off the ground.

You want to know more about me and the blog. Do you have questions that aren't answered here, or would you like to see a topic or place covered on the blog? Are you looking for partnerships for your brand or project? Contact me via e-mail or social media and I'll get back to you.

Thank you for being there, happy travels and good rides.