Maybe it was an opportunity that I missed out on (according to the people that were with me) but at that moment I didn't feel comfortable doing it... Playing on an organ, on an elevated stage, while there were so many people around. I can't go back in time and make it differently, the experience will stay as an evening when I refused to shine as a musician. Or be embarrassed. Maybe my cheeks were shining though, the wine was so sweet, literally.
That evening, the sixth day of the year 2023 we were staying in Porto. We arrived well, already visited so many places and had a great time in Lisbon. It was now this city in the north of Portugal that we wanted to explore, its architecture, the bridges, the river, the cuisine and the people. The lady who worked in the reception of the apartment that we rented out was very kind, she was very friendly and recommended what to visit, and where to go. She even marked on a map with different colours the routes and the streets where we could go and meet the city in the best way. So great that she did it for us. But she added that rain will come the very next morning. That's life, not everything can be perfect, but what we could do is take at least one evening stroll, passing the river with a beautiful pedestrian bridge. We found ourselves on the other side of the city, went down to the river bank and saw several wine cellars.
These two houses were illuminated in a way nobody could miss them. One had a pompous name - The Fantastic World of Portuguese Can. I entered for a moment. Of course, it was full of cans with fish. The other one, Casa Portuguesa Pastel de Bacalhau seemed modest, looking at it from the street. But the interior was different.
To be honest, I didn't know why there were so many books all around. It seemed like an old library or a place where a movie could be shot. The red colour of the bookshelves (the books were real, not fake books) and the columns, the red seats, the stairs and the huge chandelier gave a glamorous touch to the place. But I was still not aware of what this place was.
A library where cod fish and wine can be bought?
A store with displayed books, in case you are bored while waiting for your order?
And why there was an organ on the stage? Is this a concert hall?
But what the cod cake (pastel de bacalhau) is doing here then?
I still don't have the answers to these questions hahaha. But the thing is that we already had our wine and then a show was announced. An organ player and a singer lady took the stage and started performing several ABBA songs.
We took a seat on the corner red couch and enjoyed the moment. Then my friend who travelled with us from Lisbon got the idea: You should play there.
No, I am a bit shy to ask the guy to let me play.
But, this is a unique opportunity. You, in Porto, playing there the organ, c'mon!
No, I am afraid I would get embarrassed, and I would stop or make errors.
But we would shout you some bravos and would be proud of you. We are proud of you anyway.
I am not comfortable asking him, and maybe he wouldn't let me anyway. And the Casa de Bacalhau would lose clients if I play there 😂...
You guess, I had a bunch of other excuses, so in the end, my friend and family gave up. I had my relaxing moment and I was on vacation, not on a work trip.
From this spot, I listened to their performance which lasted for about half an hour. I understood that they had a break and would have again a show a bit later. Not sure though how many shows they have every day but I suppose maybe every hour during the afternoon and evening. The people there actually come in and out of the house, buy the fish pastry and wine, talk, listen, stroll around... I clapped after every song and tried to be a good audience :) I know that it feels well when you receive this encouraging gesture from the listeners.
Maybe I could also receive applause that day... or just the opposite, maybe nobody would like my playing. It was the time just to be there and not think a lot about what and how to play. I had to be the audience that evening in this strange place I still don't really get what actually was lol.
▶️ 3Speak
Why so many fish cans?
Museum or?
It's time for you to start handling the artist pressure, fame is tough thing!
😂
Hahaha, in the end, they gave up
I would always have one excuse more 😂
The house with the cans had on display thousand and thousand of cans, from different series, years, and different decorations of the cans. You could probably buy the cans too.
And this place, these were books and no, I have no clue what this place was lol
You could buy the cod fish pastry, wine, take a seat or stroll there... and then those musicians came to play. I have the proof I was not just dreaming or having hallucinations 🤣 they performed songs!!
As long as that wine is there, naaaaah, what musicians, where? :p
I tough it's kind of museum, would be cool to see can designs trough years.
Awesome idea wondering how much people are curios about fish cans at all. :D
No idea how many people... found this place here, so you can take a look at how it is inside :))
Thank you, this is lovely!
Ha, ha, ha, ha. Is that at the end your new motto? What happened "keep calm and study piano!"?
That's certainly sounds like a very interesting place. Cod pie, books, wine and music with an organ. I want to go there so bad. And I want you to play that organ. I can even bring my cuatro so we can play and spook clients away or get them more clients. Think about the opportunities. Musicians from the world making The Fantastic World of Portuguese Can something fashionable.
Out of the jokes. I always like to he the audience when other musicians are playing. It is a sign of respect. I'm also quite shy to get on that stage mood. If I'm drinking and having a good time, I don't want to change into my performing mood. Too bothersome. Your choice was what made you comfortable.
I want to point out the place looks really cool. You could throw a very refined party there. I see dresses, funny hats and suits. And maybe have some more cool music played by a certain pianist I know and admire.
Yes, a slight change with the motto thing haha
So that's already an elaborated plan, you bringing the cuatro and all :D
That when I go back again one day as Porto stayed just "half-visited" The weather turned very bad and our city tour the next day couldn't be done. Porto needs to be visited once again, and then I would maybe walk in directly to the organ, without asking for permission, and play haha
The refined party with nice dresses and funny hats sounds great. That is the way how they should organize these shows! 👌
All set then. Just need to save those pennies to get there.
What you described was something almost talen out of a film. But I think that place has those vibes. It unfortunate your visit came under the literal weather. Any city is worth visiting more than once.
You should’ve gone for the kill, mip haha. I’ve heard you play before, and I’m sure whoever the audience there were, they would’ve loved you!
I’m just as shocked as you though with the fish and wine, the library and music performance all in one building. But after reading this post, it makes a bit of sense.
You definitely went all out on the photography here. The pictures have great detail and color. Hard to believe they were shot at night!
It was a strange combination, I am more used to it now after being there and seeing again the photos, but the first impression was just confusing :D
The place was full of lights, I suppose that is why you see the photos in that way, but it was completely dark outside when we went there. Unfortunately, we couldn't see better the city during the next day as it started to rain heavily.
Haha there’ll be plenty more opportunities. I hope more places are this lit so I can get to see you go pro photographer more often. You killed it here!
!!!! Me encanta tu post escogiste un excelente lugar para pasar un rato muy agradable
Gracias. Fue durante nuestra visita a Porto, la primera noche. El día siguente quisieramos pasear más por la ciudad pero el tiempo se puso malísimo. De todas formas sí que disfruté de ese lugar con el vino y música 😀
Such an interesting place 😊 I can imagine you wouldn’t just go up there and play.
The interior looks so different than the outside. Very cool though, out and in.
Thanks for sharing this part of your trip.
Nice to have friendly people where you stay. To bad it started to rain.
Have a wonderful evening @mipiano 👋🏻😊
Yep, completely different. You would not expect to see something like that. I still don't know why so many books, and a musical show at the place they sell bacalhau and wine. A different experience, that is for sure.
The weather served us perfectly until that day (well, until the next morning from this night) so can't complain a lot, but it is a pity we couldn't see much more of Porto. Next time then :))
Hope you are having a great time too @littlebee4 , I am a bit out of things right now, but will try to catch up on your trip 🤗
Nope, I would not have expected it.
Maybe that’s just it. Unexpected things thrown together makes people visit and stay coming to see and experience.
Next time you will have more time and maybe better weather to visit more.
The trip is epic, we see more and more. Tomorrow morning we travel further again… up to more new areas.
When ever you have time, no worries @mipiano I’m behind too with things. Will catch up soon.
It looks like we may have a rental next week, unseen hahaha 🤣 more adventures. Hope to hear more soon. 😎
Have a great evening 👋🏻🌺
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Thank you :))
It is their loss that you did not perform. Hehehe!
You have a great talent at playing the piano @mipiano
The place with those books looks grand though!
!PIZZA
It was so nice, indeed, but they have to live now with that loss hahaha. I just had my relax time, so maybe next time if I prepare my mind in a different way :D
I gifted $PIZZA slices here:
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😅😅😅😅 You mean 4 days ago? 😅😅 I felt you meant 100 days ago... 6th day of the year 1923 😅😅 that sounds better. 😅
These people who call themselves our biggest fans they don't really understand the musician's codes 😅😅😅
Like, sometimes they'll even expect you to join a concert and ask the organist to get up for you 😅😅 even if it's a piece you have no knowledge of.... 😅😅
Sometimes you have to use a big air pod to block your ears because if you are not careful, you will receive divine motivation from them 😅😅 fiaaaam! A learner will go and disgrace himself 😅😅
Really strange 😅 Maybe, they discovered that book readers need to chill, you know? 😅
Hahahha, what a great explanation, love it!!!😇
The place indeed looks like getting back in time, at least 100 years. Just different clothes and accessories would be needed and different songs that were played. It would perfectly match then!! 👌
Would have, should have, could have.....Why didn´t you? If I would be in a club 1st time and have the option to get into the DJ booth I so...... would do the exact same thing as you did🤣
Amazing looking pics btw, I looked at those first and when I saw the organ I thought you would go and play it...till I started reading.
would, should, could 🤣
You see, that is how you also feel. You wouldn't play either (thanks for understanding :)) )
I would not have problems playing there if invited or having an arranged gig, but just stepping there and asking if could I play... it would make the place even weirder 😂
Exactly, if it´s an invite yes, they asked you. But not like this, although I am quite sure you would do an awesome job I get that feeling holding you back
😲😲😲 That is considered abuse and should be banned! ABBA songs on an organ? I get that it's interesting, but not the right decision though.
The place looks nice though. Would visit anytime, but first I need a decent organ player 😏
Hahaha, well, it was interesting, can't say that it wasn't. But somehow, it wasn't matching the ambience. The acoustic was not perfect for those fast songs.
Although Bach and some classical organ music would not fit either 😂
That is why you take then a glass of wine and everything becomes nice lol
What a spectacular place my dear @mipiano, I confess that it was so much visual and auditory taste that I researched on the internet and I came to their website 👉 Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau where they explain a little why they mix art with gastronomy and it seemed to me a very original concept, plus the photos on their website make you want to go to taste their food, since their specialty is cheese and codfish pie, plus wine ... what a great combination 😍!!!!!
I'll leave you a video from their Youtube channel in whose description they talk a bit about the place and its surroundings, it's amazing!!!!!
As for what you had to live while you were there was very normal, when I was in the music scene in Venezuela, my friends who were professional musicians were always asked to sing or play in places where it was not planned and more because they were visiting, so beyond being wrong (which I doubt it would have happened to you) I understand that it was not necessary to do so, although, it would have been great 😁!!!!
I love the places you visit in your travels, they are dreamy; I loved how classic and modern it is at the same time, it looked like a mini theater; it is certainly a great place to have fun with friends and family 🥂!!!
I loved this post, I send you a big hug dear friend..... You Rockkk!!! 🙌😀💛
Oh, you found a YT video showing the place. Yes, it was like that, you can see how the food you order is prepared and also that is the wine. It was very sweet!!
You are right, that place also reminded me of a mini theatre, but it is still a weird mixture hahaha. Anyway, we enjoyed those moments and later we continued with the night walk. Pity we couldn't enjoy a good time the next day, no city touring, unfortunately, the heavy rain changed the planes.
Oh, looking now at the page you left to check out Casa Portuguesa, I see the now a place that I saw in Lisbon, we passed twice by it but we didn't enter there. Oh, we should have to... So many things to see.
I hope one day you come to this side of the ocean and visit Spain and Portugal :)) You have to try this cuisine! 😇
How great, so you went through another place of theirs, well it will be for another visit that you get to know them, but I think that of those that appear on their website, this seems to me the most luxurious, rare (as you mention it) and at the same time eccentric, I really loved it 😍!!!!
I remember the rain thing you mentioned in the post, you're right, too bad, but you still had a great time 👍😉!!!!
I hope one day I have the chance to travel there, it would be a pleasure and an honor to delight myself with that great cuisine and visit those beautiful places that you visit and obviously, I would visit you!!!! 🙌😀💛
Ohw ,I really need this to feel relax.Love the ambiance😍
I am sure you would fully enjoy being there :))
What an excellent place to be!... Also an excellent article with very good comments and very portentous photos (Thank you for that video that allowed me to listen to a little "Mamma mía de Abba" while sipping my coffee)... Awwww... But it would have been nice if you had allowed yourself to be convinced and watched a video while you were playing! 🎹 ...Regards and thanks for sharing @mipiano friend!!!... Sending hugs!
!PIZZA
It's not always me who has to play :D sometimes I can just listen to music :))
And I was shy to ask + I think it would not be allowed. So, all is perfect in this way and my friend also realized that I would not be comfortable asking it. There were more ABBA songs, and as in the video can be heard also other songs like Hit the Road Jack and Stand by Me :)
Saludos y gracias por estar aquí @jlinaresp 😇
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Such dilemmas in such a gorgeous old world way!
Well that is what you call a recon rip- so next time you go back, you'll know all about it and be ready to get up and glide your fingers upon that amazing old orgam.
How incredible looking is that!
Such a shame you weren't able to get some close up shots of it, I don't think I have ever seen anything like this before- atleast not in real life and not since the 1600's!
Hehehe, yeah. If we go back I will be prepared :))
As we left the city because of the rain, we still long to meet it better...so it's not impossible one day we go back 😉
This organ doesn't seem as old as some other ones in churches. But for sure, it is an extraordinary instrument, not so common 😇
Well whether you are able to go back again someday or not, atleast you were able to go there and experience it to begin with!
Oh yeah, I'm sure it's not as old as many church organs are- especially over there in Europe, but it is so unique- and that combined with the stage that it's on, all adds to the grandeur and at the same time, eccentricity of it all.
I just watched the yt video of it that @fernanblog found and it is still so sumptuous, eclectic and theatrical. (thankyou by the way @fernanblog too!
I could be in there for hours just soaking up the atmosphere, taking in all the activity and ambience.
infact, that is exactly the type of place that I would have worked in during my hospitality career!
One day hopefully I'll get over there to experience for myself!
Thanks so much once again taking me there for my 'recon' trip- even if it was only in the virtual world, atleast I know that its there to experience IRL.
A very unique place with a merging of things that not too many can boast about.
It sounds like you were under a lot of peer pressure. I can understand your reluctance to get on stage without being invited to do so. Good for you for not collapsing to your friend's request.
Maybe nobody would like my playing.
I really can't imagine this happening, but I could see you being invited back and possibly taking another person's job. 😄
Hahaha, who knows 😂
If I would be offered a job there...huh, I would need to use a teleport (first to invent one) so I can switch places in no time 😉 Long distances would not be a problem anymore! That would be really cool 😎 🎶🎶🎶
que lindo lugar y esa lampara me gusto mucho ademas la chica canta super bien
El candelabro me gustó a mi también, muy elegante :))
Guao. Se ve que ese lugar es increíblemente épico. Tiene un toque bohemio y con ese órgano, ¡madre mía! Jajaja, amé toda la combinación de elementos que muestras en el vídeo. Como siempre, amiga, @mipiano fantástico tu post. Más tarde postearé en la comunidad, para que le eches un ojo y me ayudes. Te mando un enorme abrazo y los mejores deseos, ya que no recuerdo si lo hice en diciembre (sorry about that). El cariño de siempre, aún intacto.
Oh my world! @mipiano, This is certainly one of the best places in the world. 'Wine fish and music' what else I'm I looking for?
Hey @onos-f
Thank you, I think you would also enjoy this place! :)
HOpe you are having a great weekend, with music, maybe some fish and wine too?? :)) 🥂👋