If you're planning to visit Lisbon before or after Festival, I've read in various places that the Aerobus is the best option for transportation between the city and the airport. As it says on their user-friendly website:
The local Carris bus company runs a bus transport service connecting Lisbon's airport to the city centre passing by the main transport hubs such as Comercio Square and Cais de Sodré.
This service is called AeroBus and passes by dozens of Lisbon hotels, thus providing tourists arriving at the airport with easy access to their accommodation.
An alternative to the bus is the metro.
TIMETABLE
07:00h to 23:00h (departures from Airport)
07:45h to 22:30h (departures from Cais do Sodré [the Lisbon train station])
FREQUENCY
Every 20 minutes (every 30 mins after 9pm)
PRICE: €3.50
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Save Money: Easy ATM Card without Fees
Most of us are on budgets, so I wanted to recommend getting a Charles Schwab ATM card that doesn't charge fees, even abroad, which is rare. Even credit unions charge flat fees and/or percentages, as does the bank hosting the ATM where you're withdrawing money.
In my experience, the best way to get foreign currency is at ATMs in the country you're visiting, so you can save a lot of money if you're not paying extra fees.
The only place I know of that offers this is Charles Schwab. I just signed up for an account, and the process was easy. In fact, I was very impressed with their support. (I had a more complex situation, so I used their chat, and they had someone phone me a few minutes later, on Sat afternoon!) For most people, you can easily fill out an application online.
The minimum deposit is $1, and there don't seem to be other fees associated with the account.
They told me I would get my ATM card in 1-1/2 or 2 weeks, so there's still time to do this.
If you just want a checking account, you can read about it and sign up at http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/banking_lending/checking_account
If you want a linked brokerage account as well, which has $0 minimum balance, or might want it in the future, go to
http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/investing/accounts_products/accounts
(Schwab told me that it's impossible to add the brokerage account to an existing checking account later.)
If there's a Schwab office in your area and you prefer doing it in person, you can go to their office and someone will walk you through the application process; take your checkbook with you.
Note: I have no stake in whether you go to Schwab or not, and of course you should review the details carefully because finance is not my area and you need to see if it will work for your particular situation.
In my experience, the best way to get foreign currency is at ATMs in the country you're visiting, so you can save a lot of money if you're not paying extra fees.
The only place I know of that offers this is Charles Schwab. I just signed up for an account, and the process was easy. In fact, I was very impressed with their support. (I had a more complex situation, so I used their chat, and they had someone phone me a few minutes later, on Sat afternoon!) For most people, you can easily fill out an application online.
The minimum deposit is $1, and there don't seem to be other fees associated with the account.
They told me I would get my ATM card in 1-1/2 or 2 weeks, so there's still time to do this.
If you just want a checking account, you can read about it and sign up at http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/banking_lending/checking_account
If you want a linked brokerage account as well, which has $0 minimum balance, or might want it in the future, go to
http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/investing/accounts_products/accounts
(Schwab told me that it's impossible to add the brokerage account to an existing checking account later.)
If there's a Schwab office in your area and you prefer doing it in person, you can go to their office and someone will walk you through the application process; take your checkbook with you.
Note: I have no stake in whether you go to Schwab or not, and of course you should review the details carefully because finance is not my area and you need to see if it will work for your particular situation.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Jetlag Remedies
NoJetLag
There's a natural remedy called NoJetLag that was recommended by Mel, who used to do a lot of long-distance international travel (Seattle to Australia, for ex), and I've found it really works.
There's a natural remedy called NoJetLag that was recommended by Mel, who used to do a lot of long-distance international travel (Seattle to Australia, for ex), and I've found it really works.
For example, it used to be that when I went to Summer Festival in England, I would be falling asleep at the introductory teaching Friday night, constantly jerking my head up to try to stay awake. With
NoJetLag I had no trouble with sleepiness and felt good overall, not "laggy."
You can check out the ingredients - they seem healthy and natural. Scroll down on their Ingredients page to see nice drawings and descriptions of what it contains (arnica, chamomile, etc.):
For some reason, I've never found it in a drugstore, but they sell it at AAA and REI.
You can see here where they sell it in your area: http://www.nojetlag.com/
It's about $12 for a pack that should cover a few trips.
Salt & Soda Bath
Another Sangha friend recommended taking a bath in salt and baking soda to detox from the airplane crud as an aid to getting over jet lag when you arrive at your destination. Some websites say you should use a cupful of Epsom salts and baking soda in a tub of warm water.
Other Tips
Other basic advice is to drink lots of water; don't drink coffee or alcohol. Some people recommend melatonin or a sleeping pill but others disrecommend them.
For more information about jet lag, see this National Sleep Foundation page.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Summary of Money Advice
Start by reading Rick Steves' advice, Cash and Currency Tips, then click to read his pages with more information about cash vs. plastic, ATMs and credit-card fees.
I was told there's still time, although it's getting tight, if you want to get an ATM card and/or a credit card that doesn't charge transaction fees abroad.
For more tips, click the Money link in the LABELS list in the right column of this blog page.
I was told there's still time, although it's getting tight, if you want to get an ATM card and/or a credit card that doesn't charge transaction fees abroad.
For more tips, click the Money link in the LABELS list in the right column of this blog page.
Packing Thoughts & Lists
I'm a bit of a Girl Scout (motto: Be Prepared!), but I've found that when it comes to travel, it's been helpful over the years to start thinking ahead about what to bring, and the Festival is only a month away.
On the other hand, when a bunch of us were headed off for Summer Festival, my first Dharma Teacher laughingly said that we think a lot more about what we bring on a trip in this world than we do about what we're taking with us to our next life. I've always loved the teaching about being travelers in this life, just passing through - no need to get so wound up about everything.
I also find the baggage metaphor helpful. When you have a big ego, it's like carrying around a bunch of bulky shopping bags, struggling to carry and keep track of them, and always bumping into things and people. In fact, I used to have a recurring dream about traveling where somewhere along the way, overwhelmed and exhausted, I had to stop and deal with all the luggage I'd accumulated. At first I'd spend some time working on how to bungee it all together. Then I'd find myself thinking, "How did I end up with so much stuff?" and realize I needed to pare it down, letting go of the things that were bogging me down and even unnecessary. Hmm ... I wonder what those dreams mean? : )
There's certainly a middle way, and people have different approaches that work for them.
I use a list. I have a standard packing list as a Word document that I use as a starting point and modify for each big trip. Knowing I have a good list, I feel confident about packing at the last minute if I need to. One part of the list is what to pack, with a section of what to wear and carry on, and another on what to put in my main bag, knowing that it might be checked or deciding ahead of time that I will check it. (By the way, even though almost all airlines charge for checking a bag for domestic travel - unless you're a frequent flier or have the airline's credit card, which may allow you to check the first bag free, as United does - on international flights usually you can usually check one bag without paying. Do check with your airline.)
Within that list of carryon's is a subset of essentials, such as passport, money (cash, credit card, ATM card) and tickets - and *medication.* As long as I have those, I know I can buy whatever else I need when I get there. (My husband and I have a ritual when we're leaving the house on a trip where we ask each other: Money? Tickets? Passport?)
I also have a folder that I carry on that has all my travel info: Flight, hotel, car rental, etc. Now a lot of that can be stored on a device like a smartphone or a iPad if you're savvy that way. If you're traveling abroad, however, make sure you'll have access to them.
There's also a subsection for Dharma items. Don't forget your mandala kit! Of course, I bring my mala so that I can recite mantras, especially on takeoff and landing. You'll be able to buy Dharma items at the Festival shop, but if you already own the books, sadhanas and office supplies (notebook, pens, pencils, etc.) you need, you can pack them. In the past the Festival registration email would include suggested sadhanas. At Portugal the empowerment is Prajnaparamita, so I'm bringing The Yoga of Great Mother Prajnaparamita (not The Great Mother, which is for those who don't have the empowerment). I always bring Wishfulfilling Jewel and Geshe-la's Long Life Prayers, so that I can loan them to someone sitting nearby who doesn't know them and didn't get a loaner copy when they entered the Temple. I heard we're also getting commentary on the new Vajrayogini sadhanas, The Blissful Path and The Uncommon Yoga of Inconceivability.
The other page of my packing list is preparations beforehand, such as stopping the mail, arranging care for pets and plants and buying anything I think I'll need. I've also heard that it's good to call your bank beforehand to tell them you're going abroad so that they allow credit-card transactions to go through. The State Dept has some good advice about what to do before you leave, although I don't agree with all of it (I bring cash but not travelers' checks, for example).
Travel "guru" Rick Steves (who has popular travel shows on PBS and happens to live in the Seattle area and even has a travel store just north of the city) has excellent travel advice on his website, including packing tips here. It's a good starting point, but his suggestions are for travelers who are making multi-city visits, so a lot of the emphasis is on packing light. For the Portugal Festival, if you're not traveling before or after, I'd recommend bringing more stuff so that you're comfortable, but not overdoing it. I've never regretted having a lighter bag. There are going to be Festival shuttles to take us from the airport to Festival accommodations and back, so you shouldn't have to carry your baggage too far.
By the way, I've found that Rick Steves' travelgear is well designed and affordable. (I'm considering getting his Civita daypack, which is only $25 and looks like it's a good size but packs small. It isn't waterproof, however.)
On the other hand, when a bunch of us were headed off for Summer Festival, my first Dharma Teacher laughingly said that we think a lot more about what we bring on a trip in this world than we do about what we're taking with us to our next life. I've always loved the teaching about being travelers in this life, just passing through - no need to get so wound up about everything.
I also find the baggage metaphor helpful. When you have a big ego, it's like carrying around a bunch of bulky shopping bags, struggling to carry and keep track of them, and always bumping into things and people. In fact, I used to have a recurring dream about traveling where somewhere along the way, overwhelmed and exhausted, I had to stop and deal with all the luggage I'd accumulated. At first I'd spend some time working on how to bungee it all together. Then I'd find myself thinking, "How did I end up with so much stuff?" and realize I needed to pare it down, letting go of the things that were bogging me down and even unnecessary. Hmm ... I wonder what those dreams mean? : )
There's certainly a middle way, and people have different approaches that work for them.
I use a list. I have a standard packing list as a Word document that I use as a starting point and modify for each big trip. Knowing I have a good list, I feel confident about packing at the last minute if I need to. One part of the list is what to pack, with a section of what to wear and carry on, and another on what to put in my main bag, knowing that it might be checked or deciding ahead of time that I will check it. (By the way, even though almost all airlines charge for checking a bag for domestic travel - unless you're a frequent flier or have the airline's credit card, which may allow you to check the first bag free, as United does - on international flights usually you can usually check one bag without paying. Do check with your airline.)
Within that list of carryon's is a subset of essentials, such as passport, money (cash, credit card, ATM card) and tickets - and *medication.* As long as I have those, I know I can buy whatever else I need when I get there. (My husband and I have a ritual when we're leaving the house on a trip where we ask each other: Money? Tickets? Passport?)
I also have a folder that I carry on that has all my travel info: Flight, hotel, car rental, etc. Now a lot of that can be stored on a device like a smartphone or a iPad if you're savvy that way. If you're traveling abroad, however, make sure you'll have access to them.
There's also a subsection for Dharma items. Don't forget your mandala kit! Of course, I bring my mala so that I can recite mantras, especially on takeoff and landing. You'll be able to buy Dharma items at the Festival shop, but if you already own the books, sadhanas and office supplies (notebook, pens, pencils, etc.) you need, you can pack them. In the past the Festival registration email would include suggested sadhanas. At Portugal the empowerment is Prajnaparamita, so I'm bringing The Yoga of Great Mother Prajnaparamita (not The Great Mother, which is for those who don't have the empowerment). I always bring Wishfulfilling Jewel and Geshe-la's Long Life Prayers, so that I can loan them to someone sitting nearby who doesn't know them and didn't get a loaner copy when they entered the Temple. I heard we're also getting commentary on the new Vajrayogini sadhanas, The Blissful Path and The Uncommon Yoga of Inconceivability.
The other page of my packing list is preparations beforehand, such as stopping the mail, arranging care for pets and plants and buying anything I think I'll need. I've also heard that it's good to call your bank beforehand to tell them you're going abroad so that they allow credit-card transactions to go through. The State Dept has some good advice about what to do before you leave, although I don't agree with all of it (I bring cash but not travelers' checks, for example).
Travel "guru" Rick Steves (who has popular travel shows on PBS and happens to live in the Seattle area and even has a travel store just north of the city) has excellent travel advice on his website, including packing tips here. It's a good starting point, but his suggestions are for travelers who are making multi-city visits, so a lot of the emphasis is on packing light. For the Portugal Festival, if you're not traveling before or after, I'd recommend bringing more stuff so that you're comfortable, but not overdoing it. I've never regretted having a lighter bag. There are going to be Festival shuttles to take us from the airport to Festival accommodations and back, so you shouldn't have to carry your baggage too far.
Note that it's still possible to sign up for the shuttles by adding them to your booking cart; see the "Fall Festival confirmation letter" you should have gotten after you registered and click on the link called "your booking cart" toward the bottom; in the booking cart at the left, click Add an option. This is also the process for adding lunch or for pre-paying for recordings of Festival teachings, two new options that haven't been offered for Festivals before.
You may have seen the NKT e-newsletter about the lunch option, which said: "Each day during the Festival, teams of Festival volunteers will provide a wide selection of healthy, affordable vegetarian lunch options. These will be served at the Festival site in a food court style dining area. As there will be a limited number of meals available each day, you will need to pre-book through the Festival booking system if you wish to benefit from this new option.")
By the way, I've found that Rick Steves' travelgear is well designed and affordable. (I'm considering getting his Civita daypack, which is only $25 and looks like it's a good size but packs small. It isn't waterproof, however.)
Weather in Cascais in October
According to Accuweather's historic average for Cascais, the low is 12 Celsius (54 F) and the high is 18 (64 F).
Of course, it's best to check the predicted forecast shortly before departure, because we all know it's highly variable these days.
For example, here's the 10-day Forecast on the Weather Channel, or you can use whatever weather site you prefer.
According to first-hand reports, as well as a site called Holiday Weather (which I've never seen before), Lisbon averages 11 days of rain in October and November.
Probably it's from living in Seattle, but I always pack a rainjacket (helpful for wind too) and sometimes a small umbrella.
On the other hand, it may be warm and sunny, so I'm also going to pack a sunhat and even sunscreen (because my skin is sensitive to the sun).
Of course, it's best to check the predicted forecast shortly before departure, because we all know it's highly variable these days.
For example, here's the 10-day Forecast on the Weather Channel, or you can use whatever weather site you prefer.
According to first-hand reports, as well as a site called Holiday Weather (which I've never seen before), Lisbon averages 11 days of rain in October and November.
Probably it's from living in Seattle, but I always pack a rainjacket (helpful for wind too) and sometimes a small umbrella.
On the other hand, it may be warm and sunny, so I'm also going to pack a sunhat and even sunscreen (because my skin is sensitive to the sun).
Car Rental
From a travel-savvy Sangha member:
If you're planning to rent a car, which isn't necessary unless you're going to be traveling before or after Festival, and trains and buses won't work for you (and in Europe, of course, public transportation tends to be very good, unless you're going to more remote places), book it with American Express card if you have one because it offers lots of advantages, particularly on insurance.
I've also read on the Internet that a lot of travelers say not to rent from Hertz abroad.
If you're planning to rent a car, which isn't necessary unless you're going to be traveling before or after Festival, and trains and buses won't work for you (and in Europe, of course, public transportation tends to be very good, unless you're going to more remote places), book it with American Express card if you have one because it offers lots of advantages, particularly on insurance.
I've also read on the Internet that a lot of travelers say not to rent from Hertz abroad.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Cheap Internet Device + New Heart of Wisdom eBook & Video + Portuguese Travel Phrases App
More tips from Sangha:
For people who would like Internet access but don't have a really portable device, Barnes and Noble has lowered the price temporarily for the Nook HD and HD+ to $129-$179 for a wifi-only tablet.
On the Tharpa site there is a beautiful YouTube video when you look at the New Heart of Wisdom ebook page. Very inspiring!
There is also a Nook Fodor travel phrases app for $1.99. With this app you click on a phrase and can hear it spoken.
For people who would like Internet access but don't have a really portable device, Barnes and Noble has lowered the price temporarily for the Nook HD and HD+ to $129-$179 for a wifi-only tablet.
On the Tharpa site there is a beautiful YouTube video when you look at the New Heart of Wisdom ebook page. Very inspiring!
There is also a Nook Fodor travel phrases app for $1.99. With this app you click on a phrase and can hear it spoken.
More on VISA card with Chip
From a Sangha member:
I am getting a chip and pin VISA card from Andrews Federal Credit Union
https://www.andrewsfcu.org/credit_cards_and_loans/credit_cards/globetrek_rewards.html
The card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, no cash advance fee, and can be used in ATM's. I joined the American Consumer Council (online, for free) and were then eligible to join Andrews Federal Credit Union. I filled in an online application and mailed them a signature card. I completed the application for credit cards online and received documents to sign digitally via email. I should be receiving the cards shortly.
I am getting a chip and pin VISA card from Andrews Federal Credit Union
https://www.andrewsfcu.org/credit_cards_and_loans/credit_cards/globetrek_rewards.html
The card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, no cash advance fee, and can be used in ATM's. I joined the American Consumer Council (online, for free) and were then eligible to join Andrews Federal Credit Union. I filled in an online application and mailed them a signature card. I completed the application for credit cards online and received documents to sign digitally via email. I should be receiving the cards shortly.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Rick Steves' New Report from Portugal and Spain
From his friendly, funny June enews letter:
Dear Traveler,
I've just wrapped up a trip through Spain and Portugal to update my guidebooks for that wonderful corner of Europe [I don't mean to be pushing his stuff, but FYI the Portugal 2013 updated book, the 7th Edition, is available now for $20 ($15 on Amazon)]. I especially enjoyed spending time with the local guides we recommend. It occurred to me that a guide should not only be a fine teacher, but also a window into how the locals think and communicate.
For instance, as I was exploring a tiny Algarve village with my guide, I commented that anyone who lives here must know what everyone else is up to. He said, "Yes, when you kick one person in this village, everyone limps." Later, sitting down to a nice plate of sardines and salad, I kept asking questions. Finally, the guide interrupted: "My mamma said when we eat we fight against death. So let's stop talking and eat!" In Portugal, on a popular beach, I heard a local refer to the sun-burned English travelers as "steaks." Did I hear right? "Yes, steaks! We call them 'beefs' too. The English get very burned in the sun."
Opening these little windows into other cultures are some of the delights of travel that you can never really plan for — but they are guaranteed to happen when you travel as an extrovert, and find ways to connect with people along the way. Great local guides — like the ones in my books and on my tours — can help make that happen.
Dear Traveler,
I've just wrapped up a trip through Spain and Portugal to update my guidebooks for that wonderful corner of Europe [I don't mean to be pushing his stuff, but FYI the Portugal 2013 updated book, the 7th Edition, is available now for $20 ($15 on Amazon)]. I especially enjoyed spending time with the local guides we recommend. It occurred to me that a guide should not only be a fine teacher, but also a window into how the locals think and communicate.
For instance, as I was exploring a tiny Algarve village with my guide, I commented that anyone who lives here must know what everyone else is up to. He said, "Yes, when you kick one person in this village, everyone limps." Later, sitting down to a nice plate of sardines and salad, I kept asking questions. Finally, the guide interrupted: "My mamma said when we eat we fight against death. So let's stop talking and eat!" In Portugal, on a popular beach, I heard a local refer to the sun-burned English travelers as "steaks." Did I hear right? "Yes, steaks! We call them 'beefs' too. The English get very burned in the sun."
Opening these little windows into other cultures are some of the delights of travel that you can never really plan for — but they are guaranteed to happen when you travel as an extrovert, and find ways to connect with people along the way. Great local guides — like the ones in my books and on my tours — can help make that happen.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Packing a Mandala Kit + Learning How to Make Mandala Offerings
Based on Geshe-la's advice, Gen-la Dekyong has been encouraging us to make mandala offerings every day with a mandala kit, because it will help us quickly gain realizations.
At Summer Festival last year, she also suggested everyone bring their kit with them to the Portugal Festival, because it would be a wonderful offering to Geshe-la. (She said we could take out our large bottle or conditioner or our fancy shoes to make room for the kit.)
If you don't know how to make offerings with a mandala kit, you can ask your Sangha.
In Seattle we have a Guru Yoga and Mandala Offerings Retreat this Saturday through the following Thursday at KMC Washington. If you'd like to learn, I'm sure there will be someone who is happy to teach you, especially if you arrive a bit early. Note that we have some new meditation classes, so there won't be retreat sessions at the Temple during those times.
At Summer Festival last year, she also suggested everyone bring their kit with them to the Portugal Festival, because it would be a wonderful offering to Geshe-la. (She said we could take out our large bottle or conditioner or our fancy shoes to make room for the kit.)
If you don't know how to make offerings with a mandala kit, you can ask your Sangha.
In Seattle we have a Guru Yoga and Mandala Offerings Retreat this Saturday through the following Thursday at KMC Washington. If you'd like to learn, I'm sure there will be someone who is happy to teach you, especially if you arrive a bit early. Note that we have some new meditation classes, so there won't be retreat sessions at the Temple during those times.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Self-cater Meals in a Hotel Room: What to Pack
Some suggestions from a Sangha friend for how you can prepare meals cheaply in a hotel if you bring a few small items:
- A flexible cutting board (lots of real estate for preparing meals and cutting bread and veggies but light and easy to fit in a suitcase). [I saw a thin MSR Alpine Cutting Board that rolls up at REI for $5 but haven't used one and didn't find any reviews from searching online.]
- One re-usable plate, bowl, and mug per person (also consider getting a mug at Jumbo market in Cascais and save weight and space in your suitcase). [For more about Jumbo and other shopping in Cascais, see Shopping in Cascais, Estoril & Carcavelos.]
- One set of knife, fork and spoon made of Lexan or other durable material. [Lexan is very strong, light and inexpensive.]
- A sharp knife, with a sheaf for safety, for cutting bread, veggies, cheese and so forth.
- A small can opener of some type in case you want to buy anything in a can.
- Resealable bags of several sizes.
- Clothes pins for closing bags. [Binder clips work well too.]
- Small scissors for getting into packaging.
- Extra shampoo or liquid soap for cleaning up after the meal. [Dr Bronner's all-in-one soap is another option; it comes in a 2oz plastic bottle with a flip top that's great for travel, and is Fair Trade and organic. You can use it as a shampoo, body soap, and dish soap. I just read that the company "caps all executive compensation at 5 to 1 to the lowest paid warehouse position, and dedicates all profits not needed for business development to worthwhile causes and charities worldwide."]
- Quick-drying scrubber for cleaning dishes.
- A bag for transporting the meal to an outdoor location for a picnic.
Shopping in Cascais, Estoril & Carcavelos
The Portuguese Wal-Mart, Jumbo, is across the street from and within sight of the Cascais train station.
Pingo Doce, which is the biggest grocery chain in Portugal, is inside the Cascais Villa Shopping Center, which is next door to Jumbo; map here. Their website has photos of what they carry with prices; it's in Portuguese but you can make a lot of it.
The Farmer's Market, is Wednesdays until 2pm [and some Saturdays? conflicting info on the Web], near the intersection of Avenida 25 de Abril and Avenida Dom Pedro, 5 minutes' walk from the Cascais train station; map here.
USA Today says to buy clothes at "CascaiShopping, a major shopping mall on the outskirts of town. Cascais Villa and Jumbo both have cheap clothing, but if you want anything nice you should go to CascaiShopping. This mall is well beyond walking distance and using buses to reach it is overly complicated and time consuming, so take a taxi. The mall has a taxi-stand, so there is no need to keep the taxi after arriving."
More Resources
CascaisPortugal.com Shopping - a nice overview, including suggestions about what gifts and souvenirs to bring back and where to get them, as well as short descriptions of shopping centers.
Markets, fairs & shopping centres in Cascais, Estoril & Oeiras, which has a zoomable map and a table of days and times.
Virtual Tourist Info about Shopping in Cascais - including everything from street markets to shopping centers to supermarkets.
Frommer's Info about Shopping in Cascais, which includes addresses and phone numbers but doesn't cover grocery stores.
Insider Cooking on Markets and Groceries in Cascais, Sintra & Lisbon - also lists the market in Carcavelos and the Cascais textile market. Note: "bio" means organic.
Tips about the Carcavelos market from Cascais-Travel.com:
"If you are looking for a bargain this is the place to go. Carcavelos market, opposite the Train Station in Carcavelos is on every Thursday from 8am. Cheap clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, linen, towels, etc. Some weeks have better quality goods than others. It's alright to haggle a little. Best go early."
Pingo Doce, which is the biggest grocery chain in Portugal, is inside the Cascais Villa Shopping Center, which is next door to Jumbo; map here. Their website has photos of what they carry with prices; it's in Portuguese but you can make a lot of it.
The Farmer's Market, is Wednesdays until 2pm [and some Saturdays? conflicting info on the Web], near the intersection of Avenida 25 de Abril and Avenida Dom Pedro, 5 minutes' walk from the Cascais train station; map here.
USA Today says to buy clothes at "CascaiShopping, a major shopping mall on the outskirts of town. Cascais Villa and Jumbo both have cheap clothing, but if you want anything nice you should go to CascaiShopping. This mall is well beyond walking distance and using buses to reach it is overly complicated and time consuming, so take a taxi. The mall has a taxi-stand, so there is no need to keep the taxi after arriving."
More Resources
CascaisPortugal.com Shopping - a nice overview, including suggestions about what gifts and souvenirs to bring back and where to get them, as well as short descriptions of shopping centers.
Markets, fairs & shopping centres in Cascais, Estoril & Oeiras, which has a zoomable map and a table of days and times.
Virtual Tourist Info about Shopping in Cascais - including everything from street markets to shopping centers to supermarkets.
Frommer's Info about Shopping in Cascais, which includes addresses and phone numbers but doesn't cover grocery stores.
Insider Cooking on Markets and Groceries in Cascais, Sintra & Lisbon - also lists the market in Carcavelos and the Cascais textile market. Note: "bio" means organic.
Tips about the Carcavelos market from Cascais-Travel.com:
"If you are looking for a bargain this is the place to go. Carcavelos market, opposite the Train Station in Carcavelos is on every Thursday from 8am. Cheap clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, linen, towels, etc. Some weeks have better quality goods than others. It's alright to haggle a little. Best go early."
Electricity in Portugal
Electrical Plug/Outlet and Voltage Information for Portugal shows useful photos of different kinds of wall sockets and which kinds of plugs work in Portugal. Hint: Not ones from the U.S.
It also says:
"But the shape of the socket is only half the story!
Electrical sockets (outlets) in Portugal (República Portuguesa) usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.
But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts.
But that doesn't mean that your specific appliance isn't already compatible with the higher voltage -- it may very well be."
According to this Adapter and Converter Finder:
"If you are bringing an American appliance or electronic device, you will need an Adapter Plug for almost every country in order to plug into their electrical outlets.
If that appliance or electronic device is not dual-voltage and you are visiting a country with 230 volt electricity, you will need either a Voltage Converter or a Transformer.
If you are planning to run your non dual-voltage appliance or electronic device continuously, you will need a Transformer."
Adapters are light and cheap but transformers are heavier and more expensive.
If you have questions, I'd recommend going to a travel store, such as Wide World Travel Store in Wallingford or Rick Steves' in Edmonds.
It also says:
"But the shape of the socket is only half the story!
Electrical sockets (outlets) in Portugal (República Portuguesa) usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.
But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts.
But that doesn't mean that your specific appliance isn't already compatible with the higher voltage -- it may very well be."
According to this Adapter and Converter Finder:
"If you are bringing an American appliance or electronic device, you will need an Adapter Plug for almost every country in order to plug into their electrical outlets.
If that appliance or electronic device is not dual-voltage and you are visiting a country with 230 volt electricity, you will need either a Voltage Converter or a Transformer.
If you are planning to run your non dual-voltage appliance or electronic device continuously, you will need a Transformer."
Adapters are light and cheap but transformers are heavier and more expensive.
If you have questions, I'd recommend going to a travel store, such as Wide World Travel Store in Wallingford or Rick Steves' in Edmonds.
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