Post by jomeku on Nov 12, 2014 22:08:09 GMT 1
So, here's "the rest" , including the part in the SOS children's village from here:
www.paperlit.com/webreader/read/coopbern/2014-11-11#/coopbern/2014-11-11?page=106-107 (but starting from page 101)
On Tour
The figure skating star as city-guide
Portugal is his second home. Stéphane Lambiel guides us through Lisboa and gives us insights into his private life.
by Yvonne Fertsch
The day will be strenuous. Stéphane Lambiel wants to go to the 'Torre de Belém', Lisboa's landmark, by bike. "It will be good for us to have some exercise", the two times world champion in figure skating says smiling. Stéphane is in good shape. He's done exercises already before breakfast. "I like Pilates and do it every day" he tells. He spends his days in Lisboa in a relaxed manner, by his standards. Here he can let go. No obligations, no appointments. "Portugal to me means family, holidays, freedom."
We get on our rented bikes. The cycle path along the (river) Tejo takes us past old port buildings which now house new, trendy gastronomy. Here, at the riverbanks, a young scene established with 'hip' coffee-shops and clubs. Deck- and armchairs invite to take a rest. Not for us! We remain in the pedals, passing under the imposing, two-storey suspension bridge 'Ponte 25 de Abril', in direction of the 'Torre'. There, on the observation platform, we are rewarded for our sportive efforts with a wonderful view over the Tejo.
Coffee, a piece of culture
In Lisboa, the day begins with a 'cafézinho' (an espresso-like coffee). Stéphane as so-to-say local - his mother is from Portugal and his grandmother lives close to Lisboa - takes time for a coffee too. Preferably at 'Café Nicola', located on the 'Rossio', the central square of the Portuguese capital. "I'm often sitting here with my mother when we're in Lisboa", the 29 years old Valaisan says. "My cousin has even worked here in the past".
Just the length of a coffee, and Stéphane jumps up. Off we go. From the 'Rossio' we walk down downtown, the 'Baixa', to the 'Rua Augusta'. This boulevard is lined with shops, restaurants, bakeries. "The Portuguese love sweets", we learn from our city-guide. We want to taste it. Stéphane takes us to the 'Confeitaria Nacional'. The oldest bakery in town (dating from 1829) is a popular meeting point for the locals. Amidst the ancient scenery we enjoy 'Pastéis de nata', those delicious portuguese custard tarts. "They taste even better with lots of cinnamon", Lambiel says and orders one more. "I love sweets and anyway could eat all day long". In compensation he does a lot of sport, even after his (competitive) career. His schedule permitting, he's on the ice every day.
At the end of the world
In the golden light of the late autumn afternoon we walk back towards the 'Tejo', passing the 'Triumphal Arch', and arrive on the 'Praça do Comércio'. The trading center evokes childhood memories. "From here we always take the ferry to go to my 'avò', my grandmother". For a moment Stéphane strolls down the memory line, talks about his holidays in Portugal as a child, about his beloved 'avò' and enthuses over her cooking skills.
Slowly the sun goes down. Time for dinner. Stéphane spontaneously decides to take the ferry to 'Casilhas'. "I know a restaurant from where you have the most beautiful view over the city at sunset." The ferry-crossing takes some ten minutes. Followed by a walk along the quay (flat shoes are recommended), past empty warehouses with the morbid charm of destruction. And then we're there: at the end of the world - at 'Ponto Final'. A unique location, a romantic place: The restaurant offers typical Portuguese dishes. Stéphane orders 'Arroz de Tamboril' (rice stew with monkfish), fried codfish, beens-and-rice stew and a meet dish with potatoes. Solid, rich, tasty.
Showskater around the world
During dinner there's time for talking. Stéphane is authentic, down to earth - and he allows closeness. He talks about the dream to sail around the world, about the close bonds he maintains with his family. He has daily phone calls with his mother, whom he calls "petite maman" (little mother).
His skating school in Champéry and the organization of his first own skating show "Ice Legends", which takes place in Geneva December 18th, are matters close to his heart.
He continues to skate in shows around the world. In spring/summer 2015 he'll be on world tour again. Before, in February, he will skate with 'Art on Ice' in Switzerland. "To 60% my life consists of traveling", he says. He came back from Japan just two days before our trip to Lisboa. He skates in many shows in Asia and is a star there. Although Stéphane lives in hotels most of the time, he enjoys his restless life. "It gives me the chance to discover new things and to meet new people".
Second home
Portugal is his place of retreat. Here he finds a rest from stardom. He usually comes here in spring or autumn. He then spends his days at the seaside in Seisimbra, a small fisher's village where he owns a holiday home. And he loves to be spoilt with his grandmothers delicacies on these occasions. "My avò is the best cook in the world. We must visit her". Says it and spontaneously picks up the phone to announce her our coming for the next day.
Santo Antonio, the home of Lambiel's grandmother, can be reached by ferry and by bus. The 69 years old Maria-José welcomes us warmly. For a long time she holds her world famous grandson in her arms; Stéphane too does not want to let go of his grandmother: "I'd love to have her close to me more often." The lady is enchanting, charming - and of very small size. With his 1.74 m of size Stéphane literally towers over her. "We're a small family", he says laughing.
Our host has spent the whole day in the kitchen preparing fresh ingredients from the market. "I love to watch her cooking. For the preparation of a christmas dinner she stands in the kitchen for a whole week", Stéphane says and curiously looks into a pot with mussels. We get delicious dishes with seafood, self-made french fries, a huge plate with fruit, sausage specialities and - as we know, Portuguese love sweets - a self baked cake and biscuits. With this culinary highlights in a very private setting our trip to Portugal comes to an end. Obrigada, Stéphane, and adeus! (Thank you, Stéphane, and good bye!).
A heart for SOS Children
Stéphane only has 48 hours in Lisboa. And as ambassador he finds the time to visit the SOS Children Village in Estoril. "I have so much luck in my life and want to give something back to disadvantaged children", he explains his engagement. He loves children and children love him, the adult who has remained a boy in heart.
On his walk through the village with eight family houses he learns about the lifes of the children aged from 4 to 15 years who live here. The boys and girls are not aware that it's a figure skating world champion standing in front of them. The ice is quickly broken when Stéphane, who speaks Portuguese, shows them videos of his skills. Afterwards they go to the 'Oceanàrio' together. In the giant saltwater aquarium the children marvel at the fascinating underwater world. And they keep seeking the proximity with Stéphane who takes his time for each child: "Ils sont chou" ("they are sweet"). At the time of good bye they ask him to show them some spins: "Spin again, spin again." They are impressed. And Stéphane? He is full of joy that he could make the children laugh.
www.paperlit.com/webreader/read/coopbern/2014-11-11#/coopbern/2014-11-11?page=106-107 (but starting from page 101)
On Tour
The figure skating star as city-guide
Portugal is his second home. Stéphane Lambiel guides us through Lisboa and gives us insights into his private life.
by Yvonne Fertsch
The day will be strenuous. Stéphane Lambiel wants to go to the 'Torre de Belém', Lisboa's landmark, by bike. "It will be good for us to have some exercise", the two times world champion in figure skating says smiling. Stéphane is in good shape. He's done exercises already before breakfast. "I like Pilates and do it every day" he tells. He spends his days in Lisboa in a relaxed manner, by his standards. Here he can let go. No obligations, no appointments. "Portugal to me means family, holidays, freedom."
We get on our rented bikes. The cycle path along the (river) Tejo takes us past old port buildings which now house new, trendy gastronomy. Here, at the riverbanks, a young scene established with 'hip' coffee-shops and clubs. Deck- and armchairs invite to take a rest. Not for us! We remain in the pedals, passing under the imposing, two-storey suspension bridge 'Ponte 25 de Abril', in direction of the 'Torre'. There, on the observation platform, we are rewarded for our sportive efforts with a wonderful view over the Tejo.
Coffee, a piece of culture
In Lisboa, the day begins with a 'cafézinho' (an espresso-like coffee). Stéphane as so-to-say local - his mother is from Portugal and his grandmother lives close to Lisboa - takes time for a coffee too. Preferably at 'Café Nicola', located on the 'Rossio', the central square of the Portuguese capital. "I'm often sitting here with my mother when we're in Lisboa", the 29 years old Valaisan says. "My cousin has even worked here in the past".
Just the length of a coffee, and Stéphane jumps up. Off we go. From the 'Rossio' we walk down downtown, the 'Baixa', to the 'Rua Augusta'. This boulevard is lined with shops, restaurants, bakeries. "The Portuguese love sweets", we learn from our city-guide. We want to taste it. Stéphane takes us to the 'Confeitaria Nacional'. The oldest bakery in town (dating from 1829) is a popular meeting point for the locals. Amidst the ancient scenery we enjoy 'Pastéis de nata', those delicious portuguese custard tarts. "They taste even better with lots of cinnamon", Lambiel says and orders one more. "I love sweets and anyway could eat all day long". In compensation he does a lot of sport, even after his (competitive) career. His schedule permitting, he's on the ice every day.
At the end of the world
In the golden light of the late autumn afternoon we walk back towards the 'Tejo', passing the 'Triumphal Arch', and arrive on the 'Praça do Comércio'. The trading center evokes childhood memories. "From here we always take the ferry to go to my 'avò', my grandmother". For a moment Stéphane strolls down the memory line, talks about his holidays in Portugal as a child, about his beloved 'avò' and enthuses over her cooking skills.
Slowly the sun goes down. Time for dinner. Stéphane spontaneously decides to take the ferry to 'Casilhas'. "I know a restaurant from where you have the most beautiful view over the city at sunset." The ferry-crossing takes some ten minutes. Followed by a walk along the quay (flat shoes are recommended), past empty warehouses with the morbid charm of destruction. And then we're there: at the end of the world - at 'Ponto Final'. A unique location, a romantic place: The restaurant offers typical Portuguese dishes. Stéphane orders 'Arroz de Tamboril' (rice stew with monkfish), fried codfish, beens-and-rice stew and a meet dish with potatoes. Solid, rich, tasty.
Showskater around the world
During dinner there's time for talking. Stéphane is authentic, down to earth - and he allows closeness. He talks about the dream to sail around the world, about the close bonds he maintains with his family. He has daily phone calls with his mother, whom he calls "petite maman" (little mother).
His skating school in Champéry and the organization of his first own skating show "Ice Legends", which takes place in Geneva December 18th, are matters close to his heart.
He continues to skate in shows around the world. In spring/summer 2015 he'll be on world tour again. Before, in February, he will skate with 'Art on Ice' in Switzerland. "To 60% my life consists of traveling", he says. He came back from Japan just two days before our trip to Lisboa. He skates in many shows in Asia and is a star there. Although Stéphane lives in hotels most of the time, he enjoys his restless life. "It gives me the chance to discover new things and to meet new people".
Second home
Portugal is his place of retreat. Here he finds a rest from stardom. He usually comes here in spring or autumn. He then spends his days at the seaside in Seisimbra, a small fisher's village where he owns a holiday home. And he loves to be spoilt with his grandmothers delicacies on these occasions. "My avò is the best cook in the world. We must visit her". Says it and spontaneously picks up the phone to announce her our coming for the next day.
Santo Antonio, the home of Lambiel's grandmother, can be reached by ferry and by bus. The 69 years old Maria-José welcomes us warmly. For a long time she holds her world famous grandson in her arms; Stéphane too does not want to let go of his grandmother: "I'd love to have her close to me more often." The lady is enchanting, charming - and of very small size. With his 1.74 m of size Stéphane literally towers over her. "We're a small family", he says laughing.
Our host has spent the whole day in the kitchen preparing fresh ingredients from the market. "I love to watch her cooking. For the preparation of a christmas dinner she stands in the kitchen for a whole week", Stéphane says and curiously looks into a pot with mussels. We get delicious dishes with seafood, self-made french fries, a huge plate with fruit, sausage specialities and - as we know, Portuguese love sweets - a self baked cake and biscuits. With this culinary highlights in a very private setting our trip to Portugal comes to an end. Obrigada, Stéphane, and adeus! (Thank you, Stéphane, and good bye!).
A heart for SOS Children
Stéphane only has 48 hours in Lisboa. And as ambassador he finds the time to visit the SOS Children Village in Estoril. "I have so much luck in my life and want to give something back to disadvantaged children", he explains his engagement. He loves children and children love him, the adult who has remained a boy in heart.
On his walk through the village with eight family houses he learns about the lifes of the children aged from 4 to 15 years who live here. The boys and girls are not aware that it's a figure skating world champion standing in front of them. The ice is quickly broken when Stéphane, who speaks Portuguese, shows them videos of his skills. Afterwards they go to the 'Oceanàrio' together. In the giant saltwater aquarium the children marvel at the fascinating underwater world. And they keep seeking the proximity with Stéphane who takes his time for each child: "Ils sont chou" ("they are sweet"). At the time of good bye they ask him to show them some spins: "Spin again, spin again." They are impressed. And Stéphane? He is full of joy that he could make the children laugh.