Good day. Allow me introduce myself. My name is Francisco de Almeida. I have many roles to perform in life; I am a nobleman, soldier, and an explorer. I was born in Lisbon, Portugal, therefore I am Portuguese. I am currently living in Lisbon, but very soon I will be setting off on many journeys, just as any true explorer would. I am pleased King Manuel I made me the first viceroy of India.  

Life in Lisbon is good, but busy. I just returned from the Moorish wars; I was greatly recognized and made famous due to these wars. I don’t have much idle time, but when I do I take advantage of it. I go exploring as often as I can, and battling wars, so I rarely visit Lisbon. There hasn’t been much action as of late, so I expect to be called to duty soon.  

Life in Lisbon can be quite pleasant or horrible; it all depends on how you look at it. You either love life, or have a rough time with it. I like it, yet sometimes it gets difficult exploring and fighting in wars so often. We have kings in Lisbon for our leaders. Life is more pleasant because of feasts and parties whenever someone gets married, when a child is born, when there’s a new king declared, or anything else that is considered “good” for our society. The roads are made of stone and the buildings stand tall. There are local shops for people to purchase the goods they need, and there are a number of factories where people can gain employment. Some people are homeless, do not have enough to eat, sanitary conditions are so bad they sometimes cause diseases. Other groups of people, like wealthy women, dress in elegant dresses, and men wear outfits appropriate for work and socializing. This is basically how life in Lisbon works. 

Soon, I will be departing Lisbon. I’m going to the Cape of Good Hope. I’m not sure what my mission is yet; I will probably be involved in war sometime during my journey, and discover new land for Portugal. I’m getting excited for the new land I know I will discover, yet I will miss Lisbon when I leave again, as I always do when I go. I wonder what awaits me in the Cape of Good Hope. 

Francisco de Almeida

 This is me, Francisco de Almeida!