Dear Artificial Intelligence (AI), can you plan my holiday?…Blog #134

Hello, all! 🌟 Have you ever contemplated the profound transformations our world has undergone throughout your life? It’s truly remarkable! I would suggest the latest change involves artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, I’ve embarked on an intriguing experiment with AI to delve into its capabilities. I’ve used it in business and in the classroom, so decided to bring it into my recreational life. So I posed the question:

“I’m planning a business trip to Lisbon but will be arriving 1 week early. Please plan 5 days of activities for a professional woman and her two adult granddaughters.”

Since I have been to the city on several occasions, I had an idea of what activities we would enjoy. So, after refining some queries and including specific requests, this is what my AI buddy gave me:

Day 1: Explore Lisbon’s Historic Heart

Ginjinha minus the chocolate cups
  • Morning: Start with a visit to Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. Enjoy the intricate Manueline architecture and visit the tomb of Vasco da Gama.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Don’t miss the famous Pastéis de Belém for a sweet treat.
  • Extra Treat: After visiting the Belém Tower and before the Fado dinner, stop by A Ginjinha near Rossio Square to enjoy Ginjinha in chocolate cups.
  • Evening: Dinner in a traditional Fado restaurant in Alfama. Experience the haunting beauty of Fado music, a truly Portuguese art form.

Day 2: Art and Culture Day

  • Morning: Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum to witness a fine collection of ancient and modern art.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the Bairro Alto and Chiado neighborhoods. Explore contemporary Portuguese art at Berardo Museum.
  • Evening: Enjoy a modern Portuguese meal at a rooftop restaurant with views over Lisbon.

Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra, Photo by Matej Simko on Pexels.com
  • Full Day: Take a day trip to Sintra. Visit the Pena Palace, explore Quinta da Regaleira and walk through the charming town. Lunch in Sintra’s historic center.
  • Evening: Return to Lisbon. Relax in your accommodation or enjoy a light evening stroll along the riverfront.

Day 4: Explore Lisbon’s Waterfront and Discoveries

  • Morning: Visit MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology for contemporary interests. Walk along the river in Belém.
  • Afternoon: Shop and relax at the LX Factory, a vibrant arts complex and shopping district in a converted industrial site.
  • Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant in Cais do Sodré, followed by a leisurely walk.

Day 5: Leisure and Relaxation

  • Morning: Start with a leisurely breakfast. Visit the Estufa Fria greenhouse for a tranquil morning.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a food tour or cooking class to delve into Portuguese cuisine.
  • Evening: Sunset cruise on the Tagus River for a relaxing end to your trip.

After providing some additional tips regarding the activities suggested (all very useful), the final message was…

“Enjoy your trip! Lisbon and its surrounding areas offer a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that’s sure to provide memorable experiences for you and your granddaughters.”

All this took approximately 15 minutes of response and refining…not a bad way to plan a trip!

What are your thoughts on AI and how you are implementing it into your personal and professional life? What are the benefits, and what do you see as the concerns?

Pictured above are the LX Factory (wonderful place), Oceanario (which AI should have included, and an amazing Fado experience we had in Old Town.

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