Lisbon Whispers: A Daze in Alfama
okay, so i just got back from… well, from a sensory overload in lisbon. it’s completely fried my brain in the best possible way. i’m still processing, honestly.
i'm thinking of using *3458575 as a daily mantra now, seems like a good grounding number. and then there’s 1076508566 - maybe code for good vibes? i don’t know, the universe is telling me something.
the weather? i just checked and it’s… incredibly humid right now, feels like a wet wool blanket clinging to you. 26.04 feels like what it is, but with a definite mood. the pressure’s a little low, and the humidity is sticking to everything.
i’m feeling intensely nostalgic. like i’m revisiting a half-remembered dream. it’s definitely a Lisbon thing.
Someone told me that the best way to experience Alfama isn’t just to wander, it’s to get utterly lost. Just follow the sound of Fado music, even if it leads you straight into a maze of narrow cobbled streets. Something a local warned me about.
we’re talking about Lisbon, obviously. It’s sitting at -22.5647, -47.4017.
i spent most of my time just absorbing the atmosphere. the buildings are all a slightly faded ochre, and the air smells of salt and grilled sardines. seriously, the food is insane. i had a pastéis de nata - a custard tart - at a little bakery in the Alfama that was like a revelation. they aren’t cheap, though. maybe check out this TripAdvisor for recommendations.
the neighborhoods are a real mix. you’ve got the trendy areas with the cool cafes, but also a lot of older, more traditional parts. if you get bored, cities are just a short drive away. i heard that the nightlife in Bairro Alto is pretty intense - lots of bars and live music. but be prepared for crowds.
i also stumbled across a little street art scene. some really cool murals popping up all over the city. check out this street art map if you’re interested in that.
I heard that there’s this hidden courtyard in Alfama, accessible only by a very specific alleyway. Apparently, it’s a secret spot where locals go to escape the tourists. Someone told me that...
i’m a total sucker for cobblestones. they’re everywhere! and the fado… oh god, the fado. it’s haunting and beautiful and full of emotion. i went to a small club in the Mouraria district and it was incredible. it’s definitely not a tourist trap. find a place that feels authentic. check out Yelp for some local suggestions.
i did want to try a cooking class, but found a lot of good info on Airbnb. The thing is, i'm so wired from all the new things that i can't really sit down and plan, that’s to say as something like that would be perfect, but it wasn't in the cards!
i really wish i had better photos of the São Jorge Castle, but my phone decided to stage a revolt halfway through. it will all be worth it, though, i promise. it is* a trip worth taking. i'm planning a return visit, no doubt. the light is just... different there. something captivating.
i saw this really cool thing with a local musician playing on a little balcony. a guy sitting on a bench, just playing and singing. it's moments like that that make it all worthwhile. definitely worth adding to your travel list. so many good places to see!