Lisbon's a Blur: Pastel de Natas and Perpetual Rain
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and the sheer volume of pastel de natas i’ve consumed. 8013113… that’s the timestamp on my phone, which is probably a good sign, honestly. 1620388276 - feels like a lifetime ago i was actually awake. the pressure’s been hitting 1028 all day, which is… unsettling. humidity’s at 86, like someone’s cranked up the heat in a sauna. sea level’s 1028, which, you know, makes sense for a coastal city. ground level is 1020 - just a little lower, probably because i’m constantly slumped over a map.
Lisbon. it’s… a lot. like, a beautiful, chaotic, slightly damp lot. i’ve been wandering around Alfama, trying to find some semblance of order, but it’s just a tangle of cobblestone streets and tiny, overflowing shops. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s perpetually grey, but the light hits the buildings just so sometimes and it’s breathtaking. i swear, the rain is a character in this city. it just exists.
I stumbled into this little tasca - ‘O Trevo’ - completely by accident. someone told me that the sardinhas assadas are legendary. they weren’t wrong. smoky, salty, and utterly addictive. i’m pretty sure i’ve gained five pounds just from the butter.
Speaking of locals, if you get bored, Porto is just a short drive away. I heard that the Ribeira district is a total dive, but in a good way - full of street musicians and ridiculously cheap vinho verde. i met this guy, Ricardo, who runs a vintage record shop near the Praça do Comércio. he was rambling about Fado and the history of the city, and honestly, i just nodded and smiled and bought a scratched copy of Amália Rodrigues. it’s a vibe, you know?
Here’s the gear list, because someone needs to keep track of this madness:
Camera: Canon R6 - still my baby. needs a new battery, though. seriously.
*Notebook: Moleskine - always.
*Rain Jacket: Arc'teryx Beta AR - essential.
*Comfortable Shoes: Tevas - i’m not kidding.
*Portable Charger:* Anker PowerCore 26800 - my lifeline.
I spent an afternoon exploring the LX Factory, a converted industrial complex filled with quirky shops and restaurants. it’s a bit touristy, but it’s also genuinely cool. i found this amazing little ceramics studio - ‘Ceramica Lisboa’ - and bought a ridiculously oversized mug. i’m already planning my coffee routine.
Someone overheard gossip that the best viewpoint in the city is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. it’s a bit of a hike, but the view is worth it. you can see the entire city spread out before you, with the Tagus River shimmering in the distance.
I’m seriously considering just moving here. or at least staying for another week. i need more pastel de natas. and maybe a slightly less intense weather forecast.
I found this little spot near the Time Out Market - ‘A Brasileira’ - that serves the most incredible gin and tonics. it’s a bit of a dive, but the atmosphere is amazing.
“Just go with the flow, man. Lisbon doesn’t care about your schedule.” - A very drunk Portuguese taxi driver.
Seriously, check out this place: TripAdvisor Lisbon Restaurants. And if you’re looking for something a bit more local, Yelp Lisbon is your friend. Also, the local Facebook groups are surprisingly helpful - Lisbon Expats. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations.
Okay, I’m going to go find another pastel de nata. wish me luck. and maybe a nap.