Lisbon's a Blur: Rain, Pastel Buildings, and Seriously Strong Coffee
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and the sheer force of will. 2271772… that’s the timestamp on my phone, i guess? 1620896557. doesn’t actually mean anything, does it? just a random string of numbers. i’ve been in *Lisbon for, like, five days and it feels like a lifetime of squinting at crumbling walls and trying to decipher Portuguese menus. the humidity is clinging to everything - my hair, my clothes, my sanity. it’s 1028 pressure, 61% humidity, sea level 1028, ground level 1017. yeah, that’s…precise. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
seriously, the rain. it’s not a dramatic, cinematic downpour. it’s more like a persistent, melancholic drizzle that just is. it’s the kind of rain that makes you want to curl up with a book and a ridiculously strong espresso. which, let’s be honest, is exactly what i’ve been doing. i found this tiny cafe, ‘O Bairro’, tucked away on a side street in Alfama. the coffee was dark, bitter, and chased with a pastel de nata that practically melted in my mouth. pure bliss.
I overheard some guys at the bar - clearly tourists, judging by the bewildered expressions - talking about a hidden fado house. someone told me that ‘Clube de Fado’ is the real deal, but you need to know someone to get in. i’m not saying i’m a local, but i’m definitely not a tourist. i’m somewhere in between, perpetually lost and slightly overwhelmed.
Speaking of lost, navigation here is a nightmare. google maps is actively trying to sabotage me. i spent an hour wandering around a maze of narrow streets, convinced i was going in circles. if you get bored, Porto is just a short drive away, apparently. though honestly, i’m perfectly happy getting lost in Lisbon. it’s…atmospheric.
Here’s the lowdown on what i’ve been up to, in case you’re actually interested (which, let’s be real, probably isn’t):
*Coffee: Seriously, prioritize the coffee. It’s a religion here. Check out ‘Time Out Market Lisboa’ for a huge selection, but be prepared for crowds. I also stumbled upon a place called ‘Sr. Fogaça’ - their bolo de arroz is insane. https://www.timeoutmarket.pt/lisboa/en/
*Pastries: Pastel de nata are non-negotiable. Every bakery claims to have the best, so just try a few and decide for yourself. Don’t even think about leaving without one.
*Alfama: Get lost in Alfama. Seriously, just wander. You’ll find hidden squares, tiny shops, and incredible views. It’s chaotic, but it’s beautiful.
*Tram 28: It’s touristy, yes, but it’s also a fantastic way to see the city. Go early to avoid the crowds. https://www.lisboa-direto.pt/en/tram-28-lisbon/
*LX Factory:* This industrial complex is full of cool shops, restaurants, and street art. It’s a good place to spend an afternoon. https://www.lxfactory.com/
I heard that the Jerónimos Monastery is worth a visit, but honestly, i’m more into the vibe of the city itself. i’m not saying it’s perfect, but it’s…real. and a little bit messy.
And the people! they’re…loud. and passionate. and incredibly friendly, even if they don’t speak much English. i saw an elderly woman yelling at a taxi driver - it was epic. i also saw a group of teenagers breakdancing in a square. it was…unexpected.
I’m seriously considering just staying here forever. or at least until i can find a decent night’s sleep.
Oh, and one last thing: check out the local Yelp page for hidden gems. https://www.yelp.com/map/lisbon-portugal It’s a chaotic mess, but you might find something amazing. Just…be prepared to get lost. a lot.