Lisbon’s Sticky Secrets & Slightly Broken Beats

okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm espresso. 2327879… that’s the number of pastel-colored tiles i’ve stared at today. 1566192714 - that’s the timestamp of my brain completely short-circuiting trying to process all this. the air here is thick, like honey mixed with salt, and it’s clinging to everything. it’s 22.29 feels like 23, honestly. pressure’s at 1012, humidity’s a solid 86 - feels like stepping into a sauna that’s been left open for a week. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.

Lisbon. it’s… a lot. i landed yesterday and immediately felt like i’d stumbled into a slightly faded postcard. the streets are a chaotic dance of scooters, trams that sound like they’re about to explode, and people yelling about something - probably football. i’m staying in Alfama, which is basically a giant, crumbling labyrinth of alleys and tiny restaurants. it’s beautiful, in a ‘about-to-collapse-at-any-moment’ kind of way.

I spent the morning wandering around the *Praça do Comércio, which is massive and overlooks the Tagus River. it’s seriously impressive, all grand and stuff. someone told me that the best pastel de nata in the city is at Pastéis de Belém - a bit of a trek, but apparently worth it. i’m skeptical, but i’m always up for a pastry pilgrimage. i checked Yelp and it’s got 4.5 stars, which is promising.

Then i got completely lost. like, seriously, hopelessly lost. i ended up in a tiny square with a fountain and a bunch of old men playing dominoes. they didn’t speak a word of English, but they gave me a thumbs up and a wink. that’s Lisbon in a nutshell, i think.

Here’s the gear list, because i’m apparently obsessed with organization (don’t judge):
*My battered Roland TR-808 drum machine - essential for capturing the city’s rhythm.
*A ridiculously oversized backpack - because you need space for snacks and questionable souvenirs.
*Noise-canceling headphones - for when the city gets too loud (which is often).
*A notebook and pen - for scribbling down random thoughts and terrible poetry.
*A portable charger - because my phone battery dies faster than my enthusiasm.

I stumbled across this amazing little bar called “A Tasca do Chico” - it’s tucked away down a side street and the owner, Chico, is a legend. he makes this incredible gin and tonic with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of orange. i overheard gossip that he used to be a fisherman, but now he just makes drinks and tells stories. i heard that he’s a bit of a recluse, but if you catch him on the right night, he’ll spin you a yarn about the sea.

Speaking of locals, if you get bored, Porto is just a short drive away. Apparently, they have even more tiles. i’m not sure i’m ready for that level of tile obsession.

I spent the afternoon exploring the Castelo de São Jorge, which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. the views are insane - you can see for miles. it’s a bit touristy, but it’s still worth a visit. i saw a couple getting engaged there, which was pretty sweet.

I’m heading to the LX Factory tomorrow - it’s an old industrial complex that’s been converted into a creative hub. there are shops, restaurants, and art studios. i heard that it’s a bit grungy, but in a cool, edgy way.

Seriously, the humidity is a thing. it’s like trying to breathe through a wet towel. but honestly, i’m kind of loving it. it’s… immersive.

And the food! don’t even get me started on the food. i’ve been eating bifanas (pork sandwiches) and francesinha* (a massive sandwich with layers of meat and cheese) and i’m not even remotely sorry.

I’m going to try and catch a Fado performance tonight - it’s a traditional Portuguese music genre that’s incredibly soulful. i heard that it’s best experienced in Alfama, where it originated.

Okay, i need to go. my feet hurt, my brain is fried, and i think i just saw a pigeon wearing a tiny hat.

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