Lost in Lisbon: 3006622 & a Whole Lotta Humidity
okay, so lisbon. where do i even begin? i’m pretty sure i’m still processing the sensory overload. i landed late, right? and the air… seriously, the air. i just checked and it’s… thick. like, you can practically swim in it. 10.85 Celsius, which feels like 10.13, paired with 82% humidity. it’s a whole thing. my phone almost short-circuited.
i’m working with some… interesting numbers here. 3006622 and 1250505606. no idea what they mean, but they’ve been swirling around in my head ever since i checked into my ridiculously charming, albeit slightly creaky, guesthouse. it’s near *Alfama, and the cobblestone streets are a labyrinth. seriously, i got lost trying to find a pastel de nata. which, by the way, are life-changing.
my days have been a blur of wandering. the Tram 28 is a must-do, even if you’re crammed in like a sardine. the views from São Jorge Castle are incredible, especially at sunset. i spent an afternoon just sitting in Príncipe Real park, people-watching and trying to decipher the local lingo. it’s a mix of Portuguese and… something else. a kind of melodic chatter i can’t quite place.
*Essential Gear: Comfortable shoes (seriously, you'll walk forever), a reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!), and a good camera. (i’m a freelance photographer, so obvious, right?)
*Pro-Tip: Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases. The locals appreciate the effort.
*Don't Forget: A portable charger - your phone will die faster than you can say ‘cerveja’.
i stumbled upon this tiny little tasca (that’s a small restaurant) in Bairro Alto that served the most amazing seafood. it was packed with locals, and the only menu was handwritten on a chalkboard. i heard that someone told me that the best meals are always found in the places you least expect them. And it was true.
the locals are… interesting. they’re friendly enough, but there’s a certain world-weariness in their eyes. they’ve seen things, i guess. if you get bored, Sintra is just a short ride away. it’s like stepping into a fairytale. i’m planning a day trip there tomorrow. i even considered taking a cooking class - there are some great options on Yelp - but honestly, i’m happy just soaking it all in.
i keep hearing whispers about some underground art scene happening in the LX Factory. someone warned me that it can be a bit… gritty. but hey, that’s half the fun, right? i’m also trying to find a good spot to just… write. the cafes here are cute, but often crowded. i'm thinking of checking out this co-working space i found on a local board.
the weather’s been doing its thing - sudden bursts of sun followed by a downpour. it's a typical european spring, i suppose. the air smells like salt and something vaguely floral. i’m starting to think i’m going to have to invest in one of those ridiculous umbrellas. it’s just… a lot. but in the best possible way. i’m feeling completely unmoored, a little bit overwhelmed, and utterly charmed. i’m pretty sure i’m going to need another pastel de nata. and maybe a very strong coffee.
i think i'll spend tomorrow exploring the Belém* district. it's supposed to have some beautiful monuments and historical sites. i might even try to find that hidden bar someone told me about. it’s probably just a rumor, but a girl can dream, right? i'm also keeping an eye out for street art. there's some amazing stuff popping up all over the city.
you can find more info on Lisbon travel at TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187791-Lisbon_Central_Portugal-Vacations.html and explore local restaurants on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/ and check out local events at https://www.visitlisboa.com/en. so yeah, that’s lisbon in a nutshell (or, more accurately, a very humid, cobblestone-covered nutshell).