Lost in Lisbon: A Whirlwind of Numbers and Sunshine
okay, so lisbon. where do i even begin? i'm still processing the whole thing. i landed yesterday and immediately felt like i'd stepped into a Wes Anderson film - all pastel colors and slightly crooked buildings. i'm a *freelance photographer, so my brain is already overflowing with potential shots.
1277022... 1356054525... what even are those? i have absolutely no clue, but i’m convinced they’re some sort of cryptic code the city is using to communicate with the universe. or maybe it's just a random string of numbers someone scribbled down. either way, it stuck with me.
The weather's doing its thing. i just checked and it's...a gentle warmth wrapping around you, like a cozy blanket but not sticky. i heard from a local that this is prime passeio weather. She said the light is just chef's kiss for capturing the city's soul.
I spent most of today wandering Alfama, the oldest district. it's a labyrinth of tiny, cobblestone streets. i seriously got lost approximately 78 times, but that’s part of the charm, right? eventually emerged near Lisbon Cathedral. The architecture is insane. i'm trying to find a decent brunch spot - someone told me that the pastel de nata at Pasteis de Belem is essential, but be prepared for a line. and apparently, don't even think about using your phone while queueing, or you'll face the wrath of the locals.
Overheard gossip: I heard from a woman at a tiny tasca (tavern) that the best fado performances happen in the back alleys. Apparently, the musicians are fiercely independent and don't play for tourists. She hinted at a place near Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
I've noticed the neighbors are incredibly friendly, always offering a smile or a quick chat. If you get bored, Sintra is just a short train ride away - that place looks otherworldly! i'm planning a day trip there tomorrow. I'm also trying to decide between a cooking class or a day at the beach. Decisions, decisions!
The food here is unreal. i've been living on seafood - grilled sardines are a must-try. and the wine! oh, the wine… i'm not a huge wine person usually, but the local whites are surprisingly good. i even stumbled upon a little wine bar down a side street that had a live guitarist playing jazz. it was pure magic.
Pro-tip: wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. you'll be doing a lot of walking. And learn a few basic Portuguese phrases - the locals appreciate the effort. Oh, and be wary of pickpockets; someone warned me that they're particularly active in the tourist areas around Praça do Comércio.
I'm trying to capture the essence of this city in my photos, but it’s proving difficult. it’s more than just pretty pictures; it’s a feeling, a vibe, a certain je ne sais quoi* that’s hard to articulate. I'm also noticing a lot of street art- there's a cool gallery on Rua do Norte, worth checking out. I'm spending tonight at a tiny cafe with strong coffee and plotting my next adventure. it's a beautiful place. check out TripAdvisor for things to do if you're planning a trip. And if you are, let me know! I’m always up for swapping recommendations. Plus, i found a cool travel blog on Nomadic Matt that was really helpful.
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