Lost in Lisbon: A Whirlwind of Numbers & Sunshine
okay, so lisbon. what even is lisbon? i landed yesterday, and the numbers are still swirling in my brain: 158214… and then 1834918111. i think it was some kind of flight confirmation code? or maybe my debt? probably the debt. the temp is 17.74°C, feels like 18.08°C. Humidity is insane - 96%. it’s clinging to you like a lovesick octopus. i just checked and it’s… intensely sunny, which is a mood. honestly, the air smells like salt and something vaguely floral, like someone spilled a whole bunch of lavender.
i'm a freelance photographer, so my days usually revolve around chasing light. currently, it’s chasing the light through a maze of alleyways in the *Alfama district. it’s beautiful, but also like navigating a really intense, historical game of hide-and-seek. i swear, every turn reveals another tiny, charming square.
the locals… they’re something else. they’re not unfriendly, per se, just… existing at a different frequency. a lot of old men sitting outside cafes, playing cards and loudly discussing… well, i don’t know what. something vital, i’m sure. if you get bored, Porto is just a short train ride away. supposedly, the food there is even better. someone told me that the best pastel de nata are hidden in a tiny bakery down a side street. i'm on a mission.
i’m staying in a little Airbnb near the Castelo de São Jorge. the view from my window is incredible - the terracotta rooftops cascading down towards the Tagus River. it's picture perfect, but the building itself creaks a lot. i heard that the building is hundreds of years old, and supposedly, it's haunted by a former queen. drunk advice, maybe, but it makes for a good story.
the weather forecast says it's going to be a bit more humid tomorrow, which is… not ideal for carrying around all my gear. speaking of gear - a quick rundown:
Gear List:
Camera (obviously)
Wide-angle lens (essential for those sweeping city shots)
Tripod (for those golden hour shots - which are plentiful)
Extra batteries (always)
Comfortable shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking - seriously, the cobblestones are brutal)
Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
i’ve been getting some weird looks for my camera. apparently, it's considered rude to photograph people without asking, even if they're just sitting at a cafe. someone warned me about that, said the locals are fiercely protective of their privacy. i’m trying to be respectful, of course. it's a delicate balance between capturing the soul of a place and not being a total jerk.
honestly, lisbon is a sensory overload. the sounds of Fado music drifting from open windows, the smell of grilled sardines, the constant buzz of conversations… it’s overwhelming, but in the best possible way. i’m going to explore the Belém* district tomorrow, check out the Jerónimos Monastery. and maybe, just maybe, figure out what 1834918111 actually means. you can find some helpful tips on navigating Lisbon on TripAdvisor. Also, check out Yelp for restaurant reviews. And for some local insights, browse the Lisbon Events board - you never know what hidden gems you might find. anyway, gotta go - the light’s calling.
there’s something about the way the light hits those old buildings that just… sticks with you. it’s the kind of place that gets under your skin, you know? it's making me want to learn Portuguese. or at least know how to say 'please' and 'thank you' without butchering the pronunciation. wish me luck!