Lost in Lisbon (and my Thoughts)
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okay, so. lisbon. it’s…a lot. seriously, a sensory overload in the best and most chaotic way possible. i’m feeling like a slightly rumpled, sleep-deprived touring musician right now, which makes sense because the last few weeks have been a blur of gigs and late nights. the whole thing feels like one long, slightly off-key chorus.
The weather here is…well, it's surprisingly mild. i just checked, and it’s 25.95 Celsius, feels like that too, right now, hope you like that kind of thing. humid though - 83% humidity. my guitar is definitely sensing it. it's all a bit sticky, honestly, especially after a good set at a tiny bar in Alfama.
I've been wandering around, trying to find a good spot to just…be. you know? Lisbon has these amazing little squares, and the Fado music spilling out of the restaurants…it’s just so thick with history and emotion. it’s the kind of place that makes you want to write a song, or at least hum a tune. i’m constantly looking for potential stage spots, even if it’s just a corner in a cafe. you never know where inspiration will strike.
I heard that the food here is incredible, and honestly, i’ve been living on pastéis de nata - they’re dangerously addictive. i checked out a few places on Yelp and apparently, check out the reviews on TripAdvisor. i’m trying to avoid the super touristy spots, although, let’s be honest, getting lost is half the fun. and the hills! oh god, the hills. my poor legs are screaming.
I’m staying in a little guesthouse in the Bairro Alto - it’s…compact. think vintage charm meets ‘barely enough space to swing a cat’. my neighbors seem nice enough, though. if you get bored, Porto is just a short train ride away, and Sintra is a beautiful day trip. I’ve been trying to capture the light, the shadows, the faces… all that stuff that makes a city feel alive. it’s tough with the humidity, it’s always a battle with the equipment, but i’m trying.
Someone told me that the nightlife here is legendary. which is good, because my energy levels are definitely flagging. I’m trying to find a balance between exploring and recharging. there are a ton of interesting music venues, although finding the smaller, more local ones takes some digging. VisitLisboa is a great resource for finding events and things to do. i'm also keeping an eye on local listings and forums - you never know what hidden gems you might stumble upon.
Anyway, gotta go find some coffee and maybe try to write something that doesn’t sound like a rambling stream of consciousness. This city is full of stories, and i'm hoping to catch a few of them before i have to move on. This whole trip feels like a collection of moments - blurred photographs, half-remembered melodies, the smell of pastries in the morning. The Violinist has some cool articles on touring life, if you’re into that sort of thing.
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