Lost in Lisbon: Numbers, Sunshine, and Seriously Strong Coffee

okay, so listen. i'm still trying to process the sheer chaos of lisbon. i landed with a head full of… well, honestly, a head full of random numbers:

2503661



1012186125

weird, right? don't ask me where they came from. the weather? it's… present. really present. the temp is hovering around 18.97°C, feels like 18.18°C. sunshine, definitely sunshine. pressure’s a normal 1024, humidity’s a comfy 48%, and the sea level is matching the ground level at 1013. just a normal day, all things considered.

i’m staying in a tiny apartment in Alfama - completely worth the precarious climb up the hills. it’s like stepping into a postcard, but a postcard that's been slightly smudged with…well, everything. the neighbors? they're a whole different story. a constant symphony of laughter, arguing, cats yowling. it's intense. if you get bored, *Sintra is just a short train ride away - definitely check out Pena Palace. i found some great tips on TripAdvisor about getting around.

i spent yesterday wandering, deliberately getting lost. that’s the best way to experience places, i think. stumble upon hidden squares, tiny cafes where the coffee is strong enough to kickstart a small engine. i swear, the Portuguese have perfected the art of espresso. seriously, it’s an experience. i heard that the best Pastel de Natas are at Pastéis de Belém, but someone told me it's a tourist trap.

actually, i spent a good chunk of this morning just watching life unfold from a little cafe terrace. a group of old men playing cards, a woman meticulously arranging flowers at a stall, kids chasing pigeons in Rossio Square. it's the little moments, you know? someone told me that the best time to visit Alfama is early in the morning, before the tourists swarm in. drunk advice, probably, but worth noting.

the food has been incredible. i’ve been doing my best to avoid the super touristy places, mostly sticking to little tascas tucked away down side streets. i found a fantastic seafood restaurant in Cais do Sodré* - highly recommend checking out Yelp for hidden gems. i'm not a professional chef, but i can tell good food when i taste it. they’ve got this amazing grilled sardines that i’m obsessed with.

there’s a weird energy to this city. it's like it's holding onto centuries of history, but also completely embracing the present. the architecture is stunning - a mix of ancient ruins and colorful, modern buildings. i’ve been trying to capture it all with my camera, but it’s almost impossible. i’m thinking about taking a photography tour. Local Photo Tours seemed interesting.

and the numbers… they keep popping up in my head. i’m starting to think they’re some kind of cryptic clue. maybe it's just stress from trying to navigate the steep hills. anyway, i’m off to explore another neighborhood. who knows what i’ll find?

hope you’re having a decent day wherever you are.