Lost in Lisbon: Numbers, Sunshine, & Questionable Pastéis de Nata

okay, so. lisbon. just…lisbon. i'm still trying to process it all, honestly. it’s a whirlwind of pastel buildings, hills that’ll make you question your life choices, and a whole lotta charming chaos. and numbers? yeah, those popped up a lot. 6690107 and 1356779437. what even are those? i have absolutely no clue, but they felt…significant. like some ancient code hidden in the cobblestone streets.

the weather here is…cheeky. they're saying temp is 22.93°C, feels like 22.95°C, and the humidity is clinging to you like a persistent friend. i just checked and it's…warm and slightly damp, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s the kind of heat that makes you want to sit in a cafe and just watch the world go by, which, let's be real, is exactly what i've been doing.

i spent a chunk of yesterday wandering Alfama, getting gloriously lost in the maze of narrow alleys. it’s a sensory overload - the smell of grilled sardines, the sound of Fado music leaking from doorways, the vibrant colors everywhere. it’s the kind of place where you can't help but stumble upon hidden gems. someone told me that if you look closely at the azulejo tiles, you can find little stories etched into the patterns. maybe. i definitely didn't find any. but i found a tiny bakery with the most incredible pastéis de nata. seriously, life-changing.

and the locals! the people here are…passionate. i saw a heated debate over the best bifana (pork sandwich) - it was intense! if you get bored, Sintra is just a short train ride away. they say the Pena Palace is like something out of a fairytale and, honestly, i'm inclined to believe them. i heard that the queues can be insane though, so maybe go super early. i’m thinking of checking out some street art - there’s a whole scene popping up in the Mouraria district. something a local warned me about was to keep an eye on my belongings in crowded areas - standard travel advice, i guess.

basically, lisbon is a city that grabs you by the collar and shakes you until you let go. it’s a little rough around the edges, a little chaotic, and absolutely captivating. i'm trying to soak it all in, one pastel de nata at a time. i’m definitely going to need more coffee though. it's a major priority. check out this cool resource for finding cafes: Yelp Lisbon and if you're planning a trip, this TripAdvisor guide is pretty helpful: TripAdvisor Lisbon.

i'm just a bit overwhelmed by all the options. it’s a good problem to have, right? now, if you’ll excuse me, i’m going to go find a viewpoint and stare at the city until my legs give out. maybe try a fado show? or just wander. that’s the lisbon way, isn't it?

i saw a guy playing the guitar on the street, completely lost in his music. it was the kind of moment that makes you feel like you’re really alive. it reminds me of that time i tried to busk in Berlin and completely butchered a Bob Dylan song. good times.

oh, and another thing! apparently, the trams are a nightmare during peak hours. something about everyone wanting to ride them. just a heads up from a fellow sufferer.

if you're interested in more Lisbon insights, you can find some great tips on The Blonde Abroad.