Lost in the Grid (and a Little Bit of Myself)
3991164. That's…something. Honestly, I don’t even know what it is. Maybe a zip code? Maybe a random string of numbers conjured up by the universe to mess with me. Anyway, I'm currently somewhere in the middle of… well, I’m not entirely sure where. The GPS is acting weird, and the street signs are a delightful mix of Spanish and something I can't quite decipher. It’s not terrible, just… off.
The weather is… brisk. 11.22 degrees Celsius, which feels more like 10.04. A little chilly, but not aggressively so. I just checked and it's…there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. Definitely pack layers. I'm sporting a ridiculous scarf I found in a thrift store - it’s seen better days, but it keeps the wind off my face.
I’m trying to find a decent place to set up and…do something. I’m a…well, I’m a bit of everything, really. Mostly a traveler, but also a chronic over-thinker and a terrible coffee addict. Anyone have recommendations for a good cafe around here? I'm desperate. I heard that the little place on Calle Flores makes a mean cortado, but I haven’t quite found it yet.
I’ve been trying to capture the light - it’s that late afternoon golden hour kind of glow. It makes everything look… almost hopeful. I'm not sure if it's accurate or just wishful thinking, but it's nice. There's a lot of brick here and older buildings; I'm imagining I could do some cool portraits if I found some interesting faces. Maybe I’ll try to find a hidden alleyway later - the kind with graffiti and overflowing flower boxes. I did see a street art tour listed on TripAdvisor - might be worth checking out.
I'm staying in a little Airbnb - incredibly basic, but clean. The neighbors seem quiet. If you get bored, [cities] are just a short drive away. Apparently, the local museum has a surprisingly extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts - I'm not usually one for museums, but I'm open to anything at this point. Someone told me that the food stalls in the plaza are the place to be for authentic local cuisine. I need to find those!
This place feels…layered. Like a story with a lot of hidden details. I’m not sure I’m deciphering it, but I’m enjoying the process. Honestly, I’m enjoying the disorientation. It’s a good reset, I think. A chance to just…be. I’m planning on heading to that viewpoint near the old church later - supposedly the sunset is amazing. I’m also checking out the local music scene - according to Bandcamp there's a pretty active indie community around here.
It’s late now. My feet ache, and my brain feels full of tangents. I should probably find a place to sleep. But first, one more walk through the streets. The air smells like dust and something floral - maybe jasmine? Definitely something unexpected.
Anyway, wish me luck. And if you happen to be passing through, send coffee (and maybe a map that actually makes sense).
Lonely Planet has some good local guides if you ever find yourself here. I'm off to look for that cortado…
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