Porto’s a Blur: Rain, Sardines, and Seriously Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm espresso. 56414… 1706959191. doesn’t even begin to describe the last 72 hours. porto. it’s… intense. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 25.22 feels like 25.7, pressure’s 1016, humidity’s clinging to me like a damp towel. it’s a beautiful kind of cling, honestly.
I landed, immediately got lost trying to find my Airbnb (seriously, the GPS is actively mocking me), and then stumbled into this tiny tasca - a proper, dimly lit, smells-like-old-fish tasca. Ordered a plate of sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines). let me tell you, it was an experience. a salty, oily, slightly terrifying experience. but good. really good.
I’m a touring session drummer, so my usual travel style is ‘wing it and hope for the best,’ and porto is definitely testing my limits. i’m trying to document everything, but my phone’s battery is staging a full-blown rebellion. i’ve got a beat-up Roland 808 and a half-empty bottle of water - that’s pretty much my survival kit.
Spent yesterday wandering around the Ribeira district. it’s a chaotic mess of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and tourists snapping photos like they’re trying to capture the soul of a particularly grumpy pigeon. i overheard some drunk advice from a guy leaning against a wall - someone told me that the best pastel de nata (custard tarts) are at Manteigaria, but also that the guy who runs it has a serious gambling problem. take it with a grain of salt, obviously.
Speaking of food, i found this incredible little place near the Livraria Lello - the bookstore that apparently inspired J.K. Rowling (or at least, that’s the rumor). it’s called ‘O Buraco’ - literally ‘the hole’ - and it’s serving up the most amazing octopus stew. i’m pretty sure i’m going to live off octopus stew for the rest of my trip. check out their Yelp page: https://www.yelp.com/
I’m trying to capture the vibe, you know? the slightly melancholic, slightly frenetic energy of the city. it’s like porto is simultaneously trying to seduce you and warn you at the same time. it’s… complicated.
I’m staying in a converted warehouse near the docks - it’s surprisingly cool, all exposed brick and industrial chic. the neighbors are mostly artists and musicians, which is a plus. if you get bored, Vila Nova de Gaia, where the port wine cellars are, are just a short drive away.
Here’s a quick gear list, because i’m apparently incapable of packing efficiently:
Roland 808 (obviously)
Beater sticks (duh)
A ridiculously oversized backpack
A half-empty bottle of water
A phrasebook (i’m mostly relying on charades)
Earplugs (porto is loud)
* A healthy dose of skepticism
I also stumbled across this amazing street art scene - tons of murals and graffiti everywhere. it’s a bit gritty, a bit rebellious, and totally captivating. i’m trying to find some local artists to connect with, but so far, i’ve mostly just been staring at walls.
I heard that the Serralves Museum is worth a visit, but honestly, i’m too exhausted to move. maybe tomorrow. or maybe never. who knows?
Seriously, if you’re looking for a city that’s going to mess with your head and your stomach, porto is your place. just be prepared to get lost, eat a lot of sardines, and question your life choices.
Check out TripAdvisor for some more Porto recommendations: https://www.tripadvisor.com/
And for a local forum, this one seems pretty active: https://www.portaldacidade.com/
Okay, i’m going to go find another espresso. and maybe another plate of sardines. don’t judge.
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