Porto’s Sticky Secrets & Slightly Damp Socks
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm espresso right now. 3396016 and 1076189884 - don’t ask. it’s a thing. a weird, number-y thing. i landed in porto yesterday, and honestly? it’s… a lot. the humidity is clinging to everything like a desperate ex. 25.06 feels like 26.08, and the pressure’s sitting at 1012, which is just… unsettling. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
I’m staying in this tiny Airbnb near Ribeira - it smells faintly of old wood and something vaguely floral, which is a plus. The walls are paper-thin, so i’m basically living inside a giant, slightly judgmental ear. The neighbors? Let’s just say they’re… enthusiastic. If you get bored, Lisbon is just a short drive away, but honestly, porto’s got its own weird charm. I overheard a group of guys at the bar last night - they were practically shouting about the best pastel de nata in the city. Someone told me that the ‘Pastelaria Santo António’ is the real deal, but I also heard that the ‘Manteigaria’ has a secret recipe passed down through generations. I’m leaning towards the latter, purely for the drama.
Spent the morning wandering around the Luís I Bridge - it’s seriously impressive, all iron and grandeur. The views of the Douro River are insane. I almost fell in trying to get a good photo, which, let’s be real, is a recurring theme in my travels. I’m pretty sure my camera roll is 90% blurry water and panicked faces.
Gear list, because i’m a professional procrastinator:
Camera (obviously) - and a backup battery. Seriously, don’t forget the backup.
Rain jacket - it’s porto, duh.
Comfortable shoes - you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
A phrasebook - my portuguese is… limited.
Earplugs - for the walls.
A ridiculously oversized hat - for sun protection and general fabulousness.
I stumbled across this little shop selling vintage records - it was a goldmine! Found a cracked copy of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon for a steal. It’s probably worth less than the dust on it, but it’s perfect. Check out this local record store: https://www.vinylportugal.com/.
Later, I explored Vila Nova de Gaia, the other side of the river. It’s got a really cool vibe - lots of wineries and port cellars. I took a tour of Sandeman - it was surprisingly informative, and I now know a lot about port wine. I’m not saying I’m an expert, but I can confidently order a glass now.
I’m seriously considering just moving here. It’s chaotic, it’s rainy, and the people are… intense, but there’s something about it that just grabs you. I found a great Yelp review for a seafood restaurant called ‘Marisqueira Rui’ - apparently, their amarajadas are legendary. I’m adding it to my list. https://www.yelp.com/
Speaking of chaos, I almost got run over by a delivery scooter this afternoon. Seriously, these things are everywhere. It’s a constant game of dodging and weaving.
I’m heading out for a galão (a portuguese latte) - it’s basically a giant cup of coffee with loads of milk. It’s the perfect antidote to jet lag and existential dread. If you’re looking for a good place to grab a coffee, check out this local board: https://www.visitporto.com/.
Honestly, porto is a mess. A beautiful, sticky, slightly damp mess. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Pro-tip: Wear socks that you don’t mind getting wet. You’ll thank me later.
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