Lost in Lisbon: Numbers, Humidity & a Whole Lotta Pastel de Nata

okay, so lisbon. where do i even start? i'm still processing. it's like the city is exhaling a warm, slightly salty breath all the time. the air hangs heavy, really - they're saying it's 12.31 degrees Celsius, but it feels like 11.71. pretty clingy humidity, tbh. makes you want to just curl up with a coffee and never leave. and the pressure… 1014. feels a bit intense, like the city's holding its breath too.

i arrived with only a vague idea of what i wanted to see. just wanted to feel it, you know? a classic digital nomad move. i’m trying to work remotely, but honestly, the pastel de nata are a serious distraction. seriously, if you’re going to *Lisbon, prioritize the pastries. don't even @ me.

i’m currently holed up in a little Airbnb in Alfama. it's adorable, all winding cobblestone streets and laundry hanging from balconies. the neighbors… they’re a whole vibe. mostly older folks, mostly chatting loudly in Portuguese, mostly looking at me like i’m a slightly bewildered tourist. if you get bored, Porto is just a short train ride away - a whole different energy, but worth checking out. i found a great bus route on Rede Expressos if you’re planning on venturing out.

i spent yesterday wandering around, getting hopelessly lost (it’s practically a requirement in Alfama). stumbled upon some amazing street art in the Mouraria district - seriously impressive stuff. honestly, i'm trying to capture it all on camera, but it's hard to do it justice. i’m aiming for a little photo essay to share on my Instagram later this week.

i'm hearing some interesting rumors. someone told me that the Time Out Market is overpriced but worth it for the experience. another person advised me to avoid the Tram 28 during peak hours - apparently, it’s a chaotic, sardine-can situation. and a local warned me about pickpockets in the touristy areas around the Praça do Comércio. always good to be prepared, right?

the weather is… unpredictable. one minute it's sunshine, the next it’s a light drizzle. i just checked and it's... there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. i’ve learned to pack layers like my life depends on it. lots of neutral colors and a good waterproof jacket.

my biggest tip? ditch the itinerary. seriously. just wander. get lost. say yes to a spontanous coffee with a local. eat all the custard tarts. and don’t stress about seeing everything. it’s about the little moments, the unexpected discoveries. i'm checking out this cool cooking class on Airbnb Experiences tomorrow - aiming to learn how to make the perfect caldo verde. wish me luck.

okay, brain’s fried. time for another pastel de nata and a strong coffee. later!

Pro-tip*: Download a offline map of Lisbon before you go. Trust me on this one.

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