Lisbon Lost in a Humid Dream: 3591415 and a Whole Lotta Sunshine
okay, so i just got back from lisbon and my brain feels like it's been run through a pasta maker. it was… intense. the air itself felt thick, like someone had poured honey into it. the humidity? forget about it. it’s there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
i spent a solid week wandering around, trying to absorb everything. lisbon is all steep hills and crumbling facades, a gorgeous, chaotic mess of terracotta roofs and hidden courtyards. i’m still trying to piece it all together, but here’s the lowdown:
*the numbers are weird: 3591415 and 1320957558 - i don’t even know what they mean, but they felt significant somehow. maybe a serial number for a dream, or a code hidden in the cobblestones? they popped up in random places, like in a cafe menu or on a vintage poster. i'm convinced it's a deliberate aesthetic choice by the city planners.
The weather report said 23.17 "temp", feeling like 23.21. the ground level is 851. it's a bit of a climb if you're not used to it. and the air pressure? 1017, just a little heavier than usual, maybe contributing to that feeling of being slightly underwater. the neighbors? just a few blocks in the distance there’s a vibrant community that often has music playing, but it's too far to really tell what is going on.
i heard a rumor from a woman selling flowers near the Alfama district - she warned me about getting lost in the labyrinthine streets. it's true. it's easy to get delightfully turned around, but that's half the fun. i spent an afternoon just following my nose, stumbling upon tiny bakeries and hidden restaurants.
gear list/pro-tips:
*walking shoes are mandatory. seriously. your feet will thank you.
*umbrella. even if the sun’s shining, it’ll sprinkle. like, a lot.
*cash. lots of it. many smaller places don’t take cards.
*learn a few basic portuguese phrases. it goes a long way.
*don't be afraid to get lost! that's where the magic happens.
overheard gossip: someone told me that the best pastéis de nata are found at a little bakery in Belém, but they’re always sold out by noon. I heard that old man over the Time Out magazine stand is a poet and writes limericks about tourists. and someone actually warned me about avoiding the metro on a Friday afternoon - apparently, it’s a scene.
i also stumbled upon a cool little shop selling vintage clothes. i snagged a dress for a steal! it’s got a seriously bohemian vibe. i'm thinking of posting a pic on my Instagram (@wanderlust_soul) soon.
i’m exploring lisbon now for a new project on historical architecture. check out some great photos of the city on @lisbon_travels. and if you're looking for a great place to grab a coffee, head to @coffeetopia_lisbon.
secretly, i’m craving a good seafood meal. i heard the Time Out* market is a must-visit. but be prepared for a bit of a wait. i’m planning on checking it out on my next trip to Lisbon!
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/hubli-the-city-that-tried-to-sleep-but-couldnt
- https://votoris.com/post/living-in-an-najaf-unfiltered-no-bs
- https://votoris.com/post/bangalore-was-okay-i-guess
- https://votoris.com/post/chnans-underbelly-the-weird-wild-and-wonderful-places-locals-pretend-dont-exist
- https://votoris.com/post/the-real-cost-of-utilities-and-bills-in-bangui-and-why-youll-probably-just-burn-candles