Porto: Rain, Rum, and Really Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on caffeine and regret. i landed in porto yesterday, and honestly, it’s… a lot. the humidity is clinging to me like a damp towel, and it’s -21.13 feels like -21.13. the pressure is 1014, which is fine, i guess? i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s like stepping into a faded postcard, you know? all grey stone and melancholic accordion music.
my phone’s battery is already at 17%, which is terrifying. i’m trying to document everything, but mostly i’m just staring at buildings and wondering if i accidentally time-traveled. the air smells like salt and something vaguely floral - maybe the port wine? which, obviously, i’ve been sampling. aggressively.
found a tiny little cafe tucked away on a side street - ‘O Biscoito’ - and the owner, a guy named Ricardo, gave me this look when i asked for a black coffee. like, ‘you’re American, aren’t you?’ he didn’t say it, but i felt it. he just poured me a ridiculously strong espresso and pointed vaguely towards a map. i think he was judging my map-reading skills.
Speaking of maps, i’m trying to figure out where to find the Livraria Lello. someone told me that it’s ridiculously crowded, like, mob-sized crowded, but it’s supposed to be breathtaking. i’m prioritizing it, even if it means battling a thousand other tourists. i need a photo op, stat.
I stumbled across this street art scene near the Ribeira district - it’s insane. huge murals everywhere, mostly abstract stuff, but some really clever commentary on, like, capitalism and pigeons. i even tried to sketch one, but my hand just kept shaking. i’m not a good artist, okay? let’s be real.
I overheard some drunk Portuguese guys arguing about the best pastel de nata in the city. apparently, ‘Pastelaria Santo António’ is the gold standard. i’m skeptical, but i’m willing to try anything once. i heard that they use a secret family recipe that’s been passed down for generations. sounds intense. i’m also trying to find a decent place to get a francesinha - that’s like, a massive sandwich with everything on it. it’s a local delicacy, and i’m determined to conquer it.
Okay, logistics. i’m currently rocking a beat-up backpack, a slightly damp camera, and a rapidly dwindling supply of ibuprofen. my essentials: a portable charger (thank god), a phrasebook (mostly useless), and a half-empty bottle of rum.
If you get bored, Vigo and Guimarães are just a short drive away. Seriously, Porto is a good base, but there’s a lot to explore. I’m thinking of checking out the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art tomorrow - TripAdvisor says it’s worth the visit. Also, Yelp has some decent restaurant recommendations, though everything seems to be Portuguese, which is fine, but i’m craving a decent burger.
Speaking of recommendations, a local warned me about pickpockets in the Ribeira district. Just keep your valuables close, apparently. And don’t trust anyone who offers you a free glass of wine. Seriously.
Right now, i’m just sitting in this plaza, watching the rain fall and listening to the city hum. it’s… strangely comforting. i need to find a decent wifi spot to upload these photos before my phone dies completely. maybe i’ll check out this local forum for tips on hidden gems: https://www.portugal444.com/.
And, you know, maybe I'll find a decent coffee shop. Seriously, my caffeine levels are approaching critical.
Okay, that’s it for now. I’m going to go find some rum and contemplate the mysteries of Porto. Wish me luck.
*Pro-Tip: Wear waterproof shoes. Seriously. Don’t be afraid to get lost. Embrace the chaos. Try the pastel de nata. Seriously, the pastel de nata.
Resources:
TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/
Local Forum: https://www.portugal444.com/
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/studying-in-santiago-del-estero-real-talk-on-universities-and-student-life-2
- https://votoris.com/post/recife-riffs-sweat-spirits-and-studio-sessions-in-the-heat
- https://votoris.com/post/lusaka-without-the-fluff-what-no-one-tells-you
- https://votoris.com/post/shadows-and-dust-chihuahua-through-a-lens
- https://votoris.com/post/best-suburbs-in-yaound-for-families-and-young-professionals-my-digital-nomad-take-2023