Lisbon’s a Blur: Rain, Pastel Buildings, and Seriously Strong Coffee
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and the sheer force of will. i landed in lisbon yesterday, and honestly, it’s… a lot. like, a beautiful, chaotic, slightly damp lot. the air smells like salt and something vaguely floral, maybe jasmine? i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is clinging to everything, which is kinda nice, actually. it’s like a permanent, gentle hug.
my phone’s already dead, which is a tragedy because i was just about to take a picture of a building that looks like it’s been painted with melted crayons. it’s seriously the most instagrammable thing i’ve seen all week. i’m staying in Alfama, which is basically a giant, winding labyrinth of cobblestone streets. it’s loud, it’s crowded, and everyone seems to be playing some kind of mournful fado music. it’s… intense.
i stumbled into this tiny cafe called ‘O Beco’ - seriously, it’s like stepping back in time. the guy behind the counter, Manuel, looked like he’d seen it all and probably had. he poured me a massive espresso, the kind that could probably wake the dead. someone told me that O Beco is where the local poets come to brood and complain about the weather. i’m not entirely sure what that means, but it sounded intriguing.
Speaking of locals, if you get bored, Porto is just a short drive away. I heard that the seafood there is insane - like, ridiculously insane. I’m thinking of making a detour tomorrow. I’m trying to keep my expenses down, so I’m mostly relying on Yelp for restaurant recommendations. https://www.yelp.com/
I spent the afternoon wandering around the *Praça do Comércio, which is basically a giant, open square overlooking the Tagus River. It’s beautiful, but also packed with tourists. I managed to snag a spot on a bench and just watched the boats go by. It was… peaceful, for a moment. Then a street performer started juggling flaming torches and everything went back to normal.
My gear list is a disaster, obviously. I’ve got my camera, of course - a battered old Canon that’s seen better days. And my sketchbook, because i’m convinced i’m going to spontaneously burst into drawing. Also, a ridiculously oversized backpack that’s currently threatening to swallow me whole. And a portable charger. Seriously, a portable charger.
I found this amazing vintage shop near the Rua Augusta - it was crammed with clothes from the 70s and 80s. I scored a killer denim jacket for a steal. Someone told me that the owner, a woman named Sofia, is a total legend. Apparently, she knows everything about Lisbon’s fashion history. I’m hoping to track her down and pick her brain. https://www.tripadvisor.com/
I’m trying to capture the feeling of the city, you know? The way the light hits the azulejo* tiles, the sound of the trams rattling down the hills, the smell of grilled sardines. It’s… overwhelming, but in a good way. I’m not sure I’m doing a very good job with my photography, but i’m trying.
I overheard gossip at the hostel about a hidden bar in the Bairro Alto called ‘A Tasca do Chico’. Apparently, it’s only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the music is incredible. I’m planning on checking it out tomorrow night. I heard that the bartender, Ricardo, is a bit of a character.
Honestly, i’m exhausted. I need more coffee. And maybe a nap. But first, i’m going to wander around and get lost. That’s the best way to experience a city, right? Right?
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