Lisbon’s Sticky Secrets & 3347853 Reasons to Stay

okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm espresso. i landed in lisbon yesterday, and honestly, it’s a beautiful mess. like, aggressively beautiful. the air smells like salt, grilled sardines, and something vaguely floral that i can’t quite place. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is clinging to everything - my hair, my camera gear, my sanity. it’s hovering around 56%, which is basically a sauna hug. the pressure is 1012, which feels…normal, i guess? 862 feet above sea level, which is why my legs are already screaming.

3347853. that’s the number i keep seeing. it’s etched into a tile in a tiny shop selling hand-painted ceramics. i asked the guy about it, and he just shrugged and said, "it’s a thing." a thing, huh? it’s starting to feel like a password to this whole city.

1024023900. that’s the timestamp on a faded postcard i found in a vintage shop. it’s addressed to someone named ‘lucia’ and says, ‘don’t forget the azulejos.’ azulejos. those gorgeous blue and white tiles. i’m obsessed. i spent a ridiculous amount of time wandering around Alfama, getting hopelessly lost in the narrow, cobbled streets. it’s a proper labyrinth. i almost ended up in a cat sanctuary - which, honestly, wouldn’t have been the worst thing.

I stumbled across this place called ‘O Trevo’ - it’s a tiny, unassuming tasca serving the best bifana (pork sandwiches) i’ve had in ages. someone told me that the owner, Manuel, used to be a flamenco dancer. wild, right? i also heard that the rooftop terrace has the best view of the city, but it gets packed. i’m planning to go at sunset, fingers crossed.

Speaking of views, the Jerónimos Monastery is insane. seriously, the scale of it is just…wow. it’s a bit of a tourist trap, sure, but it’s worth battling the crowds for. check out TripAdvisor for some tips on avoiding the worst of the crush: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189499-d122273-Reviews-Jerónimos_Monastery-Lisbon_Lisbon_District.html

I’m staying in a little Airbnb in the Bairro Alto - it’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s perfect. my neighbors are a group of Portuguese musicians who practice their fado music at all hours of the night. it’s…intense. if you get bored, Porto is just a short drive away.

Here’s my gear list, because i’m a sucker for a good list:
Camera (obviously) - a battered Canon AE-1, because why not?
Notebook & Pen - for capturing all the weirdness.
Reusable Water Bottle - gotta stay hydrated in this heat.
Comfortable Shoes - seriously, you’ll be walking a lot.
Sunscreen - don’t be a lobster.
Phrasebook - because my Portuguese is…limited.

And a quick tip: don’t be afraid to get lost. that’s where you’ll find the real gems. i found a tiny bookstore tucked away down a side street that was overflowing with vintage Portuguese literature. it was magical.

I overheard gossip at a bar last night about a hidden speakeasy called ‘A Casa do Emérito’ - apparently, it’s only open on Tuesdays and you have to know someone to get in. i’m adding it to my list.

I also found this amazing vintage shop near the Time Out Market - it’s called ‘Lost & Found’ and it’s a treasure trove of retro clothing and accessories. i scored a killer 70s denim jacket.

“Don’t trust the postcards. They lie.” - A drunk bartender in Alfama.

Seriously, the azulejos are calling to me. i need to go find more. and maybe a stronger espresso.

Check out Yelp for some more restaurant recommendations: https://www.yelp.com/b/lisbon-portugal

And for a local board with events and happenings, this is a good one: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/node/1180

“The best thing about Lisbon is the light. It’s like…liquid gold.” - Something a local warned me about.

Okay, I’m officially exhausted. time for a nap. and maybe another slice of bifana.

Lisbon’s Sticky Secrets & 3347853 Reasons to Stay

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