Lost in Lisbon: Numbers, Sunshine, and a Whole Lotta Pastel de Natas
ok, so i'm still processing. lisbon. just…lisbon. i landed here after a truly bizarre series of events involving a missed flight and a very insistent travel agent. the flight number? 4743275. yeah, i'm not even kidding. it felt like a cosmic joke. and then, the date: 1840022018. seriously? what does that even MEAN?
but alright, enough existential dread. the weather? i just checked and it's…absolutely gorgeous. a balmy 24.88 celsius, feels like 24.81. a gentle breeze, not too humid (53% humidity, surprisingly). the sun is shining, the kind that makes you want to wander aimlessly and get wonderfully lost. the pressure is 1019, which, honestly, i don't even understand, but the vibe is right.
this whole trip feels…unplanned. which is exactly what i needed. i’m usually all about itineraries and spreadsheets, but i threw that all out the window the moment i stepped off the plane. i’m staying in Alfama, a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets. it's charmingly chaotic. the neighbors are a fascinating mix of old-school locals and younger folks drawn in by the city's energy. rumor has it, the best fado houses are tucked away in the smallest, most unassuming doorways. i’m hoping to stumble upon one tonight. maybe check out this list on TripAdvisor for recommendations: TripAdvisor Lisbon Fado.
so far, i’ve mostly been wandering, getting deliciously lost, and eating way too many pastel de natas. seriously, these custard tarts are a religious experience. i heard that Pastéis de Belém is the original, but i’m determined to try as many as humanly possible. i found a tiny little bakery just off the main square that makes them with a secret recipe. it’s pure magic.
*Pro-tip:* wear comfortable shoes. seriously. those cobblestones are beautiful, but brutal on your feet. and be prepared to walk - a lot. i overheard a local telling a tourist that the best way to see lisbon is on foot. and get ready to climb hills. lots of them. it’s part of the charm, i guess.
i've been taking some photos too. nothing fancy, just trying to capture the feeling of the city. it's a photographer’s dream. you can find some killer streets on Yelp: Lisbon Restaurants and Cafes Yelp.
there's a real sense of history here, a feeling that the city is breathing and evolving at the same time. i went to Jerónimos Monastery yesterday - absolutely stunning. the architecture is breathtaking. i’m thinking of taking a day trip to Sintra. apparently, it's filled with fairytale palaces and lush gardens. i’ll probably book a tour through GetYourGuide: GetYourGuide Sintra Tours.
it’s a little overwhelming, to be honest. so much to see, so much to do, so many pastel de natas to eat. and the weather? still amazing. seriously, this city is hitting all the right notes. i’m trying to soak it all in, to just be present and enjoy the moment. i’m going to try and find some local markets to check out, maybe pick up some souvenirs. someone told me that the tile workshops around here are incredible - a real piece of Portuguese history.
but honestly? i’m just happy to be here. lost in Lisbon, with a full stomach and a camera in hand. it’s a good life, you know? definitely staying a while. maybe i'll learn some Portuguese. or maybe i'll just keep eating pastel de natas. either way, it’s going to be a good time.
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/bandrma-turkey-fog-ferries-and-fading-light
- https://votoris.com/post/hamburg-not-trying-too-hard-why-you-should-leave-before-i-get-here-and-meet-the-neighbors-who-walk-dogs-in-rain-boots
- https://votoris.com/post/parttime-hustle-in-khjand-what-a-broke-student-actually-finds
- https://votoris.com/post/keralas-sticky-embrace-a-digital-nomads-sticky-sweatsoaked-love-letter
- https://votoris.com/post/bangkok-burnout-a-chaotic-yoga-escape