Porto’s Sticky Secrets & Slightly Damp Socks
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm espresso right now. porto. it’s… intense. like, a beautiful, crumbling, slightly-too-humid intense. i landed yesterday and immediately felt like i’d stepped into a faded postcard. the air’s thick, you know? like, you can almost taste the salt and the history. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 19.49 degrees, 92% humidity, pressure’s holding steady at 1014. feels like 19.9. it’s a weird combo, honestly.
I’m staying in this tiny little place near Ribeira - seriously, it’s basically a glorified cupboard, but the location is prime. i found it on Airbnb, obviously. someone told me that the best pastel de nata are at Manteigaria, but i’m also keeping an eye out for that hole-in-the-wall place everyone whispers about. you know, the one with the suspiciously perfect custard.
Spent the morning wandering around the Luís I Bridge. it’s massive, obviously, and the views are insane. you can see the Douro River snaking its way through the city, and the colorful buildings clinging to the hillsides. it’s a total instagram dream, but also, like, a serious workout climbing all those stairs. i almost died. almost.
I stumbled across this little courtyard filled with plants - it was ridiculously charming. felt like i’d wandered onto a movie set. i’m trying to capture the vibe of this place, you know? the way the light hits the stone walls, the sound of the river, the smell of… well, everything. it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.
Speaking of sensory overload, the food. oh god, the food. i had a francesinha last night - it’s basically a sandwich drowning in beer gravy. it was… an experience. i’m not sure i’d call it enjoyable, but it was definitely memorable. i heard that the seafood is incredible here, so i’m planning on hitting up some of the restaurants along the waterfront. check out this Yelp guide: https://www.yelp.com/search?keyword=seafood+porto
I’m trying to be a responsible traveler, but let’s be real, i’m also a sucker for a good souvenir. i’ve been eyeing up these azulejo tiles - they’re everywhere, you know? beautiful, intricate patterns. i need to resist the urge to buy them all. maybe.
My gear list is a disaster, as usual. i’ve got my camera, of course - the Sony a7iii is my baby. https://www.sony.com/alpha - and a bunch of lenses. i’m still trying to figure out how to use the panorama mode. it’s a struggle. also, socks. i’m perpetually damp socks. it’s a porto thing, i think.
I’m meeting a local photographer, Ricardo, tomorrow. he’s shooting a series on the city’s street art. i’m hoping he can give me some tips on capturing the energy of the Ribeira district. i found his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardoportophoto/
If you get bored, Vila Nova de Gaia, just a short drive away, is worth checking out. They’re famous for their port wine cellars. i’m planning on doing a tasting there later this week.
I overheard some drunk tourists at the bar last night saying that the Livraria Lello is ridiculously crowded and overpriced. but someone else told me it’s a must-see. i’m leaning towards the latter, honestly. it looks insane.
Seriously, the humidity is a thing. i’m considering investing in a dehumidifier. or maybe just a really, really good raincoat.
Okay, gotta run. i think i just saw a pigeon eyeing my sandwich. porto, you’re a wild card. check out TripAdvisor for more Porto tips: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g190968-Activities-Porto_Portugal.html
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