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 volume of pastel buildings. 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, which is a weird combo but i’m kinda digging it. 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 1004 pressure and 100% humidity, which, as a drummer, is basically my natural habitat.
my hotel, the ‘Casa da Esquina,’ is tucked away in Alfama, which is basically a giant, winding labyrinth of cobblestone streets. it’s gorgeous, but also a guaranteed way to lose your phone. i spent an hour looking for it this morning. someone told me that the best pastel de nata are at Pastéis de Belém - seriously, don’t even think about it until you’ve tried them. i’m already down three.
I was wandering around Baixa, trying to find a decent place for lunch, and overheard some guys at a bar talking about a hidden courtyard with live fado music. they said it’s only open on Tuesdays, and it’s called ‘O Velho Eurico.’ i’m adding it to the list. i need a distraction from the rain.
Speaking of distractions, the locals are… intense. they’re all incredibly friendly, but also fiercely protective of their city. i tried to take a photo of a particularly picturesque street corner, and a woman gave me a look. like, a serious, ‘you don’t understand the soul of this place’ look. i apologized profusely and moved on. i think i’ll stick to photographing buildings.
Here’s the gear i’m lugging around:
My trusty Roland TD-50 - gotta lay down some beats, ya know?
Sony a7iii - for the pretty pictures (when the sun decides to show up).
Drone - for aerial shots (hopefully without attracting too much attention).
Noise-canceling headphones - essential for surviving the crowds.
Portable espresso maker - because caffeine is my lifeblood.
A ridiculously oversized backpack - it’s basically a mobile home.
I heard that the LX Factory is a must-see - it’s basically a converted industrial complex filled with shops, restaurants, and art studios. it’s a bit touristy, but still worth a visit. check out their website for events: LX Factory Website
And if you’re looking for a good place to grab a bite, I recommend Time Out Market Lisboa. it’s a food hall with everything from seafood to burgers. i had the best grilled octopus of my life there.
I’m heading to Príncipe Real next - it’s supposed to be a really cool neighborhood with antique shops and botanical gardens. if you get bored, Sintra is just a short drive away. it’s like, a fairytale town with castles and palaces. seriously, go.
I’m also trying to find a decent coffee shop. i need something strong, something dark, something that will kickstart my brain. i’m on the hunt for a place that serves a proper espresso. i heard that ‘The Singleton’ is pretty good, but it’s always packed.
Overall, Lisbon is a beautiful mess. it’s loud, it’s crowded, it’s rainy, and it’s utterly captivating. i’m not sure how much longer i can handle it, but i’m definitely not leaving anytime soon.
Check out some more Lisbon recommendations here: TripAdvisor Lisbon and Yelp Lisbon.
And if you're looking for some local insights, this Reddit thread is gold: r/lisbon
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