Porto: Rain, Rum, and Seriously Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on caffeine and regret. 3459035 and 1076361223… honestly, i don’t even know why i’m writing this down. it’s just… a thing. i landed in porto yesterday, and it’s… intense. like, aggressively intense. the humidity is clinging to me like a second skin, and it’s currently… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 72% humidity, 27.29 degrees, feels like 29.55 - the kind of weather that makes you question all your life choices.
I checked Yelp and TripAdvisor, and everyone’s saying the Francesinha is a must-try. someone told me that it’s basically a sandwich so massive it requires its own zip code, and you’ll need a forklift to get it to your table. i’m not sure i’m brave enough. i’m leaning towards pastel de nata - those custard tarts are legendary for a reason.
I’m staying in this tiny little place near Ribeira. it’s basically a converted warehouse, and the walls are paper-thin. i heard a guy arguing about football at 3 am. it was… a lot. my neighbors are a retired accordion player and a guy who collects vintage bottle caps. seriously. bottle caps. if you get bored, Vila Nova de Gaia is just a short drive away - they’re known for their port wine, obviously.
Spent the afternoon wandering around the Luís I Bridge. it’s seriously impressive, all iron and grandeur. the views of the Douro River are insane. i almost fell off a few times, tbh. my balance isn’t what it used to be after that gig in Berlin last month.
I stumbled across this street art scene - it’s wild. huge murals everywhere, mostly abstract stuff. i saw one that looked like a giant octopus wrestling a pineapple. i don’t even.
Here’s the gear list, because someone always asks:
Camera (obviously) - a battered Canon 5D Mark IV. it’s seen better days, but it still spits out decent photos.
Lenses - 24-70mm, 70-200mm, and a ridiculously wide-angle thing i found at a flea market.
Notebook and pen - for capturing all the chaotic thoughts.
Portable charger - because i’m perpetually out of battery.
* Earplugs - for the accordion player.
I overheard a group of tourists at a bar saying that the Livraria Lello is the most beautiful bookstore in the world. it’s apparently Harry Potter-esque. i’m not a huge Potter fan, but i’m willing to check it out.
I also heard that the Mercado do Bolhão is a total sensory overload - fresh produce, fish, flowers… it’s a proper market. i’m planning on going tomorrow.
Seriously, this city is a mess. a beautiful, chaotic, rum-soaked mess. it’s the kind of place that gets under your skin. i’m not sure i’m ready to leave.
Speaking of rum… i found this tiny bar tucked away down a side street. the bartender - a grizzled old guy named Manuel - told me that the best way to experience porto is to just get lost. and drink a lot of port. he also warned me about the ‘fado’ - traditional portuguese music - it’s supposedly incredibly sad. i’m intrigued.
I’m gonna go find some pastel de nata. wish me luck. and maybe a stronger coffee.
Oh, and one last thing: don’t trust anyone who tells you porto is ‘boring.’
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