Week 3: Life in Lisboa
Digital Nomad & Adventure Balance
Monday, August 15: Dabbling in Digital Nomad-ing
One of my favorite things about being a digital nomad is the chance to change up my work environment. Through Remote Year, we have a great co-working space here in Lisbon but the chance to see a different side of the city while also working always makes me 10x more productive and inspired. On Monday, a few of us set out to explore a few cafes recommended on our “digital nomad cafes” Slack channel (we have one for everything). Our first attempt was Fabrica Coffee Roasters, a comfortably eclectic coffee shop that felt like we walked out of Lisbon and straight into Brooklyn, but it turns out they stopped having wifi at some point in their existence. (Problem #1) In an effort to get online ASAP we hit up what’s essentially the Portuguese Starbucks, A Padaria Portuguesa. It was the most in & out internet ever so we had to bail. (Problem #2) We decided to venture across town to Noobai Cafe but found it closed for the Portuguese holiday (Problem #3- Though I later realized I just navigated us to the wrong spot…sorry Kim & Bryant). 3 hours later we had no wifi, no work done andwere super sweaty from all the uphill walking in the serious Lisbon heat BUT we did find amazing graffiti, got a better sense of direction and saw some incredible sights. We may have delayed our work for the day, but I kind’ve loved the accidental sightseeing adventure!
Tuesday, August 16: Volunteering & Nightlife
I hopped over to Ronald McDonald House in the morning to help the House Manager do some organizing and then sandwiched work around dinner with a great crew at a seafood restaurant called Santiago (great sangria but don’t get the calamari) & some dancing at Park Bar (we’re hooked) before ending the night cranking out work on our amazing rooftop.
Wednesday, August 17: Work Work Work
Wednesday was volunteering round 2 at Ronald McDonald House except this time I got to organize the toys, which was pretty awesome. Afterward I headed in to Beta-i to work and attend an info session on our upcoming home in Rabat, Morocco followed by a photography workshop by the incredibly talented professional photographer and fellow remote, Vanessa Rees.
Thursday, August 18: Photo Fun
I missed the photo walk at 6am that left with the whole crew but decided to still do my own version leaving at 7am. I walked to Alfama with Vanessa’s tasks and tips in mind and it was like night and day how much more I understood my own camera. So fun to chase the morning light and explore the city at a quieter time.
Afterward we grabbed some much needed coffee and breakfast at Nata Lisboa and set off to Tease Bakery to tap into some good wi-fi and get an early start to work. Unfortunately, I later ran into digital nomad disaster and learned that night that my computer had at some point been hacked. When you’re a remote freelancer your computer is literally your livelihood so it’s no surprise how quickly my panic set in. Luckily my sister is in cyber security so she walked me through the best course of action and so far I don’t think I’ve lost anything crucial.
Friday, August 19: Algarve Adventures
The weekend arrived and I set out on my first side trip! We explored the medieval town of Silves, which has basically been around forever. It was occupied by the Moors in the 10th century so there’s a unique blend of Arabic and Roman influences making it perfectly picturesque.
Afterward we explored the caves of Carvoeiro in the Faro district, drove into town and had one of the most delicious meals in all of Portugal at Le Cro.
Saturday, August 20: Hiking, firewater and beach time
Saturday started with a hike through Monchique, a mountain town that grows everything you can imagine. As we walked through the trails we saw local farms growing apples, limes, watermelons, strawberries, tomatoes and of course cork, Portugal’s staple. We ended with lunch at Monte de Lameira, a Medronho distillery, where the sampling of tapas included chorizo sausage, sweet potatoes and the world’s most scrumptious jams & jellies. Dessert was chocolate cake and Medronho, a local fruit brandy known as firewater, made only in small batches out of medronho berries (learn more here). It was strong but oh so good. The family that hosted us was so welcoming and endearing. It was truly special for them to open their home to us and to see them run their family business. Their teenage son even joins the distilling process and owns the sale of the liquor!
We ended the day at Praia do Amado , a huge south facing beach surrounded by stunning cliffs and rolling sand dunes. We had hoped to surf but the conditions were too rough so instead I ventured down the beach to explore. Lucy & I found an amazing little alcove where I could’ve sat all day. Being isolated from the crowd with what felt like untouched nature and watching the power of the ocean was a glorious combo.
Sunday, August 21: Lagos Love
To wrap up the weekend adventure we took a boat from Lagos to see the grottos. It was so relaxing to chill on the boat with great company, jump in the refreshing water and explore the breathtaking caves. Perfect way to close week #3.
