Today I am reminded of the "Sex in the City" episode where Carrie explores the fine art of dining alone.  I'm starting to get used to it. I have had lunch with my colleagues once and dinner at the home of one, but other than that, I'm flying solo. I've repressed the desire to bring my laptop to a restaurant and read the NYT while I eat. I just people watch -- which is weird as I am usually the only person alone. It's a lesson in self-confidence for sure.

I am somewhat tired of Portuguese food -- not that I don't like it, but I am definitely habituated to a varied diet. So, today I went to an Italian place for lunch. It was actually quite good. Though it was my first experience with a restaurant that had a smoking and non-smoking section. I thought that Portugal had transitioned completely to a non-smoking indoors policy. There are always the holdouts.

I am writing from my hotel balcony. Can't move into my new apartment until February 1. I am very aware that my tolerance for noise has already increased. My home in Louisville, CO was absolutely silent most of the time -- except for the kids playing outside (and those awful battery operated "cars" they would drive around) during the day and the coyotes in the distance (and sometimes not so distant) at night. Lisbon is a small city, and the airport is right here....not in a suburb. I don't really hear the planes landing anymore. Funny what you get used to. I'm watching a plane coming in for a landing right now. If I didn't know better, I would think it was about to hit a building.

I'm getting used to the idea that to get all your essential shopping needs met, one must go into several shops. No more getting Advil, lotion, some organic milk, and a notebook at Target. Though I do appreciate the fact that I may now buy a bottle of wine at the grocery store again (stupid Colorado blue laws!), it's still a little odd to me to have to ask for some ibuprofen and have them ask me why I need it. However, it is nice that I can get pills of higher dosage than is allowed in the US -- saves me from taking multiples!

Speaking of pharmaceuticals -- many of my friends posted an article regarding Portugal's decriminalization of street drugs. I have now had several conversations and read a bit more about it and discovered it isn't quite the way it was portrayed in the English-language media. They have instituted what, I believe, many counties have instituted in the US which is the criminal justice system acting more as a conduit so that people can receive medical care and treatment for drug addiction as an ailment rather than a crime. However, blatant drug use may still result in some sort of police action - it's just that the consequences are more inline with preventing further use rather than punitive. My understanding is that drug related HIV transmission has been reduced by this new policy.

Okay...I have to go deal with what I have dubbed "The Castle" (Kafka). Otherwise known as FCT. Portugal's version of NSF (National Science Foundation). I have experienced frustrating levels of bureaucracy (Oakland City Government), but this goes beyond...I would almost be impressed by this level of bureaucracy, if it didn't affect when they pay out the grant!!

Beijinhos!

I found an apartment! Fully furnished (the photos include the owner's personal stuff which will be removed before I move in and I need to get rid of those red plastic dining room chairs), great area, and only a 10 minute walk from ICS.

I'm excited to finally settle in, though that won't happen until February 1. Until then, I'm comfortable at the Hotel Lutecia where my balcony provides a nice view and a place to enjoy a glass of wine as I watch the sunset. (It also has great wifi which is my main form of communication right now.) I need to get a cell phone, but a local address helps :-)

Otherwise, I have attended a doctoral defense and found it so much more formal than the defense I survived. The committee members wear their doctoral robes and it is the committee, not the student, that are center stage (literally)--the student sits at a desk in front of the stage (think congressional hearing). The audience is silent and never asked to participate other than to leave when the candidate leaves for the "deliberation". 

My Portuguese is improving every day -- as is my confidence. Still trying to get used to the slight contradiction that Portuguese people seem to be very reserved yet they also don't seem to have any concept of personal space. I'm also still trying to figure out when I kiss on both cheeks and when I just shake hands. To be on the safe side,  I go in for the handshake and see if they come in for the kiss. I think I'm getting the distinction, hand shake for formal business/academic interactions. When a friend is introducing me to another friend, definitely double kiss. The difficulty comes in the work place where I need an organizational chart that delineates hand shake people/kiss people. 

Ah, yes, and January is sales month in Portugal -- and I've got a lot of time on my hands. God help me! 

x

Welcome to my blog! 


I hope this blog will be a way for me to stay in touch with friends and family as well as document this adventure for myself. If you aren't in the loop -- I have moved to Lisbon, Portugal as a postdoctoral research fellow at ICS (Instituto de Ciências Sociais  or the Institute of Social Sciences). I start February 1.


I arrived in Lisbon on January 19 where my new colleague, Rui Lopes, picked me up from the airport and took me on a wonderful tour of the city and then his home for a home cooked meal with his wife, Leonor, and dog, Tajfel :-)


That first night I felt overwhelming jet lag and wondered if moving to Lisbon was really the best idea. Since then -- all three days now --  I have realized that, if for no other reason, coming to Portugal to finally learn to speak Portuguese properly is worth it! 


Lisbon is warm. Though the natives are wearing heavy coats and boots, the 23C (74F) weather today was fantastic! I'm glad my hotel room has a veranda.


Now to find an apartment! I was about to say, hit the pavement to look for an apartment, but hit the cobble stones is more appropriate. I had forgotten that cobble stones require strong ankles...but I digress. For those of you who believe in prayer, and for those of you who believe in sending "good vibes" -- whatever you personally call it, please send me good apartment luck. I have found an apartment that is perfect --only a 10 minute walk from ICS, completely furnished, and generally very swanky. I hope to see it and secure it tomorrow!!


I hope if you are reading this that you will come back soon when I hope to have real adventures to report!


I miss you all already!