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!