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!