Olá!
Cheguei em Portugal há já duas semanas e meio... e estou já mais habituada à falar em português :)
Just kidding, I am not ready to write a complete vocabulary-rich and grammatically correct blog post in Portuguese. However, since being here I have become more comfortable to do some basic tasks such as ordering food / coffee, introducing myself and carrying on conversations, and speaking on the phone.
Moving from Paris to Coimbra from like moving from night to day, in the literal sense. I quickly realized that I didn't need my winter coat and could wear my flats and give my boots a rest for a little bit. The sun is a nice change, and even though it's a completely different experience, I'm excited about it.
People say that in general, Europe is slowed paced, which I have learned to be true. Paris however is a bit quicker than Coimbra so I will still have to get used to the pace even though I have been in Europe for over 6 months now. I still cannot believe that - 6 months. Goes by fast... So what's this again about time in Europe passing slower? ;)
I first arrived in Lisbon from Paris (even with a bit trouble with my flights / baggage - just be aware of luggage restrictions with Easyjet! ;)), I was greeted by my father and his childhood friend, Mario. I was not able to see my family at Christmas so seeing my dad was great. It was weird to speak English and we quickly started to speak in Portuguese so I could make the transition from French to this new, equally beautiful language. After visiting Lisbon and surrounding cities (like Obidos and Cascais) for a few days, I was able to travel with my dad and Mario to different cities all up the continent. We stopped in Coimbra, dropped off my bags in my dorm room and headed up to the North to visit Mario's sweet girlfriend, Rosa.
Spending a few days in Melgaço, where Rose lives, was pretty fun. Melgaço is right on the border between Portugal and Spain and so Mario was nice enough to drive us even further up north to see San Santiago Compostela, where thousands of people make a pilgrimage by foot, bike, or another form of transport (but that of course, would be less hardcore). Although all the traditional things to do in the church were closed, this was nonetheless an unforgettable experience. The San Santiago Catherdral used to house thousands of traveling poor and homeless from all over Europe, and I was able to see this. Obrigada ao Senhor Mario!
It was hard to have my dad leave. I kind of got used to speaking in Portuguese with him, going out to eat and getting coffees in the morning and afternoon, even drinking "Ginjinha" and eating "Pasteis de Belem" with him. He helped me with paperwork and was my spokesperson in difficult government situations.. Such as explaining why I do not yet have my Portuguese visa. I think we bonded a bit, and I'm glad.
But, it's ok. I'll have to admit I was a bit homesick after he left, but it's normal. I mean, I'm allowed right, after six months from home and then I'm reminded of my family that's there and not here? Since then, it's gotten better, don't worry. I'm reminded of my family in other ways... the food, the coffee, the atmosphere. Reminds me of California and the Portuguese family back there, only here it's "Big Portugal" rather than "Little Portugal":).
Not much has happened - just a lot of administrative things to get the semester going. Paying for housing. Getting a bus pass (which will only cost around 17 euro a month - beats the 60 I had to pay for the metro). Faxing papers / figuring out classes. I started my language classes last week and so far so good. I got placed in the Intermediate level so I have a mix of language classes and culture classes. I'm still trying them out to figure out exactly what I want to take, but for now it looks like I'll be adding in a Portuguese literature class where I would be directly enrolled with other Portuguese students.
Well, I'm about to leave to make dinner with Amalia and Alex, the only two other people in this study abroad program. Good thing we get along. Like really well. After that going to explore Coimbra by night! :) I'll post some pictures when I get a chance... Promise.
Até logo! Beijinhos!
