Portugal

I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged! Those of you who follow my podcast (which has also suffered neglect) know that I've recently returned from a three-week stint in Portugal. I've decided to post a picture a day from my trip every day for at least a month. Above is a photo of Lisbon at night.

Comments

[Will]

A photo a day? That's great news! I look forward to seeing more.

[Tvindy]

You won't be disappointed. I took some really great pics.

[jenny]

WELCOME BACK!!!! we will look forward to sharing the journey to Portugal!

[Tvindy]

Jenny, thank you.

[Teka]

My god, you're alive! I was getting worried, especially when I didn't see you in Eugene this fall.

So how high was the language barrier?

[Tvindy]

It wasn't too bad. I had a bit of trouble with all the mumbling, though. The Portuguese tend to swallow vowels all over the place. But they had no trouble understanding me. I kept getting mistaken for a Brazilian.

[Teka]

Given the current political climate, being taken for a Brazilian rather than a North American might well be a good thing. If I were traveling in Europe these days, I'd hope to god I could pass for Brazilian. Or at least, to the untrained ear, for Canadian.

[Teka]

But more to the point: was it grilled sardine season in Portugal when you went? I salivate at the thought.

I won't ask if it was bacalhau season.

[Tvindy]

Teka, I never felt personally discriminated against while in Portugal, but I certainly saw indications that anti-American sentiment is on the rise. I passed by one graffitti panel that said "FUCK USA!" in big letters.

I don't recall seeing sardines anywhere, but as I'm sure you know, the Portuguese are up to their eyeballs in bacalhau, which unfortunately, is seldom well prepared, in my opinion.