Friends of mine who are traveling (a few are in Lisbon at the moment) have encountered nothing but sympathy. I hope other countries’ residents can see our government as separate from (most of) our people.
Boa sorte, minha boa amiguinha. Remember what moving to a new post was like, only now you don't have the comfort of the embassy/consulate/GSO for support. That's okay. I feel sure you'll win everyone over and those you can't? F___K them! Abracos, Lee
I was thinking about you today, wondering how the transition is going, and hoping that you’re starting to disconnect from the wreck over here (though it affects everyone). I think being more fully in the moment (a good cancer lesson) and less distracted by your phone is a very good thing. What a rich community you’re discovering.
What’s happening in the US is sickening. It’s hard to disconnect from it but I take comfort in the kindness of people here, who are upset by it all too.
I really enjoyed this. It's almost as challenging as learning the language, learning the ways of the new culture. Single-tasking is a totally different lifestyle to what a lot of us are used to. I look forward to trying it on for size when I move to Spain this year also!
I am a HUGE fan of "o aperitivo," so I poured myself a blanc vermoth with Perrier and a wedge of orange to sit down and read your "Slice of Midlife." While working and teaching from. home during the pandemic, I found that day turned into night and all sense of time was lost. So sometime after 5:00 pm but before 6:30 pm, I poured myself an aperitivo to sip slowly and shift gears. I love all the vermouths, quinquinas, and bitters, though I haven't had the courage to try the sherries. (Could you help guide me with that?) I've been stocking up, given the new tariffs, that f^&king @$$hole and all those goddamn MAGAts. Please tell Europe I'm sorry. XXXOOO
I’m still exploring all these drinks and have been pleasantly surprised at how much I love vermouth. I’m no sherry expert, but fino is really nice. I think this in between period is a nice transition from the work day into evening. And now, during these harrowing times, gathering with people you like feels more important than ever.
Oh man, this brings back some memories and reminds me why with some folks there's just no winning them over. I think you've captured here why I was always most comfortable in Australia and New Zealand -- sporty, casual, and shorts-clad with a hearty dose of humor. My kind of people. And the absolute most fish-out-of-water experience was going to a posh cricket fundraiser in England as someone's sidekick. I don't think anyone said a single word all afternoon to the loser backpacker Yank.
Love the details and insights in this post, and I'm inspired that you're doing it all in midlife. In the early 90s when I was 18 I moved from my hometown of Vancouver BC to New York Fucking City, and lordy, that was one hell of a culture shock! But mostly I loved it once I found a way to make peace with homesickness. Your vast travel experience seems to make you at home anywhere, and I admire that greatly.
Friends of mine who are traveling (a few are in Lisbon at the moment) have encountered nothing but sympathy. I hope other countries’ residents can see our government as separate from (most of) our people.
Boa sorte, minha boa amiguinha. Remember what moving to a new post was like, only now you don't have the comfort of the embassy/consulate/GSO for support. That's okay. I feel sure you'll win everyone over and those you can't? F___K them! Abracos, Lee
I was thinking about you today, wondering how the transition is going, and hoping that you’re starting to disconnect from the wreck over here (though it affects everyone). I think being more fully in the moment (a good cancer lesson) and less distracted by your phone is a very good thing. What a rich community you’re discovering.
What’s happening in the US is sickening. It’s hard to disconnect from it but I take comfort in the kindness of people here, who are upset by it all too.
I really enjoyed this. It's almost as challenging as learning the language, learning the ways of the new culture. Single-tasking is a totally different lifestyle to what a lot of us are used to. I look forward to trying it on for size when I move to Spain this year also!
I am a HUGE fan of "o aperitivo," so I poured myself a blanc vermoth with Perrier and a wedge of orange to sit down and read your "Slice of Midlife." While working and teaching from. home during the pandemic, I found that day turned into night and all sense of time was lost. So sometime after 5:00 pm but before 6:30 pm, I poured myself an aperitivo to sip slowly and shift gears. I love all the vermouths, quinquinas, and bitters, though I haven't had the courage to try the sherries. (Could you help guide me with that?) I've been stocking up, given the new tariffs, that f^&king @$$hole and all those goddamn MAGAts. Please tell Europe I'm sorry. XXXOOO
I’m still exploring all these drinks and have been pleasantly surprised at how much I love vermouth. I’m no sherry expert, but fino is really nice. I think this in between period is a nice transition from the work day into evening. And now, during these harrowing times, gathering with people you like feels more important than ever.
Oh man, this brings back some memories and reminds me why with some folks there's just no winning them over. I think you've captured here why I was always most comfortable in Australia and New Zealand -- sporty, casual, and shorts-clad with a hearty dose of humor. My kind of people. And the absolute most fish-out-of-water experience was going to a posh cricket fundraiser in England as someone's sidekick. I don't think anyone said a single word all afternoon to the loser backpacker Yank.
We just had a really nice happy hour with our Latvian neighbors and our Portuguese landlord. Our kind of people.
lol. I can picture that!!
Love the details and insights in this post, and I'm inspired that you're doing it all in midlife. In the early 90s when I was 18 I moved from my hometown of Vancouver BC to New York Fucking City, and lordy, that was one hell of a culture shock! But mostly I loved it once I found a way to make peace with homesickness. Your vast travel experience seems to make you at home anywhere, and I admire that greatly.
lol. You would have helped me wash out that pepper stain!