Lisbon is wonderful!

Atanas and I got here a little over a week ago and it's been wonderful from the onset. When we arrived in Lisbon on the 26th, we went straight to the apartment that we are renting. There we met Ana, the girl that is renting us the apartment. She could not be nicer. We got to the apartment about 7:30am that day. Once we got our bags settled and we showered, we napped until about 3pm. It didn't take long for us to realize that the place was not as furnished as we had hoped, so we were off to Ikea for dinner and shopping. We got a lot of things for little money! A good thing! Ana later bought us a couch and table for the den since we misunderstood each other about the furniture. It's all worked out perfectly. The place is getting to feel very much like home to us. It will feel even more at home once we have our first round of visitors!! Hint, Hint...

The past week, we have been doing some sightseeing and just getting adjusted to the time difference. We had no idea how exhausted we were until we got here. We have slept 12 hours every night since getting here. It's amazing. I think I am about caught up.

We took bus ride out the the University to get Atanas all signed up and whatnot. That was an adventure. Things don't operate quite like they do in the U.S. It took us two hours just to find the right department of people to talk to in order to get the ball rolling. We were directed all over the campus. I think we went into every single building before ending up in the first one we tried! haha. It was almost like they were watching us run all over campus just for the fun of it. Once we got in the Student Union area, they were so helpful and super nice. That's one thing we can say so far for the people of Portugal...They are the nicest people. They are so kind to each other and to us.

All in all we are really having a wonderful time and trying not to take this time for granted. It really is amazing that we have this opportunity and we are so blessed. We have been able to see so many things that are so rich in history, and all in just these few days! I am adjusting to the european life quite well. I love my little clothes line more than I ever thought I would. I feel so domesticated!! haha! I am sure the novelty of that will wear off all too soon. I am trying to learn Portuguese. Atanas is totally fluent in Spanish, so that really helps, because they can understand him. I am working on my Rosetta Stone as well. What a great program!!

We can't wait for visitors. Please know we have room and will make more room!!! Come On!!

Atanas and the tomb of Vasco da Gama!!!

Fresh fish I prepared on our electric grill :)

Tram system that takes us all over Lisbon.

Beautiful tiles that cover the buildings here.