So long . . .

One of my favorite students left the school today. I'll surely miss her but she's headed home. She is an American student from the south and is all full of yes ma'ams and no ma'ams. She's also full of energy and wonder and excellence. Her father was at NATO and although they originally planned on staying in Portugal longer, he received orders . . .

Before she left, she was generous enough to think of me and brought me a bunch of flowers.  It was so thoughtful. But then again, so is Lauren. . .

She will be greatly missed. I wish only the best for her.

my new home away from home . . .

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It was 20 years ago this month that I came to live in Portugal. It was a very big adventure. Europe - wow! So much to see, so much to do.  Shortly after arriving I visited a touristy hilltop town and in one of the shops the British owner struck up a conversation with me after ascertaining that I was more than a tourist.  She was then about my age now. She asked me how I found Portugal and asked if I detected a lot of differences. I said that I was enjoying it all: the food, people, weather, and the sea.  She agreed that it was like that for her too in the beginning. She advised me that at first I wouldn't see too many differences but the longer I stayed, the more differences I would notice.  She was right . . .