Finally!

Finally... here! And finally... internet! Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal was not bad at all - compared to others who had messy flights, mine was 7 hours direct and I met two girls on the flight. One from Chicago and one from the Bronx- they're cool :) We stayed at this quaint hotel first with the entire study abroad group (16 girls and only 3 guys!) and I'm pretty sure we were the only ones in the hotel. We learned how to use the public transportation - which is a must in this city, somewhat like New York except less crowded and smaller and cobblestones. It's beautiful. I'm liking everything that's happening so far. The food is fantastic, although I must join a gym, it's carbs / cheese / fish / meat. I thought there'd be more vegetables but not so much. I also had my first bite of a cooked chessnut today which is very popular here, it was delicious! After 3 days in a hotel full of students, I am finally in my homestay. I'm very happy with this arrangement - single mom with 3 daughters all around my age and really hip/ cool. The mom is an instructor at the gym and really hip as well. I have my own room and bathroom --- YES! We're going down to the bars tonight, our whole group, the bar area is called Bairro Alto. The drinking age is 16 and you are allowed to drink openly out of a bottle in the street. We bought wine and the salesperson uncorked it + gave us cups. Haha. My only complaint so far = they don't have heat inside. It's in the 50s but Freeeeeeeezing!!! Otherwise - first few days have been interesting, beautiful and awesome.

love :)