Bon Voyage!

"Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown."

Tomorrow morning I make the 16 hour flight from San Francisco to Lisboa! All packed up and ready as I'll ever be- with utter thanks for my amazing family and friends who have  my last two weeks incredibly special. I feel so blessed. My long term visa came through just yesterday, so we had to trek to the Portuguese Consulate in SF to have my passport stamped before finishing up moving out and deciding on a few last things to pack. 

Views from the Alfama district

Upon my arrival in Lisboa on Thursday (my birthday!) I will be visiting three apartments, and then get to make the choice as to which one will be my new home. Here is a link to one of them, it's a quaint studio in the Alfama district: 

  http://www.santoestevao-alfama.com/ (Falcão apartment), in the typical quarter of Alfama.

The Alfama is the oldest historical district in Lisbon with windy narrow streets spreading from the Castle of Lisbon to the Tejo River, and known for its many fado (a type of Portuguese traditional music) bars and restaurants. Overlooking the Alfama is the midevil Castle of Sao Jorge, royal residence until the early 16th century and now offering the best views of the city. Can't wait for evening strolls at dusk, bicycle rides through the neighborhood, and conversing (at least trying!) with the locals. 

Packing up Life

"The mind has exactly the same power as the hands; not merely to grasp the world, but to change it."                                                                                             -Colin Wilson     


Two recent articles regarding my upcoming teaching abroad:
California State University, Sacramento website:
http://www.csus.edu/sacstatenews/Articles/2011/08/Kristy_Smith_Fulbright08-30-11.html

San Juan Unified School District: 

 blue beauty

http://www.sanjuan.edu/news.cfm?story=10720

My Volvo sold last week, which was one giant item to check off my list! Sans car, these past two weeks I've officially fallen back in love with my 1960's Schwinn Cruiser. Bopping around on the grid fills me with a sense of freedom-- running errands and getting to my destinations on bike feels more engaging with my surrounding community as opposed to in the car.  Seeing people's faces, smiling and saying hello, all have a feeling of being present, which is nice. Certainly,  obtaining 2 wheels upon arrival in Lisboa will be a priority.


Packing madness is under way! It's of course somewhat overwhelming, but I like having bags and bags of things to donate graciously to Goodwill. 

The Madster

           What is the one thing I wish I could pack with me? My kitty, Maddie. I am going to miss my little buddy like crazy. But I leave with peace of mind she will be in good hands with my parents while I am away. 


FULBRIGHT UPDATES:
More details emerged about my position at the University in regards to the courses I will be teaching to Portuguese professors. Working with each of the 4 schools within the University, I will be focusing on more specifically the writing of Scientific Journal Articles. What exactly does this mean? How I understand it is helping them with their English writing skills for journal articles within their specialty of study, which they hope to get published. I went on-line and bought two books which should better prepare me for the subject matter I will be teaching. 

My "office" has been designated in the School of Business, which will be my homebase. I don't yet know where I will be living in town, but looking forward to getting the word on which neighborhood will soon be my own!