No More Alliteration For Titles

Well there are about four weeks left. Its hard to believe. I love looking at my journal from when I first got here. Its a great way to see how this experience has changed me. I cannot say that my fundamental beliefs have changed much, but I feel that this has really helped me focus my beliefs. Its like adjusting the focus on a real camera, there were ideas and beliefs, but this has helped me really solidify them.

In regards to the culture, I love discussing Portuguese culture with other AFSers. Portuguese are proud of their country, and very non-confrontational. AFS always says that things are not good, or bad, just different. In a way, I think I automatically group things into good and bad though. Or at least better and worse. Some aspects of Portuguese culture are much better than others. It is really difficult to describe a culture.

Life is good here. School is tiring though. Only six days are left, but that is six days of lectures and tests. School is lecture based, and it seems like it is more the students responsibility to learn, than the teacher's to teach. Its different. A lot of kids have tutors, a lot!

I had an AFS camp this weekend in Braga. Those are always nice.

Running is great. I like the team and enjoy the company, solo running can get tiring sometimes. I had a race a few weeks ago, but it went poorly.

I guess its hard to convey the fact that life here, while a great experience, is just life. Its a routine (to some extent) like life in the U.S.

Lost: Lisbon

I have been enjoying a delightful four days in Costa Azul. I took part in a temporary four day trip sponsored by AFS where I lived with a different host family, hung out with other AFSers and saw parts of Lisbon, and the surrounding area. It was great to speak in english, meet other american exchange students and exchange students from around the world.
On the first day, due to a series of errors committed by various parties, a student from Switzerland and I ended up taking a VERY round-about way to Cacilhas. It was a fun detour and I got to see a bit of Lisbon. We eventually got to our destination, 2.5 hours late. We visited the beach, made the best of bad weather, enjoyed the company of fellow exchange students and shared stories, experiences and photos.
In response to some requests, I will give a bit of a summary about the People, the Culture and My Family. The Portuguese, in my experience, are very group oriented people. They also care a great deal about guests, friends or companions feeling comfortable. Another important feature is that they stay out late, 10 pm is early, midnight is when you go out, give or take a little. Even for dinners or having company over, staying very late by american standards is common.
My family is incredible. They have been more than tolerant of me, and constantly helpful not only with the language, but with everything else. I could not have asked for a better family. At first, I was a little frustrated that I was living about as far from Lisbon as I could get, but now I am delighted to be where I am. Its great.
Pictures and more text is coming soon.