Censored in Portugal

I have been in Portugal for two days and I haven't been able to write a new entry. When typing at the internet cafe, I wasn't allowed to open my blogsite because the cyber protection found the words "huge cockroach" on the page and wouldn't allow it to open. Perhaps they thought I was being sneaky and covering the true pornographic nature of the material.

Anyways, I'm having a great time and must say that absence really makes the heart grow fonder in many ways. Obviously it has been great to spend time with my mom but it's also great to take hot showers, eat an eclectic diet and sleep with a blanket over my body!!

In the past 48 hours, my eyes have been bloodshot and my nose has been running but I've been in heaven. We met Ricardo (the man from whom we've rented a flat) and had a tour of Lisbon on our first afternoon. From the street in front of the flat, we can see the 25th of April bridge (looks like the Golden Gate) and a few other tourist attractions that are featured in the tour books. We walked to the market on our first morning in town and we able to buy fresh cherries, strawberries, apricots, plums, chorizo and baguettes.

Yesterday, we went to visit a 500 year old monastery and from there went to the modern and contemporary art museum (more like a labyrinth). Last night we enjoyed the second anniversary party of a group of local storytellers. My mom was a special guest and closed out the night with a story (the only one of which I understood more than two words) from her collection and received rave reviews from all around.

Today we have toured Caiscais and the westernmost point of Europe. Over the next 10 or so days I will add what details I can. My goal is to gain 20 pounds while in Portugal. I think I'm off to a good start. I was even excited to eat airplane food!! That should give you an idea of how deprived my taste buds have been.

Love to all.