Discoveries

Lots of activity this week as we adjust to our new lives. Little things like getting a Portuguese phone number, a haircut, or understanding the protocol for weighing fruits/vegetables are all discovered and help us further adjust. Also, we're now in touch with a great firm whose associates will feed our cats whenever we're gone. We just learned we can no longer get the cats' food (thanks to tarrifs!) but tried a Dutch manufactured brand and Jack and Rose absolutely LOVE it. Problem solved!

We live on Travessa Fabrica das Sedas, or Crossing to the Silk Factory. There was an early 18th century silk factory nearby, since converted to shops. And there is an early 18th century aqueduct within a block with a lovely park full of mulberry trees to feed the silkworms. The aqueduct still brings water down from Sintra and is now used to power Lisbon' s many fountains; a great museum is attached.

We went downtown Saturday to attend the No Kings rally which featured dynamic and energetic speakers ...altogether a moving experience!

Last night Portugal went on Daylight Savings so this is the second time this month we had to endure an hour of lost sleep (uh, not counting the 11 hour flight over) ! For our US friends, we're now 8 hours ahead of California.

2 groups of friends will be visiting in the next few weeks and then on May 1 we head to Hanoi for the Travelers' Century Club conference followed by side trips to Shanghai and remote Dunhuang to visit the Mogao Caves, so we'll start a new Penguins edition once that commences!Read more