Lisbon and a Big Announcement

I apologize for just putting this blog up! I arrived back from Portugal last Sunday, but I am just now posting this. I’m sorry, my loyal subscribers, I’m sorry. However, here I go.

I went to Portugal last weekend! We arrived on the first day after something like 5 hours on the bus (AGH!). We arrived in Lisbon, or Lisboa in Portuguese and Spanish. In Portugal, they pronounce the ‘s’ with a “sh” sound. So, it’s Leesh-boa. Anyway, so we arrived and went directly to our hotel after a tiny little bus tour as we got to our hotel. So we kind of hung out there, ran to get coffee, and started our bus tour. Oh but wait. We’re in Europe and moving around isn’t that easy right now. PROTESTS. There was a demonstration going on so we couldn’t do the bus tour so we had to walk EVERYWHERE that day. We walked through the very hilly city, saw some shops, and headed up the hill to the castle. There we got an awesome view of the city. We could see the estuary of Lisbon and where some of the most famous voyages began and ended. In Lisbon, the buildings are colorful (most of the time) but the roofs are red. It created an amazing view. I’m actually posting a picture this time, you’re welcome, my loyal individuals.

So we left there, and walked through one of the famous neighborhoods of Lisbon where all the stereotypical, European houses are with the clotheslines draped across from building to building as you walk under them and the flowers growing in the window boxes. We left there and had some free time which we used to eat and have some amazing coffee.

The next morning (Saturday), we woke up and went on a real bus tour this time. We went with a tour guide this time. Se llama Paula. Her name is Paula. So, we rode around and saw some of Lisbon, and then went to another beautiful church. The funny thing is, churches and their beauty are becoming so common that I’m not appreciating them as much. I want that to stop. So we left the church and headed to a tower over looking where the Tagus River touches the Atlantic Ocean. It was, you guessed it....surreal. We left there, went downtown and down to Plaza de Comercio (that’s in Spanish, I don’t know what it was in Portuguese, maybe that) which means Commercial Square. That is where all the markets and things were back in the olden times when the harbor in Portugal was THE HARBOR in Europe. So after that we had free time. We enjoyed some wonderful strawberry orange juice and some good food as we overlooked this harbor. So surreal. We left there, got on the train and headed to Cascais to see the Atlantic Ocean from the other side. We rode a commuter train which is essentially subway above ground. We got there and immediately went for what we always do...coffee. We sat, drank our coffee, and stared in the direction of our beautiful and wonderful homeland, the good ole U.S. of A. We then hit the water. Was it cold? YES. It was like ice. We walked around in it so much that our feet became numb. We then stayed and watched the sunset and it was WONDERFUL. We finally left there, returned to the hotel, went to get some pizza, and returned to the hotel yet again to watch some American TV. They had a bunch of American TV channels on the TVs and we were EXCITED.

The next morning, we got up, packed up, and came back to Spain. Portugal was definitely a different kind of place to me, but I liked it. I’d like to come to the beaches of Portugal in somewhere other than Lisbon one day. So, that was Portugal.

Onto the serious thing I wanted to tell everyone. I apologize if it seems depressing, but to me it is. So, after an eventful week and events which I had zero control over, I will be moving to a different house with a different family tomorrow. I know, I know. I have absolutely enjoyed my time here at the Badanta Martinez household. It’s been amazing. Isabel is an amazing woman and I hope I can stay in contact. I can’t really go any details about what’s happened, but I’ll just say that my roommate and I could simply not live together anymore. That’s neither good nor bad, but it sometimes just happens. We decided to not live together anymore and our company (ISA) decided that it was the best decision for me to move out. Was I happy? Not really. But ya know what, life isn’t fair. You don’t always get what you want. However, I’m excited. I get to move in with a whole new mom in a whole new place. I’m moving into El Centro (The Center) neighborhood. It’s a single woman in her 40s who does work. I really don’t know any more details other than I won’t have a roommate. I really think this is the right decision after everything, although this isn’t what I pictured as my best option. I’m learning thought that sometimes when God’s ready to put you somewhere else, it’s going to happen whether you want it to or not. I’m supposed to learn something else now! I’ve also learned that in the moments in which you’re the most uncomfortable, you learn the most. I plan on learning a lot over here in this beautiful city so that’s just right! Anyway, this isn’t easy for me or my host mom. Thank you all for your support and I’ll make sure I pass along to my host mom that you all love her! She’s a wonderful lady and I’ll miss her very much. I don't care what my new host mom calls me. I'll always be Tahnee, dang it. Once again, thank you all.

God is in control and when that is the case, everything is perfect.