America's greatest invention

After the long hiatus for various reasons, the writing is back. It has been 7 months since our move here. In that time, we've managed to explore a small fraction of Central Portugal, move into our permanent home, make new friends, and experience the magic of fresh food and drink.

While the going has been mostly good, we have encountered some challenges which I will talk about more in future posts. After all, we learn more from difficulties than we do from sailing through. What has helped us a lot though, is that we came prepared with the idea that things will be quite different compared to back in the US. It does of course depend on where you plan to move. For example, moving to Lisbon, the Algarve, or Porto means that one will have an easier time adapting to Portugal. However this also means that if you plan to stay here long term, you will be living in a bubble, so easier time adapting, but tougher time integrating. The tradeoff of living in these areas is having access to many of the perks of living in any cosmopolitan metro in the US - cuisine from all over the world, easy access to an international airport, numerous shopping options, Taco Bell, to name just a few.

One thing you will not find anywhere in Portugal though, and what I consider to be America's greatest invention - the free right turn. So brilliant in its simplicity that it's easily overlooked. Standing tall over all other American inventions. That sweet sweet feeling, of being able to pull up to the lights on the right lane and see the light tell me to both stop and go at the same instant, will be sorely missed. Seven months down the line and I still have withdrawal symptoms every time I see a stop light.

Don't be scared. It's just one little right turn, no one's going to get hurt.