Well the moment arrived, and my decision to go back to school and study Portuguese in Lisbon finally happened.  It’s true that living in Lisbon and not speaking the language was a bit of a problem, especially when dealing with people on a more serious level, than simply saying “I’ll have the fish please.”  The University of Lisbon offers intensive one month summer classes for foreign students which are excellent.  Small classes, students coming from all around the world, and great teachers who make learning fun.  My first day I walked into this classroom….

Portuguese classes at the University of Lisbon

It was pretty cool.  Our class had students from Macao, Hong Kong, Spain, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Russia, Turkey and me….  We got right into things without wasting any time.  We had to present ourselves in PORTUGUESE and NO ENGLISH is allowed once you walk over the threshold…..

It is great since the classes are only in the morning, from 9-1.  Makes me get up early, and once we’re done, it’s off to the beach for some afternoon fun.   Friends took us to a great beach I hadn’t been to yet that you can only access by car Ferry.  it’s about an hour out of Lisbon, but really unique….

Troia beach, only a short drive and ferry ride out of Lisbon

They are known for their little beach restaurants that are a lot of fun…….

Troia beach restaurant; a great way to end a day of classes….

Tomorrow it’s back to school again.  I think we’re going to have a surprise quiz, so I better prepare….