I’ve been on the move, obviously. I doubt I’ll ever get the chance to say much about the last few days at home, but they were hectic, sad, and sweet to varying degrees. The big moving sale/party turned out to be a god way to generate money, get rid of crap, and see friends while there was still time. It even turned out to be a way to repair a few fractured friendships, which was especially good for my morale. My final (maybe? maybe not?) WYSIWYG was fun, but since I had no time to prepare anything I improvised and can’t relay my story. People laughed, though, so I guess it went well. The frantic pace and my overwhelming preoccupation made it difficult to really appreciate my last few days in New York, and my last few days with Special Agent Josh, but now that I’ve had a chance to catch my breath I can feel the saudades creeping up on me, filling in the free bits.
I had only a few days to get settled in Reading, and they were a blur of errands, biking around town, and getting to know the outgoing class of MA students, all of whom confirmed that I will barely be eating, sleeping, or having a life for the next 12 months. As much as I’ve become a hermit-like workoholic this last year, I think I’ll have to brace myself for much more of the same during the next.
And now, with barely a chance to think about it before arriving, I’m in Lisbon, having my last hurrah before the work gets underway. I’m here for an another big type-geek conference, though, so it’s still a way of easing myself into my new life. (N.B.: Everyone in Lisbon is sexy, especially the kid at the art school hosting the conference. It’s just lovely, really. Also the city is absurdly beautiful.) I have a few more days of all this before I head back to Reading for school and student poverty and my daily bike rides, so I’m basking in the Portuguese vibe while I can.
So, for those of you who aren’t reading this just to see if I’m alive, have I completely bored the shit out of you yet? I hope I’ll have time to be interesting one of these days.
Sparky – I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to you. Hopefully we’ll get to see you once you’re back on this side of the Atlantic.
Best of luck with school among the Brits!
e-mail me your address & i’ll send you a care package every now & again! i promise it won’t explode.
Did you enjoy the ‘Pasteis Portugueses’? And ‘Bairro Alto’?I love Lisbon too. I hope Reading is treating you well. Not too far from Germany…..
DITTO FOR ME! WHAT KIND OF GOODIES WOULD YOU LIKE? I’LL SEND YOU SOMETHING FROM IRELAND WHEN I GET THERE. LOVE, MOM
It was so good to see you one last time before you fled the country!
Hey Dan! This is Jen (Rob’s girlfriend). I’m so glad to hear that you guys are having a wonderful time in Lisbon and meeting lots of awesome people!!! The city looks beautiful and I’m anxious to see more pictures and here more about AtypI. I hope you two keep enjoying the last couple days there and goodluck with all your work when you get back to Reading. I’m so excited to come visit and look forward to seeing you again!
It was great to see you before you left. My family was thrilled to hear that we reconnected and send you all their hellos and love. Good luck with school and savor every minute of being abroad. You rock. – L