Lisboa

I know it has been forever since I wrote in this thing and I wish I could say I have just been extraordinarily swamped with homework and unable to find the time for this, but rather I have just been kind of lazy. Also, the Internet, obviously, is never really reliable. I am so frustrated right now with the stupid Internet.

On a sunnier note, we just got back from Lisbon Sunday. What an incredible city. Granted Lisbon is one of those European cities that is kind of off the beaten path and does not have as many touristy attractions, but it was incredible nonetheless. We had a 645 am flight out of Madrid, so instead of paying a total of €300 altogether for taxis early in the morning Friday, we stayed in the Barajas airport overnight. Not altogether hell on earth, but definitely not one of the more comfortable sleeps I have had. All and all though, it was alright. We got to Lisbon exhausted only to learn we could not check into our hostel (which was beautiful by the way) until 2pm. So we took a bus to Fatima, where we saw the site of the famous apparition and the church and everything. It was a little rainy and cool, but definitely a cool experience.

We went to a little flea market across town Saturday, and then to an area called Belem later that night to see some of the sites and try the famous Pasteles de Belem, little cakes that the people there are famous for. It was kind of cool to imagine that big shots like Christopher Colombus and Vasco de Gama hung out in Belem right before sailing across the pond.

I am proud to say I am the first member of my family to visit Portugal. In such a well traveled group, too.

Today is Election Day. While I am really excited about the outcome, etc. etc. I will be happy once this is all over. I am so sick of seeing McCain-Palin on people´s Facebook status. I cannot help but think of David Sedaris´s thoughts on the undecided voter as well. Maybe the reason why I am so passionate about this election is because I am so broke. And I so realize that we need a huge change. I never have really felt the ramifications of a crappy administration until now.