For good or ill, I've been out of the USA now for six weeks. Some days it seems like I've only just left, and others it seems my life in the states is nothing more than a dream. Okay, the former only happened a couple of times when I actually had just left, and the latter has been every day since. I thought long and hard about what I was going to bring, and what was necessary and what was not. Since I am not a fortune teller (my investments will attest to that), I could only hope my prognostication would pan out.
Overall, I would say I've done a pretty good job so far. Given what I know now after the six weeks, the only differences I would make would have been to bring a second neck gaiter, and swap the sweatshirt I did bring for a zip-up hooded one. I had figured the one I brought plus a beanie would be good, and it is, but there is something comforting about pulling a hood over your head when there's a chill – granting warmth to the neck and balding head at the same time, or when burrowing in to watch bullshit sentimentality on Netflix.
Speaking of hair, or a lack thereof, I've not had a haircut since I left Carson City in September, and my flowing locks are the longest they've been in probably more than twenty years. I haven't decided whether or not to break out the power tools and give my head a mowing, but in the meantime I went all out and bought a comb. That's something I haven't had a need for in forever. Someone suggested I not cut the hair on my head or face until I return, but I can't see doing that – especially the beard. I keep it, but really short. You could say I'm reliving the Miami Vice look of Don Johnson, minus the pastel clothing, the loafers, good hair, steely gaze, and good skin. I've got the three- to five-day growth of beard going for me though. Too lazy to shave, and no reason to do so, given dating app activity.
As for the rest of what I've brought, my Hokas are doing just fine as the everyday and every run shoe. Now that I am not on a warm island, the flip flops are out, so the Hokas are it. They are holding up reasonably well, but I have to say the grippiness of the tread isn't the best on wet cobbles worn smooth by centuries of foot traffic. Pretty dicey, actually – especially on a steep descent with a thin layer of dead, wet leaves papering it over. I'm not sure what exactly would be good for those conditions, though. Also, I could probably have done with only a single pair of zip-off pants, and another pair of full-time full length. But, I may soon be in warm climates where shorts will be de rigueur again and having an extra pair that aren't running-specific will be a boon.
If anyone is curious, I'm not feeling any particular urge to return to the states at this point. Granted it's only been six weeks, but I guess it's hard to be homesick when there is no home. Lisbon is nice, and I may return another time, but it's time to finalize the next move. Ticket is purchased, accommodations set, seat locator paperwork completed. All I need to do is a Covid test (time and location locked and loaded), It's currently optional, but checking the country-specific information (daily) I see that their current requirements expire the day before I travel. That could make it interesting, but I am getting the test (Free!) anyway. Oh, and for you US folks, there are at-home test kits here in Europe that the government has available free of charge, so you can test yourself before and after going to a social gathering. AFAIK, they are not acceptable for travel, but nice to have for socialization.
Food tip: if you like sautéed garlic & mushrooms, and like pumpkin as well, try putting the garlic 'shrooms in a bit of pumpkin puree. It's a tasty combination. No, I didn't come up with it myself, but had it in a hole in the wall restaurant last night.
And here's a couple of photos to tide over those who don’t want to read my blather.
Overall, I would say I've done a pretty good job so far. Given what I know now after the six weeks, the only differences I would make would have been to bring a second neck gaiter, and swap the sweatshirt I did bring for a zip-up hooded one. I had figured the one I brought plus a beanie would be good, and it is, but there is something comforting about pulling a hood over your head when there's a chill – granting warmth to the neck and balding head at the same time, or when burrowing in to watch bullshit sentimentality on Netflix.
Speaking of hair, or a lack thereof, I've not had a haircut since I left Carson City in September, and my flowing locks are the longest they've been in probably more than twenty years. I haven't decided whether or not to break out the power tools and give my head a mowing, but in the meantime I went all out and bought a comb. That's something I haven't had a need for in forever. Someone suggested I not cut the hair on my head or face until I return, but I can't see doing that – especially the beard. I keep it, but really short. You could say I'm reliving the Miami Vice look of Don Johnson, minus the pastel clothing, the loafers, good hair, steely gaze, and good skin. I've got the three- to five-day growth of beard going for me though. Too lazy to shave, and no reason to do so, given dating app activity.
As for the rest of what I've brought, my Hokas are doing just fine as the everyday and every run shoe. Now that I am not on a warm island, the flip flops are out, so the Hokas are it. They are holding up reasonably well, but I have to say the grippiness of the tread isn't the best on wet cobbles worn smooth by centuries of foot traffic. Pretty dicey, actually – especially on a steep descent with a thin layer of dead, wet leaves papering it over. I'm not sure what exactly would be good for those conditions, though. Also, I could probably have done with only a single pair of zip-off pants, and another pair of full-time full length. But, I may soon be in warm climates where shorts will be de rigueur again and having an extra pair that aren't running-specific will be a boon.
If anyone is curious, I'm not feeling any particular urge to return to the states at this point. Granted it's only been six weeks, but I guess it's hard to be homesick when there is no home. Lisbon is nice, and I may return another time, but it's time to finalize the next move. Ticket is purchased, accommodations set, seat locator paperwork completed. All I need to do is a Covid test (time and location locked and loaded), It's currently optional, but checking the country-specific information (daily) I see that their current requirements expire the day before I travel. That could make it interesting, but I am getting the test (Free!) anyway. Oh, and for you US folks, there are at-home test kits here in Europe that the government has available free of charge, so you can test yourself before and after going to a social gathering. AFAIK, they are not acceptable for travel, but nice to have for socialization.
Food tip: if you like sautéed garlic & mushrooms, and like pumpkin as well, try putting the garlic 'shrooms in a bit of pumpkin puree. It's a tasty combination. No, I didn't come up with it myself, but had it in a hole in the wall restaurant last night.
And here's a couple of photos to tide over those who don’t want to read my blather.
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