Before and After
As Ann and I try to transition into a normal routine, we have to periodically remind ourselves that we moved here to maintain a quality of life, albeit one that might be somewhat different than the one we had in the US. So despite trying to get everything done and taking care of those things - from daily needs to migration issues to just plain working - we have to incorporate routines that bring some richness to life. Come check out one of the strategies we’ve come up with.
One of the things we’ve had a hard time adapting to is eating on Portugal time. See, lots of restaurants are open from 12-2:20 or 3:00, and then reopen at 7:00 until 10:00 or 12 midnight. Some don’t even open until 8:00 pm. We’re 5:00 - 6:00-ish eaters (comes from waking up at 5:00 or so every morning). Our dilemma is how do we check out nice restaurants without coming home stuffed and going straight to bed?
This week we tried our new strategy. Plan on taking a long lunch and eat dinner at lunch time. For dinner, we’ll make something light, like fruit (the melon and watermelon here are awesome!). So on Wednesday we decided to check out one of the higher rated restaurants in Braga - the RetroKitchen.
It didn’t disappoint.
Ann had the pork and chick peas, and I had the fish curry.
Now, one thing we are liking about Portugal is taking one’s time with lunch (well, supper in our case). So yes, I had a glass of wine (work that afternoon was tough, but I got it done). And as you can tell below, we had dessert too. All in all, nearly the two hour lunch break typical in Portugal.
I guess you could call the above before and after shots. (BTW - the panna cotta with red fruits was delicious! Perfect with our espresso.)
Hopefully, we’ll make a habit of this, getting out for a nice meal during lunch once or twice a week. It helps that I have to work a bit later in the day than back in Oregon so I can touch base with my clients (their morning, my afternoon). Although, I just might have to watch the wine every now and then!