After a frustrating summer of not knowing where I would be going next, I must admit it was totally worth all the aggravation I went through because I am in love with where I am now. Last season I went in with the mindset that I was only going to play basketball overseas for one year, assuming it wasn't the lifestyle for me. Four months into my season in Lithuania I fell in love with the experience and my team. My experience last year encouraged me to come back to Europe and play another season.
I am currently in Portugal, a town called Carcavelos, approximately 30 minutes outside the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. Carcavelos is a beach town with many tourists. There are many beaches, palm trees, restaurants on the water, cliffs, hotel resorts, and beautiful people. I honestly think I am the only blonde in this country at the moment, haha. Lisbon, the Capital, is gorgeous!!!! Also known as the city of seven hills. And the hills are no joke. From my perspective they felt like they were 90 degree hikes. Despite the hills it is honestly beautiful and the views from the top of the hills are totally worth the climb because they are breath taking, literally.
I am currently living in an apartment with five of my teammates, in a town called Alges. About a ten minute train ride to the gym. It sounds like a lot of girls in one apartment, although as a foreigner its beneficial for me because they are able to show me the way! I can not complain too much about my life at the moment. My team is awesome, all the girls are very nice and welcoming and we have a great team which is even better. My team is playing in the Portuguese league and the Euro-Cup league, which is similar to the Euro-League that I competed in last season. They are the top leagues in Europe, which is where I like to be so I can compete against some of the best players. In this league we will be traveling to Hungary, France, and Belgium, three countries I have yet to visit. In order for us to advance after Christmas in this league we must place top two in our bracket.
We had our first game Wednesday night against a team from Hungary! It was a fun game to play in, they had a point guard who previously played for Phoenix Mercury on their team as well. Wednesday's game was the first game I have played since April, so naturally I was very anxious to finally play again! Our next Euro-Cup game is next Thursday at Belgium! I am almost positive they are the best in our bracket.
Finally, the weather is amazing. It fluctuates between the 60's and 70's. Although, the first week I got here it was high 70's! It should begin to get a little cooler within the next few weeks!!! And by that time I will be home for Christmas (December 21)!!!
