Christmas Eve

We arrived to Portugal yesterday. After driving from Syracuse to Morristown, at Anamaria's beautiful house, we took a cab to Newark Airport. I was able to sleep throughout most of the flight. I made a firm decision of not using the iPod, because everytime I start listening to a playlist I know that I can go on forever, and keep myself awake while noticing all the details of every song. So, no iPod for me, just MONKEYLUV, the book by Robert Sapolsky. I started to read the book a few days ago and have to say, the guy is a genius scientist and writer. The book is about several things and is divided into sections with several essays each. The first section is about nature vs nurture, or better even nature and nurture since Sapolsky makes a strong case that both go hand in hand. In his perspective, genes shape who we are, and the expressions of some genes are triggered by particular environmental conditions, therefore, genes and environment interact.
After landing in Portugal on the morning of 23rd, we had very little time to settle in and before we noticed it was Xmas eve ... here are some photos of a very fun night! Since the dinner started late, as is the tradition of a christmas dinner, hours went by sipping good wine and tasting some cheeze and other portuguese delicacies for apetizers ... after dinner everyone was already sort of drunk, except Rafael, Andre's little brother.

Clara, Lurdes, Filipa, Rafael, Andre' & Carlos

Carlos, Clara, Lurdes, Filipa, Rafael, Andre' & Rita

Clara & Lurdes

Rafael & Andre'

Rafael, Carlos & Andre'

Carlos e Clara

Clara, Carlos, Lurdes & Rita

Filipa, Clara, Lurdes & Rita

Come on guys ... get ready for photo!

That's it! Nice boys ...

Andre' & Rita

Lurdes & Rita

Clara ...

The moment of the iPod Nano:

Now what?