Friday after work

I have a Friday night routine. Its having a couple of beers with the guys out in the back shed behind the office, then trying negotiate my way back to Montemor without hitting anything. Its fairly similar to Fridays everywhere- standing around having a beer telling stories. There are times when I understand everything that is being said- plus my Portuguese gets better with alcohol.. Tonight was ok cos most of it was work talk and its pretty easy to follow. There are times when I understand nothing but nod and smile and pretend to listen, when really what Im listening to is the lyricism/music of the Alentejo accent. Its an intangible feeeling - the joy I get from standing around half cut listening to a story being told that I only half understand against a backdrop of concrete and fluorescent lighting and suddenly feeling all warm and fuzzy. Yes I've had a couple :) but I love the guys this week as theyve put in the work I expect, without me asking and without complaining or wanting praise. Theyve just gone and done it. And so at the moment I feel I owe them and will defend them to allcomers. I is loyal I is.

Think I wish Id written a few other things in Portuguese this week. Theres been extremes - at times I think I have been very wise and helpful, at times moderately annoying and attention-seeking (this paragraph might fit that category), and at times have said stupid things and been downright upsetting. Can those who Ive been good to please pass some of those vibes across to those Ive upset so the cosmos can equilibrate.