Ha, yes, my creativity suffocates when my academic day-job keeps me busy, but since the projects have been coming at a trickle lately, I can hear my own voice inside my head again. ;)

Never been to Düsseldorf! I'm pretty happy in Germany, though; I know it gets a reputation for being humorless and overly bureaucratic, but there's a jolly side to German culture that I think most non-Germans don't see, and I especially love the strong appreciation for nature here. No place is perfect, but I'm happy enough here for now. That said, I completely understand people's reasons when they leave.

Enjoy Portugal!