It's only been a week or so, but I have seen a noticeable improvement. As the café I overheard a woman correct her order (I didn't actually understand all the words, but I FELT like I understood all the words), so I laughed along with the woman and the barista. I felt part of the group , if that makes sense.

Hey Catarina. I passed the exam [Med School, not Portuguese!!]! I’m not sure the grade but they said I passed. I’m so happy! Thank you so much.

1. Today have spend 1hr in bank in Lisbon dealing with company account - everthing in Português. There were some funny situations but mission accomplished.
2/ almost one hour in restaurant with two unknown retired Portuguese couple during a lunch - managed to carry conversation. There were funny monents that we have laughed over my Português.
3/ I was asked yesterday 3x how how long I am learning Português
4/ Amazingly, in simple conversation I understanding what people say (at least seems like)
5/ For the first time everthing is talking to me - adds, street signs, stores, some phrases in the metro 🙂
Catarina, connected speech really works!