Carnaval em Riviera de São Lourenço

I think that the next interesting/major event to occur was Carnaval. My host sister was working every day of Carnaval, so my family planned to stay here in Mirassol with her, so she wasn't alone. For this, my host parents arranged for me to go the beach with my host mom's relatives, where they always spend Carnaval. This was incredibly nice, and it was great that they offered to take me, and as ungrateful as it sounds, I did not enjoy Carnaval as much as I had thought I would.

First, I had to go to my relatives house a weekend before they were going to leave because both of my host parents work, so I stayed with my host grandmother, which is like two blocks from my host aunt's house. I must admit, that I love my host grandmother. She's 88 years old, but I would have guessed mid seventies at the most. She's spunky and crazy and if she doesn't want to do something, either she won't do it, or she'll complain the entire time. But so, I have two host cousins, one is 17 and I think I have exchanged fewer words with him in my life than I have with the average stranger on the street. He isn't much for conversation. I also have a nine year old cousin, who basically spends her life begging her mother for things, which she always receives. It's like teaching a dog to beg; it just keeps doing it. I didn't really have anything at all to do in their city, called São Joaquim da Barra, because I didn't know anyone and it's really, really small, so like, I stayed in my host cousins' house while they went to school, or in their light store, which is next to their house. There is an exchange student there, who I had technically met twice, once at Maracanã, and the other time in São Carlos and Brotas, but I didn't know that. I went out with him and his host sister and their friends once, but he had school and other things to do. Then, after my host cousin got home from school it was kind of expected that I would spend all of my time with her doing what she wanted to do, when she wanted to do it. This being said, I got pretty tired of her pretty quickly.

Because of this, I was tired of her before we go to the beach, where she informed me that, while I was there to have fun, my main purpose was to be company for her and essentially follow her around and stick to her side as like a personal babysitter who doesn't get paid. But aside from this, the beach was really, really pretty and clean. The apartment in which we stayed was right on the water, and it was huge. There were three bedrooms, and three bathrooms and a porch that looked out onto the beach. There were pools, one that was warm and one that was a hydro-massage, as well as a work-out space and a game room.

The beach was good for walking, though the sun was hot. They like to get in their cars and drive around to look at pretty houses here in Brazil. And there are a lot, especially here on beaches that are frequented by the more wealthy. So, basically every afternoon, we got into the car and drove around for a while.

At night, my host cousin and his friend went out every night, but I only went with them once, partly because it was three guys and no girls, which makes it harder, and partially because they spent like 80 reais per night to go out. The nice thing about this vacation is that they paid for things for me. I wasn't expected to buy my food, or pay for my hotel, as it was in previous situations.

Anyways, after I got back, I went to a wedding of my neighbor who grew up with my host sister, my host brother got back from the US, and left immediately to go back to college, life returned to normal, as in school and karate and going to the club to work out or go swimming or go to the sauna.

São Carlos e Brotas

Anyways, so the weekend after Rio, I went to the TAM Airline museum in São Carlos with the other exchange students from my district and the district near Riberão Preto. I'm going to be incredibly honest in saying that I found it incredibly boring. However, afterwards, we went to Brotas, at this fazenda-like place called "Areia que Canta," or Singing Sand and it reminded me a lot of the Afterglow, in that they have lots of activities planned and these rooms where people stay, except that they feed you as well. It was some pretty high quality food, I must say. But so the first day we got to know the other district and had a lot of free time to go out in kayaks and paddle boards on the lake, and swim in the pools and play in the rec room area, where they had ping-pong and other games. That night we had a "gincana" that was boys against girls and there are a series of challenges and whoever wins the most wins the whole thing, but it kind of failed miserably because there were too many people for everyone to participate fully. Then there was a bonfire and people just kinda hung out. It was fun. Til they made us go to bed at like midnight and then came around and taped our doors and windows shut so we wouldn't leave our rooms. Though, in retrospect, it was also mildly amusing.

Anyways, so the next day was cool. We went for a long walk and first we went to the areia que canta, and there was this sand, that sings, it was super cool. We entered into this water area, and there was this awesome sand that sang if you rubbed it together in your hands. And then after everyone did this, we walked a bit more and came to this mini waterfall thing and you could jump in the water like belly-flop dive thing, and the water pushed you downstream, and it was really, really, fun. Then it started pouring so we took this like wagon thing back and ate lunch and exchanged pins and took pictures and went home.

On the way back, Rotex gave out awards for various things, such as best Portuguese, most...excited, I'm not really sure what but I won some mug thing for not being a lot of work...hahahahaha

Rio

So, I'm really behind in this blogging but February, besides being shorter, has also been incredibly crazy. The first weekend, I went to Rio with Belo Brasil, as an exchange student trip. It was really cool and there were about 64 exchange students from Rotary and AFS. We stayed in this hotel on Copacabana, ironically named Hotel Mirasol, almost the name of my city. But there were a whole bunch of people I knew, from my district and from the US. There were also four Wisconsinites, which was kind of crazy, I mean, let's be real, no one has ever heard of Wisconsin and here we are in Rio in four. There was also a healthy dose of Thai folk. Consequently, everyone started conversations with me in Thai, followed by a confused look on my part, more confusion in their part, and usually a clarification in English. A majority of this trip was English, to be honest, and there were Thai students who were speaking better Portuguese than the Americans, sad fact cuz the American couldn't put together a single sentence in Portuguese. 

Anyways, I found myself good friends with a girl from Stevens Point and another from Iceland, as well as the Italians in general, who were the only country to speak Portuguese.

But as for what we did:

The day we arrived, we went and swam in the hotel, ate dinner, then walked along the sidewalk near Copacabana.

The next day we walked through the historical central of Rio, which is really cool, but better described in pictures. There was also a Starbucks, which all the Americans started screaming about. After this we went to some mall to eat (a very expensive) lunch and wander around, while people bought r$100 mascara and brasil jerseys that cost r$200. After lunch we went to the Pão de Açucar which you get to via cable car and it's pretty, but honestly I think they stay kinda cool and get increasingly cooler throughout the trip. Also I forgot, we went to this super cool staircase with tiles from all over the world and it's huge, but also better describable in pictures. Then we ate dinner and went to this feirinha to buy cheap souvenirs from Rio.

Day two, we started off...ok, to be honest, I'm a little bit lost as to when we did what after this but we went to Praia de Ipanema, which was cool but it was Friday morning so there was essentially no one there. We also went to this military fort thing and the cool part there was going up on top and looking out over the ocean.

I think it was this day that we also went to a favela, and the one we went to was famous because Michael Jackson filmed a music video there for a song "They Don't Care About Us" http://youtu.be/QNJL6nfu__Q. And in this favela, which was one of the better ones that exis, you're not allowed to photograph any of the residents; just the things. Honestly though, I did t even bring a camera, and it felt kind of invasive to be there. Like, all the residents were super used to it and waited for our group of 70 to pass instead of trying to push through the crowd, and supposedly our money goes to better the place, but this being said...it felt invasive and disrespectful nonetheless. 

Oh also, after this we had a samba and funk class...haha...samba is hard and let's not talk about funk...ha....

Day 3: 

Today we started out at Cristo Redentor, by far my favorite location of the trip. You go up by train, for like half an hour then there are tons of shops that sell exactly the same things for exactly the same overpriced prices on the way to Cristo. There, there are tons and tons of people taking pictures, and the trick is zoom way out and lie on your back because Cristo is huge...like I'm pretty sure there isn't a part of Rio from which you can't see him. As unreligious as I am, it's impossible to not admit that it's and pretty incredible landmark...more so than the Statue of Liberty, and comparable with the Eifel Tower, in my opinion, at least.

After this, we went to Maracanã but weren't allowed in to look around because it was a game day. However, we went and bought tickets for the game, which was Flamengo vs. Fluminense, the two biggest teams in Rio de Janeiro. We chose to root for Flamengo, as they are more popular.

After this, we went to Copacana, which was super close and super crowded as it was Sarurday afternoon. Then we all grouped up for the game and the lucky few of us who were ready early got to go on the bus of the Northeast Dream Trip 3 and didn't have to pay for a van, as this wasn't part of the normal schedule. But anyways, so we met up with the dream trippers, and there were even more people who I knew, from my district here and another girl who I met in the Dallas airport on my way here (weird, right?) Anyways, Flamengo lost 0-3 and after the second goal, half the stadium got up and walked out in frustration. 

Anyways, after this, we went back to the hotel and ate pizza. Afterwards, people were all signing things and being thrown in the pool and the Belo people tried to make people calm down but eventually they gave up in mild amusement and left us to our chaos. Then they tried to announce departure times but after like half they told the first group to leave so everyone started crying and hugging and after about and hour of this, they got a bit annoyed, since half the people still didn't know what time they were leaving. But anyways, the next morning we got up at like 4 in the morning to see the people before they left, and to leave ourselves and on the flight back, I had a bunch of people on the first one to Campinas, and two from my district to Rio Preto. 

Also, the Shihan, like the master from karate, was on the flight from Campinas to Rio Preto. I almost had a heart attack I was so surprised. But anyways, I went to this future outbound orientation where they chose their countries for next year. It's different, because they have this test and the people who score highest on the test choose first from available vacancies and they all go up on stage and announce the country they want and whether to send their application now or wait.

Also this year, a vacancy opened for Taiwan and no one was choosing it so the district chair went up promoting t and I said ok next person up is going to choose Taiwan because of her doing this. I was right. And not impressed. Whatever, this kid'll figure it out eventually.

Outra missa

Uii  I changed the name of the other post and therefore completely forgot to write about this mass I went to with my host family. We went to a church in Rio Preto and I can honestly say it was the most moving service I have ever been to in my life. This being said, it's not like I came out of the thing catholic, but in a seriousness, there was just something about it. The music was pretty, though kinda of loud and echoey coming from the speakers. This church here in Mirassol is by far much more aesthetically pleasing, but for some reason there was something about this service that stood out. 

Etc...

After returning from the beach, we celebrated my host mom's birthday with the entire family here in the house, then we went to the sítio of my host dad's parents, which is like half an hour away, huge and has fruits of all kinds on trees....mangoes, limes, tamarind, and some others that I've either forgotten or don't know the names of. But anyways, I learned to play, buraco a card game very similar to canasta, which was super fun. I also went fishing but kinda suck at that, haha. Then everyone left and we went back home and then for my birthday the entirety of our Rotary club came to my house and there was a party like thing which was cool.

This past Saturday I went to a wedding in Rio Preto, which was cool. I missed most of the ceremony at the church because I waited for the rest of my family to get here, and they were late, because of traffic, but the party part afterwards was really cool.

Also last Thursday I went to the waterpark with my exchange friends in Rio Preto, which was cool. It was less exciting to go for a second time, but it was cool to hang out with them, at least.

Also I am going to Rio in 9 days and for Carnaval, I am going to the beach with my host aunt, uncle, and cousins.

Santa Catarina e a Praia

After getting back from New Years, I slept approximately two nights in my new house, before leaving again for the state of Santa Catarina with my third host family once again. The one thing about traveling with them is that they stop about ever hour, half hour to go pee. Then, after using the bathroom, they drink about a liter of water to ensure that after another half hour, they will have to stop and pee again. But anyways, after we finally got there, we had this nice apartment with two bedrooms and little balcony porch thing from which you could see the ocean.

It was super rainy at first, so the first day we went to Florianopolis and visited a friend of the family. He lives alone in this giant house with about 7 floors and 40 bathrooms and has an entire soccer field and locker room thing as part of his house, in addition to the pool and everything else. Anyways, we ate churrasco at his house, then went for a ride around the city. We stopped first at this beach that I think is called Jureré or something like that. It's for really really rich people and the houses surrounding it are insanely huge and aesthetic. Next we did some sand boarding which, contrary to popular belief, is absolutely nothing like snowboarding, as you have approximately no control, so you just kind of keep your weight back and hope you don't fall. Also, walking back up that stupid dune afterwards is almost worse than sledding, because while you're not weighed down by all the extra clothing, you're sliding back down the hill because you're dying of sweat. But, it was pretty fun and afterwards we went and swam in the sea fully clothed, which was definitely a good start to the beach.

Every day following included the beach, which was literally down the elevator and across the street. One day we went to Itapema, another surrounding city and went to this park where you buy a ticket and take a cable car up and then there is this part with lots of lookouts and theme park like rides through the forest area. Then you get back on the cable car and it comes out to this beach and there are lots of shops and restaurants along the water. Then you get back on the cable car thing and return. 

Along the beach, there is this trais, and it's refreshing to walk along the beach, then through this trail, that leads to this other little beach that has far fewer people and it's just kinda cozily tucked in along the edge.

At night, everything stays open until really late, so we'd go take a walk along the main street and go get ice cream or look in the shops, or go in this mini fair like thing with lots of booths and people selling fake Hollister. Sometimes it was fun to walk along the beach at night, looking at the lights of the cities surrounding. One night, we went with my host brothers friend on this train like thing that does a loop between the city we were in and the next one and it's super fun because everyone screams and says hi to all the passerbys and cars honk and wave and every time the things starts to ascend, people start clapping and screaming "sube sube sube," encouraging the thing to make it up the ascent.

That's about all I can remember at the moment, but it was a pretty cool trip...

Natal, Ano Novo, e Familia Nova

Well, I was going to tell you about my Christmas, but then I decided to wait until New Years and write about both together. This happened to be a fairly decent plan, seeing as the customs for each are incredibly similar. For Christmas, I and my family went to the house of my aunt's mother-in-law, which is still in Mirassol. There was a Secret Santa-like exchange of presents, in which I gave my 8 year old cousin a swim thing and my host aunt gave me a nice shirt. Anyways, nothing happens until after midnight. Like, they all sit around and talk and drink and then a few minutes before midnight they all gather in a circle, hold hands, say a prayer-like thing, then when it turns midnight, everyone goes around hugging and kissing everyone else, wishing them a Merry Christmas, peace, health, success, love, and a number of other things. A majority of the people also start crying. Then, they start eating, and it's a pretty decent meal, and continue talking and crying. In my family, they all sat around the table sobbing because my brother in Mexico wrote a letter to my host mom, who starts crying just at sound of his name, so imagine what it was like with and entire heartfelt letter that he wrote... Anyways, then everyone exchanges gifts, which my family doesn't really do, because what they do is go to Paraguay the weekend before Christmas and buy basically everything their kids want for them there. Anyways, people kept partying til about 2AM, when people either go to bed or go home.

But then, the next day, everyone comes back together and hangs out some more and eats a lunch of the previous night's leftovers. It's a lot less exciting, and to be honest my host sister and I slept on the couch a majority of the early afternoon, after which we went home and the entirety of my family slept while I made origami.

Anyways, I was going to switch host families on the 29th of December, but my second host family was traveling, so I didn't officially move until the first of January. But anyways, as it worked out, it was kind of almost symbolic... Anyways, so I went to spend the New Year with my third family. My first family was going to travel on the first, and my second family still hadn't arrived from their vacation, so what happened was I packed all my bags and left them at my second house, before going to travel with my third host family. So, if you think about it, I was family-less the turn of the year, moving the first to a new home, and a new beginning, all withing the realms of the new beginning being this exchange. I don't know, I thought it was kinda cool...

Anyways, New Years... I went to this ranch that I'm pretty sure belongs to someone in my third host family's family. We left about one and I'm not sure what time we got there, but it was pretty chill and I spent the first while losing in ping pong, (though all-the-while improving). Afterwards, I went for a walk along the river with my future host mom, and it was super, super pretty - the river is huge, and clean and there was this bird protecting it's babies, at this one point; it was just peaceful, and cultureless, but all the while so full of culture, if that makes any sense... Afterwards I got kinda bored so I helped in the kitchen and washed dishes and did pointless tasks for the women who were running around crazily trying to get things done. But in the end, it was both something to do, and worthwhile, as I gained the respect of the women who were doing the cooking and stuff for just kinda doing what there was to do.

After everyone took a shower and got ready, more people started arriving, and eating, and about 11:30, things started going about the same as they did during Christmas...we stood in a circle and someone talked about being grateful and appreciating one another, then everyone said this prayer. Then everyone resumed eating and the actual turn of the year was pretty anti-climatic, as no one was really paying much attention, so at like 12:02 someone looked and went, oh, 2014!! And then the Christmas tradition commenced again, with hugs, kisses, well-wishings, and crying...(though this time there was no sitting around a table and crying for the host brother who's in Mexico).

After that, it was just kinda hanging out, partying, and eventually those sleeping in other places or going home left, and the adults went to bed and so it was just teenagers chilling and listening to music and talking until the early hours of the morning when I got bored and went to bed.

The next day, some people came back and hung out, as I did at Christmas. We ate more leftovers from the day before. I went swimming with my new 9 year old friend. It was just pretty chill, everyone eating and talking again. Then we went home, and I moved families officially.

It's super refreshing to move, but at the same time, sad. As much as I was ready to move and to have things different, I finally felt like I understood life in my first family, and routines, procedures, a way of living. I felt comfortable with asking my host parents for things and to do things. And I'll definitely miss my host cousins. But at the same time, all that I've lost, I'm gaining again, in a different family, with different people. And I love my new family, so all is well.

Going to the beach tomorrow, so I guess I'll let ya know how that goes afterwards...

Foz fotos

Paraguai e Foz de Iguaçu

On Friday, my host parents, my host sister and my host cousin and I went to Paraguay and Foz de Iguaçu. This is about an eleven hour car ride, which, in a five person car was less than comfortable, but survivable. Anyways, my host dad is always going to Paraguay because it's a lot cheaper to buy a lot of things there, especially electronics and make-up and...idk, mirrors? Also fake Christmas trees. But anyways, this time they decided to take me and my host sister and my host cousin, I just had to pay for the hotel and food. Anyways, so we got to this hotel and it was honestly probably the worst hotel I've ever stayed in. That being said, the hotels I've stayed in have been incredibly clean and I therefore have pretty unreasonably high expectations for hotels, especially considering that a majority of the people staying in this hotel are only there to go buy cheap stuff in Paraguay. Also, though, I couldn't help but be a bit taken aback by the fact that this hotel was considered pretty nice, and by pretty nice, I mean more than mediocre. But it served it's purpose well, and the continental breakfast was probably the only one I've ever seen that served edible food, at least that I can remember.

Anyways, we got up at like 6 in the morning and went and parked in this garage, then took a van across the border to Paraguay. They city on the other side of the border is crowded, crazy, dirty chaos. We went and bought new phones for my host sister and cousin, and everything can be payed for in either American dollars or reais, or, basically any type of currency from the area and the dollar. It's just that it's cheaper to pay in dollars. Also, they way it works is that you choose what you want, then the people that work there print a receipt with what you want and you go stand in a line to pay. After you've paid, you take your little receipt thing that's now marked "paid" and you go stand in another line to retrieve your item(s). In my opinion, this only increases the chaos, but is kinda nice cuz I guess you don't have to walk around with 40 things you want to buy in your arms and eliminates the need for shopping carts or something like that.

Anyways, I remembered why I hate shopping, especially with other people and in a language I kind of speak. But it was overall a pretty interesting experience...

Anyways, we finally got back to the hotel thing, changed clothes, and went to the waterfalls, which are the prettiest things I've seen in Brazil, if not in my entire life. They're huge and they never cease to exist; they just keep going on and on and on. There's this one part, where you can go out over the falls and you're just surrounded by them, whether you're looking up or down or straight ahead, and at the same time there's this cold mist blowing over you, and while looking into it, there's this rainbow, so strong that you can take a picture of it and still see it. Also there're these little creature things everywhere, birds, and other things that I forget the names of, but it's really, really nice.

It was a bit touristy, but that was actually nice...I really didn't feel like a tourist there, as in like from another country. Actually, my host dad told them I was Brazilian because it was cheaper to get in by like R$25.But aside from this even, I could communicate with the people in Portuguese, and was treated by the employees as if I were Brazilian, though maybe because I was with my host family, but it was pretty cool still.

Also on this trip, I saw sooooo many things that I haven't seen since I left the US. This includes lots of things in English, certain foods (oreos, reeses, meatballs, etc...) and maybe a bit of just overall culture. There are too many pictures to post here, so maybe I'll use facebook for the first time in my life...

Exame de faixa

Well, i found something to do with my free time, sort of. These past two weeks I've been going to karate and training the afternoon to prepare for the exam that was yesterday. This was kind of cool because there's a part of the exam that consists of applications of the forms, or katas, so I trained with a friend of mine, which made it more interesting and fun. 

Anyways, the system of testing and belts is different here, it's almost like the kung fu school's new system that's actually not really new anymore I guess. But anyways, for the curious, the order is white, orange, blue, blue with black stripe, purple, purple with black stripe, green, green with black stripe, brown with white stripe, brown, and brown with black stripe, then come the series of dans and black belts. But anyways, so the younger kids have a whole lot more leeway, and often go in the order listed above. Adults, and older kids however, pften skip belts. For example, no one in the older class ever gets and orange belt; they just go right to blue. However it's also possible to jump higher. For example, my friend and I ended up earning purple. There are just different requirements for each one. Maybe his makes absolutely no sense, and maybe it makes some, but here ya are. 

Oh, and also, when they say that martial arts trains the mind and body, they weren't kidding. Here there is also a knowledge test. For example, the code of karate-do has seven parts and there are five principles. For this test, there was a written portion in which we had to write all of the code and the principles. It was kinda cool to see the emphasis on not just the physical aspects. Also everyone except for me was required to sing the national anthem of brasil, so it's really focusing on you being a good person and being aware of who and where you are.

Also, you don't learn what belt you've earned until later. There was bonekai, or a little party today, they say after, where the Shihan announced all the results. Talk about suspense, haha. 

On a completely unrelated note, it was pretty interesting because today a friend asked me if I think in Portuguese or English. And honestly, aside from the conversations I have in English, I think in portuguese. and sometimes I'm conversing in English and realize how much easier it is to communicate what I want to say on Portuguese and have to reverse translate. So that was a pretty cool revelation, actually.

Unfortunately I have little more to say as my life has been pretty much karate lately. But oh, in January my third host mom is taking me to some beach. I am spending Christmas with my cousins' cousin's family and New Years at some ranch with my third host family. Then in February I am going to Rio for a few days and in May I am going on an Amazônia trip. So I'm getting some traveling on, which I'm super excited about.

This is all I can think of for now, so tchau tchau, até mais tarde.

100 Days

Well, according to IYWT's website, today marks 100 days that I've been in Brasil. It's kind of weird, honestly though, because by the 100th day of school it feels like you've been there for a millennium and a half whereas now I feel like I've been here about 2 months maximum. Though I guess maybe that's because you don't get to count weekends to get to the hundredth day of school.

Anyways, there is not too much to do on vacation. I've been going up to the downtown on foot a lot, especially to the bank. The exercise is nice, as is my increasing knowledge of the city. 

On Friday there was a Rotary meeting at the waterpark in Olímpia, about 45 minutes from Mirassol and that was super fun. It's all natural water and it's like really warm, but it's also pretty cool - nothing compared to the dells, but still up there. But also it was strange to speak English at a normal speed and be understood. I almost forgot I had that capability.

Anyways, there was this giant half-sphere like thing with ropes and you could climb up it and shove people off the top, which I found as a pretty big highlight; I went on it 3 times. Also though, the refeesment areas are in this like glass tank filled with water and so you don't have to stand on hard pavement just to drink some water or something.

Also here's our Christmas tree:

3 Mêses

Well, yesterday marked three months since my arrival here in Brazil. That's crazy, especially considering the fact that my last blog entry occurred one month and seven days into my exchange. And, without a doubt, lots has happened since then. I don't even know where to begin, to be honest. I guess, no one celebrates Thanksgiving, (obviously), or Halloween here. However, due to the fact that I am not a fan of Thanksgiving, I was none too upset. Though perhaps some candy on Halloween wouldn't have killed anyone.

I can confidently say that I am learning, and learning quickly, through doing stupid things.

Another thing I've been pondering lately is school. I think I can pretty confidently say that I am not a fan of school here. I am becoming more and more grateful for the quality of the public education I have received in my life, especially compared to the private school education I am receiving here, and considering that Coopem is ranked in the top 50 schools in the region. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what I don't like about school here, but I definitely felt that I was offered a wider variety of opportunities in the US, both in terms of class choices and my future, such as Math Modeling and extra-curriculars. Though I suppose it is worth the pain of getting up at six every morning to have a free afternoon. And the fact that a majority of the tests are in the afternoon, while a pain, are nice so as to not waste teaching time. P.S. I'm on summer vacation until February as of this past week.

But this being said, I also spend a lot of time pondering ethnocentrism a lot, and have been trying to pinpoint, in my own opinions, when I actually think something is better with good reasons, or when I prefer what I am familiar with, simply because it has been the norm for a majority of my life. However, it's not just me, I can feel ethnocentrism everywhere here, especially within my family. Sharing cultures, at least in my opinion, is not about changing your ways, but by at least acknowledging the validity in a way that is different from your own.

Other noteworthy things that I done include going to the Rodeio and the Formatura da Coopem, neither of which I found incredibly fascinating, but both of which were good experiences to take advantage of here. I also went to a Karate tournament close to here, which was actually really cool and quite a bit different from Karate tournaments in the US and if you're interested, here's my analysis of similarities and differences:

First, this tournament was not only limited to just Karate, but to just this style of Karate, and the different branches of the same school in the region. Because of this, I guess it was a lot easier to judge because it's more a comparison of apples to apples rather than apples to oranges. Also it cost me R$15, rather than like $60 (about R$120), so that was cool. And also, there are divisions based on age and belt color, just like in the US, but your division does kata and sparring at the same time, so you only have to get called once. And there are no weapon divisions. And while you're going, there is another person in the ring, also doing his or her own kata. And there are blue flags and red flags that the judges have. You and your fellow competitor wear either a blue or a red belt. After you both finish, instead of getting a score, the judges hold up the color of the belt of the person they think should win. It's also kinda cool because if you win you go again (get to, have to, depends), but with the kata, you can repeat the same one, or do a different one, which introduces more and more complexity and skill and makes you look a lot more competent, which is pretty cool, though I guess also more tiring. Especially in the sparring when you have a giant division.

I forget what else I've been thinking profoundly about lately, but I suppose this shall suffice por enquanto.

Beijos, atéee...

Missa e Sorvete

Since the last time I've written, I'm pretty sure a lot has happened. I started taking karate classes at a school kinda near my house and it's super nice to be able to get out and do that. I can walk there and the students are very nice, and don't know my host sister, which is a major plus. Because all of my friends know my host sister, and I was beginning to think that there was no one in this city who she didn't know. But I've been doing that Monday, Wednesday, and sometimes Friday. Fridays are harder though because there are churrascos and other stuff going on and the class ends a bit late to still go do other things.

Last Sunday, I went to mass with my host sister. The church is really pretty but I didn't understand much of the service and we got there late so there was only room to stand, which made it feel a little long. But overall, it was nice. And we ate cachorro quente afterwards, which I enjoy quite a bit, though it was with my host sister's friends, who sometimes are pretty intimidating. 

Friday evening, we went to my host sister's school for a gincana, which I guess can be described as a dance competition. Basically the whole school is divided into two teams and then they have to it together a number of predetermined pieces and each team has a turn to perform each dance, then after each team has gone, some professors choose a winner and majority gets the piece, then in the end, whoever has won the most pieces wins the whole event thing and that team gets the trophy. My host sister's team won, for the record. 

Then yesterday, also Sunday but not the Sunday I went to mass, I went and had ice cream with friends from school. It was really nice to hang out with people who aren't my host sister or the other exchange student. Especially since these people are really, really nice and include me in conversations despite the fact that they know they'll have to repeat things about 500 times before I'll understand what they said and then I'll only maybe get it in the end. But we ate ice cream, like I said, then hung out on the...I guess what's the equivalent of the square and watched some people mess around on a slack line. Then we went to someone's house kinda near mine and ate Japanese food. In the end, I'm pretty sure that's the most fun I've had here since arriving, and it's not like I was the least bit discontent before.

Aniversarios e Mais

Since the inbound weekend, I haven't done too many overly exciting things. I went to a bunch of birthday things with my host sister this past weekend and those were fun. 

I also went swimming in the pool here the other day for the first time the other day. Unless you count the time I fell off the raft thing because my host sister and her friend made me laugh. But actual swimming was a bit more fun. It's getting hotter and hotter and I'm beginning to appreciate the cold a lot more than I ever thought possible.

Today we finally applied for our temporary stay licenses with the federal police which is probably a good thing considering we only have 30 says to do so without some pretty drastic potential reprecussions like getting kicked out of the country. It wasn't that exciting. They took a bunch of fingerprints and the lady spelled Chicago like Chigaco and I didn't correct here but that's about it. But speaking of this, it's so weird to think that I've been here almost 30 days and if every month passes this quickly then I'll feel as though I haven't been here for hardly any time. 

There are things that I miss, like quality cheese and familiarity but it's so much less stressful here, even when I remember that I have to college applications like everyone else. But I like this language, despite how little I speak of it. And the people here are crazy. In the best way possible. Well, some of them are a little intimidating but I really like them. Honestly, Brazilians like to talk so much about themselves and about each other. But not like gossiping. Mostly they just like to know and share things for the sake of everyone having lots of information. They're not so judgemental; like they make fun of people but not to be cruel. It's interesting.

Also, on a completely unrelated note, last Thirsday I went with two of my friends from school and watched a muay thai class that they usually take. Then we went and ate hot dogs. Hot dogs here are sooooooo much better than in the US; I don't think I can ever eat another one of those after having eaten them here. But it was super cool getting to hang out with people besides my host sister, just because I have other friends besides her and her friends.

I forget everything else I did, but it's been pretty fun.

Esqueci

Evidently I'm not too great at keeping a blog but as it happens, everytime I'm in the mood to write something, the wifi is out. I don't think that's a coincidence. Whatever. I have now been to two churrascos and those were fun. 

Also, we got cards for a sport club like 10 minutes away that's super nice and I can finally exercise. Also, today my YEO and second host dad took me to a karate place in this city and I'm gonna watch a class on Wednesday and maybe try one out on Friday or something. More on martial arts, I am going with one of my friends from school on Thursday to watch her muau thai class, which I don't really understand yet because I don't understand quite that much Portuguese.

But, speaking of Portuguese, we had out Inbound Orientation for my Rotary district this weekend and that was cool but it was mostly all in English. It was interesting to see how varied people's levels were and I was pretty proud of my Portuguese considering I didn't really study before coming and I'd only been here two weeks then. But it was pretty cool; we had this weird talent show thing so I kinda did kai men, but also it was kinda not of a very high quality but whatever, I won a Brazilian flag and some other thing from it and that was pretty cool.

I'm already starting to forget the things I've done that I haven't written down and I can't decide whether that's bad or good. Because I kinda like just living life and rememberibg what I remember without feeling the need to document every hour of my year here, but also, I really don't want to forget things that I know I will since I'm two weeks into a nine or ten month journey. We'll see.

I don't know what else to write now either. Maybe I'll add more later. For now, até mais.

Aii, Desculpa

Oops, I didn't write for awhile because we didn't have wifi for a few days and then the normal internet went out too but also I kinda was just having fun not writing, though I know I'll regret that later when I look back and can't remember some of the cool things I've done. 

Anyways, we went to a Rotary meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday and that was kinda fun. It's a really small club but also not many people were at that meeting. They had us go up and talk about our cities and that was a challenge considering I'd been there all of three days. It was fun though. And that night and the next I stayed at my second host family's house with the other exchange student because my family went to São Paulo to get a Mexican visa for my host brother who leaves tomorrow.

Also we have been going to school and all the kids are still into the picture taking and facebook adding, but then they like to also chat on facebook... This is weird but kind of nice. At least it was til this one kid told me I write like a six year old. First, I don't know the kid. Second, is that a compliment, an insult, or a fact?? Whatever.

Also, yesterday we went to Monte Libano, which is a sport club that's pretty fancy and had a churrasco and lots of family and other people were there including some of these crazy girls who like to obsess over the mexican exchange student so that was funny because we learned that he was the background of one of their phones, but also we did the cup song thing and that was nice; connecting without needing Portuguese.

Later me and the other exchange student and my host sister went to a churrasco for a guy in out class at school and it was super fun because I got to talk to some of my classmates that I don't talk to as much in school.

Today we had churrasco here and lots of people came over aka the grandmother and aunt and uncles and cousins on my host mom's side of the family and also some neighbors and my host sibling's friends and at one point when the family was leaving, everyone was crying except me, the neighbors, and the other exchange student and let's just say that was awkward.

But whatever, it's been fun and after tomorrow I guess my Portguese will have to improve because there will be no more English speakers. This, however, is for the better.

Ok, tchau tchau.

Day Two of 15 Minutes of Fame

Okay so first, I lied; this school starts at like age two or something. Instead of most classes we went around and introduced ourselves to all the younger kids and answered their questions. On the bright side, this meant that I knew every class I was in because it was basically only math, more math, and English. 

In English the teacher lady studied abroad and she made us come talk about ourselves in English and now she thinks we don't speak any Portuguese which is fine with me, I guess. Oh, but when we were going around to the classes, the person who I presume is the principal kept telling the kids they could come talk to us and they didn't have to giggle and stare from a distance anymore. I also saw my host aunt and cousins except for one because he's in one of the only two non-high school classes we didn't go to.

In other news, I have come to realize that of everyone, the only person I never understand is my host mother. This is unfortunate. Last night she told me to get a coat because today would be cold and it took about 15 minutes for me to understand and their neighbor just kinda sat there and watched our interaction amusedly.

Also though, I stayed at my second host family's house last night so my host mom and brother could go to São Paulo so my brother could get a Mexican visa but I didn't really understand that either for quite some time. On the bright side, that got cleared up.

Tonight we go to a Rotary meeting. Haha, too bad I forgot to grab nice shoes before I left last night. But the again, also too bad I didn't understand what was going on for most of last night. Also there are lots of mosquitos and I have so many bug bites which is fine, whatever, but the one making my eye swollen is mildly annoying. 

Oh, I also finally learned the word for "slow" so this is a plus in terms of communication.

K, tchau!

A Casa

A Escola

Today I went to school, in this place called Coopem on the other side of the town and there are lots of kids from probably like kindergarten or something all the way through the third (and last) year of high school. Basically, we were like celebrities there and everyone of all ages knew who we were and would come up and say hi in Portuguese or English and want to talk a lot. 

I was in the second year of their high school with the Mexican exchange student and we had like our 15 minutes of fame except it was actually a lot of hours. Honestly, so many kids sleep that I probably learned as much as they did and I don't speak Portuguese. Also everyone talks the entire time and basically the teacher either teaches to those who are listening or doesn't really teach much at all. I have yet to figure out what the first hour was today.... And Mondays have way too much physics.

But I made some friends, whose names I don't know but that's not particularly relevant. They also were major fans of origami and my pencil spinning habits. Also Arabic. They were nice and spoke really slow Portuguese except in some cases where they realized I was never going to understand them and they made one of their friends translate for me.

All in all, I like going to school because the people are cool and I don't have the stress of needing to do well...or do anything, really. And we left before some biology class started, so that was another plus. Also the dog named Hanna really likes the swimming pool. She swam all day yesterday, which is more than anyone else thus far.

Primeiro Domingo

Today I woke up at like 8:30 which is weird because that's like 6:30 in the US and breakfast was bread or something that starts with an m with mayo and cheese that was in that thing that's kinda like a grill. As it turns out, getting food early was good because I'm pretty sure the dog ate the rest of the bread food that starts with an m.

Then I went with my host parents and brother to the store and bought food and also havianas. Afterwards, we drove around and went to my host mother's sister's house and I met an uncle and aunt and grandparents and also a bunch of cousins and that was fun, but I didn't know what they were saying; only that they were talking about me.

Then I think we drove around and looked to see if their friends were home but they weren't so we came home and ate lunch.  Then I took a nap for like an hour but that was unintentional. 

I hung out with my host sister and her friends and probably understood three words in like two hours and that was because she looked at me and spoke super slowly but they were all nice and one probably speaks better English than I do.

Dinner was more lasagna and lettuce that tasted like olives and salt and rice. 

Okay well I got bored yesterday and didn't finish writing anything but the cousins et al came over and that was fun because they're all younger kids and they're cool. I forgot some of my random revelations from yesterday but it was good.