1 night of Samba dancing. Rio de Janerio, Brazil.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Jumping Off a Cliff
My family always ask what I want come birthday and holiday time. I seem to say the same thing, experiences. I have what I want and don't need a darn thing. I want to experience the world, doing things I would never think of doing.
And today...I jumped off a cliff (thanks Dad for the birthday money...this is what it bought). A tandem hang-gliding flight. Now, let me just make this clear, I was absolutely terrified! There's nothing natural about running at break-neck speed off a cliff, hoping the wind is just right to catch your glide. All these reasons are exactly why I did it. I don't believe in living life in a boring fashion. Take risk, enjoy. Every once in a while a risk will bite you in the butt, but you bite back and move on.
My instructor, Marcelo, made me feel at ease, sort of. We did everything so fast (the single practice run) that he gave me no time to think, to sort out the insanity of the situation on my head. After our practice run, we got on the platform, assumed the position, and ran.
And there it was...the current that took us up, up, up. I flew like an eagle over Tujuca National park forest, with the beach and sea a few hundred meters below the forest floor. The view was amazing. We circled, catching a current of wind, that brought us closer to the clouds, closer to the top of the mountains. The forest was emerald green, the sea azure blue. In the distance was Ipanema and Copacabana, and then Corcavado and SugarLoaf.
Before I knew it, we caught a draft over the sea. And it was time to conduct our landing on Pepino Beach. Let's just say I'm not the most graceful lander of man-piloted aircraft...but we made it there with no broken bones, no broken equipment.
Of course, my instructor took multiple photos of the flight, but I opted to not purchase and instead keep the images in my head. They are mine. Not to share. The story will have to suffice to family and friends. Besides, this is not a story about captivating views or the beauty I saw. It's about taking a risk, doing something you would never do, experience the penultimate moment of freedom.
And today...I jumped off a cliff (thanks Dad for the birthday money...this is what it bought). A tandem hang-gliding flight. Now, let me just make this clear, I was absolutely terrified! There's nothing natural about running at break-neck speed off a cliff, hoping the wind is just right to catch your glide. All these reasons are exactly why I did it. I don't believe in living life in a boring fashion. Take risk, enjoy. Every once in a while a risk will bite you in the butt, but you bite back and move on.
My instructor, Marcelo, made me feel at ease, sort of. We did everything so fast (the single practice run) that he gave me no time to think, to sort out the insanity of the situation on my head. After our practice run, we got on the platform, assumed the position, and ran.
And there it was...the current that took us up, up, up. I flew like an eagle over Tujuca National park forest, with the beach and sea a few hundred meters below the forest floor. The view was amazing. We circled, catching a current of wind, that brought us closer to the clouds, closer to the top of the mountains. The forest was emerald green, the sea azure blue. In the distance was Ipanema and Copacabana, and then Corcavado and SugarLoaf.
Before I knew it, we caught a draft over the sea. And it was time to conduct our landing on Pepino Beach. Let's just say I'm not the most graceful lander of man-piloted aircraft...but we made it there with no broken bones, no broken equipment.
Of course, my instructor took multiple photos of the flight, but I opted to not purchase and instead keep the images in my head. They are mine. Not to share. The story will have to suffice to family and friends. Besides, this is not a story about captivating views or the beauty I saw. It's about taking a risk, doing something you would never do, experience the penultimate moment of freedom.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Rio de Janerio: On Holiday
So, here I am "relaxing" in Rio, on vacation. Sounds better than it actually is. The first day was nothing short of glorious. Beautiful weather, great surf, sand that slips through the cracks of your toes. I spent the better part of the day at the beach. Like usual, I fell asleep in the sun (with sunblock of course).
There must be something special about the sun here in Brazil, as I know look like a peppermint (more red than white, though). Strangely, I'm okay with this, as I have been born with skin that turns to tan rather quickly, and with minimal damage. People do look at me differently, with my racoon eyes (have they never seen an Americano before??). It's quite funny...and I'm sure friends and family will get a good laugh upon my return to the states.
Second day was unexpected. I went and toured a favala (slum). I visited the largest favela in the city with 250,000 inhabitants. There were things you'd expect to see. Deterioriating housing, extreme poverty by my standards, etc. However, I saw things I did not expect. Cable TV. Internet service. And lots of smiles. These people are extremely happy to live there, as they are not homeless. I thought I'd walk away with a new outlook on life...how fortunate and lucky I am to have been born in America. How lucky I am to be in the top 1% of wage earners in the world. Instead, I came back with a sense of no matter where you are, there is joy to found, friends to make, and making the best of what you have is the key to life.
I also spend much of day two working, "under a bus." That's all I'll say. Oh yeah, I also will be cutting my vacation short by 2 days, as work demands are overriding.
Day 3. Well, it hasn't gotten off to a good start. I was supposed to start a tour of colonial downtown at 9AM. It's now almost 11. 2 hours of my day wasted. They should be picking me up shortly, but still, 2 hours wasted.
Shortly after this tour ends, I will be jumping off a cliff (weather permitting, of course). I do not think that flying is any way natural for human beings...if it were, we'd all be coughing up feathers and pecking at our food. I'm deathly afraid of the para-gliding adventure, but cannot wait for the views from above. Rio is such a beautiful city...all humans should be required to come to see for themselves.
Later tonight...it's Samba dancing. That's right. A late night with a Samba school that participates in Carnival. I'll let you know how my new moves turn out, assuming, I don't fall asleep on the sequined clad men and women that will surround me.
There must be something special about the sun here in Brazil, as I know look like a peppermint (more red than white, though). Strangely, I'm okay with this, as I have been born with skin that turns to tan rather quickly, and with minimal damage. People do look at me differently, with my racoon eyes (have they never seen an Americano before??). It's quite funny...and I'm sure friends and family will get a good laugh upon my return to the states.
Second day was unexpected. I went and toured a favala (slum). I visited the largest favela in the city with 250,000 inhabitants. There were things you'd expect to see. Deterioriating housing, extreme poverty by my standards, etc. However, I saw things I did not expect. Cable TV. Internet service. And lots of smiles. These people are extremely happy to live there, as they are not homeless. I thought I'd walk away with a new outlook on life...how fortunate and lucky I am to have been born in America. How lucky I am to be in the top 1% of wage earners in the world. Instead, I came back with a sense of no matter where you are, there is joy to found, friends to make, and making the best of what you have is the key to life.
I also spend much of day two working, "under a bus." That's all I'll say. Oh yeah, I also will be cutting my vacation short by 2 days, as work demands are overriding.
Day 3. Well, it hasn't gotten off to a good start. I was supposed to start a tour of colonial downtown at 9AM. It's now almost 11. 2 hours of my day wasted. They should be picking me up shortly, but still, 2 hours wasted.
Shortly after this tour ends, I will be jumping off a cliff (weather permitting, of course). I do not think that flying is any way natural for human beings...if it were, we'd all be coughing up feathers and pecking at our food. I'm deathly afraid of the para-gliding adventure, but cannot wait for the views from above. Rio is such a beautiful city...all humans should be required to come to see for themselves.
Later tonight...it's Samba dancing. That's right. A late night with a Samba school that participates in Carnival. I'll let you know how my new moves turn out, assuming, I don't fall asleep on the sequined clad men and women that will surround me.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
3 AM; Sao Paulo, Brazil
Early morning on Nov 5th, I awoke in the middle of the night. Curious to see the voting results back home, I decided to tune into CNNInternational. And there was Barack Obama walking on stage to make his speech.
I will not get political here nor use this forum to spew my political views. I will say this, however. President Elect Obama's speech was nothing short of moving, nothing short of presidential.
It is rare to see a politician, a leader continuously and effectively use the power of the words "we" and "ours." These two simple words are what got him elected. Yes, there was a flawlessly ran campaigned, he understood the moment and needs of the country, and many other factors that contributed to his election. But these two words drove the American people to listen, to follow him.
I will not get political here nor use this forum to spew my political views. I will say this, however. President Elect Obama's speech was nothing short of moving, nothing short of presidential.
It is rare to see a politician, a leader continuously and effectively use the power of the words "we" and "ours." These two simple words are what got him elected. Yes, there was a flawlessly ran campaigned, he understood the moment and needs of the country, and many other factors that contributed to his election. But these two words drove the American people to listen, to follow him.
Monday, October 20, 2008
BEAR-ly the Numbers
16 Hours on the Tundra (in Buggy # 16) 
23 Humans on the Buggy
19 Adult Polar Bears
3 CUBS!
1 Nursing Mother
2 Sparring CUBS!
1 Turkey Vulture
3 Snow Owls
8 Ducks
1 Arctic Fox
1 Canadian Goose
2 Arctic Hares
2 Good Mates
-5 degrees Celsius (+ wind chill)
32 Latitudinal Degrees South of the North Pole
1832 Photos
1 Giga-awesome weekend
Zero words to describe it
23 Humans on the Buggy
19 Adult Polar Bears
3 CUBS!
1 Nursing Mother
2 Sparring CUBS!
1 Turkey Vulture
3 Snow Owls
8 Ducks
1 Arctic Fox
1 Canadian Goose
2 Arctic Hares
2 Good Mates
-5 degrees Celsius (+ wind chill)
32 Latitudinal Degrees South of the North Pole
1832 Photos
1 Giga-awesome weekend
Zero words to describe it
There Be Bear!
There she was. My first polar bear. She was lying on the ground, having a nap. We didn’t seem to disturb her, despite all the flashing, clicking of cameras, and continuous “ahhs” coming from the buggy.
Then there was movement. A head lifts up, alive. She slowly assesses the situations, hearing the clicks and shuffling of snow pants inside the buggy. She decides it’s time to stretch. Out comes a paw, a long drawn-out yawn. More clicks of the camera, more “ahhs.” She’s bored. She lies back down. We are hungry. We move on.
My first polar bear.
Then there was movement. A head lifts up, alive. She slowly assesses the situations, hearing the clicks and shuffling of snow pants inside the buggy. She decides it’s time to stretch. Out comes a paw, a long drawn-out yawn. More clicks of the camera, more “ahhs.” She’s bored. She lies back down. We are hungry. We move on.
My first polar bear.
Dog Sledding Without Snow
So, I’ve managed to make my way up to Churchill, Manitobe, Canada. It’s a small town (approximately 1 km long) situated halfway up the western bank of the Hudson Bay. It’s quaint with approximately 600 year round residents. I’m here for the day as part of my polar bear safari adventure. We have all day to explore the city, which took all of 10 minutes before we were bored. We need to kill 3 more hours before we trek out to the arctic tundra.
It’s only mid-October, and snow has fallen, but has melted. That’s right…I’m on my way to view polar bears without snow. There’s something less romantic about this notion, but I’m going to view polar bears nonetheless. For those of you back home…if you really want snow, that’s what photoshop is for.
There’s a group of us single travelers who have banded together. Dog sledding seems like a good idea. We sign up as all the spots are not taken. The company is ran by Inuit descendants and it is obvious they care for both their dogs and the land on which the live. We get to the meet the 18 dogs they have on staff and learn about the four different positions the dogs take while on the lead.
The dogs are full bred Canadian Eskimo dogs. They prefer to run in temperatures that range from -17C to -35C. Today is far too warm for them at -1C. We can only sled for 2 miles before they are wore out. The dogs are kept outside, as they need to be kept cool, and can attract bears. It’s a bit of a problem for locals who sled, as they do not want to attract the white bear, but they cannot keep their livelihood indoors.
The owners get the sled ready and the dogs start to go nuts. Never have I heard such raucous created by a group of animals. The owner explains that the dogs are excited and are playing a game of “pick me.” Finally, we are ready. Kris (fellow traveler) and I hop on and we’re off. Remember, there’s no snow, but we do have muddy trails and every once in awhile, we are happily greeted with a splattering of mud on the face. It’s not quite what one would expect from a dog sledding experience, but, I can officially say that “running a dog sled race” is now on my to-do list. Mush on!
It’s only mid-October, and snow has fallen, but has melted. That’s right…I’m on my way to view polar bears without snow. There’s something less romantic about this notion, but I’m going to view polar bears nonetheless. For those of you back home…if you really want snow, that’s what photoshop is for.
There’s a group of us single travelers who have banded together. Dog sledding seems like a good idea. We sign up as all the spots are not taken. The company is ran by Inuit descendants and it is obvious they care for both their dogs and the land on which the live. We get to the meet the 18 dogs they have on staff and learn about the four different positions the dogs take while on the lead.
The dogs are full bred Canadian Eskimo dogs. They prefer to run in temperatures that range from -17C to -35C. Today is far too warm for them at -1C. We can only sled for 2 miles before they are wore out. The dogs are kept outside, as they need to be kept cool, and can attract bears. It’s a bit of a problem for locals who sled, as they do not want to attract the white bear, but they cannot keep their livelihood indoors.
The owners get the sled ready and the dogs start to go nuts. Never have I heard such raucous created by a group of animals. The owner explains that the dogs are excited and are playing a game of “pick me.” Finally, we are ready. Kris (fellow traveler) and I hop on and we’re off. Remember, there’s no snow, but we do have muddy trails and every once in awhile, we are happily greeted with a splattering of mud on the face. It’s not quite what one would expect from a dog sledding experience, but, I can officially say that “running a dog sled race” is now on my to-do list. Mush on!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sake Caipirinhas
I highly recommend that everyone try the typical Brazilian drink, the caipirinha. It is traditionally made with cachaca, a Brazilian liquor. Add sugar and lime, and you have a caipirinha. Anyone who has ever tried cachaca, knows that is the cheetah of liquors. It stalks you as you unknowingly go about your evening. Then suddenly when you are not paying attention, it pounces, causing you to realize that you have been drinking pure alcohol with a smidgen of sugar and lime to dull the effects.
In Brazil, they've created the vodka caipirinha as well as various fruit mixtures (I suggest fresh strawberry, kiwi, and passion fruit be added). A co-worker recommended trying the sake caipirinha. I was hesitant. Sake? With fruit? Well, I am now converted. The sake version is like a snake. It effortlessly winds its way into your body; you become more interested in its smooth gracefulness. You never smell the power of the sake (unlike cachaca) and while drinking, you can only imagine yourself sipping one while enjoying a sun-filled day on the beach. Oh yeah, it never pounces like the cheetah, unless you disrespect it (and your body).
So, visit your local Brazilian restaurant and ask for the sake caipirinha. I suggest adding strawberry and kiwi as it enhances the charming elegance of the drink. Raise your glass and enjoy the company of your dinner companion.
In Brazil, they've created the vodka caipirinha as well as various fruit mixtures (I suggest fresh strawberry, kiwi, and passion fruit be added). A co-worker recommended trying the sake caipirinha. I was hesitant. Sake? With fruit? Well, I am now converted. The sake version is like a snake. It effortlessly winds its way into your body; you become more interested in its smooth gracefulness. You never smell the power of the sake (unlike cachaca) and while drinking, you can only imagine yourself sipping one while enjoying a sun-filled day on the beach. Oh yeah, it never pounces like the cheetah, unless you disrespect it (and your body).
So, visit your local Brazilian restaurant and ask for the sake caipirinha. I suggest adding strawberry and kiwi as it enhances the charming elegance of the drink. Raise your glass and enjoy the company of your dinner companion.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Interesting factoid....
So, one of the many interesting things I've learned while in Brazil are facts surrounding the cashew nut. While visiting a farmer's market, one will have many opportunities to purchase the cashew fruit. It's a wonderfully pomegranate-colored fruit. The skin is rather fragile (apparently making it difficult to transport and hence, only found in tropical regions), but has a wonderful luster that draws your eye. The pulp is quite juicy, and the fragrance reminds me of a wind on a tropical island carrying the scent of nearby trees. Despite all of these wonderful attributes, the fruit itself, taste rather dull and rubbery.But I digress...I'm not writing about the cashew fruit...but rather about the cashew nut. The nut is actually a seed of the fruit. This seed grows from the tree first, then the fruit develops around the seed. (The nut is harvested from the green seed seen above). Since the fruit is rather crappy in comparison to its tropical cousins, the cashew fruit is actually harvested for its seed (i.e. the nut).
So, the next time your in Brazil, check out the cashew fruit....
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Ahhh….weekend in Rio
Yes, it was just that…a large exhale of air, filled with excitement and relaxation. There are very few cities I fall in love with, but Rio, I could live in Rio. It’s a city alive with everything. Music, dancing, laughter, beauty, and lots of people enjoying the beach.
It is quite evident that the beach is a part of life here. We have a saying back home—“life is a beach.” In Rio, life is the beach. If you live in Rio, you go to the beach every Saturday and Sunday. Your adult friendly leagues of volleyball and soccer are, you guessed it, played on the beach. It’s election year in Brazil, and I had the opportunities to see candidates campaigning on the beach (because that’s where all the people are). It’s crowded, but not in the, get off of me, you are invaded my personal space kind of way. It’s crowded because that is what you do, that is where you live, that is who you are, and it’s comfortable crowded. Three lanes of the highway that hugs the coast is closed on Sunday to allow more people to enjoy the beach. Add to the beach lots of street vendors with good food, good drinks. You can indulge on a coconut or grilled minus cheese.
Not only is the surf and sand a way of life, but the beaches are simply beautiful. Soft white sand curls between your toes as you watch the surf come to shore. And, it’s clean and safe. There is little land between the beach and the mountains. Normally, the poor inhabit the city, but here, the middle and upper class rule the small amount beachfront property. The favelas are on a mountain. That’s right…the poor live in the suburbs. But mind you, because they live on the mountain, they too enjoy ocean views.
It’s a very relaxed town. There’s no reason to hurry, no reason to worry. I have a great sense of direction, and rarely get lost or turned around. It has come in handy many times during my travels. However, this was one of those cities in which I simply had no idea where I was. This happened while in a cab and while wondering by foot. There I was…alone, female, walking. But the vibe of the city infected me. I had my trusty (and tourist-y) map, found my way, and went on at the slow, but methodical rhythm of my surroundings.
After a long day, you might grab a drink, and sit on a lounge chair. As you look to the sky, you suddenly realize there is a flock of 20-30 birds only 10 meters circling above you. At first, the thought that you are dead and they are scavengers crosses your mind. Then you realize the birds have caught a draft of air coming off the mountains, heading seaward. They are simply being birds. They are looking down at the human population, laughing, taunting us, because we have no means to fly on our own.
Rio is a city that embraces the outdoors. You see surfboards, runners, bikers, skateboarders, dogs (BIG dogs like Great Danes and Saint Bernards), people walking, children playing. Lots of soccer and volleyballs, lots of laughter and music.
Friday night, I asked the concierge to recommend a restaurant. I wanted something fun, but nothing outland-ish. She recommend a “quaint” restaurant—her word, not mine. Little did I know…part of the charm of the restaurant was breaking wine bottles and dishes (don’t go barefoot). When a waiter “accidentally” breaks a glass, a dish, the whole crowd gets to join in. It was fun and therapeutic. I went to Corcovado. That’s the name of the mountain the statue sits on, and it translates into “hunchback.”
It is quite evident that the beach is a part of life here. We have a saying back home—“life is a beach.” In Rio, life is the beach. If you live in Rio, you go to the beach every Saturday and Sunday. Your adult friendly leagues of volleyball and soccer are, you guessed it, played on the beach. It’s election year in Brazil, and I had the opportunities to see candidates campaigning on the beach (because that’s where all the people are). It’s crowded, but not in the, get off of me, you are invaded my personal space kind of way. It’s crowded because that is what you do, that is where you live, that is who you are, and it’s comfortable crowded. Three lanes of the highway that hugs the coast is closed on Sunday to allow more people to enjoy the beach. Add to the beach lots of street vendors with good food, good drinks. You can indulge on a coconut or grilled minus cheese.
Not only is the surf and sand a way of life, but the beaches are simply beautiful. Soft white sand curls between your toes as you watch the surf come to shore. And, it’s clean and safe. There is little land between the beach and the mountains. Normally, the poor inhabit the city, but here, the middle and upper class rule the small amount beachfront property. The favelas are on a mountain. That’s right…the poor live in the suburbs. But mind you, because they live on the mountain, they too enjoy ocean views.
It’s a very relaxed town. There’s no reason to hurry, no reason to worry. I have a great sense of direction, and rarely get lost or turned around. It has come in handy many times during my travels. However, this was one of those cities in which I simply had no idea where I was. This happened while in a cab and while wondering by foot. There I was…alone, female, walking. But the vibe of the city infected me. I had my trusty (and tourist-y) map, found my way, and went on at the slow, but methodical rhythm of my surroundings.
After a long day, you might grab a drink, and sit on a lounge chair. As you look to the sky, you suddenly realize there is a flock of 20-30 birds only 10 meters circling above you. At first, the thought that you are dead and they are scavengers crosses your mind. Then you realize the birds have caught a draft of air coming off the mountains, heading seaward. They are simply being birds. They are looking down at the human population, laughing, taunting us, because we have no means to fly on our own.
Rio is a city that embraces the outdoors. You see surfboards, runners, bikers, skateboarders, dogs (BIG dogs like Great Danes and Saint Bernards), people walking, children playing. Lots of soccer and volleyballs, lots of laughter and music.
Friday night, I asked the concierge to recommend a restaurant. I wanted something fun, but nothing outland-ish. She recommend a “quaint” restaurant—her word, not mine. Little did I know…part of the charm of the restaurant was breaking wine bottles and dishes (don’t go barefoot). When a waiter “accidentally” breaks a glass, a dish, the whole crowd gets to join in. It was fun and therapeutic. I went to Corcovado. That’s the name of the mountain the statue sits on, and it translates into “hunchback.”
I hopped over to the rain forest, saw wild monkeys and raccoons, went to the Chinese lookout, to downtown, and to Sugarloaf. I visited a couple of street fairs—the best by far was the “Hippie Market.” It’s been in existence for over 60 years and has hand crafted arts by locals. I normally buy 1 or 2 items…but I picked up a number of Christmas gifts here…certainly more than I expected. Saturday night, I went Samba dancing…with one of the schools that participate in Carnival. It was fun (and late). It started at 11PM and I got home at 3AM. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m usually in bed by 10—need my beauty sleep.This is a not a city that one can simply visit and enjoy in 2 days. This is a place to spend time, to relax, to explore. I’ll be back.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Rio de Janerio
Well...I've made it. This city is amazing. It's a wonderful mixture of color, architecture, new and old world, music, dancing, and of course--caipirinhas (a wonderful Brazilian cocktail). I have yet to see much of the city, but it's full of Miami color, favelas (slums), Gothic and Renaissance architecture, modern high rises, mountains, and beaches. On my way to the hotel, it was quite evident that football (soccer) is a much larger part of life than in Sao Paulo.
I am struck by the proximity of the mountains to the beach. It gives little room for the city/inhabitants to carry about their lives, however, it seems to work. The roads along the beaches are winding, following the geography of the land.
I am staying on Copacabana beach. It's beautiful. The city meanders its way along the coast line, living symbiotically with the nature that surrounds it. Outdoor sports are prevalent here. Not only is there football, but beach volleyball is ever-present, and something akin to beach football (though I haven't quite figured it out yet).
The rooftop of my hotel has a great (but far-away) view of Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer). I would share my pictures, but frankly they are crap. Clouds descended on the city late in the day, and my photos are no where near share-able.
Tomorrow, I'm off to visit Corcovado, Sugarloaf, downtown, and the Tijuca Forest (think largest natural forest in a metropolis AND ferrel monkeys). I'm looking forward to a couple of days of being a tourist.
I am struck by the proximity of the mountains to the beach. It gives little room for the city/inhabitants to carry about their lives, however, it seems to work. The roads along the beaches are winding, following the geography of the land.
I am staying on Copacabana beach. It's beautiful. The city meanders its way along the coast line, living symbiotically with the nature that surrounds it. Outdoor sports are prevalent here. Not only is there football, but beach volleyball is ever-present, and something akin to beach football (though I haven't quite figured it out yet).
The rooftop of my hotel has a great (but far-away) view of Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer). I would share my pictures, but frankly they are crap. Clouds descended on the city late in the day, and my photos are no where near share-able.
Tomorrow, I'm off to visit Corcovado, Sugarloaf, downtown, and the Tijuca Forest (think largest natural forest in a metropolis AND ferrel monkeys). I'm looking forward to a couple of days of being a tourist.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Yes, that's right...I'm currently in Sao Paulo. It's a city filled with great wonders. The people are friendly, the city is huge (16.8 million people, and growing), contains a wonderful mixture of historic beauty and modern wonders. And let's not forget the food...you will never go hungry in Brazil! (I always seem to gain weight...not sure if it's the organic beef or the South American wine). There's a wonderful culture here, filled with family, markets, street traffic (pedestrians beware). I love the fact that last names don't matter here and it's a racial mix of anything and everything.
I'm here for the month of September. Lot's of work to do. Despite the work, I'm surprisingly finding lots to do to occupy the few moments of downtime I have. I've visited Artes de Embu (a quaint town just outside the city), done the typical tourist attractions in the city (I try to stay away from this...but it's difficult when you are somewhere for a month). I'm off to Rio de Janerio this weekend--and really looking forward to it. Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, and the beach...in WINTER.
Being away this long definitely has its draw-backs. I missed a birth in the family...Bronson Thomas. I miss being able to readily dial my friends and family. I missed Hurricane Ike. And news like high gas prices and stock market woes aren't quite the same here in Brazil. Despite the Internet, one simply can't get the same feel for world events when in a country where English is the third language.
I'm here for the month of September. Lot's of work to do. Despite the work, I'm surprisingly finding lots to do to occupy the few moments of downtime I have. I've visited Artes de Embu (a quaint town just outside the city), done the typical tourist attractions in the city (I try to stay away from this...but it's difficult when you are somewhere for a month). I'm off to Rio de Janerio this weekend--and really looking forward to it. Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, and the beach...in WINTER.
Being away this long definitely has its draw-backs. I missed a birth in the family...Bronson Thomas. I miss being able to readily dial my friends and family. I missed Hurricane Ike. And news like high gas prices and stock market woes aren't quite the same here in Brazil. Despite the Internet, one simply can't get the same feel for world events when in a country where English is the third language.
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