Brazil has really knocked me down. I've encountered so many difficulties here and therefore learned so many lessons in my short three weeks here.
1) Never.Ever.EVER send electronics to Brazil--or South America in general. They tax an arm and a leg. Seriously!
**But the care package from Randy, Lisa and my mom was really sweet! So it was worth the $800. It was the most I've ever spent on Madeline's, Ramen, chips, gum, mint etc. but it really made me happy. :)
2) Don't sit on a rock with a cell phone in the back pocket. The screen will crack. true story. It's the worst feeling in the world, especially if the phone isn't even a month old. But hey, at least you have a great photo.
3) Don't flush toilet paper (papel higiênico) it may get stuck in the toilet.
4) Somehow when bacteria gets on your eyelid, you develop a tresol which is like a little bump on your eyelid...it's so weird! I have no idea how this happened.
5) Pizza can be a dessert. And it's so good!
6) Brazilian men are aggressive. Cat can attest to this! haha! But when they want you, they have this sly move where they walk by you and grab your hand "innocently". It's hilarious when it fails.
7) 7 of the top 10 hits in Brazil are by American artists. This is not the best thing when you want to find new Brazilian music. But it's great when you are nostalgic for the U.S of A.
I can't think of any more, but I'll remember to add to this list when I do. It's just been so overwhelming.
I wish I could have blogged about how exciting it was to be in Brazil...how awful my accent is...how I'm like 1 in 30 Asians here etc. but that window has passed...I'm settling in and just enjoying Brazil for what it is. I came to Brazil with a contrived image of the country and I was having a hard time adjusting, especially with all the bumps on the road. But everything happens for a reason, right? During my time without my laptop (which was like for two weeks!) I just journaled a lot and reflected till I didn't even want to listen to myself any more. I'd like to say that I know myself a little better now.
Anyways, I've been in panic mode cos I have no idea what classes to take and I have to matriculate by Friday. I haven't done any homework. Apparently, I won't have classes Thursdays and Fridays (four day weekend?!!!) and I have an internship to figure out. I have no idea how to organize my life right now. Hopefully, things will just sort themselves out.
the twentysomething year old
- mosaicpieces
- New York, NY, United States
- What makes life so interesting are the risks you take and the people you meet. I've lived the majority of my life fearing the consequences of risks. Well, that's what the twenties are for! I am going to write about my trials and tribulations of being a twentysomething year old in this big world, trying to figure it all out. It's going to be a topsy turvy ride, but that's what being in your twenties is all about.
What is your internship on?
ReplyDeleteAnd re: 6. Maybe it's the combination of both Brazilian men AND their reaction specifically to you? ;)
i feel like there's a story to go with number 6. i want to hear!!! hahaha
ReplyDeleteughhhh i totally feel you on the classes thing. i have to turn in my schedule by friday, and i've only found two classes i like so far!! i think i'll enroll in 5 and drop two later??
the four day weekend will come in handy =)
(for traveling, skirt projects, and partyyyying =P)
which internship do you have? did the school set it up for you or do you have to find it yourself?
hope you're doing well, it's always great to hear from you!!
Number 4 has happened to me before. Just don't touch it. At all. Otherwise...it gets bigger. I hope it's gone by now.
ReplyDeleteAnd yea, what is your internship about?