I wish I could find the words to describe my day, but none seem fitting. It was perhaps one of the most influential days of my life to date. To many, it would be no thing significant. Perhaps a little sad, maybe even uncomfortable, but nothing to be awed over. For me, however, it was a chance to do something I have only ever dreamed of. Helping the poorest of the poor children is certainly no light thing. To explain better, Tuti works as a nutritionist at a elementary school in one of the "vilas" in town. Not quite a favela, but by no means ordinary living, a vila is home to hundreds of starving, diseased, and despaired families.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
I am humbled.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The Plague: Homesickness
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Exploration: Florianopolis, SC, 2/13- 2/26
As I walked up the front steps of the Albergue do Pirata with my friend, Jenna, I was greeted with some not so discrete snickers and skeptical looks. After all, I was tugging a nearly 80lb. suitcase, fully equipped backpack, and a trail of excess bags here and there. To the avid backpacker, I was a bit beyond a ridiculous sight. How could they know I was not the normal backpacker, but a student here for 6 months? My cheeks flushed, but I swore to myself I would make this a good experience. I was determined. Now when I look back, I think "good experience" is an unjust understatement.
Jenna and I were exhausted from our 12 hour overnight bus ride but the sound of the high tide and the smell of the salt water were beckoning us. Within 15 min of our arrival, we found ourselves wondering down a long, deserted road into town. Our first meal was on the exotic side... but then, we were in Brasil, what did we expect?! We thought we ordered fried fish. When an entire fish (head, scales, eyes, tail, and all) was placed on our table, we quickly realized our Portuguese was not up to standard! But hunger persisted and we dug in. I ate the fish tail. Andrew Zimmerman would be proud.
It didn't take long till we found ourselves completely at home at the Albergue. Jenna has this unbelievable flare for starting a conversation with just about anybody and everybody and my own relaxed nature was easily accepted. Soon, we were just another pair of wondering, free spirited travelers with a hunger for knowledge. People came and went. Days were filled with adventure, nights with endless fun.
Breakfast closed up at 10am sharp every morning. And when they said 10am, they meant 10 min till or earlier. It was a battlefield getting a scrape of food before everything was put up for the day. So, every morning at 9:30, an automatic alarm clock rang in my head- it was breakfast time. My only free meal of the day. Free food to a traveling broke college student is music to the ear. French bread with jam, fruit, and a tall mug of coffee. Nothing special. It was no Breakfast Taco from Taco C, or Susan Kasemyer's famous homemade biscuits and gravy with sausage, but I was still not about to miss it for the world. Breakfast always proved to be one of my favorite times of the day. I always dabbled in the most intriguing, in depth conversations no matter who I was sitting with that day. Funny enough, they all seemed to stem around life's purpose.
"I learned a lot those mornings. Things they don't teach in school.Things I will take with me the rest of my life."
Jenna and I made the most out of our time together (she would be leaving a week earlier than I). If we weren't hiking up a mountain through a jungle to a waterfall, we were soaking in the sun and battling waves at the beach, or window shopping in the little beach town. The days it was too cold or rainy to go to the beach, we could be found lazing around in the hammock causing all sorts of havoc together or plopped on the couch watching Friends with everybody. It is amazing how the whole world knows about Friends. Every day we waited for 2 o'clock to roll around so we could watch. My friend/staff at the hostel, Jose, learned to speak English because of Friends. Who knew Rachel, Chandler, Joey and the rest of the crew could have such an impact. The 2010 Winter Olympics happened to be going on during our stay at the Albergue. When you have Europeans, Australians, South Americans, Americans, etc. all crammed together in the same living room rooting for their own teams, bashing others, and laughing at the ridiculous game of ice shuffling, it was quite the scene. I think we all really bonded over the ice shuffling though...
It didn't take us long to make friends. There were the people who came for a day and those (like me) who made the hostel their home for several weeks. Everybody, however, made some impact on my life. If you didn't know their name, you called them by their country. I often had long morning talks with Canada, music jams with Australia and fun with America. Guitar playing, smooth talking English Carne would serenade me with songs about Texas that he made up. Jonas, on the run from the Swiss Gov, would whip up amazing meals. J.J. from Ireland was my source of endless random information from the Discovery Channel. American Mike was my partner in crime. And then there was Stian from Norway... If I could justly describe him, I would. You just have to meet the guy. Everybody was a character. Everybody had something different to give and brought something new to the table. Whether it was world knowledge, a surfing lesson (thank you J.J.!!!!) or simply a laugh, everybody's presence had value.
We eased into a daily routine: wake up, eat, hammock, goof around, beach, Flavio's market, lunch, hike, beach, hammock, read, computer, beach, dinner, sometimes party (especially during CARNAVAL!), sleep, repeat. Yet, each and every day was promised to be filled with adventure. Each day was a grid full of learning, growing, and simply- living. With no obligations, no responsibility, and no worry other than what I wanted to eat for dinner that night, life was good. Life was simple. It was easy to get sucked into the lazy, carefree atmosphere. My priorities began to shift. Homesickness was out of the question; the Albergue was my home. Technology went out the door. Book education turned to life lesson education. Strangers turned into friends. My mind was opened, my heart touched, and my curiosity peaked.
I often think about the Albergue and wish I could go back. Somehow, I just don't think it would be the same though. With all my friends gone, maybe it would feel empty, different. I am confident I would be able to make new friends, new memories, but the ones I have now would be hard to top. I came to the hostel with so many unanswered questions. I was young, naive, and hungered for what the world had to offer. When I left, I was no longer that same girl who blushed at people's laughter. I left confident, independent, free spirited, and most importantly, I had found my answers. I knew what was important in life: the relationships we create, the knowledge we gain, and the personal feats we overcome. I was an explorer on the verge of discovering something big. Something life changing. Myself.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Life in Brasil: Duas Semanas
French boy: “Voce gosta para viajar?”
Leah’s reply: “Nao, nao gusto peixe.”
I don’t know what is becoming harder to speak now- English or Portuguese.
“I am so hot.”
Eu falo… retarded.
New restaurant at school, Quality Foods, is going to be the death of my wallet.
Walked two blocks down the street and my favorite sandals went KAPUT.
Leah wanted to see sloths. So we went to see them. We saw Favelas instead.
Mission sloth incomplete and utter failure.
Bailey: “I really don’t want to get raped today.” Leah: “It’s ok, you’ll have a good story at least.” Thanks, Leah.
I saw a side of town Monday I don’t ever want to see again.
Leah can clothesline a B.
JAJAJAJAJAJJAJA
HAHAHAHAHAHAH
RARARARARARARRA
RSRSRSRSRSRSR
HSUAHSUAH
AAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I laugh too much here. But I love it, so do my abs.
Is it getting cooler here or did my body already adjust?!
I had the best date with Ryan- on skype.
Really need to buy sandals. Sperrys don’t go with dresses.
Got to see Joe Jett!
Thursday night = CHAOS.
Friday morning = DEAD.
Woke up Friday morning after little sleep. Freaked out when my phone said it was 12:45. School starts at 1pm and takes 30 min to walk there. Frantically try to wake everybody up. Complete failure. Decide to get ready and go. Randomly decide to get on my comp. Turns out, it is only 10am and I am a complete idiot. Back to sleep!
Slept through history of “Avenue Paulista” in class.
Samba history: MUITO CHATO
Samba dancing: MUITO DIVERTIDO
I am in love with Forro. I can’t wait to teach Ryan how to dance to it J
He is working out and it is SHOWING and I am LOVING it. Babbyy looks GOOD !
I am still going to win the bet hehe ;)
I wish there was a dislike button for the new French boys.
“You don’t speak English, you speak American” Oookkk jerk.
I love hearing Jenna’s stories about them; it is like watching the Real Life on MTV.
Some days you gotta dance.
First homemade dinner in Brasil. I own this kitchen.
I think I am merging.
Cheap pastels…. Yummy.
Bastardos Inglorious
I love you, Brad Pitt.
Rain, rain, go away, don’t come again another day.
Dear Mother Nature: Please do not rain this weekend. Dear SP Bus: Please do not be too expensive, I would really like to go to the beach for my birthday. Is that too much to ask for? Thank you.
Saturday: SHOPPING. Sunday: BEACH. Monday: GREY’S ANATOMY
Pair of flip flops for R$53 ??? No thank you.
I want a pair of those wacked out shorts.
I love him.
Smoking kills you and those around you. Thank you for taking years off my life...
Still haven’t found new sandals.
JP is my hero J
BIRTHDAY BEACH PARTY IN BRASIL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jabaquara is sketch. Let’s not go there again.
“If I get raped, I am blaming you JP.”
Cervejas. Thongs. Speedos. Waves. Sun. Suco. Sorvete. Pastel de Carne.
Massive mud fight was AWESOME.
Bought myself a birthday present. Scratch that- I BARTERED for my birthday present.. in Portuguese. Wait, scratch that too- JP bartered for me.
I want a onesie.
I love MENNER.
Hairy butt. EWW.
Hunka Hunk of Burning Love!!!
Wish you were here.
Federico’s shoulder = pillow.
JP = pole
McDonald’s for my birthday dinner was surprisingly amazing.
I love being an American.
BEST BIRTHDAY EVER.
Leah surprised me with a birthday cake and candles. I love you Leah.
Skyped Ryan- he got to sing happy birthday to me with everybody here.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME
(in 3 different languages)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Life in Brasil: Uma Semana
Goodbye America. Hellllloo Brazil.
Biggest plane I have ever seen. Personal movie screen… fine by me!
Sunrise over the Amazon in Manuas- most peaceful and humbling experience to wake up to.
Sao Paulo. Fique mais um dia.
Taxi drivers are crazy. Scratch that. All drivers are crazy.
No internet. No phone. Momentary panic.
Organized Chaos.
Corn and ham pizza anybody?!
Caiparinhas- salute.
Time change is killing me. Can’t fall sleep, can’t wake up.
Liberdade.
Ready to take on another day full of adventure J
First day of school: I did not understand a word said all day. Crap.
Apparently FAAP failed to mention the random couple joining us in our apartment for the night… very interesting. Not to mention awkward.
Second day of school: better. I am in the “slow group” with the other Americans.
French couple still here.
“The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.”
Saw Allie Girl on Skype.
Saw a prostitute on my street.
Saw another prostitute on my street.
This week = a blur.
French boy broke my bed. Bad day. Called Dad crying. Miss home.
It is Friday. Where did the week go?
Miss Ryan.
First field trip: Pateo do Collegio (somewhat boring) & Municipal Market (absolutely delicious Bolinho de Bacalhau).
French couple finally left. Bed still broken.
Tonight is going to get rowdy… Brazilian stlye J
Paola’s birthday. Party at our place. Colombian boys sang till sunup. I admire their energy.
Ryan finally realized five years is too long. Thank god.
Homesick.
Bed still broken.
When I walked out of my 4 hour class (all in Portuguese) today, it dawned on me that I actually understood ALMOST EVERYTHING !!!!! It is the most accomplished feeling ever. Eu sou muito alegre J
Eu vou jogar FUTEBOL hoje com meus amigos !!! whoo whoo
Just kidding. Forgot to bring the ball. No futebol today.
I praise the day I do not wake up with 20 gazillion new mosquito bites.
Ryan looks so handsome in his uniform tonight. Wish I could have been his date L
Lost myself in an American world for a few hours today. How refreshing.
Hellllo Jude Law.
Finally found fountain drinks- wish I hadn’t.
I am in love with café com leite.
I want bdubbs.
Bed is still broken. Back hurts like hell.
Love the Colombians. They are so much fun.
Love Paola. She is a sweetheart.
Tried to go to sloth park. Got lost. Stumbled upon amazing restaurant instead.
FINALLY- a real grocery store.
I have forgotten how to speak English. This is not a joke.
Portuspanglish. Engliguese. Oh god. Help.
i have a home in poa !!!
I am going to marry Ryan Cole Endicott.
I REALLY want bdubbs.
Today I journeyed to hell and back. I would have taken pictures, but was too scared of getting raped, killed, and then eaten to attract attention to myself. True story.
Talked to Mal. I need to keep in touch better. Don’t want to be too much out of the loop when I move in with the girls next August.
First home-cooked meal tonight: Carne com arroz. Muito bom.
My life if changing. I think I like it.
Need to do homework.
Need to get my bed fixed.
Need to see my boyfriend.