Tomorrow marks one month here. I know I say it over and over but it does not seem like that long. Time is really flying! The weather is staying right around 80-85 degrees everyday. (except for today. It is a little rainy so it is only about 70) The nights are the perfect weather. Not so hot that I can't wear jeans but not so cold that I need a jacket. Perfection! I check the weather in Dover now and then just to keep track of what its doing near home and I saw a frost warning the other day. HA!! A frost warning!! Needless to say I am very happy that I will not have to hear about or see frost for a couple more months!
I finally exchanged some of the US dollars I brought with me for Brazilian Real last week. When I first got here I know that $1(USD) was worth approximately R$1.40 (Real) which is pretty low. The dollar had been steadily decreasing in value for quite some time. When I changed it in last week $1 (USD) was worth R$1.64 (Real) so for my $200 that I cashed in I got R$328 which is not too shabby. Now looking at it today the dollar is worth 1.83 real which is great! Hopefully the dollar keeps rising! This is also why I didn't just trade in all my money for real at once. If I don't use all my money here and I change it back to USD I could lose money if it keeps rising and I don't want to lose any $$$$!!!
Well I do believe I have come to a decision on what my next step will be. I WILL be flying home November 20th when my original scheduled flight is. I will then proceed to work my little (ok not little) butt off for a couple of months and make enough $$ to get back here probably at the beginning of February. *sigh* I really did not want to be home without Edi for another 3 months but I don't really have any better options. I did it before, I can do it again. And this time will (hopefully) be shorter. It would cost $$ to change my flight to a later date and even if I did come back to the US later than I originally planned I would still have to stay home for a few months to make $. That is reall what it all comes down to. Flying back and forth is expensive but options are limited. I originally thought of coming back in January but the tickets are a few hundred dollars cheaper in Feb. Have I talked to anyone about the steps I would need to take to get a permanent visa? No. Should I? Yes. That HAS to be my next step. I need to talk to someone that can really help me because everytime I email a question about my visa to the Brazillian consulate in Boston where I got it, the answers they give me are less than helpful. I really think a lawyer would be my best bet. Immigration lawyer or something? I don't know. I'm new at this.
In the meantime, Edi will be starting the process of applying for a tourist visa to the US. THIS is going to be a process. First Edi needs to apply for a renewed passport since his will expire soon. This could take about 3 months..... Next he needs to try and get an appointment just to apply for a tourist visa. We checked th other day and if he reqested the appointment today, he would possibly have an appointment in about 110 days. Awesome. Next after he applies it takes god knows how long for them to review it, etc... THEN once that is all said and done, he may not even be approved to get the visa. So it toook me a few weeks to get my visa and I was pretty much guaranteed to get it. I never had to worry about that. For Edi however, this process could and probably will take over a year for him to possibly get a visa and have the opportunity to come back. double *sigh* Well at least we know what we are getting into!
Enough about visas and all that boring stuff. Tonight I believe (if the weather gets a little better) Edi is taking me to a place that he says reminds him of The Coat of Arms (which is a bar/restaurant in Portsmouth that I really like) and I do know for a fact that they sell Guiness (yum!) Heineken (Ew!) and Stella (eh...) It's funny because Edi calls this the "American" bar but The Coat of Arms is a British Pub and none of those beers are american beers. But to Edi, The Coat was in America so to him, it's an American bar. Good enough for me!! I'll be interested to see what other things have been "Americanized" there.
Random side thought. I was at a BBQ the other day (shocker!) and I saw something funny that reminded me of someone (I can't even remember what it was now so clearly it was thrilling I'm sure...) but I instinctively went for my cell phone to text that person and then wuickly realized that was not going to happen. Even after a month here I forget that A. My cell phone doesn't work here B. It would not be as simple as picking it up and texting a friends number. That's all, it was stupid but i had a nice little chuckle at myself.
That'll do it! Enjoy your weekend!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Decisions, decisions
I have officially passed the 3 week mark here. I can't believe it. I think this probably means I should figure out my next move......I am technically scheduled to fly back to the US on November 20th. With my tourist visa I am allowed to be here for 3 months at a time. My 3 months would be up at the end of November. I am allowed to apply for an extension. The largest extension I could ask for this time around would be to extend my stay for another 2 1/2 months because that plus this 3 month stay and my inital 2 week stay would total the 6 months per year that I am allowed to be here. Just because I CAN extend my stay for 2 1/2 months doesnt mean I will. First of all I want to be home for Christmas. I can't imagine not spending Christmas with my family! (not to mention they may disown me if that were to happen) But not only that, if I extend it for the full time then I would have to fly home in Feb. and I wouldn't be able to come back for a few months when it will be a full year since I first traveled here and my visa will renew itself. So much to think over!!
1. Extend my stay into December and fly home for Christmas and stay in the US for an undecided amount of time
2. Leave it as it is and flyback November 20th and stay home for what? 1 1/2 months? 2?
There are obviously many more options (go home and stay for a much longer time, go home and stay home, etc...) but these are not options I want to think about. I do know that whatever I choose I need to make a decision soon because if I do need to apply for an extension I dont know how long that will take. Of course when I ask Edi for his input it is met with what seems to be the typical Brazilian laid-back attitude "We'll figure it out." "Don't worry about it right now." Well I HAVE to worry about it right now. Soon right now will be 2 months from now. I am a planner and I need to know my next step. Not to mention the $$ it is going to cost to come back.... I know that I can work when i go home for however long that is. UNO has told me I'm welcome to come back and I can always go work with my mom like the good old days! Not only will I have to make $ to pay for another ticket but I will need to continue to pay my monthly bills (loans) and my money will pretty much have run out by the time I get back. HOPEFULLY my next trip here I would be able to get a job somewhere to make a little $$ while I am in Brazil. That would help immensely! Honestly, don't mind me. I am just thinking ut loud and it is nice to have my options written down in front of my face. I will obviously keep you all posted on what I decide to do!!
On to the more exciting things! Ana Paula has taught Edi's mom to say "Let's Go!" in English to me so whenever she wants us to go somewhere she say "Let's Go Ana!" (Ana Paula's house) or "Let's Go Shopping!" (Let's go to the mall) or the other day she said "Let's Go Escola!" (Lets go to school!) I figured, why not? I was curious to see if the schools here were any different. It was like 5:30pm so I figured she was going to a parent/teacher conference of something. I figured it would be her and a teacher and me. The school is within walking distance so we walked there and we walked up to the second floor (not surprisingly the schools are pretty much the same, including the ever present writing on desks by students. Hearts, names, etc....) and we entered a classroom and I stood frozen the spot. There were about 20 people in the room. 6 students with their parents and a line of teachers at the front of the classroom. My first instinct was to run in the other direction. I had horrifying visions that they were going to go around the room saying "Hello, my name is _____, I am from ______, and my favorite hobby is ______." and I was not interested in partaking. Trying in front of Edi's family is one thing (which I have been doing much more of lately!) but I was certain I would be ridiculed by a room of 14 year olds. I was scared to death. But I pushed though my fear and took a seat next to Arlete and PHEW! thankfully this WAS a student teacher conference they just do it a little differently. They were doing this in small groups. Very efficient. So I sat and listened as usual and at the end of the meeting, Biel told his foreign language teacher (english!) that I am from the United States. I thought, "Cool!" maybe I would be able to have a stimulating conversation in English with this woman who must clearly be fluent! She didn't really respnd when they told her where I was from. Finally when we were all leaving and she was right in front of me so she couldnt really get away she said to me "It very hot here for you today?" ........ I was surprised. I thought of my high school Spanish teacher and how he was maybe not a perfect person, but his Spanish was impeccable. I was quite taken aback. Then the more I thought about it I realized that it is middle school and I remember my middle school Spanish teacher being less than competent in her field. So I guess I am not that surprised. Maybe the high school teacher has a better english background. And on the bright side, maybe I can be an English teacher at the middle school here sometime in the future!! haha
One of Edi's cousins who lived with Edi in NH has opened a pizzaria here in Brazil. It has only been open a few months but it seems like business is good. He had a BBQ at his pizzaria yesterday for Edi's family/friends. There was a futebol game on and the usual gang was there. It was a lot of fun as usual and everytime I hang out with these people I learn a little bit more and I feel a little bit more comfortable. A few people came back to Edi's house afterwards and we hung out outside playing music, drinking, whatever. It came to a screeching halt when two people had a little too much to drink and they started to fight. Edi brought one of them home and the other stayed on the couch here. Same old story, too much beer, people take things to heart, names are called, etc, etc... No harm done other than waking Edi's sleeping parents up. All is forgiven in the morning.
Oh ya! We went to a BBQ on Sat. too. The same friends of Edi's sister that we all went to dinner with a couple of weeks ago. It was a much smaller, intimate setting. There were about 10 of us all together. Music, dancing, laughing and BBQing per usual. Everyone is so happy here most of the time. It's great!
That about does it for today. Peace and grease!!
1. Extend my stay into December and fly home for Christmas and stay in the US for an undecided amount of time
2. Leave it as it is and flyback November 20th and stay home for what? 1 1/2 months? 2?
There are obviously many more options (go home and stay for a much longer time, go home and stay home, etc...) but these are not options I want to think about. I do know that whatever I choose I need to make a decision soon because if I do need to apply for an extension I dont know how long that will take. Of course when I ask Edi for his input it is met with what seems to be the typical Brazilian laid-back attitude "We'll figure it out." "Don't worry about it right now." Well I HAVE to worry about it right now. Soon right now will be 2 months from now. I am a planner and I need to know my next step. Not to mention the $$ it is going to cost to come back.... I know that I can work when i go home for however long that is. UNO has told me I'm welcome to come back and I can always go work with my mom like the good old days! Not only will I have to make $ to pay for another ticket but I will need to continue to pay my monthly bills (loans) and my money will pretty much have run out by the time I get back. HOPEFULLY my next trip here I would be able to get a job somewhere to make a little $$ while I am in Brazil. That would help immensely! Honestly, don't mind me. I am just thinking ut loud and it is nice to have my options written down in front of my face. I will obviously keep you all posted on what I decide to do!!
On to the more exciting things! Ana Paula has taught Edi's mom to say "Let's Go!" in English to me so whenever she wants us to go somewhere she say "Let's Go Ana!" (Ana Paula's house) or "Let's Go Shopping!" (Let's go to the mall) or the other day she said "Let's Go Escola!" (Lets go to school!) I figured, why not? I was curious to see if the schools here were any different. It was like 5:30pm so I figured she was going to a parent/teacher conference of something. I figured it would be her and a teacher and me. The school is within walking distance so we walked there and we walked up to the second floor (not surprisingly the schools are pretty much the same, including the ever present writing on desks by students. Hearts, names, etc....) and we entered a classroom and I stood frozen the spot. There were about 20 people in the room. 6 students with their parents and a line of teachers at the front of the classroom. My first instinct was to run in the other direction. I had horrifying visions that they were going to go around the room saying "Hello, my name is _____, I am from ______, and my favorite hobby is ______." and I was not interested in partaking. Trying in front of Edi's family is one thing (which I have been doing much more of lately!) but I was certain I would be ridiculed by a room of 14 year olds. I was scared to death. But I pushed though my fear and took a seat next to Arlete and PHEW! thankfully this WAS a student teacher conference they just do it a little differently. They were doing this in small groups. Very efficient. So I sat and listened as usual and at the end of the meeting, Biel told his foreign language teacher (english!) that I am from the United States. I thought, "Cool!" maybe I would be able to have a stimulating conversation in English with this woman who must clearly be fluent! She didn't really respnd when they told her where I was from. Finally when we were all leaving and she was right in front of me so she couldnt really get away she said to me "It very hot here for you today?" ........ I was surprised. I thought of my high school Spanish teacher and how he was maybe not a perfect person, but his Spanish was impeccable. I was quite taken aback. Then the more I thought about it I realized that it is middle school and I remember my middle school Spanish teacher being less than competent in her field. So I guess I am not that surprised. Maybe the high school teacher has a better english background. And on the bright side, maybe I can be an English teacher at the middle school here sometime in the future!! haha
One of Edi's cousins who lived with Edi in NH has opened a pizzaria here in Brazil. It has only been open a few months but it seems like business is good. He had a BBQ at his pizzaria yesterday for Edi's family/friends. There was a futebol game on and the usual gang was there. It was a lot of fun as usual and everytime I hang out with these people I learn a little bit more and I feel a little bit more comfortable. A few people came back to Edi's house afterwards and we hung out outside playing music, drinking, whatever. It came to a screeching halt when two people had a little too much to drink and they started to fight. Edi brought one of them home and the other stayed on the couch here. Same old story, too much beer, people take things to heart, names are called, etc, etc... No harm done other than waking Edi's sleeping parents up. All is forgiven in the morning.
Oh ya! We went to a BBQ on Sat. too. The same friends of Edi's sister that we all went to dinner with a couple of weeks ago. It was a much smaller, intimate setting. There were about 10 of us all together. Music, dancing, laughing and BBQing per usual. Everyone is so happy here most of the time. It's great!
That about does it for today. Peace and grease!!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Back at It
It's been almost a week since I last posted on here but there have really only been a few days of action to write about so I figured I would start spreading these out! As most of you know already this weekend was Edi's birthday. It actually happens to fall on 9/11. That being such a sad day in US history it is nice to have something happy to celebrate. And actually his Aunt's birthday is the same day and his cousins birthday is 9/13 so it was quite the party!
As I mentioned before Edi's family rented out what I called an event hall of sorts but that really isn't what it is. I'll try and explain it better. It is a property that the owner rents out. It has a house (2 bedrooms, 1 bath, dining room, living room, kitchen) with a large outdoor area that is covered with a big stone BBQ pit for cooking. It also has a pool, a covered garage sort of area, a smaller yard close to the pool and a larger yard with goal posts for playing soccer (or I really should say futebol) It is about 20 minutes outside of the city that Edi lives in. It is in a much more rural area. It is down a dirt road and the only other things down that dirt road are more rented out properties so it's private which is nice too. Basically families rent out these properties for the weekends so they can have fun and be as loud as they want and stay up late, and eat and drink without having to worry about bothering neighbors, etc... I remember going to a couple of these types of properties the last time I was here. His family likes to do this whenever there is a birthday or something to celebrate or sometimes just so the family can get together. Edi's family is so big that none of his family members houses would be able to accomodate everyone comfortably. Plus it is a nice bonus to have a pool and a nice big yard.
They rented it out for Saturday and Sunday but most people had things to do during the day Saturday or they had to work so we went up once Edi and Marco got out of work. There were only about 15 people there Saturday night. We got there around 7pm. We had dinner and just hung out. All of the ladies grabbed chairs and started chatting while the guys hung around the BBQ cooking and telling stories. They started the music and the ladies started dancing. I obviously joined in. I spent most of Saturday night hanging out with Edilaine(sister) and Fernanda (cousins girlfriend) which was nice. Edilaine is always very nice to me and she knows some English so she was helping translate some things for me. Fernanda I don't think has a mean bone in her body. She is always smiling and always pleasant. Eventually a Katy Perry song came on and I got very excited because I could actually sing the words to this song so I belted them out. We stayed until about midnight then it was time to pack up and head home. All in all a pretty low key, fun night.
Sunday was when the real festivities started. We got to the house about 11:30am. We were some of the first people there but shortly threafter the whole family started arriving. I cannot get over how big his family is. I can say that I am very thankful that I was able to come to Brazil with Edi when he moved back in May. I at least got to meet most of these family members at that time. I know that last time I was VERY quiet, VERY shy and stuck VERY close to Edi's side anytime that everyone got together. This time I was happy to do my own thing and sit with whoever I felt like and some of them know a little English so they would try to tell me what they know. Or they would say something in Portuguese and I would stare at them, squinting, listening as hard as I possibly could and ask them to repeat themselves a few times and eventually I would get the jist of it and respond the best I could. People were asking me to come sit with them or go in the pool with them and it was nice to feel like part of the family. I didn't feel like so much of an outsider this time around.
Ana Laura wanted to go in the pool pretty early on and nobody wanted to go in with he so I bit the bullet and went in. She had a blast. I was FREEZING but I had fun with her anyways. She just LOVES to jump off the side of the pool and have you catch her. I remember doing that all the time when I was little yelling "Mom! Mom! Watch me! Mom!" she was pretty much doing the same thing. When she started shivering so much her teeth were chattering I figured it was time to get out. I watched the boys play soccer, ate some food, listened to music, just relaxing. I had changed out of my original outfit because it had gotten a little wet near the pool. That was a mistake. I knew that the boys had started throwing water on each other and throwing each other into the pool but I wasnt paying close enough attention. Ana Paula (Aunt) was sitting next to me at one point and told me to be careful because she could hear them plotting to throw me into the pool. I told her they would have to try pretty hard, "I'm stronger than I look." Well about 30 seconds later I would eat my words because I didn't see it coming until it was too late. Edi's cousin Sydney (he lived in the US for about 4 years) came charging at me and Ana Paula with a giant bucket of water. SPLASH!! My dry change of clothes was now soaked from head to toe. I think a few of the family members were watching to see if I would be mad. They don't know me that well so who knows how I would react? Well obviously I didn't care. I laughed and told Sydney that I would get him when he least expected it. Then I figured since I was soaked I might as well go back into the pool! i never did get Sydney back but I have plenty of time. The rest of the day was fun. We left around 6pm and came home and crashed after a long day of fun. All in all I think Edi probably had one of the best birthdays he has had in years getting to spend it with his family finally!
That is it for now I guess. I'll update later this week! Miss you all! Tchau!
As I mentioned before Edi's family rented out what I called an event hall of sorts but that really isn't what it is. I'll try and explain it better. It is a property that the owner rents out. It has a house (2 bedrooms, 1 bath, dining room, living room, kitchen) with a large outdoor area that is covered with a big stone BBQ pit for cooking. It also has a pool, a covered garage sort of area, a smaller yard close to the pool and a larger yard with goal posts for playing soccer (or I really should say futebol) It is about 20 minutes outside of the city that Edi lives in. It is in a much more rural area. It is down a dirt road and the only other things down that dirt road are more rented out properties so it's private which is nice too. Basically families rent out these properties for the weekends so they can have fun and be as loud as they want and stay up late, and eat and drink without having to worry about bothering neighbors, etc... I remember going to a couple of these types of properties the last time I was here. His family likes to do this whenever there is a birthday or something to celebrate or sometimes just so the family can get together. Edi's family is so big that none of his family members houses would be able to accomodate everyone comfortably. Plus it is a nice bonus to have a pool and a nice big yard.
They rented it out for Saturday and Sunday but most people had things to do during the day Saturday or they had to work so we went up once Edi and Marco got out of work. There were only about 15 people there Saturday night. We got there around 7pm. We had dinner and just hung out. All of the ladies grabbed chairs and started chatting while the guys hung around the BBQ cooking and telling stories. They started the music and the ladies started dancing. I obviously joined in. I spent most of Saturday night hanging out with Edilaine(sister) and Fernanda (cousins girlfriend) which was nice. Edilaine is always very nice to me and she knows some English so she was helping translate some things for me. Fernanda I don't think has a mean bone in her body. She is always smiling and always pleasant. Eventually a Katy Perry song came on and I got very excited because I could actually sing the words to this song so I belted them out. We stayed until about midnight then it was time to pack up and head home. All in all a pretty low key, fun night.
Sunday was when the real festivities started. We got to the house about 11:30am. We were some of the first people there but shortly threafter the whole family started arriving. I cannot get over how big his family is. I can say that I am very thankful that I was able to come to Brazil with Edi when he moved back in May. I at least got to meet most of these family members at that time. I know that last time I was VERY quiet, VERY shy and stuck VERY close to Edi's side anytime that everyone got together. This time I was happy to do my own thing and sit with whoever I felt like and some of them know a little English so they would try to tell me what they know. Or they would say something in Portuguese and I would stare at them, squinting, listening as hard as I possibly could and ask them to repeat themselves a few times and eventually I would get the jist of it and respond the best I could. People were asking me to come sit with them or go in the pool with them and it was nice to feel like part of the family. I didn't feel like so much of an outsider this time around.
Ana Laura wanted to go in the pool pretty early on and nobody wanted to go in with he so I bit the bullet and went in. She had a blast. I was FREEZING but I had fun with her anyways. She just LOVES to jump off the side of the pool and have you catch her. I remember doing that all the time when I was little yelling "Mom! Mom! Watch me! Mom!" she was pretty much doing the same thing. When she started shivering so much her teeth were chattering I figured it was time to get out. I watched the boys play soccer, ate some food, listened to music, just relaxing. I had changed out of my original outfit because it had gotten a little wet near the pool. That was a mistake. I knew that the boys had started throwing water on each other and throwing each other into the pool but I wasnt paying close enough attention. Ana Paula (Aunt) was sitting next to me at one point and told me to be careful because she could hear them plotting to throw me into the pool. I told her they would have to try pretty hard, "I'm stronger than I look." Well about 30 seconds later I would eat my words because I didn't see it coming until it was too late. Edi's cousin Sydney (he lived in the US for about 4 years) came charging at me and Ana Paula with a giant bucket of water. SPLASH!! My dry change of clothes was now soaked from head to toe. I think a few of the family members were watching to see if I would be mad. They don't know me that well so who knows how I would react? Well obviously I didn't care. I laughed and told Sydney that I would get him when he least expected it. Then I figured since I was soaked I might as well go back into the pool! i never did get Sydney back but I have plenty of time. The rest of the day was fun. We left around 6pm and came home and crashed after a long day of fun. All in all I think Edi probably had one of the best birthdays he has had in years getting to spend it with his family finally!
That is it for now I guess. I'll update later this week! Miss you all! Tchau!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Keeping Busy!
So it has actually been an eventuful couple of days! I have been out and about running errands, etc... with Edi's mom sister and Aunt quite a bit during the day which is nice. It makes the days go by faster.
On Tuesday I went grocery shopping with Edi's parents. I have been to a couple of stores before but they were more like the Wal-Mart type of store. This was the actual grocery store like a Hannaford or Shaws or whatever. Let me tell you this was one BUSY grocery store. Yikes! Now, here is something my old roommate Leah can attest to: The level of anxiety I get while grocey shopping is quite frankly, ridiculous. It is pretty much uncalled for but for some reason the grocery store stresses me out! There are always so many people there, I feel like whenever I go they are stocking the shelves, and the amount of carts all trying to get to the same place.....ugh. I shudder just thinking about it. Leah and I had the unwritten rule that she pushed the cart while I was I charge of the list whenever we went grocery shopping. I was much more comfortable with this setup. Well of course Edi's parents don't have a clue about any of this. So naturally, I was put in charge of pushing the cart through the sufficiently busy store. Oh. God. Needless to say I survived. Whew! It was definitely touch and go there for a luttle while though. A couple of things I realized while maneuvering my way through the store behind Arlete:
1. she knows a LOT of people. Every aisle there was someone there that knew Arlete and said hello and introduced themselves to me and Arlete told them who I am and they said hello
2. The amount of fresh fruits and vegetables available in the grocery store is unbelieveable. There are SO many choices.
3. The amount of people BUYING fresh fruits and vegetables and the amount that they were buying was incredible. The majority of everyones carts were fruits and veggies and then a few other things thrown in. Meat, milk, bread, etc... Don't get me wrong people are buying cookies and candy too, but its used as a treat, not as an everyday thing. Its so good to see an entire culture basing their diet on fresh fruits and veggies. I feel like in this respect, we Americans could learn a lesson.
Wednesday Edi had the day off! Independence Day here in Brazil. (As I'm sure a lot of you may have seen on the Google homepage.) We went to the zoo which was fun. It is apparently within walking distance from Edi's house and I had no idea! Was it the best zoo I've ever been to? No. However, was FREE! A free zoo? Nice! I don't think I've ever seen that before. I think that is a great idea. Now that I know that I may just walk there and walk around. It was really beautiful with all the vegetation. The amount of animals was eh... Still, there was plenty to look at and I had a good time.
We went out last night with some cousins and friends of cousins. As usual we went somewhere with live music and good beer. It was a low key night. No dancing. Just sitting, talking (or listening in my case) and enjoying each others company. My kind of night. Per usual, the girls at the table that I has never met kept staring at me when I talked. Flabbergasted at my crazy language! haha They were all very nice and a fun bunch!
I've noticed that my blue eyes come into the conversation here quite a bit. Blue eyes are a lot harder to come by here. I noticed that Edi does have 1 cousin with blue eyes but that is really all I've seen. A lot of people comment on them because they don't see them much.
Ana Paula (Aunt that speaks English) is back and she has been a helping a lot with letting me know what is going on and telling me how to say certain things. I'm very thankful that she is so helpful and she is around quite a bit. It makes me feel more comfortable being able to get across what I am trying to say to other people through her so it won't be completely misinterpreted. I went shopping with her, her daughter (Ana Laura), Arlete and Edilaine today. We just walked around a few shops and they bought some clothes. They had some cute stuff and everything in the stores were only $10! Probably not the best quality but I wouldn't mind going back and buying a few things.
Edi's birthday is Sunday! Funny enough so is one of his Aunts and his cousins is the 13th. So they have rented a place for Saturday and Sunday for the family to go and hang out and celebrate. It is basically like an event hall of sorts but is is outside and I know there is a pool for sure but I'm not sure what else. So needless to say that is where I'll be spending most of my weekend!
I guess that is it for now. I'm sure I'll have an update after the festivities this weekend. Tchau!
On Tuesday I went grocery shopping with Edi's parents. I have been to a couple of stores before but they were more like the Wal-Mart type of store. This was the actual grocery store like a Hannaford or Shaws or whatever. Let me tell you this was one BUSY grocery store. Yikes! Now, here is something my old roommate Leah can attest to: The level of anxiety I get while grocey shopping is quite frankly, ridiculous. It is pretty much uncalled for but for some reason the grocery store stresses me out! There are always so many people there, I feel like whenever I go they are stocking the shelves, and the amount of carts all trying to get to the same place.....ugh. I shudder just thinking about it. Leah and I had the unwritten rule that she pushed the cart while I was I charge of the list whenever we went grocery shopping. I was much more comfortable with this setup. Well of course Edi's parents don't have a clue about any of this. So naturally, I was put in charge of pushing the cart through the sufficiently busy store. Oh. God. Needless to say I survived. Whew! It was definitely touch and go there for a luttle while though. A couple of things I realized while maneuvering my way through the store behind Arlete:
1. she knows a LOT of people. Every aisle there was someone there that knew Arlete and said hello and introduced themselves to me and Arlete told them who I am and they said hello
2. The amount of fresh fruits and vegetables available in the grocery store is unbelieveable. There are SO many choices.
3. The amount of people BUYING fresh fruits and vegetables and the amount that they were buying was incredible. The majority of everyones carts were fruits and veggies and then a few other things thrown in. Meat, milk, bread, etc... Don't get me wrong people are buying cookies and candy too, but its used as a treat, not as an everyday thing. Its so good to see an entire culture basing their diet on fresh fruits and veggies. I feel like in this respect, we Americans could learn a lesson.
Wednesday Edi had the day off! Independence Day here in Brazil. (As I'm sure a lot of you may have seen on the Google homepage.) We went to the zoo which was fun. It is apparently within walking distance from Edi's house and I had no idea! Was it the best zoo I've ever been to? No. However, was FREE! A free zoo? Nice! I don't think I've ever seen that before. I think that is a great idea. Now that I know that I may just walk there and walk around. It was really beautiful with all the vegetation. The amount of animals was eh... Still, there was plenty to look at and I had a good time.
We went out last night with some cousins and friends of cousins. As usual we went somewhere with live music and good beer. It was a low key night. No dancing. Just sitting, talking (or listening in my case) and enjoying each others company. My kind of night. Per usual, the girls at the table that I has never met kept staring at me when I talked. Flabbergasted at my crazy language! haha They were all very nice and a fun bunch!
I've noticed that my blue eyes come into the conversation here quite a bit. Blue eyes are a lot harder to come by here. I noticed that Edi does have 1 cousin with blue eyes but that is really all I've seen. A lot of people comment on them because they don't see them much.
Ana Paula (Aunt that speaks English) is back and she has been a helping a lot with letting me know what is going on and telling me how to say certain things. I'm very thankful that she is so helpful and she is around quite a bit. It makes me feel more comfortable being able to get across what I am trying to say to other people through her so it won't be completely misinterpreted. I went shopping with her, her daughter (Ana Laura), Arlete and Edilaine today. We just walked around a few shops and they bought some clothes. They had some cute stuff and everything in the stores were only $10! Probably not the best quality but I wouldn't mind going back and buying a few things.
Edi's birthday is Sunday! Funny enough so is one of his Aunts and his cousins is the 13th. So they have rented a place for Saturday and Sunday for the family to go and hang out and celebrate. It is basically like an event hall of sorts but is is outside and I know there is a pool for sure but I'm not sure what else. So needless to say that is where I'll be spending most of my weekend!
I guess that is it for now. I'm sure I'll have an update after the festivities this weekend. Tchau!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Ugh...segunda-feira
You know, even for someone like me with no work, and no current life goals or ambitions, Mondays still suck. Job or no job, the weekends are always just better. This is even coming from a girl that used to work EVERY Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, and then cut it back to just the Fridays and Saturdays. I may have been working but it was always more fun than the weekday workdays because it was busy, there were more people working, etc, etc... So here we are in another country living a completely different life, but the weekend is still the weekend.
I completely fogot that it is Labor Day weekend in the states until I was on Yahoo and saw a news article. So Happy Labor Day! Yay for those of you that don't have to work today. Those of you that do, welcome to my previous life. HERE everyone is back to work and back to school today. The weather is back into the 90's. I am currently sitting at the dining room table because Arlete called me out for as I am now calling it "snack time." I feel like a first grader and I love it. The snack laid out for me today: Guarana (a Brazilian soda. Very sweet and very tasty) and some crackers with butter. Yes that is right, they spread butter on their crackers as a snack. Some of you may think this is gross. I on the other hand am in heaven. I used to try and sneak a SPOONFUL of butter behind my moms back when she was cooking. So, next time you see me, plan on me being approximately 100lbs heavier.
I am also listening to some Brazilian music I just downloaded. I have been searching the songs/artists online and translating them line by line. The current song I am listening to seems to be one of Edi and Biel's favorites and I like it a lot too. It sounded innocent enough. It is very upbeat and fun to dance to. Seems like something people would maybe play at a childs birthday party or a family reunion, but after the help of google translate, it turns out the song is very dirty. Well played, Brazil. Well played.
We were planning on going to the circus yesterday and we did go (Edi, myself, Biel and Lucas) but when we went to purchase the tickets we found out they were R$30 each! Yikes! We decided it wasn't worth it. If we change our minds it will be in town for a few weeks. We went down the street and played some pool instead. Good enough for me!
When we are driving around anywhere I am constantly asking Edi what that means or what this means. Does that sign say 3 brothers mechanics? Does that say you can only park here for 15 minutes? I have also taken to trying to translate every sign I see to myself first so I am doing a lot of mumbling. He finally said something to me yesterday which is very true. He said "you know a lot of words in Portuguese and you know what we are talking about a lot of the time, you are just too scared to say anything yourself." True. Stil trying to get over the fear of failure. I know I've got to try more but I'm not quite there yet. I did get a good tip from my Aunt for an app on my ipod that not only translates but it conjugates verbs for you and tons of other stuff and you don't have to be connected to the internet for it to work so I definitely took advantage of that. Thanks Aunt Deb!
Looks like it's coffee time. Arlete has the coffee maker out. That is also something I am glad I didn't get hooked on in the US. Iced Coffee. Don't get me wrong I love a good iced caffeinated beverage but I don't NEED it. I know a lot of friends (UNO's peeps especially) that would go crazy without their fix. Sorry folks, no Dunks or Aroma Joe's around here! (I have seen redbull though..) They don't drink iced coffee at all. Hmmm....perhaps a business venture in my future.
Well that's about it. Talking to my mom later tonight. yay! Other than that no big plans. I finished The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo and have moved on to The Girl Who Played With Fire. Loved the first one! I think I will love this one too! I'll let you know! Tchau!
I completely fogot that it is Labor Day weekend in the states until I was on Yahoo and saw a news article. So Happy Labor Day! Yay for those of you that don't have to work today. Those of you that do, welcome to my previous life. HERE everyone is back to work and back to school today. The weather is back into the 90's. I am currently sitting at the dining room table because Arlete called me out for as I am now calling it "snack time." I feel like a first grader and I love it. The snack laid out for me today: Guarana (a Brazilian soda. Very sweet and very tasty) and some crackers with butter. Yes that is right, they spread butter on their crackers as a snack. Some of you may think this is gross. I on the other hand am in heaven. I used to try and sneak a SPOONFUL of butter behind my moms back when she was cooking. So, next time you see me, plan on me being approximately 100lbs heavier.
I am also listening to some Brazilian music I just downloaded. I have been searching the songs/artists online and translating them line by line. The current song I am listening to seems to be one of Edi and Biel's favorites and I like it a lot too. It sounded innocent enough. It is very upbeat and fun to dance to. Seems like something people would maybe play at a childs birthday party or a family reunion, but after the help of google translate, it turns out the song is very dirty. Well played, Brazil. Well played.
We were planning on going to the circus yesterday and we did go (Edi, myself, Biel and Lucas) but when we went to purchase the tickets we found out they were R$30 each! Yikes! We decided it wasn't worth it. If we change our minds it will be in town for a few weeks. We went down the street and played some pool instead. Good enough for me!
When we are driving around anywhere I am constantly asking Edi what that means or what this means. Does that sign say 3 brothers mechanics? Does that say you can only park here for 15 minutes? I have also taken to trying to translate every sign I see to myself first so I am doing a lot of mumbling. He finally said something to me yesterday which is very true. He said "you know a lot of words in Portuguese and you know what we are talking about a lot of the time, you are just too scared to say anything yourself." True. Stil trying to get over the fear of failure. I know I've got to try more but I'm not quite there yet. I did get a good tip from my Aunt for an app on my ipod that not only translates but it conjugates verbs for you and tons of other stuff and you don't have to be connected to the internet for it to work so I definitely took advantage of that. Thanks Aunt Deb!
Looks like it's coffee time. Arlete has the coffee maker out. That is also something I am glad I didn't get hooked on in the US. Iced Coffee. Don't get me wrong I love a good iced caffeinated beverage but I don't NEED it. I know a lot of friends (UNO's peeps especially) that would go crazy without their fix. Sorry folks, no Dunks or Aroma Joe's around here! (I have seen redbull though..) They don't drink iced coffee at all. Hmmm....perhaps a business venture in my future.
Well that's about it. Talking to my mom later tonight. yay! Other than that no big plans. I finished The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo and have moved on to The Girl Who Played With Fire. Loved the first one! I think I will love this one too! I'll let you know! Tchau!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under....?
Well I have officially been here 1 week today! Time is flying. It's actually been a busy couple of days (or nights really) so that always makes time go by faster.
We did end up going out on Thursday but we didn't go out to a bar. Most of the bars around here are mostly outside and it was just too cold! So instead Edi took me to dinner. It was just the two of us which was nice because his house is always so busy with family and friends that we don't always have a lot of time to just hang out, just the two of us. At most restaurants here there is a button on your table that you just push when you need something and the server sees it on a screen out back and goes over to your table. I like that concept. Dinner was good. We ended up just splitting an app and a sandwich. I let Edi order for me because I have no idea what most of the menu says. I still browse it but I let him deal with the actual ordering business. It is hard to get used to the idea that you don't tip here, but you just don't. Servers get a salary here or a higher hourly wage. Which as a server I think that's cool on one hand, but also it allows the service to be sort of below par. The waitress was attentive, but not really friendly by any means. In the US you have to go above and beyond to make your guests happy in order to make some decent $$ and sometimes that doesn't even work. Here you are going to get paid as long as my meal gets in front of my face in a decent amount of time.
Nothing too interesting to report on Friday. I did go down the street to Edilaine's house (sister) with Arlete and hung out there while Arlete cleaned. Edilaine works during the day and has school at night and her husband works with Edi at the car wash so they aren't home a lot. So naturally as the housewife of the century, Arlete goes over there once a week and cleans the house, does the laundry, etc... They JUST moved out of Edi's parents house about a month ago so she figures she was doing it for them here, why not there too? It's only about a 30 second walk from here to Edilaine's house.
Last night was fun fun FUN! As soon as Edi and Marco (Edilaine's husband) got home from work we all sat outside with the music playing, drinking beers. They do sell smaller 12oz bottles here, but they also sell by the liter, which is what everyone normally gets. Then everyone gets a glass, (just like 8oz) and passes around the bottles, sharing. 2 bottles turned into 4, then 6, then 8, then I lost count.....to be fair there were like 6 of us drinking. As I mentioned in my facebook, the music was BUMPIN'! But nobody cares because it is the weekend and its time to party!
At about 8:30 Edi and I went with Marco and Edilaine to a restaurant for dinner. It was one of Edilaine's friends birthdays so we were joining a crew! On the way there, Marco said he would put in some "American" music for me..... Next thing I know we are listening to Shania Twain's "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under" hahahaha Really? I appreaciate the effort, that's for sure. Anyway we got to the restaurant and buckets of beer were ordered (4-1 liter bottles in each bucket) and platters of grilled meats and veggies and baskets of bread and everyone just passes everything around and shares. I was introduced to everyone and said it was ncie to meet them (muito prazer!) and then everyone wanted a picture with the American girl! I didn't mind. I was having a lot of fun. Everyone wanted me to say thier names and see if I could pronounce them correctly. When I did they all clapped. Then the live music started more beer was ordered and I heard my name being called over the loud speaker. Apparently Marco told the band about me and they wanted me to stand up. I did. Then everyone clapped. Woo hoo! Estados Unidos! Then.....we danced. Middle of the restaurant everyone got up from the tables and started singing and dancing. I didn't know the words but i liked the songs so I danced with everyone. We said our goodbyes at about 12:30. I like those people. I hope I see them again!
Now don't be fooled by the time. Just because it's 12:30 does not mean the night is over! This is Brazil dammit! Marco brought us home (the night WAS over for he and Edilaine) and we grabbed Edi's car. We met his cousins about 5 minutes away at a bar/club. I call it this because I feel like it was a little bit of both. Had a bar feel, but dancing and lights like a club. Anyways, it was HUGE and it was pretty much packed. (Did I mention that I love the fact that I don't have to worry about getting carded? I don't even havebe fooled by the time. Just because it's 12:30 does not mean the night is over! This is Brazil dammit! Marco brought us home (the night WAS over for he and Edilaine) and we grabbed Edi's car. We met his cousins about 5 minutes away at a bar/club. I call it this because I feel like it was a little bit of both. Had a bar feel, but dancing and lights like a club. Anyways, it was HUGE and it was pretty much packed. (Did I mention that I love the fact that I don't have to worry about getting carded? I don't even have to bring in a purse or wallet. Freedom!!) We made our way in ($15 cover for the guys, $10 for the ladies woot woot!) and I don't think I had one drop to drink while I was there (probably a good thing) we just made our way straight to the dance flor and danced until we left. Now I have to say, I really like the way everyone dances here. First of all, the music is live pretty much anywhere you go. I already love the songs that I'm hearing. Oddly enough it is kind of pop music with a country sound, or the other way around. I don't know but I like it and its fast and everyone sings along. But there's no RJ's (shout out to my Dover peeps) nauseating bumping and grinding, etc... It is like one hand around my waist, the other hand in my hand and we are actually taking steps and moving around and actually dancing. I'll have to get video on my ipod next time because its fun to do and cool to watch. AND Edi was actually dancing. Who would have thought, I tried to get him to dance numerous times. All I needed was some Brazilian music and some legitimate dance steps. So at about 2:30 I was hot and tired and falling asleep on the dance floor so we called it a night, but that place was still jammin'. I have no idea what time it actually dies down, if ever.
So there you have it. All in all a fantatic Saturday! Today I don't know what is on the agenda, but the circus is in town (literally) and I think we night check that out tonight! Thanks for reading! Miss you all!
We did end up going out on Thursday but we didn't go out to a bar. Most of the bars around here are mostly outside and it was just too cold! So instead Edi took me to dinner. It was just the two of us which was nice because his house is always so busy with family and friends that we don't always have a lot of time to just hang out, just the two of us. At most restaurants here there is a button on your table that you just push when you need something and the server sees it on a screen out back and goes over to your table. I like that concept. Dinner was good. We ended up just splitting an app and a sandwich. I let Edi order for me because I have no idea what most of the menu says. I still browse it but I let him deal with the actual ordering business. It is hard to get used to the idea that you don't tip here, but you just don't. Servers get a salary here or a higher hourly wage. Which as a server I think that's cool on one hand, but also it allows the service to be sort of below par. The waitress was attentive, but not really friendly by any means. In the US you have to go above and beyond to make your guests happy in order to make some decent $$ and sometimes that doesn't even work. Here you are going to get paid as long as my meal gets in front of my face in a decent amount of time.
Nothing too interesting to report on Friday. I did go down the street to Edilaine's house (sister) with Arlete and hung out there while Arlete cleaned. Edilaine works during the day and has school at night and her husband works with Edi at the car wash so they aren't home a lot. So naturally as the housewife of the century, Arlete goes over there once a week and cleans the house, does the laundry, etc... They JUST moved out of Edi's parents house about a month ago so she figures she was doing it for them here, why not there too? It's only about a 30 second walk from here to Edilaine's house.
Last night was fun fun FUN! As soon as Edi and Marco (Edilaine's husband) got home from work we all sat outside with the music playing, drinking beers. They do sell smaller 12oz bottles here, but they also sell by the liter, which is what everyone normally gets. Then everyone gets a glass, (just like 8oz) and passes around the bottles, sharing. 2 bottles turned into 4, then 6, then 8, then I lost count.....to be fair there were like 6 of us drinking. As I mentioned in my facebook, the music was BUMPIN'! But nobody cares because it is the weekend and its time to party!
At about 8:30 Edi and I went with Marco and Edilaine to a restaurant for dinner. It was one of Edilaine's friends birthdays so we were joining a crew! On the way there, Marco said he would put in some "American" music for me..... Next thing I know we are listening to Shania Twain's "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under" hahahaha Really? I appreaciate the effort, that's for sure. Anyway we got to the restaurant and buckets of beer were ordered (4-1 liter bottles in each bucket) and platters of grilled meats and veggies and baskets of bread and everyone just passes everything around and shares. I was introduced to everyone and said it was ncie to meet them (muito prazer!) and then everyone wanted a picture with the American girl! I didn't mind. I was having a lot of fun. Everyone wanted me to say thier names and see if I could pronounce them correctly. When I did they all clapped. Then the live music started more beer was ordered and I heard my name being called over the loud speaker. Apparently Marco told the band about me and they wanted me to stand up. I did. Then everyone clapped. Woo hoo! Estados Unidos! Then.....we danced. Middle of the restaurant everyone got up from the tables and started singing and dancing. I didn't know the words but i liked the songs so I danced with everyone. We said our goodbyes at about 12:30. I like those people. I hope I see them again!
Now don't be fooled by the time. Just because it's 12:30 does not mean the night is over! This is Brazil dammit! Marco brought us home (the night WAS over for he and Edilaine) and we grabbed Edi's car. We met his cousins about 5 minutes away at a bar/club. I call it this because I feel like it was a little bit of both. Had a bar feel, but dancing and lights like a club. Anyways, it was HUGE and it was pretty much packed. (Did I mention that I love the fact that I don't have to worry about getting carded? I don't even havebe fooled by the time. Just because it's 12:30 does not mean the night is over! This is Brazil dammit! Marco brought us home (the night WAS over for he and Edilaine) and we grabbed Edi's car. We met his cousins about 5 minutes away at a bar/club. I call it this because I feel like it was a little bit of both. Had a bar feel, but dancing and lights like a club. Anyways, it was HUGE and it was pretty much packed. (Did I mention that I love the fact that I don't have to worry about getting carded? I don't even have to bring in a purse or wallet. Freedom!!) We made our way in ($15 cover for the guys, $10 for the ladies woot woot!) and I don't think I had one drop to drink while I was there (probably a good thing) we just made our way straight to the dance flor and danced until we left. Now I have to say, I really like the way everyone dances here. First of all, the music is live pretty much anywhere you go. I already love the songs that I'm hearing. Oddly enough it is kind of pop music with a country sound, or the other way around. I don't know but I like it and its fast and everyone sings along. But there's no RJ's (shout out to my Dover peeps) nauseating bumping and grinding, etc... It is like one hand around my waist, the other hand in my hand and we are actually taking steps and moving around and actually dancing. I'll have to get video on my ipod next time because its fun to do and cool to watch. AND Edi was actually dancing. Who would have thought, I tried to get him to dance numerous times. All I needed was some Brazilian music and some legitimate dance steps. So at about 2:30 I was hot and tired and falling asleep on the dance floor so we called it a night, but that place was still jammin'. I have no idea what time it actually dies down, if ever.
So there you have it. All in all a fantatic Saturday! Today I don't know what is on the agenda, but the circus is in town (literally) and I think we night check that out tonight! Thanks for reading! Miss you all!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Little Bit Stir Crazy
Well today is a boring one. Just hanging around. I am definitely enjoying the rest and relaxation but that is just sooooooo not my usual style and it is very hard to get used to. Also I am sleeping so late because I have no reason to wake up and it is making it almost impossible to get to sleep at night. I also blame this on my previous life of closing UNO's bar and not getting home until 2am multiple nights of the week......damn you UNO's! p.s. I miss you! (The staff not the work) I suppose I could set an alarm for myself to wake up earlier but what is the fun in that? I'm on an extended vacation here people! Not to mention what the hell would I do for those extra hours of alertness? I can barely find enough to do as it is.
We did not end up going out last night because it was rainy and a little bit chilly (55 degrees!) which is a perfect recipe for procrastination and laziness. So we hung around and I watched Edi play video games with his brother Biel(14yrs) and cousin Lucas(13yrs). It was a soccer video game. Obviously. (did I mention that Edi turns 28 in a week and a half and yes I said he is playing videogames. My brother would be so proud.) Anyways I sat there in the living room with them with my Port/Eng dictionary (per usual) trying to pick out words and look them up. The problem with this is that so much of what they are saying is slang and smack talk that the words aren't even in the dictionary. Hmmmm....perhaps there is an online urban dictionary for Portuguese words like there is for English. On second thought, I don't even think I want to go there.
Edi PROMISED we would go out tonight which is great because I have not set foot outside of this house since Tuesday afternoon and I think I'm going insane. Look forward to future blogs outlining the shenanigans that are sure to ensue with me actually going out in public. Even when I was here in May we never actually went out the bars. Restaurants? Sure. Family parties. Yes! But no local bars for this girl. So this should be riddled with embarassing moments. I'm tempted to tell Edi that I want to order the drinks just so I can see the look on the bartenders face as I stumble my way through a drink order. Time to break up the monotony!
Tomorrow Ana Paula(Aunt) arrives! She lives down the street but she has been visiting Edi's grandmother which is about 8 hours away. I am looking forward to seeing her. I met her in the US a few months after Edi and I started dating. She moved back to Brazil last December. She was a HUGE help to me in May because her English is very good and she always tells me what everyone is saying and helps teach me and helps me translate. Edi tries to help but he only tells me what is going on when I ask. I think sometimes he forgets that I don't know. Ana Paula tells me no matter what and she is at Edi's house most of the day. She doesn't work, she takes care of her 3 year old (Ana Laura) who is very cute. Very loud, but very cute. I eagerly await their arrival.
I mentioned to Edi yesterday that I want him to show me how to use the washing machine here. I am doing almost nothing here so I should at least help out by doing my own laundry. They have a washing machine but they do not use a dryer. Everything gets hung on a line. I also wanted to buy a drying rack or something to put on the patio attached to our bedroom to hang my clothes. I know its normal for them but I am just not comfortable with my skivvies hanging out in the wind for the whole family to see. He just laughed and said his mom didn't mind and his family doesn't care, but if I felt more comfortable doing it myself then he would show me this weekend. Well little did I know Arlete(mom) is a sneaky woman. She lured me out of our room today by telling me it was time for lunch. While I was eating she came into the room and took my laundry. haha I didn't notice until after lunch that she had taken my pile of dirty clothes. To be fair I don't think she has any idea that I was planning on doing it myself and I don't think she was trying to be sneaky, only helpful. She does all the laundry, cooks all the meals and cleans the house (it is impeccable) everyday. (She also went ahead and swept and mopped our room and bathroom!) Don't get me wrong, having someone to cook and clean for you is like a dream come true but I am not DOING anything so I don't want it to seem like I am lazy or taking anything for granted. I am happy to help if I only knew what needed to be done. She probably doesn't see it that way but I do. I am used to doing things for myself. I am an adult after all! Well, sort of. All well, for the time being I will thank her and once I learn a little more Portuguese I will be able to tell her to point me in the direction of the broom and the detergent!
That's it for today folks! Until next time!
p.s. I am currently reading The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo by Stieg Larsson. So far it is very good. It is the first in a three part series and I am so mad at myself because I bought the first and second book but not the third! I think I am going to regret that. I'll let you all know what I think! (Apparently I just turned this into a book review blog also) Tcahu!
We did not end up going out last night because it was rainy and a little bit chilly (55 degrees!) which is a perfect recipe for procrastination and laziness. So we hung around and I watched Edi play video games with his brother Biel(14yrs) and cousin Lucas(13yrs). It was a soccer video game. Obviously. (did I mention that Edi turns 28 in a week and a half and yes I said he is playing videogames. My brother would be so proud.) Anyways I sat there in the living room with them with my Port/Eng dictionary (per usual) trying to pick out words and look them up. The problem with this is that so much of what they are saying is slang and smack talk that the words aren't even in the dictionary. Hmmmm....perhaps there is an online urban dictionary for Portuguese words like there is for English. On second thought, I don't even think I want to go there.
Edi PROMISED we would go out tonight which is great because I have not set foot outside of this house since Tuesday afternoon and I think I'm going insane. Look forward to future blogs outlining the shenanigans that are sure to ensue with me actually going out in public. Even when I was here in May we never actually went out the bars. Restaurants? Sure. Family parties. Yes! But no local bars for this girl. So this should be riddled with embarassing moments. I'm tempted to tell Edi that I want to order the drinks just so I can see the look on the bartenders face as I stumble my way through a drink order. Time to break up the monotony!
Tomorrow Ana Paula(Aunt) arrives! She lives down the street but she has been visiting Edi's grandmother which is about 8 hours away. I am looking forward to seeing her. I met her in the US a few months after Edi and I started dating. She moved back to Brazil last December. She was a HUGE help to me in May because her English is very good and she always tells me what everyone is saying and helps teach me and helps me translate. Edi tries to help but he only tells me what is going on when I ask. I think sometimes he forgets that I don't know. Ana Paula tells me no matter what and she is at Edi's house most of the day. She doesn't work, she takes care of her 3 year old (Ana Laura) who is very cute. Very loud, but very cute. I eagerly await their arrival.
I mentioned to Edi yesterday that I want him to show me how to use the washing machine here. I am doing almost nothing here so I should at least help out by doing my own laundry. They have a washing machine but they do not use a dryer. Everything gets hung on a line. I also wanted to buy a drying rack or something to put on the patio attached to our bedroom to hang my clothes. I know its normal for them but I am just not comfortable with my skivvies hanging out in the wind for the whole family to see. He just laughed and said his mom didn't mind and his family doesn't care, but if I felt more comfortable doing it myself then he would show me this weekend. Well little did I know Arlete(mom) is a sneaky woman. She lured me out of our room today by telling me it was time for lunch. While I was eating she came into the room and took my laundry. haha I didn't notice until after lunch that she had taken my pile of dirty clothes. To be fair I don't think she has any idea that I was planning on doing it myself and I don't think she was trying to be sneaky, only helpful. She does all the laundry, cooks all the meals and cleans the house (it is impeccable) everyday. (She also went ahead and swept and mopped our room and bathroom!) Don't get me wrong, having someone to cook and clean for you is like a dream come true but I am not DOING anything so I don't want it to seem like I am lazy or taking anything for granted. I am happy to help if I only knew what needed to be done. She probably doesn't see it that way but I do. I am used to doing things for myself. I am an adult after all! Well, sort of. All well, for the time being I will thank her and once I learn a little more Portuguese I will be able to tell her to point me in the direction of the broom and the detergent!
That's it for today folks! Until next time!
p.s. I am currently reading The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo by Stieg Larsson. So far it is very good. It is the first in a three part series and I am so mad at myself because I bought the first and second book but not the third! I think I am going to regret that. I'll let you all know what I think! (Apparently I just turned this into a book review blog also) Tcahu!
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