I guess I last left off on my 3 month anniversary with Brazil (Friday, Dec 13). That Saturday morning I woke up and my Aunty Monica asked me if I wanted to go to a wedding with her that night. It was really last minute but I mean, I had a dress so I said ' of course!' I've barely been to weddings in Canada let alone Brazil so it was a really cool opportunity. So basically the whole day was spent deciding what everyone is going to wear for Christmas, the big birthday party the following week, and the big engagement party also the following week. Mae, Clarice, and Monica raged my closet and started giving me ideas of what to wear on what day with which shoes and accessories. It was great because I probably would have had no idea what to wear otherwise. After lunch my mom did my nails for the wedding (I felt so fancy).
I wore the same dress I wore to my prom earlier that week so it worked out perfectly.
The wedding was at this really beautiful church in BH; I will never get over how amazing it is.
The wedding was of a friend of Monica so I didn't know anyone except Clarice and Monica obviously but everyone looked stunning. The wedding had basically the same traditions as they do in Canada but I think this one had more things about God. My favourite part was watching the Groom's face; he had the most sincerely happy face I could have cried. After the wedding we went to the after party! There were waiters bringing amazing food and drinks all night. It was so fancy that the shellfish was literally served on a shell. The best part was singing along to the English music and people looking at me funny because they don't know what I'm singing.
Okay I lied, the best part was when the bride went on the stage to throw the bouquet. All the single ladies gathered around, pushing and shoving. The bride throw up the bouquet (of 7 flowers), and all of the flowers dispersed into the air. If you caught a flower, you will be the next to marry. The best part about this little story is that yes, I caught one of the flowers. I was so excited, I always wanted to catch the bouquet at a wedding!
Sunday afternoon I went out to lunch with my family at a nice little 'self-serve' restaurant. (those are my favourite)
Sunday night I went with my mom to the 'Graduation' of Beatriz's (my host sister who is in Germany) school. It wasn't really a graduation though, it was more like a church service dedicated to the grads from that school. It was really interesting to go to, everyone was dressed up, the priest gave out those cracker things, everyone sang, and everyone prayed. It was completely confused the whole time but it was nice to spend time with my mom. At the end she gave me a huge hug and told me how much she really liked having me. It was so sweet!
Monday I walked to the center of the city to drop off my dress. I was proud because I barely got lost this time. I walked around for a bit by myself, went window shopping, took some new roads, etc. I feel like when I get lost, I get to know the city a lot better!
Tuesday, after lunch I went to the mall with Eli and met up with Sofia and her friends. We all bought tickets to the Galo game. After the mall, Eli and I went back to my house, made coffee, and decided to go out to a Forro bar with some friends. For those who don't know, Forro is famous dance in Brazil. It is a somewhat easy but also complicated partner dance. It was free for girls to get in so we thought, why not!
After the dance, we went and got some pasteis (of course).
Wednesday after lunch I quickly ate lunch then headed out to Sofia's to watch the Galo game with her and her friends. They got me a jersey to wear since everyone was wearing them and then we literally drove around the city screaming 'GAAALOOOO' waving the flags and beeping the car horn. It was hilarious. Everyone on the street went nuts as well. This Galo game was extra special because since Galo won this big championship in June, they got to go to Morocco to play in another championship from around the world. All the Galo fans gathered in the 'Independencia' (the Galo Stadium) to watch the game on a huge television screen. People were going absolutely insane. There were TV cameras everywhere and unbelievably crazy fans. When Galo got a goal, people cried, everyone threw their beer in the air, and I had someone get pushed on top of me from behind. Then the other team got another goal... and another. Next thing you know it was the last 5 minutes of 'overtime' and people where on their knees literally praying and crying. The other team got the last goal, leaving the score 3-1. The whole stadium was silent except for crying. Some walked out immediately and others stayed in their seats crying. I've really never seen anything like it.
After the game, all of us went and ate some snacks to calm ourselves down. Galo isn't even my team but it was still devastating to see.
Thursday morning I got dressed up and went to my mom's work to sing at their Christmas party. They had many speeches, mini presentations, lots of awesome food, and then played a game kind of like Secret Santa. I sang two songs 'the Christmas Song' and for those of you who know me really well I sang 'Art Thou Troubled'. It's been such a long time since I have sang so it felt really nice to just let it out again.
That afternoon, I went back and sang for the afternoon staff. Afterwards, everyone wanted pictures with me and to ask about Canada. I met one lady who is obsessed with Cirque du Soleil and when I told her that I have never been to a show, she was appalled because every Canadian has been apparently... so okay my bad then..
Thursday night a huge group of exchange students went out to this club called 'Mercado' to celebrate my friend Mariana's birthday. This place was so ghetto because it was literally above a supermarket or something. It's so big and has a huge dance floor. I actually really enjoyed myself!
Friday I went out and had a nice girl's afternoon with Eli and Ashley. We went to this little hipster café called 'Café com Letras'. We drank coffee, ate appies and talked for about 3 hours. I really enjoyed catching up with everything. After that we decided to go to this fancy Rotex Christmas party. There were about 30 or 40 exchange students from both my district and the other district there and other rebound students who went on exchange before. It was so cool to talk to everyone and meet more exchange students. I seriously always have the best time when I am with exchangers.
About Me
- Hailey in Brasil
- This blog is for anyone to follow me on my journey to Brazil on the Rotary Exchange. I am from British Columbia and I will be living for a year in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
Friday, 13 December 2013
Catchup
This is going to be a catch up post about what I have done in the past few weeks. Sooo where to start? I guess I will start with when I got back from Rio. I went to school the next day burnt as heck and all my friends laughed at me of course! I started peeling that week which was really attractive! Sadly that week was my last week of school until February. Why is that sad? Well I was put in the equivalent of grade 12 and right now is the end of the year for them so I will be starting over again in February making new friends. I am excited to meet new people again but I am also sad because I won't get to go to school with my other friends anymore.
That week of school was spent just basically talking all day during class. The last couple days of school I got everyone in my class to sign my Canadian flag (which is now hanging on my wall). That Friday night (the 29th of November) I went out to a club with a big group of exchange students. The theme that night was Mexican. All of the people who worked at the club were dressed up as Mexicans; it was fabulous. That was honestly the best clubbing night I have had so far. We danced all night without stopping. Since we didn't get home until about 6am, the next day was spent basically doing nothing. That Saturday night there was another party because it was the birthdays of two exchange students. About 15-20 exchange students got together at one of the houses and had a really great time dancing and talking amongst one another. Being with exchange students is always a good time. That weekend was one of the best I have had so far.
Monday (December 2?) was nice because since I didn't have school, I got to sleep in! After, I went out shopping with Eli and Sandra and bought a new dress for new years. On new years everyone wears white so all the clothes in the mall right now are white, I love it!
Tuesday I spent the day shopping in the center with Clarice. We went looking for a dress for my formal dance with my school. I found one that I really liked and I could rent it for really cheap. We basically spent the whole day walking around and shopping. That night I made French toast for my family. Everyone was really impressed how easy it is to make and how delicious they are.
Wednesday...I actually don't remember what I did on Wednesday. I think it probably had something to do with Sandra and Eli coming over.. We probably ate a lot of food and walked somewhere to get more food. That's usually how it goes.
Thursday I got up 'early' and took the bus to my school to pick up my ticket for the formal. I took the wrong bus so I ended up on the complete other side of BH but I got to see a lot of the city so I guess I can't complain. After almost two hours of riding the bus, I finally made it to the school. Oh yea, two hours on the bus in 35 degree weather... I was stinky. Thursday night I walked to my Rotary meeting for the first time. Apparently it is close to my house and really easy to get to but because it's me, I got lost. I took the wrong road and ended up really far away from where my meeting was. Luckily, I ended up finding it right on time! I thought I was going to be super late but because we are in Brazil, I was early. After Rotary I met up with some exchange students in Savassi, grabbed some pastels and just hung out. Always a good time.
Friday I went back to the dress place to get my dress fitted. Again I had to walk there because it was really close to my house and again I got lost. I am actually not quite sure why I am allowed to go anywhere by myself... I am awful with maps. Anyways, once again, I found it. After I got my dress fitted I decided to explore some more of the center (in other words, I got lost again).
Friday night was a really chill night, I stayed home and watched novelas (soap operas) with my host mom.
Saturday I hung out with Eli, went for walks, back to my house, made pao de queijo, coffee, and just talked with my host mom for a while. After I went to Eli's for a sleepover and we just had a movie/ fat kid night with chips and chocolate.
Sunday I really didn't do anything until the night time. That night I thought I was going to a dance class of 'Forro'. Instead, we ended up going to an actual bar just with Forro. Forro is famous dance in Brazil that you do with a partner. It is a skilled and kind of sensual dance but also very fun. When done properly it looks very beautiful. When done by me it looks very... well actually just don't go by what I do.
Monday (this past Monday) I met up with more exchange students and had acai.. of course. After, Eli came back to my house and we made French toast again. It's a crowd pleaser for sure.
Tuesday I went back to pick up my dress only to find out it doesn't actually fit me because they made it too small... I wasn't a happy camper but I got my money back and thankfully found another dress the day before the formal... Holy, am I lucky or what!
Wednesday Sandra and Eli came over again, we did some last minute shopping before my prom, then came home and started getting ready. Sandra curled my hair for me and I did my makeup all fancy. My classmates have never seen me with makeup or my hair done so I was really excited to get all fancy. My host mom got all excited when I was ready and she took tons of pictures of me.
The formal was so much fun, I am so glad I got the opportunity to go. I got to see all of my friends looking beautiful and take lots of pictures with them. The prom here is very different. For example: you don't bring a date, you bring your entire family. Basically you are given 6 extra tickets and you can bring your family or friends from outside of school. There were fancy waiters with food and drinks all night, there were photographers, a live band, a bar, another bar for more snacks, a table set up with people making customized pasta dishes, etc. It was the most amazing night! I stayed there and danced with all of my friends until 6am! My feet were killing me because I wore high heels the whole night. Truly a great way to end the school year.
Thursday (yesterday) I was so tired, I literally did nothing. I slept in until 3:30 because I didn't get home until 6am. I seriously stayed in and out of bed all day until it was 7:30, I was curled up watching a movie in m pajamas and then my host mom comes in and says 'Aren't you going to Rotary?' CRAP! I completely forgot so I threw on some jeans, a T-shirt and ran downstairs. Little did I know, that night was the fancy Rotary Christmas Party...
I am such a good exchange student... I didn't even know there was a party.
No one cared that I looked like crap though so it was fun.
Friday (today!) I wrapped presents for Christmas! After lunch I made an ice cream cake that my mama makes. I think I burnt the crumble part a little bit but everyone seemed to enjoy it so phew!
Sandra and Eli came over again... we went for a good walk, came home and my mom taught me how to make pao de queijo. It was indeed a very good day.
I forgot to mention, my care package arrived finally!! Man my family knows me so well. They put chips, chocolate, peanut butter, curry paste, more stuff to make curry, a bunch of nice smelling things, makeup, clothes and Christmas presents! I am so thankful to have such a thoughtful family. Thank you so much everyone! You know me waay to well. I am so excited about everything I received!
Update real quickly, I will be going to Patos de Minas for Christmas with my family and then once I get home I will be changing families on the 27th. I will be moving in with Sofia and her family.
(Also, sorry if my grammar is bad now, I am no longer as fluent in English as I once was.)
Merry Christmas!
That week of school was spent just basically talking all day during class. The last couple days of school I got everyone in my class to sign my Canadian flag (which is now hanging on my wall). That Friday night (the 29th of November) I went out to a club with a big group of exchange students. The theme that night was Mexican. All of the people who worked at the club were dressed up as Mexicans; it was fabulous. That was honestly the best clubbing night I have had so far. We danced all night without stopping. Since we didn't get home until about 6am, the next day was spent basically doing nothing. That Saturday night there was another party because it was the birthdays of two exchange students. About 15-20 exchange students got together at one of the houses and had a really great time dancing and talking amongst one another. Being with exchange students is always a good time. That weekend was one of the best I have had so far.
Monday (December 2?) was nice because since I didn't have school, I got to sleep in! After, I went out shopping with Eli and Sandra and bought a new dress for new years. On new years everyone wears white so all the clothes in the mall right now are white, I love it!
Tuesday I spent the day shopping in the center with Clarice. We went looking for a dress for my formal dance with my school. I found one that I really liked and I could rent it for really cheap. We basically spent the whole day walking around and shopping. That night I made French toast for my family. Everyone was really impressed how easy it is to make and how delicious they are.
Wednesday...I actually don't remember what I did on Wednesday. I think it probably had something to do with Sandra and Eli coming over.. We probably ate a lot of food and walked somewhere to get more food. That's usually how it goes.
Thursday I got up 'early' and took the bus to my school to pick up my ticket for the formal. I took the wrong bus so I ended up on the complete other side of BH but I got to see a lot of the city so I guess I can't complain. After almost two hours of riding the bus, I finally made it to the school. Oh yea, two hours on the bus in 35 degree weather... I was stinky. Thursday night I walked to my Rotary meeting for the first time. Apparently it is close to my house and really easy to get to but because it's me, I got lost. I took the wrong road and ended up really far away from where my meeting was. Luckily, I ended up finding it right on time! I thought I was going to be super late but because we are in Brazil, I was early. After Rotary I met up with some exchange students in Savassi, grabbed some pastels and just hung out. Always a good time.
Friday I went back to the dress place to get my dress fitted. Again I had to walk there because it was really close to my house and again I got lost. I am actually not quite sure why I am allowed to go anywhere by myself... I am awful with maps. Anyways, once again, I found it. After I got my dress fitted I decided to explore some more of the center (in other words, I got lost again).
Friday night was a really chill night, I stayed home and watched novelas (soap operas) with my host mom.
Saturday I hung out with Eli, went for walks, back to my house, made pao de queijo, coffee, and just talked with my host mom for a while. After I went to Eli's for a sleepover and we just had a movie/ fat kid night with chips and chocolate.
Sunday I really didn't do anything until the night time. That night I thought I was going to a dance class of 'Forro'. Instead, we ended up going to an actual bar just with Forro. Forro is famous dance in Brazil that you do with a partner. It is a skilled and kind of sensual dance but also very fun. When done properly it looks very beautiful. When done by me it looks very... well actually just don't go by what I do.
Monday (this past Monday) I met up with more exchange students and had acai.. of course. After, Eli came back to my house and we made French toast again. It's a crowd pleaser for sure.
Tuesday I went back to pick up my dress only to find out it doesn't actually fit me because they made it too small... I wasn't a happy camper but I got my money back and thankfully found another dress the day before the formal... Holy, am I lucky or what!
Wednesday Sandra and Eli came over again, we did some last minute shopping before my prom, then came home and started getting ready. Sandra curled my hair for me and I did my makeup all fancy. My classmates have never seen me with makeup or my hair done so I was really excited to get all fancy. My host mom got all excited when I was ready and she took tons of pictures of me.
The formal was so much fun, I am so glad I got the opportunity to go. I got to see all of my friends looking beautiful and take lots of pictures with them. The prom here is very different. For example: you don't bring a date, you bring your entire family. Basically you are given 6 extra tickets and you can bring your family or friends from outside of school. There were fancy waiters with food and drinks all night, there were photographers, a live band, a bar, another bar for more snacks, a table set up with people making customized pasta dishes, etc. It was the most amazing night! I stayed there and danced with all of my friends until 6am! My feet were killing me because I wore high heels the whole night. Truly a great way to end the school year.
Thursday (yesterday) I was so tired, I literally did nothing. I slept in until 3:30 because I didn't get home until 6am. I seriously stayed in and out of bed all day until it was 7:30, I was curled up watching a movie in m pajamas and then my host mom comes in and says 'Aren't you going to Rotary?' CRAP! I completely forgot so I threw on some jeans, a T-shirt and ran downstairs. Little did I know, that night was the fancy Rotary Christmas Party...
I am such a good exchange student... I didn't even know there was a party.
No one cared that I looked like crap though so it was fun.
Friday (today!) I wrapped presents for Christmas! After lunch I made an ice cream cake that my mama makes. I think I burnt the crumble part a little bit but everyone seemed to enjoy it so phew!
Sandra and Eli came over again... we went for a good walk, came home and my mom taught me how to make pao de queijo. It was indeed a very good day.
I forgot to mention, my care package arrived finally!! Man my family knows me so well. They put chips, chocolate, peanut butter, curry paste, more stuff to make curry, a bunch of nice smelling things, makeup, clothes and Christmas presents! I am so thankful to have such a thoughtful family. Thank you so much everyone! You know me waay to well. I am so excited about everything I received!
Update real quickly, I will be going to Patos de Minas for Christmas with my family and then once I get home I will be changing families on the 27th. I will be moving in with Sofia and her family.
(Also, sorry if my grammar is bad now, I am no longer as fluent in English as I once was.)
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Rio De Janeirooo
Prepare... This will be a long one.
Before I go on telling about my fabulous few days in Rio, I must talk about the Monday before leaving. After school, I went to my friend Gabriela's house with a bunch of girls from my class to prepare a meal for our class the next day. We were preparing a dish with a name that I forget because it's hard to say. Anywho, it has lots of potatoes, chicken, and bacon. I am apparently a master at peeling potatoes so I am proud of that. After cooking for 3 hours, I took the bus home to meet up with Eli and Sandra. I was sitting on the bus and then an old man sat next to me and began to sing. He literally sang the entire bus ride in a higher pitched voice. I think I almost pierced my lip from biting it because I was trying to contain my laughter. I was tempted to sing along with him but all of a sudden he started shouting out random numbers, then resumed singing again.
I figured it was best to get off the bus.
I met up with Sandra and Eli, who happened to be waiting for me in my bedroom. The three of us went to get our first ever wax...
It was not pleasant. I hated it. The lady was really calm about it so I trusted her but to be honest, the room looked like I was about to get surgery. It was one of the most painful things I have ever done, I really don't understand why people do that to themselves! It was awful!
Anyways, I survived and I'm smooth.
Tuesday was pretty much the best day of school so far. My whole grade was assigned this cooking project and Tuesday was the day everyone got to eat everything. It was amazing. There was everything from little appetizers, breads, main courses, and desserts. After school, I went to Sofia's house. That day was the first time I saw her since the day in the airport. It was really weird at first because we immediately started speaking in Portuguese. She lived with me for almost 6 months and we just spoke English so now transitioning to just Portuguese was weird but it's cool! She showed me around her home, which is my future home, we went out for acai, and then I went to her dance class with her. I thought I was just going to watch but of course that is not an option. Instead I got to pretend like I knew what I was doing while looking pretty stupid; it was really fun actually.
Wednesday... destination: RIO !! It was honestly really strange to be in an airport again but I knew it was okay because I was on my way to the most amazing city ever. The flight was so cool, I got the window seat so of course my eyes did not leave the window for one second. Flying over top of Rio has got to be one of the most amazing views I have ever seen. I got to see a top view of all the beaches and mountains in Rio. We landed in the airport that is located in the center of the city (right next to the ocean). It was cool because it seemed like we were going to land right on the water. We got out of the plane and holy did that heat hit me good. Rio is hot, people. Muito freaking calor!
After an hour bus ride around Rio trying to find where to get off, we finally found the little hotel we were going to be staying at. It is literally a 2 minute walk from Ipanema Beach. Sofia, Jane (Sofi's mom), and I put our stuff away and immediately headed off to the beach. Since that day was a holiday in Rio, the beach was PACKED but we made room. After literally 15 minutes of relaxing on the beach, people started shouting. Sofi jumped up, and told me to run. Sofia, me, and literally everyone else on the beach started panicking, grabbing their stuff, and running. I had no idea what happened, I just immediately jumped up and ran for my life (leaving all of my stuff behind). Finally everyone stopped running and I asked what the eff just happened. Sofia explained that there was a group of guys going along the beach stealing everyone's things. The got caught or something because everyone seemed to calm down. Thankfully Jane grabbed all the things that I left behind for the thieves. I honestly thought I was going to die. Adrenaline kicked in and I ran super fast, I think. My heart didn't calm down for another hour after that. We found a new spot on the beach, I bought a sarong (which goes everywhere with me now) and a coconut, and we all resumed relaxing on that beautiful beach. It was seriously the perfect day, I walked along the shore collecting shells, the water was the perfect, refreshing temperature, the sky was clear blue, and the sun was shining beautifully on the surrounding mountains. I went swimming in the ocean for the first time since I went to Mexico and oh my lordy, those waves are bigger than I remember. I literally had to hold onto my bottoms every time a waved passed. I am completely certain that every person within view of me saw my bare butt. My bare, white, Canadian butt.
That night, Sofi and I took an evening walk all the way down both sides of the beach. It was so amazing. There were still people selling things all the way down the beach. Watching and listening to the waves crash against the shore is one of the most relaxing sensations. After our walk, we went out to a sports bar, watched a game of soccer, ate chicken wings and fries. It was quite relaxing as well.
Thursday was Sofi's birthday. Sofia, Jane, Vander (her dad who had arrived a little later by car), and I went to the beach bright and early in the morning. I lathered myself up in sunscreen (yes mom, I actually wore sunscreen), and put on my little Brazilian bikini...
We only stayed at the beach for about 3 hours but within those 3 hours, I burnt to a complete crisp. My whole backside was seriously lobster red. I have only really burnt once before but that was just a little on my nose and shoulders. I couldn't tell I was burnt, obviously, until it was already way too late. We left the beach, ate lunch, showered, and then headed off to go see the famous Cristo (Christ). I was smart and put on tight jean shorts over top of my burn. HAHA Hailey... bad choices.
I was fine on the way there but the way back is another story. After an hour of waiting to catch the train up to the Christ, we finally made it. Now, I don't want to sound like a broken record but that view, was THE most amazing thing I have ever seen in my entire life thus far. There were reflectors surrounding the Christ which made him glow even more with the sun. Every angle was magnificent. You could literally see every building, mountain, beach, and island in Rio. My words will never do it justice, my photos almost will but just the feeling of being all the way up there is incredible. I seriously felt like I was on top of the world. You really realize how small you are when you look at a view like that. I wish I could've stayed there forever. I am so thankful Sofi brought me there, and I am so thankful I have the opportunity to return there in January.
Later, we took a bus back to the hotel. The bus ride was about an hour long I think but it was really cool to see Rio at night. We passed by some really amazingly lit beaches. My burn started to really really burn so I couldn't actually sit on the bus. I literally burnt my entire back, legs, and butt. The butt is the worst place to burn. I'm actually still in pain as I am writing this.
That night, Sofi and I met up with her friend 'Dudu' (Eduardo) and we went to another bar/restaurant, listened to a band, and just talked the whole night.
Friday, I woke up in some serious pain. I almost cried getting out of bed. That morning, Sofi's cousin, Lorena, and her cousin's friend, Marta, came to stay with us. We all got up, ate breakfast, and went to the beach again. This time, the sun wasn't out. It was kind of clouded over which was nice because I was still in a lot of pain and having sun wouldn't really be good for me. The 4 of us took a walk down the beach to this really neat cliff type thing. I had a hard time even walking but I didn't want to miss out on picture opportunities. I wanted to cry every time I stood up. I literally was not able to sit or lay down. I walked like I had just got a prostate exam (I am assuming that is how I would walk if I got a prostate exam). Yeah, people gave weird looks because I moaned every time I sat down.
After lunch, everyone returned to the hotel and took a brief afternoon nap. That night, Sofi, Lorena, Marta, and I went out for dinner. I got caesar salad for the first time since I arrived in Brazil. It tasted nothing like home but still.
Saturday we all got ready and walked to Copacabana. It rained again but we still continued on. We did some window shopping along the way, and then ate a huge lunch. Copacabana is really beautiful. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and buildings. It is also surrounded by many little restaurants/shops/food stands. Also, on every beach, there are people who go around selling literally anything. Ice cream, acai, sarongs, dresses, shorts, skirts, skirts, sandals, sunglasses, water, beer, bathing suits, jewellery, shoelaces, sunscreen, hats, bags, shirts, shrimp on a skewer, etc. There are also tents set up that sell drinks made with fresh fruit. People seriously walk around with huge straw umbrellas with 50 bikinis hung from it. You can literally find anything at the beach and you don't even have to get up.
After lunch we did some more shopping. I actually restrained from buying things I don't need which I thought was pretty impressive considering the level of temptation. But oooh my, I was standing inline for the change room and a little boy, who I am assuming was looking for his mom, came up and shoved me from behind right on my sunburn. I never wanted to punch a kid so bad in my life. Again, I resisted temptation.
Later, we went out for dinner at Subway. I felt so boss because I still know exactly what I want and now I know how to order it in Portuguese.
We then all got dressed up to go out to a club called 'Praia' which means 'beach'. Fitting name seeing as how it is located right across from the beach. We got in for half price because Sofi called ahead of time saying it was her birthday... 2 days before. The club was completely packed. I have never been pushed and rubbed against so much in my life. Of course I still had a really sunburn... lovely.
The club stayed completely packed to the point where you couldn't dance, or even move at all. It was a really nice club, good music, cool band, but we had to get out of there. We ended up driving around with Dudu then going home. It probably was for the best because we had to wake up at about 6:30 to head off to the airport.
Sunday, woke up bright and early and headed for the airport. It was at that moment where I had the biggest craving for Tim Hortons. I probably would've killed for a coffee and a bagel. I slept on the plane, Sofi's dad brought me home, I slept for a bit because my family wasn't home, ate lunch, and here I am writing this blog.
To anyone reading this, if you ever have a chance in your life to go to Brazil, do it. Stay for at least a month, you have to go to Rio, and you have to see the Christ.
Rio de Janeiro is the most incredible city in the world, you can quote me on that.
Before I go on telling about my fabulous few days in Rio, I must talk about the Monday before leaving. After school, I went to my friend Gabriela's house with a bunch of girls from my class to prepare a meal for our class the next day. We were preparing a dish with a name that I forget because it's hard to say. Anywho, it has lots of potatoes, chicken, and bacon. I am apparently a master at peeling potatoes so I am proud of that. After cooking for 3 hours, I took the bus home to meet up with Eli and Sandra. I was sitting on the bus and then an old man sat next to me and began to sing. He literally sang the entire bus ride in a higher pitched voice. I think I almost pierced my lip from biting it because I was trying to contain my laughter. I was tempted to sing along with him but all of a sudden he started shouting out random numbers, then resumed singing again.
I figured it was best to get off the bus.
I met up with Sandra and Eli, who happened to be waiting for me in my bedroom. The three of us went to get our first ever wax...
It was not pleasant. I hated it. The lady was really calm about it so I trusted her but to be honest, the room looked like I was about to get surgery. It was one of the most painful things I have ever done, I really don't understand why people do that to themselves! It was awful!
Anyways, I survived and I'm smooth.
Tuesday was pretty much the best day of school so far. My whole grade was assigned this cooking project and Tuesday was the day everyone got to eat everything. It was amazing. There was everything from little appetizers, breads, main courses, and desserts. After school, I went to Sofia's house. That day was the first time I saw her since the day in the airport. It was really weird at first because we immediately started speaking in Portuguese. She lived with me for almost 6 months and we just spoke English so now transitioning to just Portuguese was weird but it's cool! She showed me around her home, which is my future home, we went out for acai, and then I went to her dance class with her. I thought I was just going to watch but of course that is not an option. Instead I got to pretend like I knew what I was doing while looking pretty stupid; it was really fun actually.
Wednesday... destination: RIO !! It was honestly really strange to be in an airport again but I knew it was okay because I was on my way to the most amazing city ever. The flight was so cool, I got the window seat so of course my eyes did not leave the window for one second. Flying over top of Rio has got to be one of the most amazing views I have ever seen. I got to see a top view of all the beaches and mountains in Rio. We landed in the airport that is located in the center of the city (right next to the ocean). It was cool because it seemed like we were going to land right on the water. We got out of the plane and holy did that heat hit me good. Rio is hot, people. Muito freaking calor!
After an hour bus ride around Rio trying to find where to get off, we finally found the little hotel we were going to be staying at. It is literally a 2 minute walk from Ipanema Beach. Sofia, Jane (Sofi's mom), and I put our stuff away and immediately headed off to the beach. Since that day was a holiday in Rio, the beach was PACKED but we made room. After literally 15 minutes of relaxing on the beach, people started shouting. Sofi jumped up, and told me to run. Sofia, me, and literally everyone else on the beach started panicking, grabbing their stuff, and running. I had no idea what happened, I just immediately jumped up and ran for my life (leaving all of my stuff behind). Finally everyone stopped running and I asked what the eff just happened. Sofia explained that there was a group of guys going along the beach stealing everyone's things. The got caught or something because everyone seemed to calm down. Thankfully Jane grabbed all the things that I left behind for the thieves. I honestly thought I was going to die. Adrenaline kicked in and I ran super fast, I think. My heart didn't calm down for another hour after that. We found a new spot on the beach, I bought a sarong (which goes everywhere with me now) and a coconut, and we all resumed relaxing on that beautiful beach. It was seriously the perfect day, I walked along the shore collecting shells, the water was the perfect, refreshing temperature, the sky was clear blue, and the sun was shining beautifully on the surrounding mountains. I went swimming in the ocean for the first time since I went to Mexico and oh my lordy, those waves are bigger than I remember. I literally had to hold onto my bottoms every time a waved passed. I am completely certain that every person within view of me saw my bare butt. My bare, white, Canadian butt.
That night, Sofi and I took an evening walk all the way down both sides of the beach. It was so amazing. There were still people selling things all the way down the beach. Watching and listening to the waves crash against the shore is one of the most relaxing sensations. After our walk, we went out to a sports bar, watched a game of soccer, ate chicken wings and fries. It was quite relaxing as well.
Thursday was Sofi's birthday. Sofia, Jane, Vander (her dad who had arrived a little later by car), and I went to the beach bright and early in the morning. I lathered myself up in sunscreen (yes mom, I actually wore sunscreen), and put on my little Brazilian bikini...
We only stayed at the beach for about 3 hours but within those 3 hours, I burnt to a complete crisp. My whole backside was seriously lobster red. I have only really burnt once before but that was just a little on my nose and shoulders. I couldn't tell I was burnt, obviously, until it was already way too late. We left the beach, ate lunch, showered, and then headed off to go see the famous Cristo (Christ). I was smart and put on tight jean shorts over top of my burn. HAHA Hailey... bad choices.
I was fine on the way there but the way back is another story. After an hour of waiting to catch the train up to the Christ, we finally made it. Now, I don't want to sound like a broken record but that view, was THE most amazing thing I have ever seen in my entire life thus far. There were reflectors surrounding the Christ which made him glow even more with the sun. Every angle was magnificent. You could literally see every building, mountain, beach, and island in Rio. My words will never do it justice, my photos almost will but just the feeling of being all the way up there is incredible. I seriously felt like I was on top of the world. You really realize how small you are when you look at a view like that. I wish I could've stayed there forever. I am so thankful Sofi brought me there, and I am so thankful I have the opportunity to return there in January.
Later, we took a bus back to the hotel. The bus ride was about an hour long I think but it was really cool to see Rio at night. We passed by some really amazingly lit beaches. My burn started to really really burn so I couldn't actually sit on the bus. I literally burnt my entire back, legs, and butt. The butt is the worst place to burn. I'm actually still in pain as I am writing this.
That night, Sofi and I met up with her friend 'Dudu' (Eduardo) and we went to another bar/restaurant, listened to a band, and just talked the whole night.
Friday, I woke up in some serious pain. I almost cried getting out of bed. That morning, Sofi's cousin, Lorena, and her cousin's friend, Marta, came to stay with us. We all got up, ate breakfast, and went to the beach again. This time, the sun wasn't out. It was kind of clouded over which was nice because I was still in a lot of pain and having sun wouldn't really be good for me. The 4 of us took a walk down the beach to this really neat cliff type thing. I had a hard time even walking but I didn't want to miss out on picture opportunities. I wanted to cry every time I stood up. I literally was not able to sit or lay down. I walked like I had just got a prostate exam (I am assuming that is how I would walk if I got a prostate exam). Yeah, people gave weird looks because I moaned every time I sat down.
After lunch, everyone returned to the hotel and took a brief afternoon nap. That night, Sofi, Lorena, Marta, and I went out for dinner. I got caesar salad for the first time since I arrived in Brazil. It tasted nothing like home but still.
Saturday we all got ready and walked to Copacabana. It rained again but we still continued on. We did some window shopping along the way, and then ate a huge lunch. Copacabana is really beautiful. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and buildings. It is also surrounded by many little restaurants/shops/food stands. Also, on every beach, there are people who go around selling literally anything. Ice cream, acai, sarongs, dresses, shorts, skirts, skirts, sandals, sunglasses, water, beer, bathing suits, jewellery, shoelaces, sunscreen, hats, bags, shirts, shrimp on a skewer, etc. There are also tents set up that sell drinks made with fresh fruit. People seriously walk around with huge straw umbrellas with 50 bikinis hung from it. You can literally find anything at the beach and you don't even have to get up.
After lunch we did some more shopping. I actually restrained from buying things I don't need which I thought was pretty impressive considering the level of temptation. But oooh my, I was standing inline for the change room and a little boy, who I am assuming was looking for his mom, came up and shoved me from behind right on my sunburn. I never wanted to punch a kid so bad in my life. Again, I resisted temptation.
Later, we went out for dinner at Subway. I felt so boss because I still know exactly what I want and now I know how to order it in Portuguese.
We then all got dressed up to go out to a club called 'Praia' which means 'beach'. Fitting name seeing as how it is located right across from the beach. We got in for half price because Sofi called ahead of time saying it was her birthday... 2 days before. The club was completely packed. I have never been pushed and rubbed against so much in my life. Of course I still had a really sunburn... lovely.
The club stayed completely packed to the point where you couldn't dance, or even move at all. It was a really nice club, good music, cool band, but we had to get out of there. We ended up driving around with Dudu then going home. It probably was for the best because we had to wake up at about 6:30 to head off to the airport.
Sunday, woke up bright and early and headed for the airport. It was at that moment where I had the biggest craving for Tim Hortons. I probably would've killed for a coffee and a bagel. I slept on the plane, Sofi's dad brought me home, I slept for a bit because my family wasn't home, ate lunch, and here I am writing this blog.
To anyone reading this, if you ever have a chance in your life to go to Brazil, do it. Stay for at least a month, you have to go to Rio, and you have to see the Christ.
Rio de Janeiro is the most incredible city in the world, you can quote me on that.
Monday, 18 November 2013
Weekend in Patos
So last Thursday I went to a soccer game with my friend named Artur, who did exchange in Kamloops last year. Cool hey? He lives in Belo Horizonte and he cheers for Galo. Now, I told you about how here in Minas Gerais there are two main teams: Galo and Cruzeiro. I am Cruzeiro, as I previously mentioned, and he is Galo. However, up until last Thursday I have never seen a live soccer game so I really didn't care which team was playing! Before the game I went to his grandparents house and met a bunch of his family. Of course in Brazil that means I got to meet mom, dad, aunt, cousin, sister, grandma, and grandpa. We headed off to the stadium, which I thought was huge but apparently it's the smaller one compared to 'Minerao'. I wore a Galo jersey and everything so I could fit in.
We sat in front of the people playing the drums and leading the Galo songs/chants. I've never seen anything like it. Everyone in the stadium was on their feet the whole time! It made me question why they even had seats in the first place. There was so much energy it was impossible to stand still. Then a guy in a giant chicken costume (their mascot) came running onto the field carrying the Galo flag. The crowd went insane. When the goalie from the other team walked across the field to his side, the whole stadium booed and cursed him out. I guess that is a normal and sports-like thing to do?
It was even worse when the refs came out. Again, the whole stadium stood on their chairs and booed the refs. The game started and the crowed, once again, was insane; the whole game. Galo won in the end and everyone left the stadium at the same time so everyone was on the street still screaming Galo music. I really enjoyed my first game, I cannot wait until I get to watch one in the big stadium!
Last Friday was a holiday here in Brazil so my family took me to Patos de Minas again for the weekend. They were so nice and let me bring my friend Eli (USA). We talked in Portuguese and listened to Brazilian music the whole 6 hour drive. When we arrived, the had lunch all waiting for us. Lourdes (my aunty) is an amazing cook. We went to her house were she literally had a buffet set out. We visited with many of the family members for a good 6 hours and then after went and met up with two other exchange students: David (Hungary) and Tucker (Upstate New York). We have only met them once before at the orientation but instantly started talking like we never left. I love exchange students. The next day, my host parents brought us out to lunch at a cute little buffet restaurant. (Another thing I love about Brazil, all the restaurants for lunch are buffets and are cheap!)
After lunch, Eli and I went shopping, ate acai (of course), and then got ready to go to Tucker's family's farm outside of Patos. I am telling you, that place is amazing. They have a beautiful house with an outside kitchen/bar area right next to a pool surrounded by palm trees and fields of horsies. It was a wonderful afternoon of laying by the pool with friends, cooking churrasco (BBQ), and listening to Brazilian music. I love my life.
After the farm, we went back to Lourdes' house for her birthday and once again, more food. Always so much food. Eli and I made a band with my little cousin, Alise. She is two years old and she is the cutest thing I have ever seen. We talked all night with the family and watched Brazil win in one of the games leading up to the World Cup. (omg)
Sunday was average, Eli and I woke up at noon (oops), ate lunch, said goodbye to the family again, and headed on home to BH. This car ride was a little more quiet because everyone was tired and fell asleep.
It was such a nice weekend, I really feel like I am part of the family. Not just my family that I live with but my whole extended family as well. They all told me that I need to return with them even after I change families.
We sat in front of the people playing the drums and leading the Galo songs/chants. I've never seen anything like it. Everyone in the stadium was on their feet the whole time! It made me question why they even had seats in the first place. There was so much energy it was impossible to stand still. Then a guy in a giant chicken costume (their mascot) came running onto the field carrying the Galo flag. The crowd went insane. When the goalie from the other team walked across the field to his side, the whole stadium booed and cursed him out. I guess that is a normal and sports-like thing to do?
It was even worse when the refs came out. Again, the whole stadium stood on their chairs and booed the refs. The game started and the crowed, once again, was insane; the whole game. Galo won in the end and everyone left the stadium at the same time so everyone was on the street still screaming Galo music. I really enjoyed my first game, I cannot wait until I get to watch one in the big stadium!
Last Friday was a holiday here in Brazil so my family took me to Patos de Minas again for the weekend. They were so nice and let me bring my friend Eli (USA). We talked in Portuguese and listened to Brazilian music the whole 6 hour drive. When we arrived, the had lunch all waiting for us. Lourdes (my aunty) is an amazing cook. We went to her house were she literally had a buffet set out. We visited with many of the family members for a good 6 hours and then after went and met up with two other exchange students: David (Hungary) and Tucker (Upstate New York). We have only met them once before at the orientation but instantly started talking like we never left. I love exchange students. The next day, my host parents brought us out to lunch at a cute little buffet restaurant. (Another thing I love about Brazil, all the restaurants for lunch are buffets and are cheap!)
After lunch, Eli and I went shopping, ate acai (of course), and then got ready to go to Tucker's family's farm outside of Patos. I am telling you, that place is amazing. They have a beautiful house with an outside kitchen/bar area right next to a pool surrounded by palm trees and fields of horsies. It was a wonderful afternoon of laying by the pool with friends, cooking churrasco (BBQ), and listening to Brazilian music. I love my life.
After the farm, we went back to Lourdes' house for her birthday and once again, more food. Always so much food. Eli and I made a band with my little cousin, Alise. She is two years old and she is the cutest thing I have ever seen. We talked all night with the family and watched Brazil win in one of the games leading up to the World Cup. (omg)
Sunday was average, Eli and I woke up at noon (oops), ate lunch, said goodbye to the family again, and headed on home to BH. This car ride was a little more quiet because everyone was tired and fell asleep.
It was such a nice weekend, I really feel like I am part of the family. Not just my family that I live with but my whole extended family as well. They all told me that I need to return with them even after I change families.
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Brazilians + Soccer = No Sleep
I last left off my blog post at the 'Hug an Exchange Student' day. That night (a Friday night) I went out with a group of exchange students in Savassi. We just hang out at a pastel place for basically the whole night. For those of you who don't know what pastels are, I will explain. It is a deep fried pastry with literally anything you want in it. It can be sweets, it can be savory, salty, just cheese, meat, ANYTHING. My personal favourite is the banana filled one coated with sugar/cinnamon. It's practically Jesus. This particular night was quite interesting because it was the night that began all the noise in Belo Horizonte. I arrived home at around 1:30, went to my room, tried to fall asleep but then I kept hearing car horns going off like crazy, people shouting, etc. Then started the firecrackers, and bombs. Some of them were so close to my house, I actually thought I was going to die. I had no idea why people were setting off firecrackers and chanting at 2am until I asked in the morning. My family explained to me that on Sunday there would be a huge game in BH for their soccer team called 'Cruzeiro'. The fireworks and chanting were the fans. It went on like that every night leading up to the game.
On Saturday night, I went out with Eli (from Florida) and some of her friends from school. It was one of their birthdays and since he plays for the other team, he decided he wanted to go to a gay club. I kind of just went with it because why not? Everyone in that club honestly looked like they were having a blast. I honestly wouldn't say that I would go back there again but it was an experience.
Sunday, I watched the game with my family and all of my friends from school were snap chatting me being all excited. It was really cool because every time Cruzeiro got a goal, the whole city was celebrating. Finally, Cruziero won the game and once again, there was no sleep that night. People went all night long screaming on the streets, setting off bombs, and honking car horns. That game wasn't even the final game! I tried skyping my family and they could even hear the loud, thundering noises in the back ground. The whole city literally stopped for that game.
Monday after school, I went shopping with Eli in the center of the city where everything is cheap. We discovered an amazing place that makes juice, coffee, acai, and pao de queijo (my 4 favourite things). I have probably mentioned this before but HOLY the juice here in Brazil is the BEST. This place had a menu full of different kinds of fruits so basically you can choose as many different kinds as you want for your juice then you choose either milk or orange juice as the base then they take the fresh fruits, blend it up, and there you go. It is the best thing in the whole world and it is so freaking cheap.
Tuesday, Eli and I took the bus to Sandra's house to dye her hair for her. I knew which bus to take, which was good, but then Sandra told Eli that I knew how to get to her house and which stop to get off at because I have done it before. HAHAH bad mooooove, I don't remember things like that so Eli and I had a little adventure but thank the lord above for Google Maps. Sandra has a lot of trust in us because she let us dye her hair in her bedroom... but it was surprisingly successful.
Wednesday, Sandra and I got our nails done for the first time in Brazil. We got our hands and toes done for only R$30 (that's equal to $15). When we walked in, the lady gave us these packages that I had no idea what to do with, and told us to sit down. We sat there for about ten minutes until someone told us to actually open the package and put on the gloves with the mushy stuff inside to soften up our nails. They couldn't believe that we had never gotten them done before. The lady doing my hands began cutting off my cuticles and she asked if I have ever done that before. I told her I didn't even know what cuticles were until like 4 months ago. Everyone laughed at me.
The hands went well I think but once she got to my feet, I kind of freaked out a bit. I am ridiculously ticklish so she had a hard time doing anything without me squirming. I just about kicked her in the face at one point. Overall, it was successful. After that, Eli and Sandra came over and I made fresh passion fruit juice and pao de queijo by myself. My host mom told me that I can marry now because I know how to do those things. So that's a plus.
That night was the big game (to be honest I forget what the name of the cup is called but all I know is that it is a huge deal in Brazil and Cruzeiro has won it twice in the past), Eli and I went down the road to a sports bar to watch the game because the city was full of energy and excitement. The fireworks, bombs, car horns, and people screaming was 10x worse that night. Every goal we got the whole bar would roar with excitement. I've never experienced anything like it. People drove around the city with Cruzeiro flags hanging out their windows while screaming 'CRUUUZEIROOO'. When Cruzeiro won, the whole city (other than the Galo fans because Galo is BH's other team), was ecstatic. The parties went all night long because now Cruzeiro is 'Tri-Campeao' which means 'Tri-Champions' of this championship. It literally went all night, morning, and the rest of the next day. My classmates even decorated the classroom with jerseys and flags. It was absolutely insane!
Brazilians are crazy for soccer. I thought I knew that before, but holy I did not know the extent to it. I cannot even try to imagine what the city will be like for the world cup next June. But I am so excited to find out.
On Saturday night, I went out with Eli (from Florida) and some of her friends from school. It was one of their birthdays and since he plays for the other team, he decided he wanted to go to a gay club. I kind of just went with it because why not? Everyone in that club honestly looked like they were having a blast. I honestly wouldn't say that I would go back there again but it was an experience.
Sunday, I watched the game with my family and all of my friends from school were snap chatting me being all excited. It was really cool because every time Cruzeiro got a goal, the whole city was celebrating. Finally, Cruziero won the game and once again, there was no sleep that night. People went all night long screaming on the streets, setting off bombs, and honking car horns. That game wasn't even the final game! I tried skyping my family and they could even hear the loud, thundering noises in the back ground. The whole city literally stopped for that game.
Monday after school, I went shopping with Eli in the center of the city where everything is cheap. We discovered an amazing place that makes juice, coffee, acai, and pao de queijo (my 4 favourite things). I have probably mentioned this before but HOLY the juice here in Brazil is the BEST. This place had a menu full of different kinds of fruits so basically you can choose as many different kinds as you want for your juice then you choose either milk or orange juice as the base then they take the fresh fruits, blend it up, and there you go. It is the best thing in the whole world and it is so freaking cheap.
Tuesday, Eli and I took the bus to Sandra's house to dye her hair for her. I knew which bus to take, which was good, but then Sandra told Eli that I knew how to get to her house and which stop to get off at because I have done it before. HAHAH bad mooooove, I don't remember things like that so Eli and I had a little adventure but thank the lord above for Google Maps. Sandra has a lot of trust in us because she let us dye her hair in her bedroom... but it was surprisingly successful.
Wednesday, Sandra and I got our nails done for the first time in Brazil. We got our hands and toes done for only R$30 (that's equal to $15). When we walked in, the lady gave us these packages that I had no idea what to do with, and told us to sit down. We sat there for about ten minutes until someone told us to actually open the package and put on the gloves with the mushy stuff inside to soften up our nails. They couldn't believe that we had never gotten them done before. The lady doing my hands began cutting off my cuticles and she asked if I have ever done that before. I told her I didn't even know what cuticles were until like 4 months ago. Everyone laughed at me.
The hands went well I think but once she got to my feet, I kind of freaked out a bit. I am ridiculously ticklish so she had a hard time doing anything without me squirming. I just about kicked her in the face at one point. Overall, it was successful. After that, Eli and Sandra came over and I made fresh passion fruit juice and pao de queijo by myself. My host mom told me that I can marry now because I know how to do those things. So that's a plus.
That night was the big game (to be honest I forget what the name of the cup is called but all I know is that it is a huge deal in Brazil and Cruzeiro has won it twice in the past), Eli and I went down the road to a sports bar to watch the game because the city was full of energy and excitement. The fireworks, bombs, car horns, and people screaming was 10x worse that night. Every goal we got the whole bar would roar with excitement. I've never experienced anything like it. People drove around the city with Cruzeiro flags hanging out their windows while screaming 'CRUUUZEIROOO'. When Cruzeiro won, the whole city (other than the Galo fans because Galo is BH's other team), was ecstatic. The parties went all night long because now Cruzeiro is 'Tri-Campeao' which means 'Tri-Champions' of this championship. It literally went all night, morning, and the rest of the next day. My classmates even decorated the classroom with jerseys and flags. It was absolutely insane!
Brazilians are crazy for soccer. I thought I knew that before, but holy I did not know the extent to it. I cannot even try to imagine what the city will be like for the world cup next June. But I am so excited to find out.
Friday, 8 November 2013
My Sick Week
It feels like forever since I wrote here so I thought it was time to do some 'catch up'. The last week and a half has been interesting. Interesting in the fact that I actually was sick for a lot of it. It started last week, I woke up feeling kind of off but I still went to school hoping I would shake the feeling. At school I began to feel worse and worse so I decided to take the bus home. I thought it was pretty easy, you know, feel sick-leave class-take the bus home-sleep. Apparently not.
Schools here don't let you leave unless you have a parent come pick you up. Of course, I didn't know that so I got up, told the teacher I'm sick, and then tried to leave the school. They actually have security guards at the doors at all time to make sure you don't leave. Once you are in the school, there is no leaving until school is over. I tried to leave, not knowing I wasn't actually allowed, but then one guy took my shoulder and directed me the other way and told me to go talk to the office. I called my host dad telling him I was going to take the bus home so he didn't have to leave work and come all the way to get me. Oh and I also wasn't even allowed to use my own phone to call him. In the office, the people kept telling me to talk to different people which was really frustrating because no one would actually listen to what I wanted! They all kept wanted to take my temperature and give me water but I kept telling them I don't have a fever! They thought it was best to take my temperature anyways. I had a stomach ache and a sore throat.. that's not a fever. Long-story short I ended up staying at school until the little kids were done so I could sneak out with them. It worked.
So I went to take the bus but then ended up on the wrong one so I ended up on the other side of BH. Luckily it was the right bus number, just the wrong one. WTF!
The driver helped me out and got me on the right one so it was okay. I finally got home and slept.
I have to say, when I am sick I really like my mommy coming and taking care of me so when I was sick here I started to feel a bit sad for the first time on my exchange. But then my host mom came home from work that night, brought me tea in bed, made me really yummy soup, and also brought me other things to help with my throat. I was so thankful for that. It really helped with not thinking about home.
I stayed home the next couple days from school because I really wasn't feeling good. I went to school on Friday of last week because I was feeling much better. It was so cute because all of my friends were so happy to hear that I was better! They are so sweet.
Friday night was the surprise birthday party for Sandra (the other Canadian). Previously, we had told her that we had reservations at this certain night club called 'Chalezinho' but secretly we were planning a surprise party for her in the lounge area below her building with tons of exchange students and Brazilian friends. She honestly didn't suspect a thing, it was perfect.
We had a ton of fun that night, dancing, taking pictures, singing, etc.
That morning I woke up without a voice. It was awful. I thought I had gotten better but the party made it worse. I literally couldn't speak. When I got home I tried to explain to my host family but I literally couldn't speak, only whisper. I left Sandra's house and headed for the bus stop. On the way, I passed a man sitting outside his house drinking beers and listening to really cool Brazilian music. He called after me when I was walking but I didn't stop (obviously). He kept saying 'wait, wait! I have something for you'. I kept walking but eventually he caught up, handed me a four-leafed clover and said 'Today is going to be a day full of happiness and luck for you. Take care."
It honestly made my day. I thought he was going to come after me with a knife, asking for money, or trying to sell me rugs like most people (minus the knives part). But no! How cool.
Sunday, I woke up still without a voice. It was so frustrating because the only thing I could do was sit and drink tea. My host dad took us all out for lunch, the sad part was I had no voice to even say 'thank you'. I tried my best so he understood.
I returned to school on Monday and I have been better ever since. Tuesday I made cookies with Eli (from Florida) and we hung around my place. Wednesday was nice because Sandra and Eli came to my house with CHIPS, pasteis, and other food. It was a really rainy day so the three of us had a movie day.
Today is Friday, November 8th which also means it is 'International Hug an Exchange Student' day. I told people in my class and next thing you know, the whole class came and gave me hugs and kisses. We took lots of pictures, goofed around, and just had a good time. I think telling people they have to hug you because it's a rule of that day creates a whole new bond with people. They are Brazilian so this wasn't even weird. They seemed amazed that that's an actual day.
All in all, I love my sweet, caring host family. I love my hilarious and interesting Brazilians. I love my exchange students, I don't know where I would be without them.
I really love everything.
P.S Rio in 2 weeks!! :)
P.P.S I am running out of Canadian candy... this is an enormous problem that needs attention asap ;) Christmas is coming!!
Schools here don't let you leave unless you have a parent come pick you up. Of course, I didn't know that so I got up, told the teacher I'm sick, and then tried to leave the school. They actually have security guards at the doors at all time to make sure you don't leave. Once you are in the school, there is no leaving until school is over. I tried to leave, not knowing I wasn't actually allowed, but then one guy took my shoulder and directed me the other way and told me to go talk to the office. I called my host dad telling him I was going to take the bus home so he didn't have to leave work and come all the way to get me. Oh and I also wasn't even allowed to use my own phone to call him. In the office, the people kept telling me to talk to different people which was really frustrating because no one would actually listen to what I wanted! They all kept wanted to take my temperature and give me water but I kept telling them I don't have a fever! They thought it was best to take my temperature anyways. I had a stomach ache and a sore throat.. that's not a fever. Long-story short I ended up staying at school until the little kids were done so I could sneak out with them. It worked.
So I went to take the bus but then ended up on the wrong one so I ended up on the other side of BH. Luckily it was the right bus number, just the wrong one. WTF!
The driver helped me out and got me on the right one so it was okay. I finally got home and slept.
I have to say, when I am sick I really like my mommy coming and taking care of me so when I was sick here I started to feel a bit sad for the first time on my exchange. But then my host mom came home from work that night, brought me tea in bed, made me really yummy soup, and also brought me other things to help with my throat. I was so thankful for that. It really helped with not thinking about home.
I stayed home the next couple days from school because I really wasn't feeling good. I went to school on Friday of last week because I was feeling much better. It was so cute because all of my friends were so happy to hear that I was better! They are so sweet.
Friday night was the surprise birthday party for Sandra (the other Canadian). Previously, we had told her that we had reservations at this certain night club called 'Chalezinho' but secretly we were planning a surprise party for her in the lounge area below her building with tons of exchange students and Brazilian friends. She honestly didn't suspect a thing, it was perfect.
We had a ton of fun that night, dancing, taking pictures, singing, etc.
That morning I woke up without a voice. It was awful. I thought I had gotten better but the party made it worse. I literally couldn't speak. When I got home I tried to explain to my host family but I literally couldn't speak, only whisper. I left Sandra's house and headed for the bus stop. On the way, I passed a man sitting outside his house drinking beers and listening to really cool Brazilian music. He called after me when I was walking but I didn't stop (obviously). He kept saying 'wait, wait! I have something for you'. I kept walking but eventually he caught up, handed me a four-leafed clover and said 'Today is going to be a day full of happiness and luck for you. Take care."
It honestly made my day. I thought he was going to come after me with a knife, asking for money, or trying to sell me rugs like most people (minus the knives part). But no! How cool.
Sunday, I woke up still without a voice. It was so frustrating because the only thing I could do was sit and drink tea. My host dad took us all out for lunch, the sad part was I had no voice to even say 'thank you'. I tried my best so he understood.
I returned to school on Monday and I have been better ever since. Tuesday I made cookies with Eli (from Florida) and we hung around my place. Wednesday was nice because Sandra and Eli came to my house with CHIPS, pasteis, and other food. It was a really rainy day so the three of us had a movie day.
Today is Friday, November 8th which also means it is 'International Hug an Exchange Student' day. I told people in my class and next thing you know, the whole class came and gave me hugs and kisses. We took lots of pictures, goofed around, and just had a good time. I think telling people they have to hug you because it's a rule of that day creates a whole new bond with people. They are Brazilian so this wasn't even weird. They seemed amazed that that's an actual day.
All in all, I love my sweet, caring host family. I love my hilarious and interesting Brazilians. I love my exchange students, I don't know where I would be without them.
I really love everything.
P.S Rio in 2 weeks!! :)
P.P.S I am running out of Canadian candy... this is an enormous problem that needs attention asap ;) Christmas is coming!!
Monday, 28 October 2013
Acai and Parties
I'll start at last Wednesday. I took the bus alone to my friend's place so we could all go out for acai together. I was dying of the heat of course because it was 37 degrees outside yet when I looked out onto the street, the majority of people were wearing jeans. Brazilians...
So I finally arrived and we met up with Romain (Belgium), Sandra (Canada), Eli (USA), Mateusz (Poland), and Paul and Manon (France).
After the acai, Eli and I took the bus back to the Diamond Mall because we both live ridiculously close to it which is AWESOME!
Her and I just walked around and then we heard music so we ended up having dinner at a restaurant where there was a jazz band playing. It was a very lovely date :)
Thursday I went to this country club type thing with my grade at school. This place was amazing, it had like 5 pools, 6 courts for tennis/soccer/basketball etc, a mini zoo, a bunch of little concessions that looked like huts, and a waterslide! It also had a huuuuge mango tree where I got to pick a mango and eat it right there. I died of happiness.
We took a bus to get there (yes you guys, it was a bus. A bus. Yep.. a bus) and on the way there, one of the guys brought his guitar and everyone was singing along to the Brazilian music. One of my friends told the guys that I sang so they tried to find songs in English so I could sing too.
So we got there and everyone changed into their swim suits... something I still have to get used to. I've kind of gotten used to the girls but I don't know how long it's going to take to get used to the boys. Many of the boys wear those little speedo shorts and maaaan, I would've loved to have seen my face when I saw the guys come out. Oh yeah so I also got my first ever burn that day because I was smart and didn't really wear enough sunscreen (by 'enough' I mean none).
My friends told me that the club had monkeys in it so I got really excited! But unfortunately I didn't actually see any. I haven't seen any monkeys at all in Brazil yet and it's to the point where I might even just walk down the street waving a banana in the air until I find one!
That day I also drove a swan boat around in a big pond, almost fought an emu, and watched an old man belly flop into the pool. Twas a great day.
Friday I didn't have school so I slept in then went out for acai with Sandra, Lucas (an outbound student going to Holland in February) and the new exchange student that just arrived and is staying in his house. Her name is Haley and she is from the US. She has a very nice name.
After the acai, Sandra and I went back to her place to get ready for this big party. We got all dressed up fancy and took a taxi with her brother to Savassi to meet others. There was a giant van that picked us up and we drove a half hour to get to the party. This building was huge and so fancy! Once you gave your ticket, there was a photographer waiting there to take your picture. Then everyone we were with wanted a picture with the Canadian girls. I felt like a celebrity.
The inside was beautifully decorated, had two stages, a giant open bar, open food, dance floor, lounge area and an upstairs VIP area. Everyone looked amazing as well.
The band was really awesome and they played some really famous Brazilian music that I actually knew! I also danced Forro with one of my friends because I took classes so I know the steps.
I've never been to a party like that before, I was really impressed with everything. I didn't want to leave.
Saturday I slept in a lot, got up and made apple cake with my host parents. We made oatmeal raison cookies as well. It was really nice to spend time with them in the kitchen for the whole afternoon.
Saturday night was pretty chill, I was going to go out but then kind of decided not to until Clarice was just about to leave but then said 'Hailey change your clothes, we're going to a party!' So I ran into my room, got dressed, make up, hair, boom gone. It was a goodbye party for one of her friends who was moving to the US.
Sunday after lunch I went with my host family to visit my host dad's aunty who is 96 years old. Nossa!
It was a really nice visit and I was proud because I was able to follow the conversation for the most part.
Sunday night was nice because I got to Skype my family for a good 2 and a half hours.
I forgot the mention this before but the other day, I Skyped my family and then introduced them to my host family. It was really cool but really confusing at the same time because the only way anyone could communicate was through me. My host parents would say something in Portuguese and then I would translate it to English for my Canadian family and then vice versa. I kept accidently speaking Portuguese to my Canadian family so it made things really difficult and my brain was confused. But overall it was a really cool experience. I was weird talking in another language in front of my family, knowing they don't understand me. HAHA it's my superpower now.
Until next time, Beijos.
So I finally arrived and we met up with Romain (Belgium), Sandra (Canada), Eli (USA), Mateusz (Poland), and Paul and Manon (France).
After the acai, Eli and I took the bus back to the Diamond Mall because we both live ridiculously close to it which is AWESOME!
Her and I just walked around and then we heard music so we ended up having dinner at a restaurant where there was a jazz band playing. It was a very lovely date :)
Thursday I went to this country club type thing with my grade at school. This place was amazing, it had like 5 pools, 6 courts for tennis/soccer/basketball etc, a mini zoo, a bunch of little concessions that looked like huts, and a waterslide! It also had a huuuuge mango tree where I got to pick a mango and eat it right there. I died of happiness.
We took a bus to get there (yes you guys, it was a bus. A bus. Yep.. a bus) and on the way there, one of the guys brought his guitar and everyone was singing along to the Brazilian music. One of my friends told the guys that I sang so they tried to find songs in English so I could sing too.
So we got there and everyone changed into their swim suits... something I still have to get used to. I've kind of gotten used to the girls but I don't know how long it's going to take to get used to the boys. Many of the boys wear those little speedo shorts and maaaan, I would've loved to have seen my face when I saw the guys come out. Oh yeah so I also got my first ever burn that day because I was smart and didn't really wear enough sunscreen (by 'enough' I mean none).
My friends told me that the club had monkeys in it so I got really excited! But unfortunately I didn't actually see any. I haven't seen any monkeys at all in Brazil yet and it's to the point where I might even just walk down the street waving a banana in the air until I find one!
That day I also drove a swan boat around in a big pond, almost fought an emu, and watched an old man belly flop into the pool. Twas a great day.
Friday I didn't have school so I slept in then went out for acai with Sandra, Lucas (an outbound student going to Holland in February) and the new exchange student that just arrived and is staying in his house. Her name is Haley and she is from the US. She has a very nice name.
After the acai, Sandra and I went back to her place to get ready for this big party. We got all dressed up fancy and took a taxi with her brother to Savassi to meet others. There was a giant van that picked us up and we drove a half hour to get to the party. This building was huge and so fancy! Once you gave your ticket, there was a photographer waiting there to take your picture. Then everyone we were with wanted a picture with the Canadian girls. I felt like a celebrity.
The inside was beautifully decorated, had two stages, a giant open bar, open food, dance floor, lounge area and an upstairs VIP area. Everyone looked amazing as well.
The band was really awesome and they played some really famous Brazilian music that I actually knew! I also danced Forro with one of my friends because I took classes so I know the steps.
I've never been to a party like that before, I was really impressed with everything. I didn't want to leave.
Saturday I slept in a lot, got up and made apple cake with my host parents. We made oatmeal raison cookies as well. It was really nice to spend time with them in the kitchen for the whole afternoon.
Saturday night was pretty chill, I was going to go out but then kind of decided not to until Clarice was just about to leave but then said 'Hailey change your clothes, we're going to a party!' So I ran into my room, got dressed, make up, hair, boom gone. It was a goodbye party for one of her friends who was moving to the US.
Sunday after lunch I went with my host family to visit my host dad's aunty who is 96 years old. Nossa!
It was a really nice visit and I was proud because I was able to follow the conversation for the most part.
Sunday night was nice because I got to Skype my family for a good 2 and a half hours.
I forgot the mention this before but the other day, I Skyped my family and then introduced them to my host family. It was really cool but really confusing at the same time because the only way anyone could communicate was through me. My host parents would say something in Portuguese and then I would translate it to English for my Canadian family and then vice versa. I kept accidently speaking Portuguese to my Canadian family so it made things really difficult and my brain was confused. But overall it was a really cool experience. I was weird talking in another language in front of my family, knowing they don't understand me. HAHA it's my superpower now.
Until next time, Beijos.
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Things I Miss
It is still early in my exchange so I don't really have any feelings of homesickness HOWEVER there are a few things that I do miss...
- Butter Chicken and Samosas. Basically any curry type food.
-Pachos
-Spicy food
-Milk from BC
-Tim Hortons
-Ranch Dressing
-Subway (surprisingly)
-Free water at any restaurant
-Caesar salad
-MONEY every two weeks!!
-Peanut butter sandwiches
-Music classes
-Pie!
-A sky full of stars
-Muffins... no one eats muffins here
- How I Met Your Mother
- Subway cookies
-Lakes
-My puppies
-Steak
-Chips
-Bacon
-Mom's pasta
That's all I can think of for right now. Notice how most of those things are food? HAHA well I love the food here but there are some things that I crave from Canada.
- Butter Chicken and Samosas. Basically any curry type food.
-Pachos
-Spicy food
-Milk from BC
-Tim Hortons
-Ranch Dressing
-Subway (surprisingly)
-Free water at any restaurant
-Caesar salad
-MONEY every two weeks!!
-Peanut butter sandwiches
-Music classes
-Pie!
-A sky full of stars
-Muffins... no one eats muffins here
- How I Met Your Mother
- Subway cookies
-Lakes
-My puppies
-Steak
-Chips
-Bacon
-Mom's pasta
That's all I can think of for right now. Notice how most of those things are food? HAHA well I love the food here but there are some things that I crave from Canada.
Monday, 21 October 2013
Can't Think of a Name for this Post
So the last few days have been pretty average (except Sunday but I will get to that) but still awesome none-the-less. Last week was Dia Das Crianças like I mentioned before so last Friday, my whole class brought in a toy from their youth and dressed as little kids. That day was pretty slack compared to the other days so two of my friends brought in their guitars. They are both so good! They jammed to songs by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Eagles, etc. They played and I sang with one guy who played and sang really well. We sang 'Come Together' which was so cool because I sang that song in Blues Band last year. We also sang 'Hotel California' which actually sounded really awesome. It felt so good to just jam like that.
That night was pretty chill actually, I just went home and hung out with my family. It was raining so hard that day, I didn't really want to go anywhere!
Saturday, I woke up and helped my host mom in the kitchen. We made rice, beans, prepared vegetables, and I learned how to make fresh suco de maracuja (passion fruit juice). She also brought out a little kids work book that her daughter had when she was little. It was to help learn Portuguese. She would choose a page and I would read it to her and then describe what was in the picture. It actually helped with my Portuguese so much, I am so happy she loves to teach.
Saturday afternoon I was supposed to go to the 'Pie Festival' with a couple other exchange students (Julia from Australia, Romain from Belgium). We were going to meet at my place and then take the bus there. We didn't end up going because by the time they got to my place, and we take the bus the festival would have almost ended because it is really far from my place. Instead, we decided to go to the supermarket, buy ingredients, and make chocolate chip pancakes for my family. My family loved this idea! So that night we had chocolate chip pancakes, maple syrup, blueberry syrup, peanut butter, coffee, and pao de queijo. It was probably the best supper I've had in a while. Everyone loved the pancakes.
That night I went to a party with Sandra (Canadian exchange student) and her host brother Renan. It was a party with Renan's university. I met tons of people and spoke lots and lots of Portuguese. It was really awesome. It was that night that the time changed to be an hour ahead so we lost one hour of sleep. Dang it.
I slept over at Sandra's that night and then on Sunday I went out with her family to visit some caves in Sete Logoas (a city an hour away).
That caves were AMAZING! You walk in at ground level and then you keep walking further and further down the stairs into the caves. There were different colours and designs on the walls. So many stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes. It was so amazing. I liked it in there because surprisingly, the air seemed more fresh. There was a sense of peace and silence in there that made it all the better. I'm just going to point out that on my drive home last night it was about 8:30pm and I looked outside at the temperature gage and it read 30 degrees Celsius. 30. Thirty. Like Three with a zero after it. 30. yeah. BRAZIL... WHAT! How is that okay? Anywho, I'm alive.
Today is Monday and I am writing this while I wait to go get acai with friends. SURPRISE! Acai again! Today is really freaking hot. I played soccer with the boys (and one other girl) in the blazing hot sun. I scored a goal, wooop!! They cheered for me and they kind of looked surprised but after that they passed to me! hahaha I don't blame them for not passing before, I was sucking pretty hard core.
Once again it was so hot out. I'm dying here and it's only spring!
That night was pretty chill actually, I just went home and hung out with my family. It was raining so hard that day, I didn't really want to go anywhere!
Saturday, I woke up and helped my host mom in the kitchen. We made rice, beans, prepared vegetables, and I learned how to make fresh suco de maracuja (passion fruit juice). She also brought out a little kids work book that her daughter had when she was little. It was to help learn Portuguese. She would choose a page and I would read it to her and then describe what was in the picture. It actually helped with my Portuguese so much, I am so happy she loves to teach.
Saturday afternoon I was supposed to go to the 'Pie Festival' with a couple other exchange students (Julia from Australia, Romain from Belgium). We were going to meet at my place and then take the bus there. We didn't end up going because by the time they got to my place, and we take the bus the festival would have almost ended because it is really far from my place. Instead, we decided to go to the supermarket, buy ingredients, and make chocolate chip pancakes for my family. My family loved this idea! So that night we had chocolate chip pancakes, maple syrup, blueberry syrup, peanut butter, coffee, and pao de queijo. It was probably the best supper I've had in a while. Everyone loved the pancakes.
That night I went to a party with Sandra (Canadian exchange student) and her host brother Renan. It was a party with Renan's university. I met tons of people and spoke lots and lots of Portuguese. It was really awesome. It was that night that the time changed to be an hour ahead so we lost one hour of sleep. Dang it.
I slept over at Sandra's that night and then on Sunday I went out with her family to visit some caves in Sete Logoas (a city an hour away).
That caves were AMAZING! You walk in at ground level and then you keep walking further and further down the stairs into the caves. There were different colours and designs on the walls. So many stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes. It was so amazing. I liked it in there because surprisingly, the air seemed more fresh. There was a sense of peace and silence in there that made it all the better. I'm just going to point out that on my drive home last night it was about 8:30pm and I looked outside at the temperature gage and it read 30 degrees Celsius. 30. Thirty. Like Three with a zero after it. 30. yeah. BRAZIL... WHAT! How is that okay? Anywho, I'm alive.
Today is Monday and I am writing this while I wait to go get acai with friends. SURPRISE! Acai again! Today is really freaking hot. I played soccer with the boys (and one other girl) in the blazing hot sun. I scored a goal, wooop!! They cheered for me and they kind of looked surprised but after that they passed to me! hahaha I don't blame them for not passing before, I was sucking pretty hard core.
Once again it was so hot out. I'm dying here and it's only spring!
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Thanksgiving
I realize I am late with this Thanksgiving post but I figured better late than never.
Like I said before, I have been here a month and things are starting to feel a little more real. I can honestly say I am pretty much past the culture shock for the most part. The part that still gets me and I really cannot imagine getting used to is the poverty.
I live a very good life here in Brazil. In fact, I live in one of the richest neighbourhoods in Belo Horizonte. The crime rate is not high in that particular area, which is comforting but that doesn't stop me from seeing how other people live as well. One minute you are on a perfectly paved street, the next is torn up and uneven ground. Some buildings here are magnificent and beautiful and others (that could be right next to them) are worn and torn buildings with barely a stable wall.
I watch the richest people all dressed in suits, carrying briefcases, talking on their expensive Bluetooth, walk right past a food-deprived child with a terrible cough and their hands held out asking for change. They walk right past them as if they didn't even notice. At many intersections, people will come up to your window and stick their hands out. Some are so sick, they can barely talk or walk. Their cheeks are concaved and their eyes are nearly blank.
I've never seen anything like this in small-little Armstrong. It breaks my heart to see the contrast of the rich and the poor here in Brazil but I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to see it first hand. In just one month, Brazil has opened my eyes, my mind, and my heart to many things I didn't have any prior knowledge about.
This post is tied in with thanksgiving for a reason. There are so many things in my life I have to be thankful for. I am thankful for my family and friends at home in Canada, who have been supportive as usual. I am thankful for the family I have here in Brazil, who consistently put food on my plate (maybe a little too much I might add), give me a warm bed to sleep in, a place to call my own, and all the many more surprises they do for me. I am thankful for my friends here, who have been making my exchange very memorable. I am also overwhelmingly thankful for this opportunity to see the world from another point of view. To anyone and everyone who made this happen for me: I am thankful for you.
Sometimes the littlest things are the most beautiful things but the only way to recognize this beauty is to really open your eyes. So breathe deep, laugh way too much, smile always, love everything and everyone, and please just do what makes you happy.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! :)
Like I said before, I have been here a month and things are starting to feel a little more real. I can honestly say I am pretty much past the culture shock for the most part. The part that still gets me and I really cannot imagine getting used to is the poverty.
I live a very good life here in Brazil. In fact, I live in one of the richest neighbourhoods in Belo Horizonte. The crime rate is not high in that particular area, which is comforting but that doesn't stop me from seeing how other people live as well. One minute you are on a perfectly paved street, the next is torn up and uneven ground. Some buildings here are magnificent and beautiful and others (that could be right next to them) are worn and torn buildings with barely a stable wall.
I watch the richest people all dressed in suits, carrying briefcases, talking on their expensive Bluetooth, walk right past a food-deprived child with a terrible cough and their hands held out asking for change. They walk right past them as if they didn't even notice. At many intersections, people will come up to your window and stick their hands out. Some are so sick, they can barely talk or walk. Their cheeks are concaved and their eyes are nearly blank.
I've never seen anything like this in small-little Armstrong. It breaks my heart to see the contrast of the rich and the poor here in Brazil but I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to see it first hand. In just one month, Brazil has opened my eyes, my mind, and my heart to many things I didn't have any prior knowledge about.
This post is tied in with thanksgiving for a reason. There are so many things in my life I have to be thankful for. I am thankful for my family and friends at home in Canada, who have been supportive as usual. I am thankful for the family I have here in Brazil, who consistently put food on my plate (maybe a little too much I might add), give me a warm bed to sleep in, a place to call my own, and all the many more surprises they do for me. I am thankful for my friends here, who have been making my exchange very memorable. I am also overwhelmingly thankful for this opportunity to see the world from another point of view. To anyone and everyone who made this happen for me: I am thankful for you.
Sometimes the littlest things are the most beautiful things but the only way to recognize this beauty is to really open your eyes. So breathe deep, laugh way too much, smile always, love everything and everyone, and please just do what makes you happy.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! :)
Monday, 14 October 2013
Patos De Minas
This past weekend I took a trip to a city 6 hours from Belo Horizonte called Patos De Minas where my host mom's side of the family lives. We arrived Friday night and then left on Sunday. Saturday was a holiday in Brazil called "Dia Das Crianças" meaning "Children's Day". We should defs have that holiday in Canada..
There were fireworks going all day, every place was filled with activities made for the children and the children were also given gifts. We left on Friday after lunch and arrived in Patos at around 9pm. The drive was beautiful. Once you get outside of BH, it is all country side. As it became darker, we watched the sun go down with a perfect sunset. I couldn't keep my eyes away from the window. I talked a lot of the car ride (in only Portuguese of course) and learned lots about where we were.
When we arrived in Patos we stayed in the house of my host grandparents. Most of us went to bed shortly after our arrival because we had a long travel.
On Saturday many members of the family joined us for lunch. Now. My host mom has 8 siblings so you can imagine how many people I had met that weekend. There were about 30 people in a out and that wasn't even all of the family! Before lunch, Clarice and I went for a walk around the town and went shopping. I actually bought clothes for the first time since being in Brazil because it was actually decently priced in that store. We also went to the grocery store, which I have to say I love grocery shopping in Brazil. Every mall has a grocery store right in the middle of it.
After shopping, it was lunch time. Lunch time here is a huge deal, especially on a holiday. There was so much food I didn't even know where to start. Rice, beans, potatoes, chicken, beef, salad, other vegetables, unknown but yummy thing in a pot, more rice and beans. After a month of being in Brazil I learned to take really small portions of everything first and then ALWAYS go back for seconds because no matter how much food you take at the start, they will always try to feed you more and more. I reckon if you take a little and then go back for more, they will see you going back for more therefore, you enjoyed their food. It totally works.
During lunch I also met a couple of Clarice's cousins, Deborah and Nayanna, and also little Alise who is 2 years old and ADORABLE!
I spoke with Alise in Portuguese and then I was told that Dora the Explorer teaches her English. Later on she counted to 10 for me in English and said 'Come on Hailey, let's go!' oh my, my heart melted.
After lunch I went to Nayanna and Deborah's house to hang out and jam. Deborah plays guitar really well so we played and sang for a good 2 hours. Then they had to get ready for a birthday party of one of their cousins. The two of them and their mom began to dress themselves as if they were going to a party of the Queen! They all looked so good with their makeup, dresses, heels, hair, everything. I was thinking this must be some fancy party.
When they brought be back to 'Avos' house' (Grandparents), they asked if I wanted to go to the party with them so I said yes and quickly got dressed up to match them.
We arrived at the party and they told me that it was for their cousin who was turning 1. There were about 50 people there all dressed up, waiters bringing around food and drinks, a photographer, tables FILLED with little chocolates, an area outside for the kids to play in, and a corner filled with presents for this 1 year-old. The place was decked out in a jungle theme with little stuffed animals, and balloons. I couldn't believe it. I've never seen a birthday party like that, and it was for a 1 year-old.
After the birthday party we headed back home to have some Churrasco (BBQ) with more of the family. Oh man it was so good. Them Brazilians never stop feeding you!
Later that night, I went out dancing with my host cousin Nathalia and a couple of her friends. So once again, I got all dressed up and headed out. It was a ton of fun.
Sunday was the 85th birthday of my host Grandpa. Everyone came over for lunch again and we sang happy birthday. I gave him a magnet from Canada and a little jar of maple butter. Everyone was so thrilled that I had a present for him, and he had the biggest smile on his face.
We said our goodbyes after lunch and each person said they hope to see me around more often. I love Brazilians, they are so nice!
Throughout that whole weekend, I only spoke in Portuguese. No English. By the end of the weekend, I was starting to think in Portingles, half English and half Portuguese. It is a really good feeling. I have now passed the one month mark in Brazil, time flies way too fast!!
There were fireworks going all day, every place was filled with activities made for the children and the children were also given gifts. We left on Friday after lunch and arrived in Patos at around 9pm. The drive was beautiful. Once you get outside of BH, it is all country side. As it became darker, we watched the sun go down with a perfect sunset. I couldn't keep my eyes away from the window. I talked a lot of the car ride (in only Portuguese of course) and learned lots about where we were.
When we arrived in Patos we stayed in the house of my host grandparents. Most of us went to bed shortly after our arrival because we had a long travel.
On Saturday many members of the family joined us for lunch. Now. My host mom has 8 siblings so you can imagine how many people I had met that weekend. There were about 30 people in a out and that wasn't even all of the family! Before lunch, Clarice and I went for a walk around the town and went shopping. I actually bought clothes for the first time since being in Brazil because it was actually decently priced in that store. We also went to the grocery store, which I have to say I love grocery shopping in Brazil. Every mall has a grocery store right in the middle of it.
After shopping, it was lunch time. Lunch time here is a huge deal, especially on a holiday. There was so much food I didn't even know where to start. Rice, beans, potatoes, chicken, beef, salad, other vegetables, unknown but yummy thing in a pot, more rice and beans. After a month of being in Brazil I learned to take really small portions of everything first and then ALWAYS go back for seconds because no matter how much food you take at the start, they will always try to feed you more and more. I reckon if you take a little and then go back for more, they will see you going back for more therefore, you enjoyed their food. It totally works.
During lunch I also met a couple of Clarice's cousins, Deborah and Nayanna, and also little Alise who is 2 years old and ADORABLE!
I spoke with Alise in Portuguese and then I was told that Dora the Explorer teaches her English. Later on she counted to 10 for me in English and said 'Come on Hailey, let's go!' oh my, my heart melted.
After lunch I went to Nayanna and Deborah's house to hang out and jam. Deborah plays guitar really well so we played and sang for a good 2 hours. Then they had to get ready for a birthday party of one of their cousins. The two of them and their mom began to dress themselves as if they were going to a party of the Queen! They all looked so good with their makeup, dresses, heels, hair, everything. I was thinking this must be some fancy party.
When they brought be back to 'Avos' house' (Grandparents), they asked if I wanted to go to the party with them so I said yes and quickly got dressed up to match them.
We arrived at the party and they told me that it was for their cousin who was turning 1. There were about 50 people there all dressed up, waiters bringing around food and drinks, a photographer, tables FILLED with little chocolates, an area outside for the kids to play in, and a corner filled with presents for this 1 year-old. The place was decked out in a jungle theme with little stuffed animals, and balloons. I couldn't believe it. I've never seen a birthday party like that, and it was for a 1 year-old.
After the birthday party we headed back home to have some Churrasco (BBQ) with more of the family. Oh man it was so good. Them Brazilians never stop feeding you!
Later that night, I went out dancing with my host cousin Nathalia and a couple of her friends. So once again, I got all dressed up and headed out. It was a ton of fun.
Sunday was the 85th birthday of my host Grandpa. Everyone came over for lunch again and we sang happy birthday. I gave him a magnet from Canada and a little jar of maple butter. Everyone was so thrilled that I had a present for him, and he had the biggest smile on his face.
We said our goodbyes after lunch and each person said they hope to see me around more often. I love Brazilians, they are so nice!
Throughout that whole weekend, I only spoke in Portuguese. No English. By the end of the weekend, I was starting to think in Portingles, half English and half Portuguese. It is a really good feeling. I have now passed the one month mark in Brazil, time flies way too fast!!
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Random Facts and Differences
Okay so this post isn't really about anything in particular, it is mostly to point out things that I have noticed that I haven't really mentioned before. I think I will make a list. Yes. Lists are nice.
-20 degrees in Brazil is cold. Very cold.
-15 degrees (which is the coldest I have experienced here) is death to Brazilians. Everyone wears huge sweaters and more than one of them.
-People look at you funny when you eat acai while it is "cold". I told them that in Canada it could be snowing super hard out and you will still see people with slurpies or ice cream. Totally normal.
-Rice and beans. Everyday. I actually quite like it though so I am not complaining. But really, everyday.
-When you want juice, there is a 90% chance in a lot of homes/places that if you don't see it come out of a carton or a jug then it is probably fresh juice. I love you Brazil.
-I am now becoming a true Brazilian because I cross the street when I am not technically supposed to. (Don't worry mom, I am always careful ;) )
-Brazilians love to touch you. That sounds weird but it is relatively true. There isn't really such thing as personal space among friends but I am learning to love it.
-Chocolate chips are not a common thing to find in supermarkets. I just wanted to make cookies...
-The milk here is different... Not good or bad just different.
-Transit buses like to play a game called "Let's see how many people we can fit onto the bus and then see how fast we can go with or without hitting people" It's fun. I've played that game a couple times. I had to shower after.
-I have not watched TV at all since I have been here besides the morning news but I wasn't really watching. Yes that is correct, I have not even watched 'How I Met Your Mother'.
-When someone says that something is 'close by' they really mean it's a half hour walk.
-My Portuguese is getting better, I speak more Portuguese during the day than English. There are some words that even in my head I am saying them in Portuguese. It's a start :)
-Brazilians and their dancing... weoo ;) I'm just going to leave it at that.
-Brazilians wear shoes in the house. Still trying to get used to that one.
-There is a thing next to the toilet that looks like a toilet but it is not. I have been here for one month and I am still hesitant about asking what it does...
-If you see a road that looks like it is just wide enough for one car then it is probably a two or three lane road.
-Brazilians are honestly the most generous people.
-Be careful with the way you say "pão" (bread); it is a very nasally sounding word and if you don't say it with that nasal sound you are actually saying a word that is pronounced like "pow". Don't use this word. Without the nasal sound it means 'the male sex organ' (that is the most polite way I can say it). So when talking to someone about how much you love the 'pão' in Brazil... make sure you are using the right sound. So after a couple days of telling my new family how much I love the 'pow' in Brazil and how I would love to have it everyday, someone finally told me what I was really saying (I thought I was talking about bread..)
-Shopping here is hard. The food is cheap but the clothes are soooo expensive! This is a problem because the food is so good and cheap that exchange students will just eat but then they will need more money to buy new clothes because they are too fat to fit in their old clothes from all the really amazing and cheap food. I see what they are trying to do there...
-I tried sushi with mango in it. Yea.
-Here it is very common to drink hot milk. It is very different but actually quite soothing.
-Also, people here use spray on deodorant. It's tingly.
-In Brazil, nooo one blows their nose. At least not in public. People will sit there and just sniff really hard to keep everything in there and I don't see why they don't just get a tissue!
-I am in a place right now where I am not homesick but I do miss my family... and maybe Tim Hortons. However I am at a place right now where I actually feel like I live here. I am comfortable.
-One more thing I have noticed is that I don't really talk to many people from back home except my family. To those of you who I have not really talked to lately, I apologize, it is nothing personal I am just crazy busy. You're still in my thoughts.
I could go on forever about all the cool and different things I have found here but I think I will leave it at that for now. All I can say is that I know I am meant to be here and I couldn't be happier.
Also a shout out to the people who have their Rotary interviews coming up! I want to wish you all good luck! You are in for a wild ride.
It is hard for me to believe that I was in that position a year ago now!
Anyways, good luck to all :)
Beijos xox
-20 degrees in Brazil is cold. Very cold.
-15 degrees (which is the coldest I have experienced here) is death to Brazilians. Everyone wears huge sweaters and more than one of them.
-People look at you funny when you eat acai while it is "cold". I told them that in Canada it could be snowing super hard out and you will still see people with slurpies or ice cream. Totally normal.
-Rice and beans. Everyday. I actually quite like it though so I am not complaining. But really, everyday.
-When you want juice, there is a 90% chance in a lot of homes/places that if you don't see it come out of a carton or a jug then it is probably fresh juice. I love you Brazil.
-I am now becoming a true Brazilian because I cross the street when I am not technically supposed to. (Don't worry mom, I am always careful ;) )
-Brazilians love to touch you. That sounds weird but it is relatively true. There isn't really such thing as personal space among friends but I am learning to love it.
-Chocolate chips are not a common thing to find in supermarkets. I just wanted to make cookies...
-The milk here is different... Not good or bad just different.
-Transit buses like to play a game called "Let's see how many people we can fit onto the bus and then see how fast we can go with or without hitting people" It's fun. I've played that game a couple times. I had to shower after.
-I have not watched TV at all since I have been here besides the morning news but I wasn't really watching. Yes that is correct, I have not even watched 'How I Met Your Mother'.
-When someone says that something is 'close by' they really mean it's a half hour walk.
-My Portuguese is getting better, I speak more Portuguese during the day than English. There are some words that even in my head I am saying them in Portuguese. It's a start :)
-Brazilians and their dancing... weoo ;) I'm just going to leave it at that.
-Brazilians wear shoes in the house. Still trying to get used to that one.
-There is a thing next to the toilet that looks like a toilet but it is not. I have been here for one month and I am still hesitant about asking what it does...
-If you see a road that looks like it is just wide enough for one car then it is probably a two or three lane road.
-Brazilians are honestly the most generous people.
-Be careful with the way you say "pão" (bread); it is a very nasally sounding word and if you don't say it with that nasal sound you are actually saying a word that is pronounced like "pow". Don't use this word. Without the nasal sound it means 'the male sex organ' (that is the most polite way I can say it). So when talking to someone about how much you love the 'pão' in Brazil... make sure you are using the right sound. So after a couple days of telling my new family how much I love the 'pow' in Brazil and how I would love to have it everyday, someone finally told me what I was really saying (I thought I was talking about bread..)
-Shopping here is hard. The food is cheap but the clothes are soooo expensive! This is a problem because the food is so good and cheap that exchange students will just eat but then they will need more money to buy new clothes because they are too fat to fit in their old clothes from all the really amazing and cheap food. I see what they are trying to do there...
-I tried sushi with mango in it. Yea.
-Here it is very common to drink hot milk. It is very different but actually quite soothing.
-Also, people here use spray on deodorant. It's tingly.
-In Brazil, nooo one blows their nose. At least not in public. People will sit there and just sniff really hard to keep everything in there and I don't see why they don't just get a tissue!
-I am in a place right now where I am not homesick but I do miss my family... and maybe Tim Hortons. However I am at a place right now where I actually feel like I live here. I am comfortable.
-One more thing I have noticed is that I don't really talk to many people from back home except my family. To those of you who I have not really talked to lately, I apologize, it is nothing personal I am just crazy busy. You're still in my thoughts.
I could go on forever about all the cool and different things I have found here but I think I will leave it at that for now. All I can say is that I know I am meant to be here and I couldn't be happier.
Also a shout out to the people who have their Rotary interviews coming up! I want to wish you all good luck! You are in for a wild ride.
It is hard for me to believe that I was in that position a year ago now!
Anyways, good luck to all :)
Beijos xox
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Orientation Weekend
Yesterday I just arrived home from the most amazing week with the other exchange students in my district. It started last Sunday (September 29) and all the exchange students met at the Rotary building at 7am. There were 56 of us. I already knew a couple of them but the rest were absolute strangers. We all boarded the bus and started talking with one another. They made each of us speak into a microphone introducing ourselves (in Portuguese of course). Our first destination was Ouro Preto. The bus actually stopped about 30 minutes outside of Ouro Preto and we got to take a train through the country side to get to the city. The cool thing was that I had already been to Ouro Preto but this time we went to a different part of the city that I had never been to. All 56 of us and our chaperones walked around the entire city for the whole day. We got to go into these caves as well which was really neat. The path was very narrow and the walls were made of clay.
After a long day of walking and meeting new people, we went back to Contagem where we were going to stay for the week. I stayed in a room with 11 other girls, it was so big!
This resort place had 2 huge pools, and tons of basketball/volleyball/soccer courts, a bunch of playgrounds, multiple huge buildings for lunch/games, classes/I don't even know. That night we all got together and played a bunch of group games to break the ice. We were split into groups and had to make up a short skit in Portuguese. It was really neat to start getting to know each other. Mostly everyone spoke English so that was basically our only way of communicating. There were only 3 out of 56 that didn't speak English and 2 of those 3 could speak Portuguese. We did the pin and card trading that night and my goodness I have a lot now.
The next day we began our Portuguese lessons. Before we started, we had to do a little presentation about ourselves then we were split into our groups. I was put in the easy class for Portuguese and then found out that it was actually waay too easy. Surprisingly I knew more than some people that have been there for 2 months. It was okay though because they figured out quickly that some people were at different levels than they had thought so they moved me into the harder class.
A typical day would general go like this: 7am breakfast, 8am Portuguese, 10am snack break, 10:30am more Portuguese classes, 12:30 lunch, 2pm, activity/rules, 4pm snack, 4:30 more games, 7pm dinner, 9pm games\dancing. Notice how I did not put a time for bed? That is because there is no sleeping that occurs when with exchange students.
One of the activities they made us do that day was split into two huge groups, everyone gets a dance partner and you have a dance competition kind of. It didn't really work out because they just gave us partners, put on music and said "go". Most of us didn't know what kind of dance or how to dance so we just did our own thing. By the end everyone was on the floor dancing and no one really cared about the competition. They put on Brazilian music and all of us just had the most amazing time making fools out of ourselves. It was at that moment when I realized how much I love where I am and how lucky I am to be here. Looking around at all the different faces and knowing that these faces are going to be the ones we will miss most is really quite an extraordinary feeling.
On Tuesday we did our normal routine with the Portuguese lessons and everything. They spent another 2 hours explaining the rotary rules and most of us were falling asleep. Outside of our classroom where we were learning the rules, there was a huge hall with a stage. During our lesson, there was a huge group of old people doing dancing and stretching exercises being lead by a couple of younger people. It looked like so much fun so Kristian and I (the boy from Slovakia) decided to join in on the dancing. Next thing you know everyone follows behind us so we had a huge group of old people and exchange students dancing. It was such a great time, everyone loved it.
After supper that night there was a group of people around our age who came to teach us how to dance Forro. The guys stood in a circle and a girls stood in a circle inside of them so we could all rotate partners. This is a very intimate and difficult dance if you are doing it right but of course we were all just learning so we probably looked really funny. I think I got the hang of it after a while, it was so much fun. I'm going to hopefully be taking Forro classes nearby my house a couple times a week. They also taught us samba... ugh. It looks amazing and I really wish I could do it but it is so hard! I think I need to practice alone in my bedroom first so I can actually get it. I will not go back to Canada without knowing how to Samba.
Wednesday we did our routine once again in the mornings. Now I know it sounds like everyday is the same but it really wasn't! Everyday was so awesome because each day I talked to different people. The nice thing about this group of exchange students is that there are no 'cliques'. Everyone can talk to everyone and you sit with a new group of people all the time. I can honestly say that I am friends with each person on some level in that group. Later that night we had kind of a 'talent show' which wasn't really a talent show because people just stood up and did a cartwheel or something but it was still really entertaining. After that we played a really intense chair game that basically involves tackling. We all came out alive so I guess it was somewhat successful. Funny how the most popular games among this group all have to do with inducing pain on one another. I learned some defensive skills in jujitsu and how to do kill people with their pressure points... I just hope I won't have to use those techniques on anyone. On Wednesday during the afternoon however, some people got sick. I still don't know if it was a virus or food poisoning but I am just thankful I didn't get it. It spread for a couple days to different people. By the end of the week there was between 15-18 people who got sick. Sick as in throwing up, and having diarrhea. More than half of the people I shared a room with were sick. I felt so awful, I am glad they are okay.
On Thursday we took a bus to a place called Inhotim where we visited a very famous museum\gallery thing. I call it a museum\gallery thing because it wasn't really either. It was the biggest gallery I have ever been and it apparently takes 3 days to see the whole thing. Essentially, it was a very large forest with many different buildings filled with modern art. You just walk down a trail in the forest and it leads you to different buildings. The galleries were very messed up to be honest... in a cool hipster kind of way. There was one building where you had to take your shoes off before you went inside. Then inside the building there were different rooms. One room was all foam and it was so thick that it was difficult to walk; you could only jump. Another room was just a pool to soak your feet. One was a room with a bunch of hammocks, and another with a bunch of beds on the ground. Each room had a projector going with creepy hipster music and creepy dead people pictures. I felt like that artist was on drugs when they thought of that. But that is okay because it was very interesting. Also that forest had some of the most beautiful lakes I've seen. I really wish I could explore the whole gallery one day.
When we got back from the trip we ate supper and played a game of soccer and just hung out. It was very unfortunate that many people were sick and had to miss out on the trip. Later that night the dancers came back and we practiced more and more dancing. I can honestly say that I suck at Samba... for now. It was so much fun, I am really looking forward to taking the classes.
On Friday we woke up early for our last Portuguese class. In total, we took 20 hours of Portuguese that week. It helped a lot I think. After the lessons, we had lunch then went to this building for a presentation on all the different trips that are offered to our district. I would really love to go on all of them but obviously that is not going to happen. Thankfully I get the opportunity to go on at least one! I am really praying that I will have a spot reserved for the Northeast Trip. This trip is my dream. You get to travel to all the most amazing beaches in Brazil, learn how to dance, stay in Rio, learn the culture and taste the cuisine. It is a month long and it is with many of the other exchange students from my district. I also am dying to go on the Amazon trip. It's shorter but you get to boat down the Amazon river, sleep in hammocks in the jungle, meet Amazonian tribes, swim with pink dolphins and play with sloths. I would actually use all of my college money and give my right leg to do that trip. I can't even explain. So if anyone wants to get me a really awesome Christmas present.... *wink wink*
Anywho.. after the presentation we ate food (surprise surprise) and then waited to meet the other outbounds and rebounds. These were the outbounds that would be going on their exchange in January. It was really good to talk to them because I got the chance to speak in Portuguese again. (I have been bad because the exchange students really on speak English).
After dinner we all gathered in this 'bar' area and listened to a live band play Brazilian music. After a couple songs everyone started to get up and dance. I absolutely love Brazilian music so I was right in there dancing the whole time. The live band was so good! And they all got really into what they were playing. It was such a great night.
On Saturday I got to sleep in until 11!! That never happens! That whole week had been no sleep at all and having to wake up at 6 or 7 everyday. So 11 was amazing for me. We ate lunch and then packed up our stuff to head back to Belo Horizonte. We toured around Pampulha for about an hour. There were a few shops set up so we went looking around. ALSO I saw an alligator! IN THE LAKE! Holy man I was excited. I also saw a tarantula the night before. I am loving this wildlife in Brazil.
After Pampulha, they brought us to this famous 'Praça' in BH called 'Praça da Papa'. It was a place where you could see the whole entire city. I have been there before but only at night. It was such an amazing view. And it was the perfect opportunity for taking selfies.
Then it was time to say goodbye. It was weird saying bye to people that you just spent every second of a whole week with. It was sad but I know I will be seeing them again soon.
I love this group of exchange students. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share the same experiences with. I know these will be the friends I will have for life.
Thank you Rotary for making this possible :)
After a long day of walking and meeting new people, we went back to Contagem where we were going to stay for the week. I stayed in a room with 11 other girls, it was so big!
This resort place had 2 huge pools, and tons of basketball/volleyball/soccer courts, a bunch of playgrounds, multiple huge buildings for lunch/games, classes/I don't even know. That night we all got together and played a bunch of group games to break the ice. We were split into groups and had to make up a short skit in Portuguese. It was really neat to start getting to know each other. Mostly everyone spoke English so that was basically our only way of communicating. There were only 3 out of 56 that didn't speak English and 2 of those 3 could speak Portuguese. We did the pin and card trading that night and my goodness I have a lot now.
The next day we began our Portuguese lessons. Before we started, we had to do a little presentation about ourselves then we were split into our groups. I was put in the easy class for Portuguese and then found out that it was actually waay too easy. Surprisingly I knew more than some people that have been there for 2 months. It was okay though because they figured out quickly that some people were at different levels than they had thought so they moved me into the harder class.
A typical day would general go like this: 7am breakfast, 8am Portuguese, 10am snack break, 10:30am more Portuguese classes, 12:30 lunch, 2pm, activity/rules, 4pm snack, 4:30 more games, 7pm dinner, 9pm games\dancing. Notice how I did not put a time for bed? That is because there is no sleeping that occurs when with exchange students.
One of the activities they made us do that day was split into two huge groups, everyone gets a dance partner and you have a dance competition kind of. It didn't really work out because they just gave us partners, put on music and said "go". Most of us didn't know what kind of dance or how to dance so we just did our own thing. By the end everyone was on the floor dancing and no one really cared about the competition. They put on Brazilian music and all of us just had the most amazing time making fools out of ourselves. It was at that moment when I realized how much I love where I am and how lucky I am to be here. Looking around at all the different faces and knowing that these faces are going to be the ones we will miss most is really quite an extraordinary feeling.
On Tuesday we did our normal routine with the Portuguese lessons and everything. They spent another 2 hours explaining the rotary rules and most of us were falling asleep. Outside of our classroom where we were learning the rules, there was a huge hall with a stage. During our lesson, there was a huge group of old people doing dancing and stretching exercises being lead by a couple of younger people. It looked like so much fun so Kristian and I (the boy from Slovakia) decided to join in on the dancing. Next thing you know everyone follows behind us so we had a huge group of old people and exchange students dancing. It was such a great time, everyone loved it.
After supper that night there was a group of people around our age who came to teach us how to dance Forro. The guys stood in a circle and a girls stood in a circle inside of them so we could all rotate partners. This is a very intimate and difficult dance if you are doing it right but of course we were all just learning so we probably looked really funny. I think I got the hang of it after a while, it was so much fun. I'm going to hopefully be taking Forro classes nearby my house a couple times a week. They also taught us samba... ugh. It looks amazing and I really wish I could do it but it is so hard! I think I need to practice alone in my bedroom first so I can actually get it. I will not go back to Canada without knowing how to Samba.
Wednesday we did our routine once again in the mornings. Now I know it sounds like everyday is the same but it really wasn't! Everyday was so awesome because each day I talked to different people. The nice thing about this group of exchange students is that there are no 'cliques'. Everyone can talk to everyone and you sit with a new group of people all the time. I can honestly say that I am friends with each person on some level in that group. Later that night we had kind of a 'talent show' which wasn't really a talent show because people just stood up and did a cartwheel or something but it was still really entertaining. After that we played a really intense chair game that basically involves tackling. We all came out alive so I guess it was somewhat successful. Funny how the most popular games among this group all have to do with inducing pain on one another. I learned some defensive skills in jujitsu and how to do kill people with their pressure points... I just hope I won't have to use those techniques on anyone. On Wednesday during the afternoon however, some people got sick. I still don't know if it was a virus or food poisoning but I am just thankful I didn't get it. It spread for a couple days to different people. By the end of the week there was between 15-18 people who got sick. Sick as in throwing up, and having diarrhea. More than half of the people I shared a room with were sick. I felt so awful, I am glad they are okay.
On Thursday we took a bus to a place called Inhotim where we visited a very famous museum\gallery thing. I call it a museum\gallery thing because it wasn't really either. It was the biggest gallery I have ever been and it apparently takes 3 days to see the whole thing. Essentially, it was a very large forest with many different buildings filled with modern art. You just walk down a trail in the forest and it leads you to different buildings. The galleries were very messed up to be honest... in a cool hipster kind of way. There was one building where you had to take your shoes off before you went inside. Then inside the building there were different rooms. One room was all foam and it was so thick that it was difficult to walk; you could only jump. Another room was just a pool to soak your feet. One was a room with a bunch of hammocks, and another with a bunch of beds on the ground. Each room had a projector going with creepy hipster music and creepy dead people pictures. I felt like that artist was on drugs when they thought of that. But that is okay because it was very interesting. Also that forest had some of the most beautiful lakes I've seen. I really wish I could explore the whole gallery one day.
When we got back from the trip we ate supper and played a game of soccer and just hung out. It was very unfortunate that many people were sick and had to miss out on the trip. Later that night the dancers came back and we practiced more and more dancing. I can honestly say that I suck at Samba... for now. It was so much fun, I am really looking forward to taking the classes.
On Friday we woke up early for our last Portuguese class. In total, we took 20 hours of Portuguese that week. It helped a lot I think. After the lessons, we had lunch then went to this building for a presentation on all the different trips that are offered to our district. I would really love to go on all of them but obviously that is not going to happen. Thankfully I get the opportunity to go on at least one! I am really praying that I will have a spot reserved for the Northeast Trip. This trip is my dream. You get to travel to all the most amazing beaches in Brazil, learn how to dance, stay in Rio, learn the culture and taste the cuisine. It is a month long and it is with many of the other exchange students from my district. I also am dying to go on the Amazon trip. It's shorter but you get to boat down the Amazon river, sleep in hammocks in the jungle, meet Amazonian tribes, swim with pink dolphins and play with sloths. I would actually use all of my college money and give my right leg to do that trip. I can't even explain. So if anyone wants to get me a really awesome Christmas present.... *wink wink*
Anywho.. after the presentation we ate food (surprise surprise) and then waited to meet the other outbounds and rebounds. These were the outbounds that would be going on their exchange in January. It was really good to talk to them because I got the chance to speak in Portuguese again. (I have been bad because the exchange students really on speak English).
After dinner we all gathered in this 'bar' area and listened to a live band play Brazilian music. After a couple songs everyone started to get up and dance. I absolutely love Brazilian music so I was right in there dancing the whole time. The live band was so good! And they all got really into what they were playing. It was such a great night.
On Saturday I got to sleep in until 11!! That never happens! That whole week had been no sleep at all and having to wake up at 6 or 7 everyday. So 11 was amazing for me. We ate lunch and then packed up our stuff to head back to Belo Horizonte. We toured around Pampulha for about an hour. There were a few shops set up so we went looking around. ALSO I saw an alligator! IN THE LAKE! Holy man I was excited. I also saw a tarantula the night before. I am loving this wildlife in Brazil.
After Pampulha, they brought us to this famous 'Praça' in BH called 'Praça da Papa'. It was a place where you could see the whole entire city. I have been there before but only at night. It was such an amazing view. And it was the perfect opportunity for taking selfies.
Then it was time to say goodbye. It was weird saying bye to people that you just spent every second of a whole week with. It was sad but I know I will be seeing them again soon.
I love this group of exchange students. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share the same experiences with. I know these will be the friends I will have for life.
Thank you Rotary for making this possible :)
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Saudades/Singing
Saudades is a word that really only exists in Brazil I think. When you have "saudades" for something or someone is means you have a "longing" for them (so you miss something/someone essentially).
I have had a lot of Brazilians ask me if "estou com saudades do Canada, minha familia, ou meus amigos" And my answer is yes, I do miss some things about Canada like: Tim Hortons, peanut butter, and ceasar salad. Right now I have only been here for 2 weeks so I don't really feel like I "miss" anything or anyone too too much yet. I'm sure I will eventually.
What I do miss though, is singing. In Canada I sang ALL the time; at home, at school, on the street, in the car, at work, EVERYWHERE!
Here I hadn't really sang because I was just getting used to my surroundings and I thought it would be kinda weird to go into my bedroom and just belt it out.
However, the other day, my friends at school were singing familiar songs and asked if I knew any Rihanna songs. I said yes and started singing "Stay". I wasn't singing all that well, I just sang a few words so they would recognize the song I was singing. All my friends told me they loved my voice so then they kept making me sing different songs for them. They loved it so much that when we got back to the classroom, they made me sing for a ton of other people as well. Every day since that day that I first sang, there has been someone that has asked me to sing for them. It's weird because this has never really happened to me where so many people at school ask me to sing. (People at my school in Canada usually tell me to shut up hahaha).
One of my friends in my class said he plays guitar, piano, and bass and that someday he will bring his guitar and we will sing and play together, how cool!?!
It felt really nice to sing again, I am going to do it more and more now.
I have had a lot of Brazilians ask me if "estou com saudades do Canada, minha familia, ou meus amigos" And my answer is yes, I do miss some things about Canada like: Tim Hortons, peanut butter, and ceasar salad. Right now I have only been here for 2 weeks so I don't really feel like I "miss" anything or anyone too too much yet. I'm sure I will eventually.
What I do miss though, is singing. In Canada I sang ALL the time; at home, at school, on the street, in the car, at work, EVERYWHERE!
Here I hadn't really sang because I was just getting used to my surroundings and I thought it would be kinda weird to go into my bedroom and just belt it out.
However, the other day, my friends at school were singing familiar songs and asked if I knew any Rihanna songs. I said yes and started singing "Stay". I wasn't singing all that well, I just sang a few words so they would recognize the song I was singing. All my friends told me they loved my voice so then they kept making me sing different songs for them. They loved it so much that when we got back to the classroom, they made me sing for a ton of other people as well. Every day since that day that I first sang, there has been someone that has asked me to sing for them. It's weird because this has never really happened to me where so many people at school ask me to sing. (People at my school in Canada usually tell me to shut up hahaha).
One of my friends in my class said he plays guitar, piano, and bass and that someday he will bring his guitar and we will sing and play together, how cool!?!
It felt really nice to sing again, I am going to do it more and more now.
Monday, 23 September 2013
Igloos and What Not
So today after school I hung out with some other exchange students. A girl from the states, one boy from Belgium and another boy from Poland. We all went out for acai (of course) and had a really nice time.
While we were hanging out, the Polish boy (whom I am going to refer to as 'Mat'), asked me what it is like in Canada because he doesn't know. So jokingly I told him about life in my igloo. I honestly did not expect him to believe me but he actually did. I went on about telling him how my family and many other people in Canada live in igloos. He was very confused as to why we wouldn't just live in a house. I told him that houses are too expensive to build and it's easier to live in an igloo because you can just hire someone to come and build it for you in only one day as opposed to building houses which takes many months. He thought this was very strange because in Poland they have lots of snow as well but no igloos. I told him it's very homey living in an igloo because everyone is together. He asked," but what if you don't have enough snow to build one? Like in the summer?" good question, eh? I replied," not a problem! You can choose a property and hire someone to bring the snow to you then build it for you." He was absolutely shocked. He could not understand why we don't just live in houses. He asked how we get food and where we keep it. I told that even though every town has a walmart, my family generally likes to hunt everything we eat. But if we get a moose then we are good for a week. Also we don't have refrigerators because we keep our food outside. He thought that was funny but he said "that makes sense I guess because it is so cold." True.
Okay I know this all sounds ridiculous but it was hilarious. He was honestly just so confused and started freaking out saying "what do you do in an igloo?!"
Then I asked," the same thing you do in a house!"
He was confused about how we hire people to build our igloos but I replied saying," it's the same as if your maple syrup machine breaks down and you need to hire someone to come fix it."
Again he was a little confused.
He then asked me what I do for fun with friends. I said that we have a drinking game that consists of sitting on the dock and counting as many beavers as you can. Whoever counts the least, has to buy the drinks for the party. Where do we party in Canada? not in our igloos of course because people can destroy them, we like to party in the mountains (which is actually very true).
This went on for a good half hour... no joke. I died laughing...
But at the end he thanked me for giving him a brighter picture of Canada.
I feel good knowing I can share my experiences with other people from around the world here in Brazil. I am still laughing.... ;) I guess one day I will tell him the truth about Canada.
While we were hanging out, the Polish boy (whom I am going to refer to as 'Mat'), asked me what it is like in Canada because he doesn't know. So jokingly I told him about life in my igloo. I honestly did not expect him to believe me but he actually did. I went on about telling him how my family and many other people in Canada live in igloos. He was very confused as to why we wouldn't just live in a house. I told him that houses are too expensive to build and it's easier to live in an igloo because you can just hire someone to come and build it for you in only one day as opposed to building houses which takes many months. He thought this was very strange because in Poland they have lots of snow as well but no igloos. I told him it's very homey living in an igloo because everyone is together. He asked," but what if you don't have enough snow to build one? Like in the summer?" good question, eh? I replied," not a problem! You can choose a property and hire someone to bring the snow to you then build it for you." He was absolutely shocked. He could not understand why we don't just live in houses. He asked how we get food and where we keep it. I told that even though every town has a walmart, my family generally likes to hunt everything we eat. But if we get a moose then we are good for a week. Also we don't have refrigerators because we keep our food outside. He thought that was funny but he said "that makes sense I guess because it is so cold." True.
Okay I know this all sounds ridiculous but it was hilarious. He was honestly just so confused and started freaking out saying "what do you do in an igloo?!"
Then I asked," the same thing you do in a house!"
He was confused about how we hire people to build our igloos but I replied saying," it's the same as if your maple syrup machine breaks down and you need to hire someone to come fix it."
Again he was a little confused.
He then asked me what I do for fun with friends. I said that we have a drinking game that consists of sitting on the dock and counting as many beavers as you can. Whoever counts the least, has to buy the drinks for the party. Where do we party in Canada? not in our igloos of course because people can destroy them, we like to party in the mountains (which is actually very true).
This went on for a good half hour... no joke. I died laughing...
But at the end he thanked me for giving him a brighter picture of Canada.
I feel good knowing I can share my experiences with other people from around the world here in Brazil. I am still laughing.... ;) I guess one day I will tell him the truth about Canada.
More Things To Say
School has been really awesome, I am just now starting to understand what the teachers are talking about. Thursday (September 19?) was the first and only time so far that I slept in class. In my defence, I went out the night before with Clarice and Nina to watch some soccer and have a good time so I wasn't going to pass that up! Thursday night I had my first Rotary meeting where I got to meet most of the Rotarians and the other two exchange students in my club. Everyone there were so nice and just came up and hugged me. I didn't really understand what they were saying in the meeting so I just kind of zoned out (oops) but then all of a sudden I heard my name and everyone just stared at me. I sat there like an idiot not knowing what to do until someone said "Stand and speak!" HAHA oh sure, why not?! So I stood up and they told me I could speak in English if I wanted so my reply was "nao, nao, eu nao falo ingles, so portugues" (no no, I don't speak English, only Portuguese). Everyone laughed after I said that but they were happy that I wanted to speak Portuguese even after just arriving in Brazil. I gave my speech about where I come from, that I am happy to be here, thanks for having me, blah blah. Then they wanted to know what I did for the last week since I have arrived so I told them all about school, the food I tried, everything. Everyone was very impressed that I spoke to them in Portuguese instead of English. It made me really happy.
The next day (Friday), I went to Pampulha with Clarice and Nina. Pampulha is an area that is part of BH but it is on the outside of it so we had to take a bus for like 30 minutes to get there. It actually seemed like it was its own community. It had a really nice lake with a famous church near it. AND I SAW CAPYBARAS! Okay it was really exciting for me even though some may think it is not a big deal but it is. Apparently they have diseases so I couldn't pet them.
Anywho.. we walked around the lake and as we were walking, every.single.dang.car. that drove by honked at us or yell things like "Que Lindas!, Meu Deus!" (Oh my god, beautiful girls!)
I was not used to it so apparently my face was really funny to look at when that happened.
After, we toured in the really nice church which was really cool. Then we went and bought coconuts again. OMG so good.
Later that night, we all got dressed up like we always do, and headed out to meet some friends.
I got to meet another exchange student in my district who is also from Canada. She is living with one of Clarice's friends. Another one of her friends showed up with his exchange students and one of them happened to be Adri from my district back home! WHAT!?
So that was cool haha.
We didn't get home until about 3:30 in the morning so I slept in quite late. Since my parents were out of town for the weekend, Clarice and I went out for lunch just the two of us to this awesome buffet. And when I say "awesome buffet" I am not lying. It was a buffet of Chinese, sushi, Italian, and Brazilian food. MEU DEUS.
Later that night I got dressed up again and went out with some friends. It was soo much fun but my feet hurt sooo bad because of dancing in heels.
We got home at around 4 in the morning! Once again, I slept all day sunday hahah.
Tough life of the exchange student.
Sunday night, I went out and met up with some people from rotaract. They met in a cute café with live music outside and fresh food inside. It was on this certain street where no cars were allowed to pass through, only pedestrians. It was really nice to meet younger people in Rotary as well because they know kind of why I am here and they know perfect places to take me. It was nice hanging out with them because they only really spoke in Portuguese so it was good for me to listen and try to understand.
So far I am absolutely loving Brasil. I couldn't be happier with the place I chose or the people I've met or the things I have done. I truly believe that I am in the right place and exactly the right time. I've made many friends, gone to many places, learned so much Portuguese, surprised myself, and completely fell in love with this culture...and it has only been a little more than a week :)
The next day (Friday), I went to Pampulha with Clarice and Nina. Pampulha is an area that is part of BH but it is on the outside of it so we had to take a bus for like 30 minutes to get there. It actually seemed like it was its own community. It had a really nice lake with a famous church near it. AND I SAW CAPYBARAS! Okay it was really exciting for me even though some may think it is not a big deal but it is. Apparently they have diseases so I couldn't pet them.
Anywho.. we walked around the lake and as we were walking, every.single.dang.car. that drove by honked at us or yell things like "Que Lindas!, Meu Deus!" (Oh my god, beautiful girls!)
I was not used to it so apparently my face was really funny to look at when that happened.
After, we toured in the really nice church which was really cool. Then we went and bought coconuts again. OMG so good.
Later that night, we all got dressed up like we always do, and headed out to meet some friends.
I got to meet another exchange student in my district who is also from Canada. She is living with one of Clarice's friends. Another one of her friends showed up with his exchange students and one of them happened to be Adri from my district back home! WHAT!?
So that was cool haha.
We didn't get home until about 3:30 in the morning so I slept in quite late. Since my parents were out of town for the weekend, Clarice and I went out for lunch just the two of us to this awesome buffet. And when I say "awesome buffet" I am not lying. It was a buffet of Chinese, sushi, Italian, and Brazilian food. MEU DEUS.
Later that night I got dressed up again and went out with some friends. It was soo much fun but my feet hurt sooo bad because of dancing in heels.
We got home at around 4 in the morning! Once again, I slept all day sunday hahah.
Tough life of the exchange student.
Sunday night, I went out and met up with some people from rotaract. They met in a cute café with live music outside and fresh food inside. It was on this certain street where no cars were allowed to pass through, only pedestrians. It was really nice to meet younger people in Rotary as well because they know kind of why I am here and they know perfect places to take me. It was nice hanging out with them because they only really spoke in Portuguese so it was good for me to listen and try to understand.
So far I am absolutely loving Brasil. I couldn't be happier with the place I chose or the people I've met or the things I have done. I truly believe that I am in the right place and exactly the right time. I've made many friends, gone to many places, learned so much Portuguese, surprised myself, and completely fell in love with this culture...and it has only been a little more than a week :)
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
School
School in Brazil is very different. I know I already talked about my first day and what it was like but now I will tell you about my other experiences with school. I made a lot of new friends and I feel like I am part of the class which is a really good feeling. I still don't really understand what the teachers are saying but I can understand some words. My friends like to speak to me in English because they are practicing but most of the conversations are in Portuguese.
The classes here are brutal! On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays school goes from 7am-12:30pm, which really isn't that bad. On Tuesdays and Thursdays school goes from 7am-5:30! that's like 10 hours of school!!
Because I am an exchange student, I don't really have to do anything. I'm even allowed to sleep if I want to (I don't though). Yesterday (Tuesday) I stayed for the whole day until 5:30 even though technically I didn't have to. In one day I had: Literature, English, Spanish, Geography, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Portuguese. Some were double classes. By the end of the day I was so exhausted from listening to so much Portuguese. I liked math class because it was the only one I understood. English class was funny because of the accents and the stuff they were learning but that's normal.
For lunch my friends took me to Subway! I told them that I work there in Canada. It was so different here in Brazil though! They had mostly the same things but not all so I tried one of the ones that we don't have in Canada. I had a chicken with cream cheese sub. It was actually really good. In Brazil, they don't have hot peppers to put on your sub, only chilly flakes. I loaded the chilly flakes and my friends looked at me like I was crazy because not many people like spicy food here.
I'm starting to understand more and more Portuguese which is really awesome! Every morning my father drives me to school and then picks me up after because it is about an hour to walk to school from my house. He doesn't really speak English so the whole conversation to and from school is in Portuguese. There's sometimes confusion but we can actually hold a conversation! He teaches me Portuguese and I teach him English.
The last couple days I really began to realize how easy I have it in school in Canada. We only have 4 classes a day and here it's like 8 or 9 in one day. ALSO fun fact: in schools here, you are not allowed to use a calculator.... WHAT! We were doing math, physics, chemistry, etc, without a calculator... OMG!
It was so hard. I understood the math part but trying to do stoichiometry without a calculator.. no thank you!
In October there is a huge test that everyone has to take to get into college but if they don't do well then they don't get in. That's why they study for so many hours during the day. One of my friends takes another english class outside of school so after she gets home from a 10 hour long day at school, she goes to another class and then studies at home after that. It's brutal. The funny thing is that in class, no one pays attention. Everyone talks and texts and laughs with their friends the whole time. It's quite fun but I really don't see how it is good.
Funny story though, in physics the teacher walks in and starts talking. (This was my last class of the day so I was really tired). He was talking away and it looked like everyone was kind of dozing off because everyone had either their heads down or their eyes closed. I kinda just sat there pretending I was paying attention but then everyone at once said "amen" and I realized they were saying prayers. Oops.. I didn't know so I looked like an idiot just looking around at everyone. I guess maybe they were praying that they wouldn't fail physics? Not quite sure.
Anyways, I love everyone here, they are all so nice and always asking me questions and to sit with them. It's great.
Loving Brasil so far!
The classes here are brutal! On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays school goes from 7am-12:30pm, which really isn't that bad. On Tuesdays and Thursdays school goes from 7am-5:30! that's like 10 hours of school!!
Because I am an exchange student, I don't really have to do anything. I'm even allowed to sleep if I want to (I don't though). Yesterday (Tuesday) I stayed for the whole day until 5:30 even though technically I didn't have to. In one day I had: Literature, English, Spanish, Geography, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Portuguese. Some were double classes. By the end of the day I was so exhausted from listening to so much Portuguese. I liked math class because it was the only one I understood. English class was funny because of the accents and the stuff they were learning but that's normal.
For lunch my friends took me to Subway! I told them that I work there in Canada. It was so different here in Brazil though! They had mostly the same things but not all so I tried one of the ones that we don't have in Canada. I had a chicken with cream cheese sub. It was actually really good. In Brazil, they don't have hot peppers to put on your sub, only chilly flakes. I loaded the chilly flakes and my friends looked at me like I was crazy because not many people like spicy food here.
I'm starting to understand more and more Portuguese which is really awesome! Every morning my father drives me to school and then picks me up after because it is about an hour to walk to school from my house. He doesn't really speak English so the whole conversation to and from school is in Portuguese. There's sometimes confusion but we can actually hold a conversation! He teaches me Portuguese and I teach him English.
The last couple days I really began to realize how easy I have it in school in Canada. We only have 4 classes a day and here it's like 8 or 9 in one day. ALSO fun fact: in schools here, you are not allowed to use a calculator.... WHAT! We were doing math, physics, chemistry, etc, without a calculator... OMG!
It was so hard. I understood the math part but trying to do stoichiometry without a calculator.. no thank you!
In October there is a huge test that everyone has to take to get into college but if they don't do well then they don't get in. That's why they study for so many hours during the day. One of my friends takes another english class outside of school so after she gets home from a 10 hour long day at school, she goes to another class and then studies at home after that. It's brutal. The funny thing is that in class, no one pays attention. Everyone talks and texts and laughs with their friends the whole time. It's quite fun but I really don't see how it is good.
Funny story though, in physics the teacher walks in and starts talking. (This was my last class of the day so I was really tired). He was talking away and it looked like everyone was kind of dozing off because everyone had either their heads down or their eyes closed. I kinda just sat there pretending I was paying attention but then everyone at once said "amen" and I realized they were saying prayers. Oops.. I didn't know so I looked like an idiot just looking around at everyone. I guess maybe they were praying that they wouldn't fail physics? Not quite sure.
Anyways, I love everyone here, they are all so nice and always asking me questions and to sit with them. It's great.
Loving Brasil so far!
Monday, 16 September 2013
As Fotos No Brasil
Belo Horizonte
Ouro Preto
This church is filled with gold
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