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!!