Extra, Extra, shop all about it

Last night I ventured to Extra with Gallagher, one of my newbie buddies. She's one of the 3 Erin's at EAB, hence the last name only. Extra in Brazil is like Walmart. Well, kinda. It's like a Super Walmart in selection of things. Prices living in Brasilia compared to the Midwest are much more expensive depending on what you buy (that would make for a good comparsion blog entry sometime - I'll get on that one Maz).

Anyway, my Extra goal was purchasing a Brazilian hairdryer and hair straightener (been using my travel ones for 2 months) and Erin's goal was buying a replacement coffee pot. The bottom of her pot literally fell off one morning while brewing.

Gallagher and I decided to make this our first Metro trip and then planned to take a taxi home. We walked to the stop closest to her apartment, bought tickets and were off 4 stops to Extra. We were going the reverse way of the commute so not too crowded.

One thing I should mention is that it's gotten really HOT in Brasilia in the past week. I mean HOT. Like walk out the door and you're sweating kind of hot. So please, as you read on, remember the heat. Paints a prettier picture. Well, sweatier is more like it.

Brasilia's Metro is clean, efficient and very quiet. From the station to the people. Quiet. It's kinda weird since especially here I'm so used to noise...insects, people talking, music so it was way quiet and the train itself too! There are two Metro lines in Brasilia

So we exited the train, walked out of the station, down a couple flights of stairs and across a parking lot to Extra. Inside, grabbed a cart and walked up and down the aisles looking for above items as well as a few extras...bottles of wine, toilet paper (12 roll pack), ironing board cover (since mine has already been burned through), surge protectors, coffee, pasta, coffee mugs, bowls, frying pan and a few other odds and ends. Success!

We checked out, told the cashier we wanted to pay debito (debit cards) and bagged up our purchases into the tiny plastic bags (about 1/3 the size of plastic shopping bags back home). We had about 12 bags total. Side note for all my environmental friends. I brought my reusable bags to Brazil but forgot them in my classroom. Lots of other things to navigate so please be forgiving.

Erin and I took our cart down the metal escalator (one with magnets so you are on the same one as the cart) and walked out into the parking lot looking for taxis. We saw none. We pushed the cart further along. No taxis. All the way to the end of the lot, no taxis. This left us one choice. The Metro.

So that hill we had walked down before, we used the ramps and pushed the cart all the way up to the Metro station. I'm not a good estimator of distance but it was pretty far and I'm sure pretty funny. Two gringas pushing a shopping cart to the Metro.

We got to the Metro station, unpacked the cart and loaded up our arms with all of our purchases. Went into the station, I put down the purchases, bought 2 more tickets (while forgetting how to say 100 in Portuguese - our stop's name was 108 so I faked it using Spanish and Portuguese together). Then we schlepped ourselves up the escalator to the platform where one of the handles of one my bags promptly broke. I refashioned the tie as we waited for the next train to arrive.

Train arrived, we got on it and found a spot. In fact one person actually got up because we had so much stuff and gave us her seat. We were getting all sorts of stares from people on the train. No, not looks, stares. Hard core. I know, we were probably the only 2 gringas on the train. But then add to that image of 2 gringas...sweat, 12 bags of stuff and rush hour on the Metro. People were staring at us. I'm sure we were dinner table conversation for at least 10 families.

4 stops later, we arrive at 108 (the stop closest to Erin's house), put all the bags on our arms and exit the train with many others. People were turned around on the escalator looking at us. Sorry, staring at us. For what felt like a minute. As we were exiting the Metro, Gallagher joked that she wished we had a camera so so we could have captured the stares and also what we looked like to everyone else. So wish we had. We exited the Metro and began to sweat more. I was carrying the 12 pack of toilet paper which due to my arms now getting sweaty began slipping out of my arms as we're walking, trying to carry that and school bags back to Erin's apartment.

We made it to her service elevator and her portero (guard) opened the door for us. He asked us if we wanted to use the shopping cart and Gallagher said no, next time. We got in the elevator, Erin pushed the 4 button and prompty the bag I was carrying that held a bottle of wine and carton of milk broke. Thankfully only the wine bottle fell and it survived.

Actually we survived our first independent Extra trip. Survived our first Metro trip, carrying an insane number of bags in the most inefficient way, schlepped them to her apartment and nothing broke. Yea! And think of all the glass we carried.

To celebrate this accomplishment or maybe it's better said to unwind after our crazy newbie trip to Extra, we went our for drinks at a nearby restaurant. 4 large bottles of perfectly chilled Skol (Brazilian beer) later, we parted ways and crashed for an early night. Always an adventure...

Happy 2 Monthaversary!

It's been 2 months? Can you believe it?

I brought up the 2 monthaversary ponder to lots of newbies today...at Bardana during lunch, at our cancelled Portuguese lesson and tonight at our dinner club.

Everyone pretty much echoed the same thought. "It sure feels like we've been here a whole lot longer than that." And I have to believe their reply is for multiple reasons.

Many of which I've talked about...

• new culture, language and customs,
• new school with new procedures and policies and curriculum and culture,
• new friends and friendships,
• new grocery stores (think about how you hate to go to a new store and trying to find things, add language and different organization ideas on top of that),
• everything's new (got the pattern, right?).

But what's great is that even though we're working so hard in all aspects of our lives, it was really great today to have some time just to chat with my new newbie friends.

I'm hoping that we continue what we're doing because even though I don't see all of the other newbies on a regular basis, we've got a common bond, one that started two months ago. And for those of you who aren't newbies, you have to realize that for the first 3 or so weeks we were in Brasilia, we were with each other for I'd say a minimum of 2 hours each day. Truth.

So leaving campus for lunch and eating at delicious Bardana, we need to make it a weekly event.
And just chatting about our school and personal lives in Portuguese, well, when our teacher Monica, is back we'll have to do it in Portuguese but we need to continue doing it. And dinner club, I so appreciate Kathy, Hirsch, Carmen, Andrea and Monica putting up with all our newbieness although I noticed today that our chats weren't just about all things unfamiliar, we've moved past that into larger topics.

That shows me that feeling like we've been here longer than two months we're kinda growing up. The newbieness is still there and in some ways ever present...

• chatting about appliances that we've blown due to voltage,
• trying to buy stationary and 10 envelopes and leaving the store with white notebook lined paper and 2 envelopes and
• thinking a man was going to try and steal your ipod on a Sunday morning when he was really just asking for directions to the nearby Lutheran church.

I've come a long way in the past 2 months and so have the other newbies. Time sure flies when...you fill in the blank.

Postal Patience

I have anxiously been awaiting a package from my parents. My mom shipped the box on September 8th to Brazil. Included in this precious box are some 3-ring binders (Maz you'll appreciate my love of organization), some of my asthma perscriptions (was just going to write perscriptions or medicine but thought should qualify things more, didn't want to worry anyone) and I'm sure some other fun or goodies tossed in.

When a letter or package arrives when you live overseas, it's like looking in your Christmas stocking. Think back to when you were a child and you anxiously awaited waking up on Christmas morning ready to dig into the gifts. And on that morning, you also got your stocking. You knew there were the things you always received each year (in my family Juicy Fruit gum, a clementine & underwear). But there are things you asked for and lots of fun surprises as well (goofy wind-up toys, a Pez dispenser & other what-its).

It made you feel good. Your stocking was like a sigh of goodness. It's expected, anticipated and it just added to the goodness of the day. It put a smile on the inside as well as on the out.

Receiving a letter or package here is the same feeling. It truly makes my day and many times week. Sometimes they're expected others not but in the midst of all the chaos and newness, that slice of home, the stocking, the familiar handwriting, makes you smile on the inside just like your stocking does.

So, as I said, I've been patiently waiting since September 8th to receive my package. Knowing that it's truly simple things that will make my life easier but also just seeing my mom's handwriting on the outside of the box would be nice. On average it takes about 2 weeks for a package to arrive from the U.S.

But here's where the story hits a snag and my patience must grow.

Today I stopped up in the office by the school's gate to check and see if my package had arrived. Katrina, the secretary, usually emails you when a package arrives for you. I know the packages usually arrive around lunchtime so I thought, just check and see. Maybe I'd be lucky.

No luck today. And honestly, I don't know when my luck will strike because that's what the postal service here is doing. The Brazilian Postal workers union is on strike and has been since September 16th.

A little more information from an Wall Street Journal article I found online about the strike...

"A total of 30 of the nation's 35 postal union locals were on strike as of Wednesday morning, according to a statement by the National Federation of Postal Workers. The striking locals cover about 70% of the nation's 110,000 postal workers. The federation said the strike was set to last indefinitely. Unions are seeking a 41% wage increase. The government made a preliminary offer of a 9% hike before talks broke down Tuesday." (pub. Sept. 16, )

Ugh. Sigh. Man. I'm going to have to wait longer for my package. The strike's been going on for 6 days now. I heard they never last too long but you never can tell. I know my package will arrive. I know it'll come soon but it's hard when your stocking is filled and the reindeer aren't flying tonight because their reindeer needs aren't being met.

Now I get that they need to make sure they have enough feed, rest, vacation days and all of that but Rudolph I'm growing impatient and I want my package now! So, please Brazilian Postal Workers and government, I hope you find an agreement soon, not only for all Brazilians to receive their regular mail but selfishly for me and my package too.

Finally got 'em! Parakeets

Sorry if the post title misled you. No new pets, I have a hard enough time taking care of myself. What I mean is since I've arrived, each morning and late afternoon, I've heard parakeets out my window and let me tell you a wild flock of parakeets are a bit on the noisy side. That's just too kind. They are extremely talkative loud birds. And not only that but also it's been hard to snap a photo to post for you all. Finally today I looked out and happen to see two of them feeding very close to my apartment building.As you can see, they definitely camoflauge into the trees. To help those of you playing "Where's the Parakeet?" here's some clock related help (also know they are a bright shade of green). One is at about between 7-8 o'clock and facing to the right. The second parakeet is at 3 o'clock and hanging upside down. Their larger flock is about 20 or so but they usually hang out in the trees just beyond where my camera zoom can capture.

So, ha, ha parakeets, you may wake me up each morning especially at about 6 a.m. on the weekends but today I showed you, I actually got you on camera.

Lights Out

I woke up at 3:21 this morining and noticed that my bedroom fan was off. I thought this strange since I know I hadn't turned it off myself.

I stumbled out of bed thinking, oh god, they've turned off my electricity.

Since living in Brazil, I've discovered that dilenquent bill payment is handled a little differently than the U.S.

In the U.S., you receive a second bill which is usually just added to your next monthly bill, a third bill statement and then eventually a letter stating that if payment is not received then your utility will be cut off and being threatened and then sent onto creditors. Lots of warnings before actual disconnection occurs.

In Brazil, if the tenent didn't pay their bill, they will still turn off your electricity, cable, etc until it's paid. I learned this from trying to have my internet connected. The previous tenent's bill was unpaid. And also know this is not due to the person not leaving monies behind, it just wasn't paid.

My teaching partner had her electricity turned off about 3 weeks ago. She arrived home with her daughters one day and discovered it. She and her husband knew they had not paid their June electric bill. They hadn't paid June's bill because they had never received that month's bill and did not know what they owed. This is unusual though. The turning off process takes a bit of time, but it's completely random. Like in some instances 2 or 3 years later. So for a couple of months to cause a problem was a complete surprise to them.

So it seems that bills are attached more to the residence than your name. Thus, especially with the recent quick shut off of a friend, I was worried.

Needless to say, when I woke up at 3:21 this morning and discovered no electricity my first thought was, crap! I have an unpaid bill. So I then got up and tried to turn on my bedroom light. Nope. Bathroom, nothing. As I was walking down the hall out of the corner of my eye I saw some lightning. Perhaps it wasn't my electric bill, maybe there was something more going on.

I opened my apartment door and peered outside, dead quiet. I'm sure your surprised to hear that was what I discovered at 3:21 a.m. So, I walked out the door and began jumping around. Now you're probably wondering why this was my inclination. Well, our hallway lights are motion sensored so I was trying to activate them and jumping around made the most sense at 3:21 a.m.

Nothing happened from all the jumping. Then I walked down the hall toward the elevators. Pushed the button. Nothing. Our hallways are "open" to the outside through a grid-like cement pattern (the entire side of the building's like a cement trellace). I saw no lights at the two buildings nearby so I was feeling my storm power outage hunch confirmed.

I walked back into my apartment, looked out more windows. Saw more lightning and a lack of lights at other buildings.

Whew! It wasn't me. It was the storm. I decided to head back to bed, now able to sleep knowing it wasn't my problem only, it was all of us due to the weather. Sweet dreams until...

Then just as suddenly as they had gone off, they came back on. And of course, I had forgotten to turn off the lights I had tested so I suddenly woke up to a blinding light right over my head. After switching it off, I headed back to bed.

The power did go off and on one more time during the night. It was funny today to see who had noticed this and who hadn't during the night (only me), who had noticed in the morning (most) and who hadn't noticed at all (one).

So this time, I'm safe but I'm completely paranoid about when my turn with the electric company will happen. I'll update you when it does, but know that it won't be instant since I'll need my electricity to power my internet to do it.

13 days 12 hours

For those of you living in Chicago, you know what that number represents. For those of you living outside of Chicago, there are 13 days and 12 hours until the Olympic Committee makes its decision about who will host the 2016 Olympics.

What's interesting to me about this is I've lived in 2 of the possible host countries this year.

I do want to put out a disclaimer right now. I know many of you have differing opinions about hosting an Olypmic Games. I respect, appreciate and understand them. It is not the intention of this post to persuade your feelings, opinions, ect. Can you tell I'm an elementary teacher or that I'm from the U.S.?

I just to share a couple of videos with you. Chicago's Olympic bid video and Rio's Olympic bid video.

Maybe watching them will reinforce or alter your feelings.

Maybe you'll just enjoy the scenery.

Or maybe, like me on a Friday afternoon after a seriously long and hard week, you'll just be reminded of all of the potential in the world.

Here's Chicago's Olypmic Bid video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j148bSCngU&feature=related

Here's Rio's Olympic Bid video - oh and in the video, they're singing their unofficial song Cidade Maravilhosa (Rio's nickname, The Marvelous City)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z00jjc-WtZI

Both places, the cities, their countries have a lot to offer something like the Olympics and I know that from living in both. And on a Friday, when you feel run-down and tired and worn out, seeing the potential, is what makes looking past the weekend into next week okay. So whatever the Olympic Committee decides, it does, but these two videos today helped me to see something I'd lost.

Insects come in threes?

So, I literally just hung up a video chat with my parents (who by the way are doing great and just returned wonderful trip on the Southern Illinois winery tour with friends) and I stood up to turn off the light for the night (trying to go to bed early) when out of the corner of my eye I spied a HUGE creature on the corner of the couch closest to the window.
Since being attacked that evening a couple of weeks ago I realized I needed to document the intruding insect with a photo, so my first reaction was...Grab the camera! I snapped the photo but realized that I couldn't quite see what I was going to have to deal with so I stood on my other couch and zoomed in on said intruder.

I knew this thing looked like a beetle but since arriving in Brasilia, everyone's been telling us stories about cicadas here. Being from Illinois I know what locusts and cicadas are. Heard 'em, wore their shells on my shirt as a child at Gram's house and know they can't hurt you. But never ever have I had a 2.5 inch bug in my own home.

Since the intruder was close to the window I figured I could grab the broom and flick him out the window. Then I thought, I know who could help me. Andrea. So I grabbed my phone and gave her a call. It wasn't as if I wanted her to walk across the field to rescue me, more than I wanted to know what I was dealing with. She didn't pick up but I left her a message seeking the moral support needed to remove a gigantic insect from my home.

As I hung up I realized I was going to have to "take care of this" all by myself. I walked back toward the couch giving myself the "Little Engine that Could" pep talk. I think I can, I think I can. I put the broom under the edge of the cushion and gave it the perfect flick. And the sucker hung on! So then I had this dangling intruder on my couch. I gave the insect another flick and it sailed off. Unfortunately my second flick was not quite strong enough so it hit the wall and then fell to the floor. At this instant, I screamed. Shortly afterward I heard my neighbors closed their window.

After gathering up my courage again, I peeked behind the couch and saw the insect, which I could then tell and have now processed was a beetle. I went back into the kitchen and grabbed the dustpan. At this point I didn't know how active the beetle would be. Would it fly if I moved anything? Would it freak out and fly all around and bounce all over? Would I cause my neighbors to close another window by it flying all around and me screaming again? So many questions but alas, not time to reflect. It was time to deal with the situation.I tried to sweep said insect into the dustpan but the thing hung onto the floor. He was a strong guy for sure. After several sweeps I finally got him to move/walk onto the dustpan. I leaned out the window and shook the dustpan once. The beetle didn't move. I shook the dustpan harder a second time. Still hung on. I didn't even know that anything could hang onto a slick surface like a dustpan. So the third time I shook the dustpan a little more violently hoping that the beetle would shake off outside rather than somehow coming back in. And finally success. Yea! I knew I could do it, the whole time I did.

Andrea called a few minutes later. She had been on the phone with her mom. She told me she was proud of me for calling and asking for help. I think it was more of a chicken move but regardless it was good to have her support. She's the one who reminded me of the 3's here.

I've had 3 insect encounters since arriving in Brasilia. 1. roaches in the apt, 2. crazy attacking subterranean termites (Sam's research - not sure still because don't have a photo) and 3. daredevilish strong beetle.

Also did you know that it takes 3 shakes to get a beetle off of a dustpan? One. Ah Two-who. Three. Just like the Tootie Pop commericial. Only I think the owl is much cuter than this beetle though.

And how many photos does it take to be done with all this insect fun? I may never know because when I google "beetles in Brasilia, Brazil" all I get are images of VW Beetles. Very popular cars here but not helpful for insect identification. Good luck to all of you entomologists out there!

It's a Beautiful Day

Today is just gorgegous here. A few reasons why...

It's Saturday so I slept in until 8:30.

I woke up a little sore and stiff from my massage
last night but after a little stretching, ahhhhh. Goodness.

Great memories from last night at NUWA with good friends. 3 is a wonderful # Carmen. :)

This is the view from my couch.

The temperature is perfect. 77 degrees. Megan weather.

I've spent the morning doing some online shopping for odds and ends from earbuds to books to shower curtains. It's something I've wanted to do for weeks but finally took some time to do it today.

At 2 a group of us are meeting to celebrate Monica's (EAB's reading specialist) birthday. We're hanging out at Bar Brama which always has live samba music.

I have a roomie date with AP this afternoon and evening.

See, it is a beautiful day in Brasilia.

I really do live in Brazil...my trip to Chapada dos Veadeiros

This weekend I realized that I really do live in Brazil. Andrea told me that the first time she left Brasilia, she came to the realization that she was really living in a whole other country. Tambem for me!

It was a weekend of adventure, hiking, singing, fun and not a lot of sleep but it was the perfect way to kick off my travel adventures in Brazil.

The crew was a combined newbie, veteran and Brazilian bunch. It made for some great bonding and language learning. My new friends Mark and Vanessa also have a blog. Mark described this trip as the GGT (Great Gringo Trip). I think that's a perfect way to paint the weekend. The blog is now linked to mine. It's truly a must as Vanessa's beautiful photos and Mark's clever take on our lives here. Check out the Friends I Follow area.

Back to the adventure...Friday afternoon at about 5 p.m., after a bit of credit card difficulty, we were finally able to load up tiny clown cars and begin our camping adventure. On our way out of town, we stopped at the Flamingo gas station/bread store/convenience store/motel to grab a few snacks for our ride. They had delicious pao de queijo and other bready treats. It was the perfect pick-me-up for the long journey which we were about to begin. Flamingo Gas Station outside of Brasilia, yummy bread store in back left corner

We rented 2 cars and then one of Miguel's friends, Rafael also drove. Combined persons on this adventure = 12. In the lovely Chevy car seen below, I rode with 4 other teachers. Miguel, Libby, Sam and Hirsch (one of 3 Erins on this trip - we now officially use last names). Sam, Hirsch and I squeezed into the backseat for the ride there.

Our tiny ride, a Chevy Delta

In addition to all the people crammed into the cars we also had tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, pillows and miscellaneous food and drink. The drive from Brasilia to the Chapadas usually takes about 3 - 3.5 hours. Friday night it took us 5 1/2 hours to get from Brasilia to Sao Jorge. Now, I have no complaints about this part of the trip as it inspired us to add song to the entire weekend whenever possible, many inside jokes were started, lots of fun was had, scantily clothed men were seen and we just really got to know each other in a very close and confined setting.

After arriving to our campground, we had to begin setting up camp. Some of this went very easily, other parts, well you can probably infer what may have happened from the photo.

Sam, Miguel and Baeta working hard to set up "The Palace."

While the boys were working very hard to set up one tent, the girls tried to help but gender roles are hard to break and we eventually sat back and relaxed. The mission was accomplished, however...thanks Hirsch! And they gave her credit too!

2 Erins relaxing while the boys were setting up tents...Erin Hayes (left) and Erin Hirsch (right)

After setting up camp, we all needed a break. We'd been in the car for almost 5 hours, set up a camp at night and had been at school all day. What's the perfect fix for that? Miguel and Rafael began to sing. They both are amazing musicians who play the guitar and sing beautiful harmonized duets. We were serenaded into the night.

The next morning, we woke up, dressed and found some breakfast at a cute restaurant down the street. We wandered around the town of Sao Jorge (St. George) a bit...

Small town. One main drag. It's definitely growing.

The Chapada is said to have many UFO sightings, especially since it's on the same parallel as Machu Picchu. Didn't feel the same mysticism here as there. We were asked by one local while we were out exploring if we'd seen any UFOs. Here's our conversation...

Sao Jorge Purse Stand Owner - "Have you seen any UFO's?"

Gringa Megan - "Not yet. Have you?"

Sao Jorge Purse Stand Owner - "No."

Gringa Megan - "Do you know anyone who has?"

Guy (his other name is getting too long to type!) - "Yes. And you can too."

Gringa Megan - "How?"

Guy -"Well, you just have to have a drink, and then another drink and then another drink and then maybe you will see one. If you don't, have another drink."

Road to our campground

Then we went back to camp to wait for our other gringo friends who had decided to drive on Saturday instead. When we got back to camp, a few things began to happen.

1. We hung out and Miguel taught us a new card game. Truco. Fun and easy game but some great strategy. I'll try and teach you sometime.

2. It rained!

3. The Independence Day refugee camp in Bolbi's (pronounced Bobby) backyard (really truly, it was his backyard - Landon I see a new business for you!) was growing. Our small camp tripled in size. A few statistics to note when camping in the Chapadas...

toilets = 2 (1 boy, 1 girl),

fully equipped kitchen = 1,

plastic lawn chairs = 8,

number of campers by the end of Saturday night...I'll estimate 40 - 45.

After Erin #3 (aka Gallagher) and John and Mark and Vanessa arrived and set up camp, we quickly got our things together and headed off to Vale de Lua. In English that is Valley of the Moon. It definitely lives up to its name.

After bouncing along a dirt-esk road (it's more like a rock road - not gravel, like rock) to another windy dirt road and down away from the dry cerrado landscape, you stumble into a rainforest like area and then suddenly, that changes again. The landscape was almost something out of a movie set on Mars or some type of Land of the Lost tv show.
The wildlife was crazy!

The plants looked deadly.

But then, we heard it. The river.

The rocks look like something straight off the sci-fi channel. They've been carved so much by the river. There are several small falls and the water is very fast moving. We hiked along the top of the river until we found an area where we could go swimming.

I'm usually not a big swimmer but it was very hot and so a cool dip sounded just right. While Vanessa and I lounged in the water, many of the boys and Hirsch jumped off of rocks into the water. They looked just like a group of young boys...exploring, jumping and checking out huge spiders. Yuck! No photos of those. I'm too chicken and really just don't want another Brazilian species to attack.After our hike and swimming, we were hungry and tired so we headed back to camp in Sao Jorge. More exploring and hanging out in the town. The GGT is recognizible by Sam's white hat and John's green trucker hat in the center of the photo.

With it being Independence Day weekend, Sao Jorge, was well jam packed. I would recommend choosing a different weekend to go there mainly because everything was just crazy full and loud. Sao Jorge is usually known for the opposite. People were poured out into the streets, their tiny clown car trunks and doors popped with loud music playing (Brittany Spears to forro).

As you can see, the party was just starting up around 6:30. Literally people were dancin' in the street.

Some of us hadn't had a bite to eat and wanted a quieter atmosphere so we walked down the street to a yummy pizza and crepe restaurant called Lua de Sao Jorge. Funny how crepes are so popular and so delicious in Brazil! I had a delicious cheese pizza and a caiprioska. Yum!

There was another reason to celebrate this weekend though. It also was Mark's birthday. He turned the big 2-9 and was surprised by a yummy Nutella crepe complete with candle and Happy Birthday sung in Portuguese by the waitstaff. One addition to Happy Birthday here is that everyone claps throughout the whole song so other tables joined in the fun surprise.

Mark enjoying the singing and his amazing Nutella birthday crepe of the gods.

It wound up being an earlier night for me. I think lack of sleep, a headache from too much fun and lack of sleep caught up with me so I was the first one down for the night. The campground party ended earlier that night which was nice so there was actually quiet, other than some snoring for a bit.

The next day we took a trip to a local waterfall near Sao Bento. There were several falls to choose from. We took a hike to the falls. Vanessa, Hayes and I took our time on the hike. We let several different categories of hikers pass us...families, young people drinking beer and smoking while hiking in flipflops and just anyone else who moved more quickly than we did. As with most hikes, you round a bend and then, ahhhh, all the sweat and feeling out of shape goes away when you see the view.

As you can see, people rappelled down the waterfall on the right. The pool itself was quite deep. To reach the falls you had to swim across the lagoon. Vanessa and I became rock climbers and ventured down the sides of the pool into the water. It was so refreshing after our hike. She's definitely my waterfall friend. It was pretty crowded but our GGT crew found a quieter area and were able after swimming to sit and watch others so some cliff jumping. It was fun to watch as each of the boys went to the edge of the cliff and how they postured as they prepared to jump. And yes, you can already see the Brazilian male swimming outfit here. It's called a sunga.

After our swimming, we got back into the cars with a little more room this time. Some of us headed straight back to Brasilia, while a small group of us, myself included went to Alto Paraiso for a delicious lunch. It so reminded me of home cooking. Couldn't have asked for something better after a long weekend away.

Hirsch, Sam, Vanessa and I shared the car on the way back. In addition to continuing our serenading, Sam spotted a toucan, we saw a huge grass fire and drove into Brasilia with no traffic. Couldn't have asked for a better end to the weekend.

The Chapada is known for it's biodiversity. Gallagher told me it is the most diverse on the planet. Even more diverse than the rainforest or a coral reef. She's a high school biology teacher so the source is definitely reliable. Why mention this now? That's because the trip was diverse too...hiking, relaxing, listening to wonderful music, eating, swimming in waterfalls, sharing a bathroom with 40 people and just getting to know some of the diverse people that are now a big part of my life. So, I guess it really is true. I do live in Brazil.

Independence Day

Today is Brazil's Independence Day. Happy Day to Brazil!

To me, this is also a happy day because I have a 3 day weekend. Mine is at a much more superficial level than the entire country's level but I'll be honest. I've needed this break, hey, I've deserved this long weekend but I feel I should share what I've learned about the holiday, how we celebrated at EAB to make myself a feel a little more productive and also to honor my new home.

Earlier last week, we received an email from the Brazilian studies chair/guru that we would be having an Independence Day celebration on Friday morning.

She also shared how Brazil gained it's independence from Portugal. My knowledge level was only that. For those of you who want to learn more, here is a bit of Brazilian history for you...For those of you who'd rather skip the history, scroll down to the regular font again.

'This year Brazil is commemorating its 187th year of Independence. The Regent Dom Pedro I declared Brazilian Independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822.

In the year 1808, King John VI of Portugal decided to flee from the oncoming French troops of Napoleon and moved the government of Portugal to Brazil. Although King John VI was well liked, the Brazilian people did not feel the same about many of the nobles who accompanied him. They looked to his son Dom Pedro as their natural leader.

When King John VI returned to Portugal he left his son as Prince Regent of Brazil in April 1821. Powerful people in Portugal ordered that Dom Pedro also return to Portugal, because they were afraid of his growing popularity and power in Brazil. Dom Pedro would not go back and declared the Independence of Brazil on September 7, 1822 and was crowned emperor.

Independence is life – and that is why Dom Pedro chose it when he said, “INDEPENDENCE OR DEATH”.

We are very happy and very proud to say that the first country to recognize the newly Independent Brazil was the United States of America in 1824.'

All week long my students helped to prepare for the celebration in their Portuguese and Brazilian Social Studies classes. The bulletin boards were decorated with flags and streamers. My students had song lyrics for the national anthem and other patriotic songs in their notebooks.

The kids (and I) were very excited because we were to wear Brazilian flag colors...bright blue, green or yellow and we could wear jeans. Yea! Not a part of the Friday routine for us.

So, I wore my bright green shirt and jeans. My class rolled in wearing a sea of blue, green and yellow from head to toe. Many had stopped by the art room on the way and even had the colors painted on their faces. One thing I should mention before going any further is that Friday was the hottest day it's been since I moved to Brasilia. The assembly was great but the heat made it difficult to concentrate. Even for me! You can see how sunny it was from the squinty eyes in all the photos, but the heat, man oh man...

The entire school went outside to the soccer field at 9:15 a.m. The program had songs, a dramatic performance and more singing. The Brazilian, US and Federal District flags were raised. It was amazing to see the patriotism from young to old. Everyone has their Brazilian colors. I was told my the PE teacher that I needed to buy a Brazil shirt. I told him I was wearing one. He told me, it didn't count and I should buy one. Put that on the list for the next holiday...The entire assembly was performed in Portuguese. All songs, all speaking. This made is a little challenging for me. Talk about using my observations to know when to stand, sing, etc. Can you see their passion for Brazil? It's all over their faces! Or it's their face after a 40 minute long assembly in the heat. Not sure...you decide.

I really enjoyed the entire assembly, minus the heat, but to bring everyone together around the day, from 3-year-olds to 18-year-olds. Being an expat in another country, it's always amazing to see how much pride people take in their country. It's not a surprise, but just wonderful to be a part of the pride.

Above is a brief video clip of one song some of the kids sang. The song itself is a well-known song and the lyrics were changed so the quality is not the point here. They kids are singing, "Brazil is muito bom." Meaning Brazil is great! That's the point, especially on Independence Day. And I definitely have to say it's true. Brazil is pretty great.

Chapada Here We Come!

Tomorrow at 3:05 begins the first 3-day holiday of the school year. Hooray! I'm headed camping. Yes, I know, I haven't camped since I was about 8, but it's adventure. Miguel, as usual, is organizing our trip. Mostly newbies are going on the adventure. We've got 3 cars, 9 people, full coolers and I can't remember how many tents now.

I hate to write more until after, but for those of you who want the scoop on it, like Maz, here's a link with all the info you could ever want!

http://www.chapada.com/english/chapadaeng.htm

Leaving tomorrow at 4:00. Back sometime on Sunday. Can't hardly wait!

Pedicure Wanted and Needed

Since arriving in Brasilia, I think I've walked more here than I have combined in the past probably 3 years. This is mainly due to the lack of an automobile. Now, don't take that the wrong way. Being carless is actually really nice. I walk to school every morning, walk to the grocery store with a large backpack (10 minutes or so) and walk to coffee. And sometimes, just walk to walk.

As wonderful as all of this walking has been to my waistline, reduce stress and build in some daily exercise, there are a few downsides to it.

1. Biting insects
Last weekend, I was attacked, literally, by a swarm of something.

This particular insect attacked at night while I was cutting through a field (learned my lesson) with my friend Sam. I felt a sharp pain on my foot, looked down and saw a HUGE insect hanging onto my foot, tried to pull it off and really had to yank at it as it bit me further. Ouch! Then I suddenly felt pain on the other foot, this pesky insect had another friend who apparently thought I was trying to move into their turf. I leaned on Sam's sholder while trying keep my balance AND now to pull off the other bug when I realized, ouch again, I had another bite.

I ran to the sidewalk where I took off both shoes and got the bugs off my feet while Sam backed away. Literally I saw him step back. He said I proved my Irishness that night as apparently I dig some Celtic bug jig while trying to get them off my feet. I will say though that Sam did step up. He took one of my flipflops and checked to make sure there weren't any friends on my legs or on my bag. He also did kill a few friends while I was wildly yelling and trying to pull the remainder off of my pants.

When I got home, I stripped at the door of my apartment, threw my clothes into the wash and took a shower. I was worried there may have been reinforcements hiding somewhere. I did find a dead one on my flipflop when I got home and of course now wish I had taken a photo, but when something had hurt you so badly, the last thing you think to do is stop and take a photo, I squashed it and then flushed it down the toilet just in case. It looked like an ant with a huge head, enormous mandibles and was kind of clear in color. I've searched high and low on google to find it but alas it's a mystery...

That night and next day, I did feel a little strange. I had a couple of other bug bites and a few cuts on my body which all throbbed, I had difficulty sleeping and I had a bad headache. Guess these guys were serious. Luckily this only lasted about 48 hours. All better now. Physically anyway.

So, lesson learned, when in Brasilia, don't cut across the fields at night, even if that's about 5 minutes shorter. It's soooo not worth it.

Reason #2 why walking in Brasilia has it's downside...
2. Dirt
My feet are always dirty, like always. I'm annoyed because I left my camera at school. I wanted to take a photo and post it. You all would be shocked my how gross they are. Always are. Whether I wear heels, flipflops, sneakers, whatever, they get dirty. Guess that's what happens when you live in a red soil area but man, does it ever take a toll on the feet.

I'll have to save the dirty foot photo for another day. Most of you are probably very disappointed. Ha! Have to wait on that photo op for another day.