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.