Update

Hey guys, I realize it’s been a while since I last wrote so here’s an update. In these last two weeks we’ve kept really busy. Last weekend we went to a concert with my host mom and roommate Marisa. We saw Jorge Bem Jo who is well-known for his song “Mais que nada”. It was really fun even although I didn’t know a lot of his songs. The concert was at the beach so it was cool to be in the sand, listening to great music. Also, we met some nice boys which made it more fun. We made it home at around 5:15am! I really like the fact that going out with one's “mom” is nothing out of the ordinary and that she can handle being out all night. It’s great! The rest of the weekend was pretty quiet since we had to catch up on sleep and get back on track with our homework… since that is our main purpose here in Brazil. School has been getting better. Classes are more challenging and we are getting into our routines. On Monday, I started my volunteering at an orphanage called Casa de Jeremias. My first day there was good, met all the kids and workers. It didn’t take long to realize that the older boys were a handful and had to be watched carefully. Otherwise, next thing you knew you had silly goo all over your hair, clothes and floor. I also got a glimpse of the babies in their nursery (couldn’t spend much time with them since the older boys kept me so busy). There are two small babies, a little 4-month old girl and a 2-month old tiny baby boy. The baby boy, Samuel, was born premature so he basically looks like a new born. It’s sad to see these little babies start out their lives like this, in an orphanage. But, I can say they are well cared for and will hopefully go to a good family. I've gotta run to class! I will be posting again soon. Hope everyone is doing well. Ciao gente!

Fortaleza, School and more

Hey guys! Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the 4th of July festivities. I've been having a good time here in Fortaleza and getting used to my new routine. My roommate Marisa and I got to my host family's house on Sunday to great feast of traditional regional food. We were greeted by my host mom Norma, our host dad Antonio Maria, our host sister Kenia and her friend Carol. Dinner was delicious and lots of fun to meet everyone. 

 My "mom" is an English teacher and Psychology professor who loves music. She's lots of fun and loves to party (in a mom kind of way). She listens to everything from Led Zeppelin, the Bee Gees, Pink Floyd as well as Brazilian and music from all over the world. She has a huge repertory of all kinds of music. 

 My "dad" is hilarious. He walks around the house all day shirtless and with a radio attached to his ear. He's retired but owns some kind of fishing company (I think). From what I understood, he owns a fishing boat but doesn't go out to sea. Instead, he has a crew of fishermen go out and he then distributes the fish to different restaurants. He kind of reminds me of my grandpa because he doesn't talk much but whenever he says something it's usually really funny. 

my silly sister

My sister is a peppy 25-year old who works a lot. She's studying to be a P.E. teacher and works at a school and a gym. She has a boyfriend (although I would say he's more like her fiancé) named Felipe and he's a super nerd. It's really funny and even admits it himself. He loves to "economize" as Kenia put it and is always looking for coupons on a site similar to groupon.com. Kenia and Felipe have already bought a house together and even wear matching wedding band-esque rings.

Everyone is super nice and really welcoming. We all live in a quaint little apartment. I also have a host brother, Victor, but he doesn't live with us. He has a five year old and who's really cute. 

Victor, Marisa and I

Now, a few memorable moments this week:

made it to the 1st day of school and still smiling

Freemasons

• On the first day of school our mom walked us so we could learn the way. The school is less than a five minutes away which makes it super convenient. When we were almost arriving to our school when I stepped on something squishy. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I stepped in poop. Then, not even thirty seconds after that, the strap to my purse broke and there I was left with a stinky and dirty flip-flop and a broken purse. Luckily, my string of bad luck ended there.
• I drove a manual car in Brazil for the first time. What a ride! The person I was riding with had a lot too much to drink and told me to drive. I wasn't sure which was worse, him driving drunk or me driving a stick shift in Brazil. 
• Also, I bought and inaugurated my 1st Brazilian bikini (don't worry mom, it's not a thong). It's very tasteful ;)
• We attended a lecture at the Masonic Lodge were our dad is a member. It was interesting but felt strangely cultish.

That's all for now, Happy 4th of July friends!