These Hips Don't Lie

February, 2014

Ola,

It is due time that I filled you all in on the latest shenanigans in Brazil.  Since my Portuguese class started three weeks ago I have constantly asked myself the question- WHY is “studying abroad” called “studying abroad”? Emphasis on the fact that there has been NO studying done since I have arrived (jokes mom, I am becoming educated). But to be honest, we have Portuguese class from 9:30 – 12:30 every morning and then have the rest of the day off to do whatever we please, so our classroom time is pretty scarce (but whose complaining?). Our language professor, Miguel, is quite the character and jumps from topic to topic leaving our heads spinning by the end of class. In conclusion: the language is muito dificil but with the help of Miguel I am now able to throw some semi-developed sentences together. What I have come to learn however, is that classroom time is beneficial but the real magic happens out of the classroom when you are on the streets exploring, meeting people and conversing with them in your pathetically broken Portuguese.  This is where I am really learning and grasping the concepts discussed in class.

Besides immersing myself in the language, I have really begun to pick up on Brazilian culture and way of life. My friends and I went to our first Brazilian soccer game, which was an incredibly intense experience. I thought I had a pretty solid soccer background growing up but apparently I’ve been living a lie because people here are soccer fiends. Soccer is like a Brazilian's baby- it is their pride and joy in life (hence the world cup being the biggest deal ever here). People get extremely rowdy and heated at these games so obviously I was trying to get in on the action. Whenever people would yell I’d just casually mumble really loudly and clench my fists in rage (people were loving the gringa's dedication to the game).  Our team, Avai, won the game so the bus ride home was literally a party bus with people singing local soccer songs, banging on all of the windows and causing a ruckus. I loved every moment.

Because it is now the summer here in Brazil (aka hottest place ever aka I swim in sweat everywhere I go, aka I’m never clean) the music scene here has been awesome because all of the artists are coming to Brazil for the summer sun. Every time samba music comes on, I start to embody Shakira and I really feel like my hips don’t lie. My friends and I have been going to these live music clubs where they play samba and forro so we are starting to pick up the local moves, but we have nothing on Brazilians. Everyone here is so smooth and move so naturally with incredible rhythm (My Frisch dance team days are really failing me). Even the guys are amazing dancers and they are not afraid to show it off. It is considered cool for men to perfect these intricate dances, which I am not used to considering the guys at home usually get awkward on the D floor  (I’m going to have to teach my friends back in CP how to break it down). 

The most exciting part however, is that Carnival; the Brazilian festival is coming up in two weeks and all of the samba schools are practicing for this event every night. For those of you who don’t know what Carnival is, it is a HUGE party that goes on for a week all over Brazil. People dress up in insane costumes, feathers, dancing, boys dress up as girls, masks, samba, forro, drums, salsa… you name it. It is basically Mardi Gras on steroids but the whole country shuts down to celebrate this festival and it is one of the highlights of Brazilian culture. Due to Carnival, all of the dance and drum schools are practicing for the parades, so we all get to watch these free shows every night! Hells yea.

Other then that, I have been exploring the many beaches and waterfalls, experimenting with the new food and flailing about. It is hard being a vegetarian here and all I eat everyday is Pao de Quejo (a ball of bread stuffed with DELICIOUS cheese) but its all good, I can live with cheesy bread for a few months. We did a hike on Sunday to this deserted beach that was incredibly breathtaking. The blue water met the even bluer sky and it was hard to tell where the sky ended and the ocean began. I'm feeling very blessed and don't think ill be leaving here anytime soon, so its been nice knowing you all! Deuces.