Well I must say this: Brasilians live the life! I went to the beach this past weekend and it was a weekend full of portuguese. I probably heard about 8 full english sentences the entire time! So monst of my weekend was spent listening to the tones and trying to understand the words being said. I was told that I was too quiet, but these people are so loud! Everything in Brasil is more intense: the kisses, the sun, the food, the talking- when they get excited it seems that they just start yelling at each other! It's just a little intimidating. I got a little red over the weekend (ok, so pretty much my entire body was pink) but the weekend was great. We slept late, had a little breakfast of fruit, cafezinho, bread, jelly, cheese and meat, then went to the beach for a few hours, came back to dry off and about 3 had a huge dinner- complete with arroz (rice),feijao (beans), vegetales (vegetables), carne(steak), and salada (salad). Afterwards we were so worn out from eating we took a nap, then hung out at the pool in the apartment and watched tv. Around 8 we ate the same thing we had for breakfast, them went to the shops along the beach. It was very nice and relaxing, while at the same time a little stressful for me as I tried to comprehend all that was being said.

The family life here is intense as well. Everyone talks at one time, they all have stories to share, and even the inlaws and boyfriends are treated as part of the family. (well of course the inlaws are.) Apparently here it is not considered unmanly to be affectionate and to talk in baby talk to the young-uns. Everyone from Grandpa to the 12 years old boy spoke to the youngest (2) in that high-pitched voice reserved for children, and There were kisses and hugs all around all the time, including the 12 year old. It was nice to be able to witness the closeness, if I can't quite participate in it yet. But the family is very open, and they treated me as more than a guest.

There is still the same ocean and sun here, but on the beach there are so many vendors! Selling everything from churrasco (bbq), sorvete (ice cream), cerveja (beer) cocos (coconuts), roupas (clothes), oculos de sol (sunglasses), and more. All the girls wear bikinis (the smaller the better), and the choice for the men on the beach is either a speedo or very short shorts. That took some getting used to, especially when the old fat guy covered in hair walked by. But it was fun.

I'm still trying to learn to think in portuguese. By the end of the day my mind is tired and I can't even process thoughts in english! I have to keep reminding myself that I've only been here a week and I'm not going to be fluent just yet. It really is a humbling experience to be corrected each time I speak, and then to not know how to say something you would like. Try explaining the book 1984 in a language you don't know well and you'll see what I mean. :o)

It's still very hot here, and I'm loving the summer weather! My room has a balconey (quite possibly my favorite part of the house), and I love keeping the door open for the sun and the breeze to come through.
Well I'm off to attempt to make my way around the city! Muah! Besos to all!