Leave it to Beaver...or Brazilians

Hey whats up everyone…I’m sorry to report that since I have settled down my life has become far the less kooky, so I don’t know how exciting this blog will remain, but I would still love to tell you about my life here because I’m conceded. I have since found out that my two host moms are cousins, not lesbians, aliens or secret government robots like some theories may have suggested. I must admit, at first, I was disappointed to be living with just two older ladies instead of with some Brazilians my age but now I am LOVING it. I can do no wrong, they are all about me. Since moving here, I have discovered I am incredibly bonito, a terrific eater, have great hair, a fast learner, the list goes on and on. I seriously don’t know why we have people on Prozac, we just send depressed people to a Brazilian house; I have never had such an ego boost in my life. Anyways, they are really great. Barbara works at a hospital and is gone most of the day and Leena (not sure about spelling) takes care of the house and students here.


My Portuguese is improving pretty quickly too. I picked up a pretty good tip that many words in Portuguese are the same in Spanish but with the letter “r” replacing “l”. For example, playa in Spanish is praya in Portuguese, plaza is prasa. It is very helpful but I am having trouble using it without feeling like I’m making fun of Chinese people trying to speak Spanish. It is assisting in furthering conversations with my host moms though. I have made some moves to get further into their graces as well. They asked me if I liked cute girls and I replied (still working at the language, mind you) ,“Yes, but it is necessary to be a good person too”– it was over. They were telling their friends about how thoughtful I was and I think they are trying to hook me up with their nieces now. Oh yes, their family is always coming by. They had a bunch of people over on Sunday and everyone had me read off this list I have with the names of foods translated into Portuguese so they could make fun of the names of things in English; “pineapple” had them rolling. It was pretty funny to experience. I tried to talk about soccer with them but was quickly exposed as a fraud, though we all concurred Ronaldinlho was very ugly (there was a spirited debate about Kaka).


I am also pleased to report that I am now eating like a true don. Every meal is huge portions, always with plates of fresh fruit and a pitcher of fresh squeezed juice. Its amazing, I’ve already decided this trip was worth it based on the meals alone. I think I have eaten more in these few days than I have in the last month. In other words, life at home is so far so good…next stop schoolio (the Portuguese isn’t that quick).