Our host family lives right next to the favelas, which is another word for a slum. Each time we drive past the favelas, I am shocked and saddened by how people live in such poor conditions. Last night as we Read more…
Above me there is a lesser kiskadee. He is Brazilian, but even he seems like a foreigner. He is in a food court, no place for a lesser kiskadee. He sits in the ceiling as the chief observer. His first Read more…
Yesterday, we had our first Portuguese lesson here in São Paulo. As a result, I gained confidence in my Portuguese skills and was feeling muito proficiente (very proficient). Our host family arranged for a driver to pick us up to take Read more…
What are some of the things that come to mind when you think of the word “grandma”? Perhaps you have many wonderful memories of being spoiled with a never ending supply of food and the occasional (and by occasional, I Read more…
Whoa what a busy day! It’s hard to believe we’ve only been here three days, it seems like at least a week! This morning we had a cooking class where we learned how to make Galinhada and Brigadeiro, which were Read more…
If someone asked me the best thing about Brazil, it would definitely be the people. They are so kind, welcoming, and hospitable. BUT, a very, very close second in the ranking of my favorite parts of Brazil so far is Read more…
“Oui!” I said, nodding my head enthusiastically to the cashier’s question. She looked at me with a puzzled look, and any small hopes I had of at least pretending to look like I knew what was happening were completely shattered. Read more…
It’s still hard to believe that we’re actually here! I think in these last couple of days almost all of us have had this surreal feeling that we can’t believe we’re finally in Brazil. In some ways, it doesn’t feel Read more…
We are here! We are soaking up every moment of our trip so far. To be honest, I was having a really hard time saying goodbye to my boyfriend, family, and friends when we left for Toronto yesterday. I have Read more…
Boa Dia from Sao Paulo, Brazil! Wow, it is hard to believe we are more than 5000 miles away from home in a strange place and a strange land. Looking out the window of our plane as we arrived yesterday Read more…
