Um Semana na ilha da magia!

I have been here in Brasil for a little over a week!

In this past week it has been a lot of adjusting from getting to know my classes to exploring the island. This past Saturday ISA took us on a tour around the island. And even though it was a miserable day outside, I still greatly enjoyed the time and seeing different places on the island to give me an idea of places to go back and visit. This tour also showed me how diverse this island and all the different activities it offers. 

The whole island offers beaches, but there are ones great for surfing, some that you hike to, and ones that are just so unrealistic its hard to believe that they exist. This island, as the locals call it, is truely an island of magic. Yesterday even me and a few other students studying here decided to just pick a place on the map and head there. So we decided to go to Morro das Pedras, which is a beach in the south that has just a huge area full of rocks (hence the name "das pedras"). It was a really nice area, I would definitely return there when it warms up. After visiting that beach area it made me want to write a list of places to visit here in Floripa and things to do, before heading back to the states. Since there are so many different places to go, such as Naufragados to see the continent and a Portuguese fortress, to some trails on the island that can take you to secluded beaches or cities. 

Here on the island it is so peaceful and relaxing. There definitely is a sense of leisure, no one seems to rush to anything, and they seem to really enjoy spending time with friends and family. It almost reminds me of how Italy was when it comes to being on time for events, and how people mingle. As for the safety, I mean any city you will go there will be people that try to pickpocket, but here I actually feel quite safe. For people use to space, it is nonexistence here. People here are very touchy feely, and like more latin countries when greeting someone or saying goodbye gives kisses on each cheek. Another great thing I enjoy about here is people drink lots of cafe, and suco de frutas (fruit juice), but its not the same as in the states, here it is fresh fruit thrown into a blender with ice and mixed.

                                                             Mirante da Morro da Cruz

                                                                     Barro de Lagoa

                                                                           Jurerû

 Armação

 Passar pela avenida das Naçoes

 Santo Antônio de Lisboa

 Praia da Joaquina

Morro das Pedras

That is about all I have now, Until next time!