Hoje marca 8 meses aqui no Brasil!
Today marks 8 months in Brasil!
Este mes passado tinha muitos coisas para fazer, para lazer e para escola. Para terminar com meu carnaval aqui em Floripa, para a terça de carnaval fui um desfilo do samba, era a noite de vencedores. Depois um pouco tempo lá voltei na minha casa para a noite. No próximo dia ainda tava carnaval, pelo menos aqui em Floripa. Então para a quarta fui um show da Anitta que tinha no centro. No próximo dia foi um dia de aventura, eu e um outro intercambista fomos na praia Daniela. E aquela noite tinha uma experiência para olhar meu irmazinho e para colocar ele na cama! Tava bem engraçado porque eu tentei ler para ele em português, e não consegui quase nem uma palavra. Mas no fim de noite ele finalmente dormiu. Na sexta fui na UFSC para combinar com uma amiga minha e ir um barzinho com ela e os calouros dela. No sábado fui no Jurerê International e encontrei algumas amigas. Depois no dia na praia a gente foi para me levar, e experimentar tamaki. Mas porque o lugar tava fechado a gente só voltou as casas para a noite. No Domingo fui para Lagoa e andei um pouco. Depois voltei no centro onde eu encontrei alguns amigos e a gente andei na Beira-mar para um pouco.
This past month has been quite busy with school work and also fun time. To finish off how my carnaval went, on tuesday I went and met with some exchange students and we went to the parade of samba, it was the night of the winners. After a while there it was time to head home. The next day carnaval was still not finished, at least here in Floripa, so I went to watch a show of Anitta, she is a famous brasilian funk artist. The next day was an adventure, and after a few bus rides me and a friend finally made it to praia Daniela. That same night I was given a chance to watch my little host brother and put him to bed. It was quite funny as I had to read to him in Portuguese, and I could speak almost none of the words and we ended up just laughing. On Friday I went to UFSC where I met up with a friend of mine and we went out and met some of her calouros (which are like the freshman for each course). On Saturday I met with some friends and we went to Jurerê International. After sometime at the beach we went to centro so that I could go and try tamika, unfortunately though the place was closed. So we all headed home for the evening. On Sunday I ended up walking around Lagoa for sometime and then headed to Centro where I met some friends and we went walking on Beira-mar.
Na segunda, como todas as segundas nada interessante aconteceu, porque todas as segundas tenho aulas para o dia interno. Na quarta eu encontrei um intercambista e a gente fez uma trilha para uma praia secreto. Tava bem legal e o lugar fomos era muito lindo. Depois disso a gente foi para almoçar e voltemos no centro. La no centro eu encontrei um outro intercambista e a gente foi para jogar futebol. Todas as quartas (agora as terças, eu vou jogar futebol). Na quinta eu e alguns amigos fomos para uma festa para dia de St. Patrick. Também lá encontrei mais amigos, e a noite tava muito divertido. No sabado fui com uma amigo para praia mole, onde fomos para limpar a praia. Depois algum tempo lá a gente voltou na casa da minha amiga e preparemos para ir uma festa da RI do UNISUL. A gente foi buscar alguns outros amigos e fomos na festa. Depois eu voltei na minha casa. No próximo dia eu fui no centro para buscar minha amiga que tava voltando de São Paulo. E depois encontrei com ela a gente foi para praia Mole.
On Monday, just like most mondays it was pretty dual, as I have class literally all day. Wednesday I met with another exchange student and we went and did a trail to a "secret beach". The area we went was quite beautiful. After that we went back to centro, where I met another exchange student and we headed out to play futebol. On Thursday I met with some friends and we went to a St. Patrick's day celebration, where I also ran into some of my other friends. Saturday I went to Praia Mole with a friend where we spent the morning cleaning up the beach. After sometime we returned to her house where we got ready to go to a party for IR of UNISUL. Sunday I went to pick a friend up from the bus station, as she was returning from São Paulo. Then me and her headed to Praia Mole for the day.
Na terça fui para norte da ilha, e fui uma praia lá, Cachoeira do Bom Jesus. No proximo dia fui no centro para fazer um apresentação, e depois encontrei uma menina da minha aula de moda e fizemos coisas para nossa aula. Na aquela noite fui para jogar futebol, de novo. E aquela noite tava muito interessante porque a gente jogou na chova! Depois disso eu fui para casa da minha amigo para preparar para ir uma festa no Fields. A festa foi muita boa. No dia depois eu fui uma aula de dança com os outros intercambistas. No sábado fui na praia Brava com uma amiga. No domingo fui com minha mãe e meu irmãzinho para um show no centro. Mais tarde no aquele dia fui um janta para um aniversario da minha amiga.
Tuesday I went to the north part of the island to do some exploring, I ended up going to praia Cachoeira do Bom Jesus. The next day I went to centro to give a presentation and after met with a classmate for sometime. That night I went to play soccer and it was down pouring, but it was still a fun time. Afterwards I went to my friends house and we got ready to go to Fields (a club of sertaneja here in Floripa). The next day I went to a class of dance with some of the other exchange students. Saturday me and a friend went to praia Brava. On Sunday I went with my family to a show in the centro and later on in the day I went to a birthday dinner for one of my friends.
Na terça fui com algumas amigas e a gente foi para praia campeche. E depois no dia na praia fomos um language exchange, onde a gente encontrei brasileiros e praticamos português e eles praticaram inglês. No dia depois fui com um amigo e a gente foi no sul da ilha. Primeira a gente fez uma trilha para uma cachoeira em praia Solidão. Depois fomos num restaurante das notas e depois começamos um parte da trilha para Lagoinha do Leste, mas porque a gente era cansando descemos e voltamos as casas. Na quinta eu e alguns intercambistas tentamos fazer um churrasco. No sabado fui um tipo de trote para os calouros de RI, e alguns outros curso da UFSC. Encontrei alguns amigos e a gente ficou la para bastante tempo. Depois eu voltei na minha casa para preparar combinar com minha amiga. Depois encontrei minha amiga, a gente foi com a tia dela e fomos um cervejaria para a noite. No proximo dia a gente quis ir na praia, mas porque fomos cansadas e o tempo não era bom só fomos no shopping e eu voltei na minha casa para a noite. Nesta semana não fiz muitas coisas, porque o tempo não era bom ou porque tinha bastante trabalha para minhas aulas. Mas na terça fui para Palhoça, e encontrei uma amiga minha, e depois joguei futebol. Não tenho coisas que programei para este mês, mas nesse fim de semana vou pra Jaragua do Sul, e resto sei lá vamos ver que faço.
On Tuesday I went with some friends and we went to praia campeche. After a day at the beach we went to do a language exchange. The next day I went with a friend to the south of the island. First we went to a waterfall in Solidão and after we ate a restaurant that you can put notes on. After since we both were tired we decided to take a part of the trail of Lagoinha do Leste, and then headed back home for the evening. On Thursday me and some of the other students decided to try and have a churrasco. Saturday I ended up going to a type of initiation for the new members of IR at UFSC. After which I met with a friend of mine and me and her went with her aunt to a cervejaria for the night. The next day since it was not that good looking out me and my friend went to the shopping center for sometime and then I returned home for the night. This week has been quite dual as I have been doing lots of school work and also the weather has not been up to par. On Tuesday I did go to Palhoça and met a friend there for sometime and after I went and played futebol. I do not have much planned for this month, so I will see what happens, though this weekend I am planning on going to Jaragua do Sul.
Só tenho isso para agora, ate logo.
That's all for now, Until next time.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
7 meses no Brasil
Ontem marcou meu 7 mês no Brasil.
Yesterday Marked my 7th month in Brasil.
Na minha primeira semana tinha experiência para ver uma coisa tradicional para pessoas que vão entrar na facilidade. Eu foi para ver o trote da minha amiga que passou no USP. Para vocês que não sabem, nos estados unidos não fazemos nem uma coisa com o trote quando passamos na facilidade, então para mim tava legal e bem diferente. No próximo dia a gente acordou bem cedinho para ir em Avavé. A gente ficava lá para dois dias. Tava divertir porque também no segundo dia fomos para o rio paranapenma para nadar. No dia depois fomos para Taiuva para o dia e depois voltamos em Matão. No aquele sabado assistamos a menina que roubava livros. No domingo fomos para assistir o jogo das Palmeiras.
Na próxima semana era mais tranquilo. No dia 12 a gente foi para Ribeirão Preto para o dia. No dia depois fomos na casa da avó da minha amiga para celebrar o aniversario dela. No dia 14 minha amiga fez 19 anos então saímos numa rodízio de pizza para celebrar. No dia 15 tava meu ultimo dia em Matão então era mais tranquilo. Só fiz minhas malas e falei tchau para todos que conhecei lá. Na verdade tava triste que precisava dizer tchau para todos. Mas gostei que passei minhas feiras lá. Também depois disse tchau para tudo mundo lá, me deixa muito triste para ir no Brasil em Julho. Aquela noite peguei um ônibus para Maringá na estado de Paraná.
The following week was much more laid back. On the 12th my friend went to register for university so we went to Ribeirão Preto (which is the biggest city in the region). The day after was the anniversary of my friends grandma so we went to her house to celebrate. The 14th was my friends birthday so to celebrate we went to an all you can eat pizza restaurant, and ate our hearts out. On Saturday it was my last day in Matão so I spent the day saying goodbyes and packing. It was quite said to say goodbye to everyone, and it made me really said to think that in July I will be leaving Brasil. After all the goodbyes I left to take a bus to go to Maringá, a city in Paraná.
Bem cedo no dia depois cheguei lá em Maringá e fui na casa da minha irmã brasileira (aquela que morava na minha casa nos estados unidos no ano passado). Aquele dia saímos para conhecer Maringá. Fomos num mercado onde eu comei os pasteis famoso lá. Na noite fomos um reunião de interact. Depois comemos sushi. No dia 18 eu fui a noite uma aula de samba com as intercambistas de Rotary em Maringá. No dia 19 fomos um reunião de Rotary. Durante na manha porque tudo mundo saiu a casa eu andei um pouco para conhecer mais de Maringá. A noite fui para pegar o ônibus para Foz do Iguaçu. No dia 19 fiquei em Foz do Iguaçu onde conhecei uma de sete maravilhas do mundo, as cataratas do Foz do Iguaçu. Elas são muitas lindas e com certeza vale a pena! Depois as cataratas fui o parque das aves. Lá encontrei um casal brasileiro que me levaram no Paraguai para resto do dia. Depois esse experiência voltamos no Brasil e fui para pegar meu ônibus para voltar em Maringá ate pegaria meu próximo ônibus para voltar em Floripa. No dia 20 tava no ônibus para o dia interno e finalmente as 23 horas voltei na minha ilha. No dia 21 fui para combinar com meu programa para orientação. Aquele dia no centro tinha uma festa berbigão da boca, então eu e algumas outras intercambistas fomos lá. Resto de meu fim de semana não fiz muito porque meu orientação.
On Sunday morning I arrived bright and early into Maringá, where one of my exchange sisters lives. For the first day we walked around the city so I could get to know it. My exchange sister also took me to a street market where I got to try to famous pasteis of the city. That night I was given an opportunity to go an interact meeting. On the 18th I went to a class of samba with the exchange students of Rotary. It was quite fun, an interesting since I had no clue what was going on and all the other students has already been going for months. On the 19th I was given a chance to go to a Rotary meeting in Maringá, which being a past Rotary Youth Exchange Student was really great for me. The rest of the day was spent walking around the city getting to see it some more. On tuesday night I went to catch a bus to Foz do Iguaçu, where I was going to spend all day Wednesday at. On Wednesday morning I arrived early to the city and caught another bus that would take me to the falls of foz do Iguaçu, aka 1 of the natural wonders of the world. The falls were breathtaking and definitely worth the trip to. After spending some hours there it was time to go to the Parque das aves, the bird park. There they have all the different types of birds that can be found in Brasil and Latin America. While there I met a Brasilian couple who took me to Paraguay for the rest of the day. Once we came back into Brasil, I went and caught my bus to go back to Maringá. On Thursday I spent my day on the bus to get back to Floripa. For the weekend I had orientation so not much happened. Though on the Friday back there was a pre-carnaval celebration called "Berbigão da Boca" which was a street fair that me and some other students went to.
Na segunda era meu primeiro dia das aulas então só fui lá. Na quinta fui na praia de Barra da Lagoa. Depois o dia lá, fui para jogar futebol de novo no centro. Na sexta começou carnaval aqui no Brasil. Então eu fui no centro para ver o show do Leo Santana e do Parangolé. No próximo dia do carnaval era o dia do bloco dos sujos. E um bloco no centro onde os homens vestiram com as mulheres. No domingo fui na praia mole para o dia. E a noite fui uma festa das mascaras. Depois a festa fui quase direito para pegar o ônibus para Itapema. Fiquei lá em Itapema para o dia e também a gente foi para Balneário Camboriu. Na noite fomos ver um show do Luan Santana em Balneário Camboriu.
This past week I started with my classes so Monday and Tuesday I spent the day in class. On Wednesday I went to a praia de Barra da Lagoa. After spending the day there I went to play futebol again in centro. On Friday was the beginning of Carnaval here in Brasil. So me and a few other friends went to centro to watch a concert that was playing. On Saturday it was bloco dos sujos, which is where the man dress as girls (it is quite hysterical actually). Sunday I spent the day at the beach. During the night time I went to a masquerade ball with a friend. Then after I went and caught a bus to Itapema, to met my exchange sister again. I spent the day there and at Balneario Camboriu. That night we went to a Luan Santana concert on the beach. Carnaval has definitely been a fun time here, and I am glad that I have been given the chance to celebrate it here in Brasil.
Só isso agora! Ate Breve!
Thats all for now. Until Next Time!
Yesterday Marked my 7th month in Brasil.
Na minha primeira semana tinha experiência para ver uma coisa tradicional para pessoas que vão entrar na facilidade. Eu foi para ver o trote da minha amiga que passou no USP. Para vocês que não sabem, nos estados unidos não fazemos nem uma coisa com o trote quando passamos na facilidade, então para mim tava legal e bem diferente. No próximo dia a gente acordou bem cedinho para ir em Avavé. A gente ficava lá para dois dias. Tava divertir porque também no segundo dia fomos para o rio paranapenma para nadar. No dia depois fomos para Taiuva para o dia e depois voltamos em Matão. No aquele sabado assistamos a menina que roubava livros. No domingo fomos para assistir o jogo das Palmeiras.
For my first week I was given an experiences to see a trote, which means a trick. When a student passing in to University they go out to street lights, their friends paint on them and make them really messy and then the students beg for money. It was quite interesting and actually really fun to see. The next day me and my friend went to Avaré, which is a city about 3 hours from Matão, but still in the state of São Paulo. We ended up passing two days there. For the second day we went to the river of Paranapenma, which is one of the most important rivers in São Paulo. After which we went to a city near Matão called Taiuva. Once back in Matão on saturday we went to the movies and watched the movie the book theif. Then on Sunday the futebol team Palmeiras was playing, so we went to watch the game.
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| Trote da minha amiga/Trote of my friend |
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| Rio Paranapenma em Avaré/River in Avaré |
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| Assistimos o jogo das Palmeiras/ Watching the game of Palmeiras |
Na próxima semana era mais tranquilo. No dia 12 a gente foi para Ribeirão Preto para o dia. No dia depois fomos na casa da avó da minha amiga para celebrar o aniversario dela. No dia 14 minha amiga fez 19 anos então saímos numa rodízio de pizza para celebrar. No dia 15 tava meu ultimo dia em Matão então era mais tranquilo. Só fiz minhas malas e falei tchau para todos que conhecei lá. Na verdade tava triste que precisava dizer tchau para todos. Mas gostei que passei minhas feiras lá. Também depois disse tchau para tudo mundo lá, me deixa muito triste para ir no Brasil em Julho. Aquela noite peguei um ônibus para Maringá na estado de Paraná.
The following week was much more laid back. On the 12th my friend went to register for university so we went to Ribeirão Preto (which is the biggest city in the region). The day after was the anniversary of my friends grandma so we went to her house to celebrate. The 14th was my friends birthday so to celebrate we went to an all you can eat pizza restaurant, and ate our hearts out. On Saturday it was my last day in Matão so I spent the day saying goodbyes and packing. It was quite said to say goodbye to everyone, and it made me really said to think that in July I will be leaving Brasil. After all the goodbyes I left to take a bus to go to Maringá, a city in Paraná.
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| Ribeirão Preto |
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| Aniversario da minha amiga/Birthday dinner for my friend |
Bem cedo no dia depois cheguei lá em Maringá e fui na casa da minha irmã brasileira (aquela que morava na minha casa nos estados unidos no ano passado). Aquele dia saímos para conhecer Maringá. Fomos num mercado onde eu comei os pasteis famoso lá. Na noite fomos um reunião de interact. Depois comemos sushi. No dia 18 eu fui a noite uma aula de samba com as intercambistas de Rotary em Maringá. No dia 19 fomos um reunião de Rotary. Durante na manha porque tudo mundo saiu a casa eu andei um pouco para conhecer mais de Maringá. A noite fui para pegar o ônibus para Foz do Iguaçu. No dia 19 fiquei em Foz do Iguaçu onde conhecei uma de sete maravilhas do mundo, as cataratas do Foz do Iguaçu. Elas são muitas lindas e com certeza vale a pena! Depois as cataratas fui o parque das aves. Lá encontrei um casal brasileiro que me levaram no Paraguai para resto do dia. Depois esse experiência voltamos no Brasil e fui para pegar meu ônibus para voltar em Maringá ate pegaria meu próximo ônibus para voltar em Floripa. No dia 20 tava no ônibus para o dia interno e finalmente as 23 horas voltei na minha ilha. No dia 21 fui para combinar com meu programa para orientação. Aquele dia no centro tinha uma festa berbigão da boca, então eu e algumas outras intercambistas fomos lá. Resto de meu fim de semana não fiz muito porque meu orientação.
On Sunday morning I arrived bright and early into Maringá, where one of my exchange sisters lives. For the first day we walked around the city so I could get to know it. My exchange sister also took me to a street market where I got to try to famous pasteis of the city. That night I was given an opportunity to go an interact meeting. On the 18th I went to a class of samba with the exchange students of Rotary. It was quite fun, an interesting since I had no clue what was going on and all the other students has already been going for months. On the 19th I was given a chance to go to a Rotary meeting in Maringá, which being a past Rotary Youth Exchange Student was really great for me. The rest of the day was spent walking around the city getting to see it some more. On tuesday night I went to catch a bus to Foz do Iguaçu, where I was going to spend all day Wednesday at. On Wednesday morning I arrived early to the city and caught another bus that would take me to the falls of foz do Iguaçu, aka 1 of the natural wonders of the world. The falls were breathtaking and definitely worth the trip to. After spending some hours there it was time to go to the Parque das aves, the bird park. There they have all the different types of birds that can be found in Brasil and Latin America. While there I met a Brasilian couple who took me to Paraguay for the rest of the day. Once we came back into Brasil, I went and caught my bus to go back to Maringá. On Thursday I spent my day on the bus to get back to Floripa. For the weekend I had orientation so not much happened. Though on the Friday back there was a pre-carnaval celebration called "Berbigão da Boca" which was a street fair that me and some other students went to.
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| Maringá |
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| Cathedral de Maringá |
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| As cataratas do Foz do Iguaçu / The falls of Foz do Iguaçu |
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| Parque das Aves |
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| Paraguai/Paraguay |
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| Berbigão da Boca |
Na segunda era meu primeiro dia das aulas então só fui lá. Na quinta fui na praia de Barra da Lagoa. Depois o dia lá, fui para jogar futebol de novo no centro. Na sexta começou carnaval aqui no Brasil. Então eu fui no centro para ver o show do Leo Santana e do Parangolé. No próximo dia do carnaval era o dia do bloco dos sujos. E um bloco no centro onde os homens vestiram com as mulheres. No domingo fui na praia mole para o dia. E a noite fui uma festa das mascaras. Depois a festa fui quase direito para pegar o ônibus para Itapema. Fiquei lá em Itapema para o dia e também a gente foi para Balneário Camboriu. Na noite fomos ver um show do Luan Santana em Balneário Camboriu.
This past week I started with my classes so Monday and Tuesday I spent the day in class. On Wednesday I went to a praia de Barra da Lagoa. After spending the day there I went to play futebol again in centro. On Friday was the beginning of Carnaval here in Brasil. So me and a few other friends went to centro to watch a concert that was playing. On Saturday it was bloco dos sujos, which is where the man dress as girls (it is quite hysterical actually). Sunday I spent the day at the beach. During the night time I went to a masquerade ball with a friend. Then after I went and caught a bus to Itapema, to met my exchange sister again. I spent the day there and at Balneario Camboriu. That night we went to a Luan Santana concert on the beach. Carnaval has definitely been a fun time here, and I am glad that I have been given the chance to celebrate it here in Brasil.
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| Barra da Lagoa |
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| Show no Centro / Concert in Centro |
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| Bloco dos Sujos |
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| Baile das Mascaras / Masquerade Ball |
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| Praia Mole |
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| Balneario Camboriu |
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| Show do Luan Santana / Concert of Luan Santana |
Só isso agora! Ate Breve!
Thats all for now. Until Next Time!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Língua Português
Agora vou tentar escrever um blog em Português sobre como foi para mim para aprender a língua. (Desculpe se eu escrever errado, ainda estou aprendendo)
Since I have been here for 6 months I am going to attempt to write about how it has been to learn Portuguese, don't worry though I will write both Portuguese and English.
Lingua Português tinha sido uma experiência. Já tinha aprendido italiano e espanhol tava mais fácil para mim para aprender. Mas a gramática acho que é mais complicado e tinha estado difícil para entender. Tipo quando usar do, em vez de, de. Uma outra coisinha é escreve, porque sempre estou ouvindo e estou falando mas não estou praticando como escrever (por isso eu estou tentando escrever meu blog em Português). Com certeza me ajuda muito que aqui no Brasil pessoas não falam inglês ou eles têm vergonha de falar. Também meus amigos que falam inglês perfeitamente falam comigo em Português. Por isso eu aprendei mais rápido do que aprendei italiano na Italia. Também agora eu posso dizer que entendo quase tudo, e falo bastante coisas. Com certeza estou ainda aprendendo, mas essa é minha experiência até agora. Também depois este blog vou escrever em Português e Inglês.
The Portuguese language has been quite an experience for me. Since I have already learned Italian and Spanish it has been easier for me to learn Portuguese. But I still have had a challenge in learning the language. One thing that has been quite hard with learning the language has been the grammar. Another thing that has been difficult has been writing, as I do a lot of listening and talking but do not get to practice writing so much. One thing that has definitely helped me to learn the language is that here people either do not speak English or that they are shy at practicing. Even my friends who are fluent in English speak with me only in Portuguese. Which is much different then when I was in Italy, as I spoke more English at the beginning of my exchange there. Of course though now I am still learning the language, but I will continue to try and learn as much as possible before I go back to the states. Also I am going to attempt from now on to write my blog in both languages.
Thats all I have now.
Until Next Time
Lingua Português tinha sido uma experiência. Já tinha aprendido italiano e espanhol tava mais fácil para mim para aprender. Mas a gramática acho que é mais complicado e tinha estado difícil para entender. Tipo quando usar do, em vez de, de. Uma outra coisinha é escreve, porque sempre estou ouvindo e estou falando mas não estou praticando como escrever (por isso eu estou tentando escrever meu blog em Português). Com certeza me ajuda muito que aqui no Brasil pessoas não falam inglês ou eles têm vergonha de falar. Também meus amigos que falam inglês perfeitamente falam comigo em Português. Por isso eu aprendei mais rápido do que aprendei italiano na Italia. Também agora eu posso dizer que entendo quase tudo, e falo bastante coisas. Com certeza estou ainda aprendendo, mas essa é minha experiência até agora. Também depois este blog vou escrever em Português e Inglês.
The Portuguese language has been quite an experience for me. Since I have already learned Italian and Spanish it has been easier for me to learn Portuguese. But I still have had a challenge in learning the language. One thing that has been quite hard with learning the language has been the grammar. Another thing that has been difficult has been writing, as I do a lot of listening and talking but do not get to practice writing so much. One thing that has definitely helped me to learn the language is that here people either do not speak English or that they are shy at practicing. Even my friends who are fluent in English speak with me only in Portuguese. Which is much different then when I was in Italy, as I spoke more English at the beginning of my exchange there. Of course though now I am still learning the language, but I will continue to try and learn as much as possible before I go back to the states. Also I am going to attempt from now on to write my blog in both languages.
Thats all I have now.
Until Next Time
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Diferenças de Culturas
Here is a list of some culture differences I have encountered here in Brasil (These are generalization and do not always apply for every city, nor every person) :
1. Houses tend to be smaller and simpler
2. If you aren't watching futebol chances are you are watching Novelas
3. Halls is consumed here like gum or candy
4. Brasil is huge and has a lot of different landscape (not just Rio, São Paulo, and then the Amazon), You can find farm land in central Brasil, to rolling mountains along the coast, and of course the Amazon is there too. One thing though is it is quite expensive to travel around the country.
5. Local buses stop all over the place, they could stop off on the highway near an exit, on the outskirts of a city
6. It is hard to find food from other parts of the world, in markets it is normally grown in the area or surrounding countries, and for restaurants (besides cities like Rio and São Paulo) the many options besides Braslian food is Japanese, Subway/Mac-donanlds, and Italian
7. Food is much less proceed, and frozen food is not as common, it is normally fresh.
8. Highways and roads are not as maintained
9. Water is not free in restaurants, nor is free refills common to find
10. Deodorant here is only spray or roll on.
11. Bureaucracy is common to find when it comes to dealing with the basically anything, from buying a house to even change cars.
12. Milk comes in a cartons that are not yet cold, and do not have to be placed in the refrigerate until it is open.
13. The set up of college is quite different. 1st the amount of time you attend college depends on your major, could be 4 years or 5. There are both public and private colleges, but for public if you past a test (that everyone studies for, for basically their whole lives) then you can go to college for free. Once in college you start course classes right away. There is not all the options we get, nor do you have to take like the basic freshman classes. With that you stay with the same classmates through your whole time in college, aka your sala. There are kind of some aspects also of that of a sorority/fraternity, each course has their own songs/chants, also you get a sort of big that helps you during your school years.
14. License plates have not only the state which the car is from, but also the city
15. Students luck out a lot by receiving half price on a lot of activities, such as futebol games, concerts, bus cards, and many more.
16. Cars a much smaller here, normally you do not see big, pick up trucks or SUVs, though they can be found occasionally.
17. Clothes and electronics are crazy expensive.
1. Houses tend to be smaller and simpler
2. If you aren't watching futebol chances are you are watching Novelas
3. Halls is consumed here like gum or candy
4. Brasil is huge and has a lot of different landscape (not just Rio, São Paulo, and then the Amazon), You can find farm land in central Brasil, to rolling mountains along the coast, and of course the Amazon is there too. One thing though is it is quite expensive to travel around the country.
5. Local buses stop all over the place, they could stop off on the highway near an exit, on the outskirts of a city
6. It is hard to find food from other parts of the world, in markets it is normally grown in the area or surrounding countries, and for restaurants (besides cities like Rio and São Paulo) the many options besides Braslian food is Japanese, Subway/Mac-donanlds, and Italian
7. Food is much less proceed, and frozen food is not as common, it is normally fresh.
8. Highways and roads are not as maintained
9. Water is not free in restaurants, nor is free refills common to find
10. Deodorant here is only spray or roll on.
11. Bureaucracy is common to find when it comes to dealing with the basically anything, from buying a house to even change cars.
12. Milk comes in a cartons that are not yet cold, and do not have to be placed in the refrigerate until it is open.
13. The set up of college is quite different. 1st the amount of time you attend college depends on your major, could be 4 years or 5. There are both public and private colleges, but for public if you past a test (that everyone studies for, for basically their whole lives) then you can go to college for free. Once in college you start course classes right away. There is not all the options we get, nor do you have to take like the basic freshman classes. With that you stay with the same classmates through your whole time in college, aka your sala. There are kind of some aspects also of that of a sorority/fraternity, each course has their own songs/chants, also you get a sort of big that helps you during your school years.
14. License plates have not only the state which the car is from, but also the city
15. Students luck out a lot by receiving half price on a lot of activities, such as futebol games, concerts, bus cards, and many more.
16. Cars a much smaller here, normally you do not see big, pick up trucks or SUVs, though they can be found occasionally.
17. Clothes and electronics are crazy expensive.
Monday, February 3, 2014
6 Meses no Brasil
To begin the beginning of January we headed to São Carlos. This time we went as my friend had to go and take a test for entrance into university. So while she was taking her test I met up with a friend of ours and went around the city with them. On the first day there we went to a fazenda, which is an old plantation that exist in the area. It was quite neat to see, even got to see old slave courters that existed. We went on a horse back ride also through the area. After finished it was time to pick my friend up so we went and got her and then went to Churrasco that another friend was having. The following day unfortunately our plan to go to the ecological park did not work out so instead we went to the federal university, UFSCAR, and went swimming. The last day in São Carlos we woke up and went back to the ecological park, as this time it was open. It was basically a zoo that they had, but only of animals in Brasil with a few animals in other parts of Latin America. For the afternoon we walked around centro. Then that night we went to a futebol game of Palmerias for the Copa São Paulo. On Wednesday when we got back to Matão some friends came over and we planned our trip out to Rio de Janeiro. On Friday we woke up and headed to Bebadouro, which is where we spent New Years Eve. We went back to spend a few days again with my friend's godmother. We spent the weekend there just relaxing, swimming, and also some time at her godmothers hair salon, which is just right next to the house.
The following Tuesday we returned back to Matão. On Wednesday we went to a dinner at a family friends. It was really fun and the host was really interested in learning about the states. On Thursday we went to my friend's best friend and had dinner and also had a sleepover for the night. Saturday we went to friend's aunts and spent time withe them. On Sunday I went to Ribeirão Preto, which is basically the larger city of the area. I went and met up with some Americans that my mom knew who were visiting the area for work. We spent the evening just going around the city and went to eat and after spent time in the mall shopping. After a while with them it was time for me to go and catch my bus back to Matão so I could get my bus for Rio de Janeiro.
For the week of 21 - 24 I spent my time in Rio de Janeiro, which I wrote all about on my previous blog. It is truly the city of Wonder. And if you ever get a chance to go, take it. The city, even though everyone thinks of it being dangerous it is quite tranquil, just have to watch out where you go, but the South is really a great place to visit.
Once we got back from Rio on Sunday we went and swim at a friends. This past week has been quite laid back. This Saturday we went to my friend's aunt to help set up for a birthday party for her cousin. Then we spent the evening at her aunt's house for the birthday party. On Sunday we had a churrasco at our house and then a friend of my friend came over and we hung out with her.
For the next few weeks here in São Paulo nothing much is planned, but I know on the 15th I will head to Maringa to visit an exchange student that lived at my house last year. Also I might be going to visit the Foz do Iguaçu.
Until Next Time
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Rio De Janeiro
This past week I was given the opportunity to go and visit the beautiful city of Rio De Janeiro, and it really is worth a trip there.
To start our trip off with we took a bus from Araraquara that left at 21.30 at night and arrived the next morning into Rio at 8.30. Once we got all of our stuff we went to our hostel, unfortunately we could not check in yet so we dropped our stuff off and went and walked around the barrio that we were staying in, which is Botafogo. We visited the Praia Botafogo, which has a nice view of Pão de Açúcar, as well as Praia Shopping, which has a overview of the bay. After which we went to Casa do Rui Barbosa, unfortunately since it was a holiday in Rio, so the museum was closed but we did walk through the garden. Once we did check in we went and caught a metro and headed to Copacabana. After spending some time at the beach we decided to head back to Botafogo, where we passed the rest of the night.
The next morning we woke up bright and early to head to Cristo Redentor. We decided to take the tremzinho, which takes you from the bottom of the mountain up through Corcovado park and arrive at the base of Cristo. Once at the base we walked up the stairs and arrived to one of the 7 Wonders of the World. It was quite breathe taking, especially the overview of the entire city. After taking our pictures we take the trem back down and headed to Jardim Botanico. It was created Dam João during the imperial period of Brasil. It was such a beautiful place, and actually quite a huge place! After walking for a few hours through the beautiful varied parks we decided it was time to head to the hostel. We spent the evening in Botafogo just walking around and hung out at the praia in Botafogo.
On Wednesday was probably one of our favorite days. We woke up and went to Pão de Açúcar, which can only be reached by a bondinho (cable car) and it shows the overview of the city. We took our first cable car to Morro da Urca, which is the first hill. Then we took the second bondinho, which got us to the higher of the two hills, also known as Pão de Açúcar. The view there was absolutely breathe taking. Also up there is a trail that we took which took us around the hill, it was incredible to see all different sides of the city as well as the bay. Once we had finished taking pictures and were ready to head down we descended on the bondinhos and went back to Botafogo. Since some of the group was really tired, me and another friend decided that we were going to go to Ipanema. So we hoped on a bus and headed to the beach. It was definitely worth the trip, and we both enjoyed it actually more then Copacabana. We walked on the sidewalk that stretches the whole length of the beach, and then we found a perfect spot to enjoy the beach. Once it started to get late we decided to head back and we met back up with our group and went to the beach in Botafogo for the evening.
On our last full day in Rio we ended up taking an adventure. We decided to go to the Centro of the city. So we hopped on a metro and after asking several people finally figured out which stop we should get off. Then we walked to the Saara, which is basically a street in the city that is a lot of shops with knock off goods for very cheap prices. It was a very fun experience. Once done there we walked onto the main street and passed a Cathedral in the center, that actually never belonged to the city of Rio de Janeiro (though I kind of do not remember the whole story behind it). Once we passed there we went into the Banco do Brasil where they had a museum of money and also the history of the bank. After we went to a famous street called Ouvidor, which is a street full of different restaurants. After my group figured out where they were going to eat and they had finished we headed off on our next adventure. We went to the Confeitaria Colombo, which is an old cafe shop in centro. Then we walked to Lapa, which is a barrio right next to Centro. There we saw the Arcos da Lapa and the Escardaria Selaron, also known as the colored stairs. Then we went back to Ipanema, where we went to watch the sunset. It was as quite a beautiful sunset, its no wonder people from all the world go there to watch the sunset. Once it started to get dark we went back to Botafogo and spent our last night in the area. On our last day we just stayed in the area for lack of time before our bus left.
Our trip to Rio was definitely an incredible one, and I can not wait until I am given a chance to go and visit the city again!
Until Next Time
To start our trip off with we took a bus from Araraquara that left at 21.30 at night and arrived the next morning into Rio at 8.30. Once we got all of our stuff we went to our hostel, unfortunately we could not check in yet so we dropped our stuff off and went and walked around the barrio that we were staying in, which is Botafogo. We visited the Praia Botafogo, which has a nice view of Pão de Açúcar, as well as Praia Shopping, which has a overview of the bay. After which we went to Casa do Rui Barbosa, unfortunately since it was a holiday in Rio, so the museum was closed but we did walk through the garden. Once we did check in we went and caught a metro and headed to Copacabana. After spending some time at the beach we decided to head back to Botafogo, where we passed the rest of the night.
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| View of Pão de Açúcar from Botafogo |
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| Casa do Rui Barbosa |
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| Copacabana |
The next morning we woke up bright and early to head to Cristo Redentor. We decided to take the tremzinho, which takes you from the bottom of the mountain up through Corcovado park and arrive at the base of Cristo. Once at the base we walked up the stairs and arrived to one of the 7 Wonders of the World. It was quite breathe taking, especially the overview of the entire city. After taking our pictures we take the trem back down and headed to Jardim Botanico. It was created Dam João during the imperial period of Brasil. It was such a beautiful place, and actually quite a huge place! After walking for a few hours through the beautiful varied parks we decided it was time to head to the hostel. We spent the evening in Botafogo just walking around and hung out at the praia in Botafogo.
 |
| Cristo Redentor |
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| Trem do Corcovado |
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| Jardim Botanico |
On Wednesday was probably one of our favorite days. We woke up and went to Pão de Açúcar, which can only be reached by a bondinho (cable car) and it shows the overview of the city. We took our first cable car to Morro da Urca, which is the first hill. Then we took the second bondinho, which got us to the higher of the two hills, also known as Pão de Açúcar. The view there was absolutely breathe taking. Also up there is a trail that we took which took us around the hill, it was incredible to see all different sides of the city as well as the bay. Once we had finished taking pictures and were ready to head down we descended on the bondinhos and went back to Botafogo. Since some of the group was really tired, me and another friend decided that we were going to go to Ipanema. So we hoped on a bus and headed to the beach. It was definitely worth the trip, and we both enjoyed it actually more then Copacabana. We walked on the sidewalk that stretches the whole length of the beach, and then we found a perfect spot to enjoy the beach. Once it started to get late we decided to head back and we met back up with our group and went to the beach in Botafogo for the evening.
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| View from Morro da Urca |
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| Onto the Cable Car to Pão de Açúcar |
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| Infront of the Bondinho to Pão de Açúcar |
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| Praia Ipanema |
On our last full day in Rio we ended up taking an adventure. We decided to go to the Centro of the city. So we hopped on a metro and after asking several people finally figured out which stop we should get off. Then we walked to the Saara, which is basically a street in the city that is a lot of shops with knock off goods for very cheap prices. It was a very fun experience. Once done there we walked onto the main street and passed a Cathedral in the center, that actually never belonged to the city of Rio de Janeiro (though I kind of do not remember the whole story behind it). Once we passed there we went into the Banco do Brasil where they had a museum of money and also the history of the bank. After we went to a famous street called Ouvidor, which is a street full of different restaurants. After my group figured out where they were going to eat and they had finished we headed off on our next adventure. We went to the Confeitaria Colombo, which is an old cafe shop in centro. Then we walked to Lapa, which is a barrio right next to Centro. There we saw the Arcos da Lapa and the Escardaria Selaron, also known as the colored stairs. Then we went back to Ipanema, where we went to watch the sunset. It was as quite a beautiful sunset, its no wonder people from all the world go there to watch the sunset. Once it started to get dark we went back to Botafogo and spent our last night in the area. On our last day we just stayed in the area for lack of time before our bus left.
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| Saara in Centro |
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| Ceiling in Banco do Brasil |
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| Museum of Money |
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| Café Colombo |
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| Arcos da Lapa |
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| Escadaria Selaron |
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| Sunset in Ipanema |
Our trip to Rio was definitely an incredible one, and I can not wait until I am given a chance to go and visit the city again!
Until Next Time
Friday, January 3, 2014
5 Meses no Brasil
Wow it is hard to believe that I have already been here in Brasil for 5 months! In honor of being my 5 months here is an update of what I have been up to since I arrived in Matão, São Paulo.
For my first weekend here it was learning about the city, and meeting all of my friend's friends. On the Saturday we went into the centro and went and taught some English at an school my friend teaches at. For the evening we went to a restaurant with some of her friends and just hung out with them for the evening. On Sunday we decided to go and visit a city nearby, São Carlos, where we met with a friend of hers to spend the evening visiting the city. It was a very laid back trip, we just went and played soccer for sometime and went to centro to see the christmas decorations. The next day we went and got some Açaí and relaxing. On Wednesday we ended up going to the gym, we originally went to try out a class called She'ba, but since we arrived so early we also went to a pump class. On Thursday we went to Quintaneja, which is Sertaneja on Thursdays. Friday we went to a birthday party that was at a chacra, which is where they normally have a pool and churrascara. Saturday I was able to go a play soccer again as well as go to a Catholic mass. Sunday, since my friend went to take her vestibular, I went with my friends sister to met up with some friends of theirs for the evening.
On the following Monday we spent time at my friend's grandparents as well as her aunts. Friday I met one of my friend's best friend and we did a sleepover at her house, me, her friend, her sister, and another friend of theirs. Saturday we went to Araraquara, which is another city nearby. There we just did some Christmas shopping as well as went and got some chinese food. That Sunday we went to a class reunion, basically, for my friend and her classmates.
The following week was Christmas week. For Brasilian tradition it is normal to have a family dinner on the Eve and spend Christmas just relaxing. Which of course is what we did, we had a massive dinner at the house and at Midnight we opened up our Christmas gifts and wished everyone a merry Christmas. For Christmas day we went to another chacra and spend the day relaxing, swimming, and eating. On Friday we went again to Quintaneja. Saturday we went and made Brigadeiro. Sunday we went again to Araraquara, this time to go see a Beatles tribune, then went and traveled around the city some.
To get to NYE. We went to my friend's godmother's house to bring in the New Year. It was quite a nice time, we just hung around and enjoyed each others company. After we brought the new year in we decided to take a swim. The following day we spent at her house and swam and relaxed for the day.
For the upcoming weeks not much is planned, though we are looking at going to Rio de Janeiro.
Until Next Time
For my first weekend here it was learning about the city, and meeting all of my friend's friends. On the Saturday we went into the centro and went and taught some English at an school my friend teaches at. For the evening we went to a restaurant with some of her friends and just hung out with them for the evening. On Sunday we decided to go and visit a city nearby, São Carlos, where we met with a friend of hers to spend the evening visiting the city. It was a very laid back trip, we just went and played soccer for sometime and went to centro to see the christmas decorations. The next day we went and got some Açaí and relaxing. On Wednesday we ended up going to the gym, we originally went to try out a class called She'ba, but since we arrived so early we also went to a pump class. On Thursday we went to Quintaneja, which is Sertaneja on Thursdays. Friday we went to a birthday party that was at a chacra, which is where they normally have a pool and churrascara. Saturday I was able to go a play soccer again as well as go to a Catholic mass. Sunday, since my friend went to take her vestibular, I went with my friends sister to met up with some friends of theirs for the evening.
On the following Monday we spent time at my friend's grandparents as well as her aunts. Friday I met one of my friend's best friend and we did a sleepover at her house, me, her friend, her sister, and another friend of theirs. Saturday we went to Araraquara, which is another city nearby. There we just did some Christmas shopping as well as went and got some chinese food. That Sunday we went to a class reunion, basically, for my friend and her classmates.
The following week was Christmas week. For Brasilian tradition it is normal to have a family dinner on the Eve and spend Christmas just relaxing. Which of course is what we did, we had a massive dinner at the house and at Midnight we opened up our Christmas gifts and wished everyone a merry Christmas. For Christmas day we went to another chacra and spend the day relaxing, swimming, and eating. On Friday we went again to Quintaneja. Saturday we went and made Brigadeiro. Sunday we went again to Araraquara, this time to go see a Beatles tribune, then went and traveled around the city some.
To get to NYE. We went to my friend's godmother's house to bring in the New Year. It was quite a nice time, we just hung around and enjoyed each others company. After we brought the new year in we decided to take a swim. The following day we spent at her house and swam and relaxed for the day.
For the upcoming weeks not much is planned, though we are looking at going to Rio de Janeiro.
Until Next Time
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