Portuguese classes and more!

Oi!

Today was my second day of school and I can't even explain how amazing it has been! Yesterday was my first day in Portuguese classes and even though it is really hard it is so much fun! My classmates are truly becoming such good friends of mine and my proffessora Juliana is awesome. She is so pateint with us and so fofa (cute)!

The Universidad Metodista that I am attending is beautiful and the staff are so welcoming! My friend Andrea and I joined the gym on campus and were able to get some personal training today, which was super fun. We also were given a class on Capoeira today. For the many of you shaking your head trying to even say the word, it is an african-brazilian dance that is practiced here in Brazil and all around the world. The dance is a combination of marshal arts and dance and was created by the african slaves a long time ago. The dancing includes beautiful music, instruments and singing which we all got to take part in. It was truly one of the most amazing experiences and the professor was an amazing instructor and dancer! He made the class so much fun and really inspired us to join together in the spirit of Capoeira! I am looking forward to sharing my videos with you all!

As an added bonus I have also decided to share with you all a few things that are a must know when traveling to Brazil....other wise you find out the hard way like some of us on the trip ha ha ha!

1. Brigadeiros are AMAZING!!! It is a little chocolate doce (dessert) that is one of the best things I have ever eaten and I hope you all get to try one some day.
2. The clothing is not cheap and Brazil is not the place for shopping on a budget!
3. Most Brazilians speak very little to no English so you may want to come prepared with a little bit of knowledge in Portuguese.
4. You have to put your toilet paper (after being used) into a trash can by the toilet. I know this is not ideal for Americans and seems totally strange, but the plumbing in Brazil can't handle all the paper so everywhere you go you must dispose of the paper in the garbage or you have to pay the plumber.
5. Brazilians are very outgoing people and you always kiss each others cheek when you say hello. It is actually very nice and immediately helps you to feel close to people.
6. This one is one of my favorites...everything in a wrapper says if it contains gluten or not on the back label! It is absolutely wonderful and makes eating so much easier for me.
7. Another favorite is the coffee. You drink it in a small glass, but it is very strong and very good! A little goes a long way as my mother used to say.

Anyways that is all for now because I am going out with minha amigos.

Enjoy!