Today I completed my first week of classes here in Brazil.
I live in a neighborhood called Flemengo with a woman who rents out three rooms in her apartment. The apartment is on the 12th floor and I can see Cristobal Redentor, the statue of Jesus, from my window...when it isn´t cloudy. The other two rooms are rented by other students of the language school. Right now a girl from Venezuela and a girl from France are also staying there. Living with students from other parts of the world gives me the opportunity to practice speaking Portuguese, as well as, learn about other countries. I especially enjoyed speaking to my friend from Venezuela about politics.
I was rather nervous about the route to school the first day because I knew to take a certain bus until a certain church and then turn right when I got to the street the school is on. Since I arrived on Sunday and it is better to avoid downtown on the weekends, I did not practice going to school. Fortunately, the girl from Venezuela went to school with me so we could figure it out together. To return home from school I usually take the metro. Learning how to get around town is always one of the more challenging aspects of moving to a new city, especially when directions are delivered in a foreign language.
I have had the opportunity to try numerous Brazilian foods already. When I arrived on Sunday, I had Mandioca (yucca) fried like potatoes. It looks just like french fries but is less soggy. Fresh fruit juice is also very common here in Brazil. I enjoy that it is often made without added sugar. Yesterday I bought acai. I have seen it in the health stores in the US but here in Brazil it is better. I think they put quite a bit of sugar in it. A common way to eat it is with granola and banana.
I usually have lunch with other students at what is similar to a buffet; however, here the weight of your food determines the amount of money you pay. Its not the all you can eat American style. They are very common in Brazil.
Although the continuous use of another language is exhausting and can be frustrating, I am enjoying the challenge.
I live in a neighborhood called Flemengo with a woman who rents out three rooms in her apartment. The apartment is on the 12th floor and I can see Cristobal Redentor, the statue of Jesus, from my window...when it isn´t cloudy. The other two rooms are rented by other students of the language school. Right now a girl from Venezuela and a girl from France are also staying there. Living with students from other parts of the world gives me the opportunity to practice speaking Portuguese, as well as, learn about other countries. I especially enjoyed speaking to my friend from Venezuela about politics.
I was rather nervous about the route to school the first day because I knew to take a certain bus until a certain church and then turn right when I got to the street the school is on. Since I arrived on Sunday and it is better to avoid downtown on the weekends, I did not practice going to school. Fortunately, the girl from Venezuela went to school with me so we could figure it out together. To return home from school I usually take the metro. Learning how to get around town is always one of the more challenging aspects of moving to a new city, especially when directions are delivered in a foreign language.
I have had the opportunity to try numerous Brazilian foods already. When I arrived on Sunday, I had Mandioca (yucca) fried like potatoes. It looks just like french fries but is less soggy. Fresh fruit juice is also very common here in Brazil. I enjoy that it is often made without added sugar. Yesterday I bought acai. I have seen it in the health stores in the US but here in Brazil it is better. I think they put quite a bit of sugar in it. A common way to eat it is with granola and banana.
I usually have lunch with other students at what is similar to a buffet; however, here the weight of your food determines the amount of money you pay. Its not the all you can eat American style. They are very common in Brazil.
Although the continuous use of another language is exhausting and can be frustrating, I am enjoying the challenge.
2 comments:
Hi Emily, how long are you staying in Rio? I'm flying to Rio in 2 weeks and I think I'm staying at the same location as you ;o)
All the best, Margo (spacemargo@gmx.de)
How interesting! You have learned so much in a short bit of time. Im hoping you find some good food in Sao Paulo and a generous woman as the Dona.
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