Only in Brazil...

Only in Brazil:  One day, while waiting for Andy, I got a Coke from a little bar/corner store. I paid for the Coke and drank it on the street in front of the bar while waiting.  I wasn't expecting to get my change, but I guess the 'moco' or waiter thought that I was because he came out to me with 2 pieces of candy and explained to me that he did not have the 20 'centavos' or cents that would have been my change. Only in Brazil is it ok to give candy in lieu of change!

Only in Brazil:  My good friend Luciana had her baby on September 24th! While driving to the hospital to visit her, I was informed of a 'holiday' that will take place here in Sao Paulo when the World Cup comes to town... due to Sao Paulo not being ready to host any more than the 18 million people that already live here, they have declared a holiday for the opening game! WHAT? It almost makes me want to stay for another few years! Only in Brazil!

*** As I mentioned above, my good friend Luciana had her baby! Welcome to the world Isabella!  Dru has a new best friend (and a little hair envy)!  I am so happy for my friend and her new family!  That little Bella is a fighter and so is her Mama :)  Lu, Bella is so lucky to have you as a mom. You have already showed her how strong you are and how much you love her. Parabens!

Only in Brazil:  Let the nanny adventures begin! Only in Brazil would I have a nanny whom I cannot communicate with... ummm, yeah, awkward!  It's day four with our 'baba' and things are going... ok.  We'll see how the month goes! If my Portuguese doesn't improve now I'm doomed!

A short list of other ways I've tried to learn Portuguese over the past two years:

1. Portuguese lessons on CD - helped a little, but very boring

2. Reading subtitles on TV - they're too fast

3. Language books - boring

4. Portuguese friends - would eventually revert back to English as they like to practice their English

5. Portuguese classes offered at school - helped a little but after teaching all day it was hard to concentrate

6. My neighbor - he came over one day to ask if I could help him with his English. I thought this would be a good way for us both to learn but he never came back

7. Rosetta Stone - it's helping but it's hard to find the time... like all my excuses so far!

8. Reading books to Dru - I enjoy this and I think Andy does too because he laughs at my pronunciation! 

9. Our baba - is there hope after all?!

Beijos, beijos