Food For Thought

Whether you are a travler of the world or your own back yeard, I think you all can relate to the facts of trying to find one's true self and the meaning to all your discoveries.

The exploration of self and the physical world takes great time and consideration. It will not happen in one sitting, and it may not even happen in one lifetime, however, if we try, and I am trying, in that trying we dicover the relationship between our body, mind and the outside world.

Just observing these relationships is enough for now.

And so, I have discovered that for me; life is living wihtout wanting. Because through wanting I create need, and through need there is conflict. And without conflict I am alive and enjoying living.

Take it or leave it, but one thing is certain, acceptance of the inevitable will get you a very long way. It is what is, righ now.

"Life has more imagination than we carry in our dreams."

Excellent Beer

Good friends, great food, and excellent beer make up the perfect evening. To night I want out with my neighbors, and thier children, both of whom are just my same age, and we ate the best steak I have EVER had in my life, served with powdered corn, chilies and salsa, not to mention really good beer - sweet and smooth with a nice aftertaste; and the best part was I got to have my very OWN bottle! None of that "sneaking little sips at the dinner table." Oh no! This was served to me in my very own glass! Ha! What a novelty!

Brazilians, and anyone for that matter who can speak Portuguese, are very intellegent. They have words for things that we Americans can't even pronounce let alone allow into our vocabulary! They are such intellegent people, I just wish I could understand HALF the things being said. They talk so quickly and with such enthusiasm, that I can only pick up the intonations of their conversations, which is great, but I really would like to be PART of their discussion.

I also like the fact that when someone does somehting that you don't like, you don't just call them one bad name in Portuguese, oh no, you string together a whole stream of awful things and say them with a force meant only for the table or chair upon which you stubbed your toe!

Also, don't ever complain about bad drivers agian, until you have been to Brazil. Stop signs-none existent, cross walks-yeah right (fear for your life when you cross the street), stop lights-just a suggestion (even the red ones!). People drive so close to one another that you might as well just RELAX, or become oblivious, because when you get out of the car, your nerves will be a big knot and fried over REALLY hot oil. Oh, and into that mix, add horse drawn carts, filled with pineapples, and garbage! WHAT A TRIP! This place is awsome!

I have been to the beach three days running. I hope to make tomorrow my fourth, weather permitting. (And for all the mothers out there, yes, I DO use suncreen!)

Hope all is well in your lives.
Much love and many good thoughts.

Kiss, Kiss

SAMBA

Imagine music, great music coursing through your entire body. The beat consumes you and your being is moving from the inside out. First you let your head go swaying to the beat, then you move your shoulders from side to side, back and forth, then your hips and waist jive to the rhythm of the music, then come your feet, oh your feet are moving at a speed you didn't quite think was possible. Your whole body is moving, moving, moving. It is enlivening and the most "Get Down Boogie Free Form Dance" imaginable.

On Friday, I saw the best concert in the world. They were, Monobloco and Bloco Bleque. Simply put, SPECTACULAR!
Inside this funky little wooden gazebo type deal, overlooking the ocean with palm trees, and a warm breeze, there were crammed over 2,000 people, yes that is TWO THOUSAND people. Bodies were so close there was barely room to dance, but we managed, oh yes, we managed to dance!

Liberation

Liberation comes in very small incriments. (At least for me). This morning I went for a walk to the near by park ALL BY MYSELF. It was the best thing ever. I felt free and unafraid, even after all the stories I heard about being too careful.

The park is filled with green grass, luscious flowers, magnificent rock formations and small ponds teaming with turtles and huge fish. There are geese and chickens running wild and birds who squak in the trees. There are paved path ways but also small rilling hills for one to scamper up, and at the top the most beautiful view of Vitoria. I watched as the sun peeked through the clouds and I turned North in the direction of home and said a little hello and wished you all well.

Now, I'm off to the beach.

sorrisos e beijos (smiles and kisses) from afar!

Music

Music is everywhere. Eveyone whistles and sings, eveyone has a rhythm, everyone can sing and sounds REALLY good. Artur (my Brazilian brother) told me that when you play music, you play it for eveyone, not just for you in your car or at home. As a result, you get the best speakers on the plnet and play your music as loud as humanly possible. (The "pimped out rides" of Norht America would be put to shame by the amount of money spent on speakers here in Brazil). It is wonderful! Tonight I have my first Engligh lesson with my host family. (Wish me luck!) Tomorrow I get my first taste of Samba!

More about that to come...

Love to all. NEVER STOP THE MUSIC!

Father's Day in Brazil

Today is Father's Day here in Brazil and this morning I went to church with the Borbosas (my host family). Wow, no one here can be tone deaf. It is absolutely impossible. I mean for the 20 minutes that they sang it was as if I was in a cathedral filled with hundreds of people, but instead it was about fifteen max-impecable to say the least. After, we had lunch here and the house we ate and drank and played cards! (Such a wonderful universail game!) I am swiftly becomeing the "best" playing at the game HOLE (a rough translationg, but that's the jist of it).

I am finally beginning to settle into life here in Vitoria. I am slowing finding my placeby being patient, always smiling, and doing my best to understand Portuguese. It is said to be one of the most difficult languages to learn.

Tomorrow starts my official teaching lessons. wish me luck and thanks to those who have commented! I do read them!

Love always

My Big Fat Brazilian Birthday Party (Uncle CRAZY included)

Yes, I went to my first Brazilian Birthday Party. It was... what's the word... VERY LOUD. No, no, much more than that. It was full of life and enerygy and everyone talking truly loved everyone else. I learned that no metter when you are, that is home. Just kidding! I learned that everywhere in the world people are exactly the same. Family is important to eveyone and that's a fact of life.

Here in Vitoria

I have finally arrived in Vitoria after months of planning and e-mail to my host family. They are everyting I expected and more. Life here is wonderful and I can't wait to hear from you all! I'll try and write more often now. (Shorter but hopefully more!) Pictures will come! Hugs and kisses to all!