I lived in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil as an exchange student. I learned how to speak Portuguese fluently. I lived with two different host moms. I met other exchange students from all over the world. I cried. I took a surfing lesson. My family came to visit me. I laughed. I studied in…
All posts tagged Natal
On The Outside Looking In
My second host mom’s son Luis is in Newton, Iowa for his exchange. He’s in the middle of his senior year, and as such, is eligible to go to Prom. He recently asked a girl to go with him, and she said yes. How did he ask? A sign and flowers. Nelly showed me…
The Carnaval Post
Carnaval is absolutely insane. Words cannot do it justice, but I am going to do my best to try. I asked my host mom if Carnaval was to celebrate anything specific. She thought about it for a few seconds, and then told me that Carnaval was just Carnaval and they celebrate to celebrate. I did…
Carnaval: A Prequel
Pretty short post, but I figured I would give you some idea about what is to come. Carnaval doesn’t officially start until Saturday, and yet the whole city is all already gearing up. I had no idea how big Carnaval is until now. I still can’t fully grasp the concept. But the entire country is…
Seventeen Days
I have been in Brazil for seventeen days today! It feels like a century. When I come home I fall into bed and sleep and then I can’t remember what happened the previous day even though everything and then some happened. I could say that four million more times but it wouldn’t make it…