2/16/13

Time is flying lately.

I didn't even realize it's been so long since I wrote my blog, it's only felt like a day or two. As usual, it's been exciting, fun, and I've been getting a lot out of it.

I'm quickly realizing that there is not much of a point of me trying to explain the specifics of a lot of what I do here, there's just so much where you would have to be in my shoes experiencing it if that makes sense. I assume that's the same with just about everyone's study abroad experience, and probably why you don't hear too many stories from friends who go abroad.

However, I'll be happy to point out some notable moments in the past few days. Tuesday we had a fantastic time in the streets celebrating the last night of Carnaval! There would be conga lines that spontaneously formed and people would just run by, suck you in, and take you around the party. It was so much fun, I never would've expected that doing something so simple would be such a cool moment! I definitely got molested by some less than attractive girl, which was weird, but I ended up having an incredible night regardless. Everyone is so happy here during Carnaval, regardless of race, social class, etc. It's like the 4th of July... for 5 days.

Wednesday was great for different reasons. Sarah, Kasey, Kari and I went to a Catholic mass downtown for Ash Wednesday. Now, I may not be Catholic, but as a Christian I figured it was definitely fitting to go to a service. What an experience! The church was just gorgeous inside and out, and it was wonderful to go the service with those girls and have some holy moments.

Yeah, that was kind of cool.

I just want to say, the majority of the stories that make it onto the blog are partying-related, and I realize that. It just happens to be that the funny, memorable stories tend to happen while partying. My point is, don't be misconceived. I truly don't just party all the time here, I do a lot of just hanging out, working out, cooking, napping, etc that doesn't involve a party atmosphere. It's just that it would very be boring if I told all the small details of my daily life you know?

Thursday night Luis took me, Fuadi, and Vinay out to Novo Hamburgo, a city about 45 minutes away, where we had an excellent night. I neglected to bring my camera, but we had a great time at this upscale bar and later at this nightclub where they were bumping all kinds of American hip hop from like 2009 (the stuff I happen to know word for word) and the mainstream cliche electronic music that you hear everywhere here. It's like they only know of 5 electro songs, and they play them on repeat. I swear, I will never listen to Levels or Don't You Worry Child casually again after this trip.

Last night was pretty cool. Kal and I went out to Thomas Pub in Padre Chagas with these two Brazilian friends we made from Sao Paulo, which was a great time. Your typical Brazilian night out... packed bar with gorgeous ladies, good times with the friends, got home around 4 or 430. The guys we went out with are truly remarkable individuals. One, named Luca, is a lawyer here in Brasil, and we talked for a while about our passions in law, legal theory, and such. It was refreshing to have conversations about law again, made me look forward to LSJ in the spring actually. Very fun night for sure.

And now, just chillin in a beanbag chair, with no real plans today. I'll probably continue my endeavors into Game of Thrones again, God that book is good.

Praying for all you back home, hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day and such.

~ 2/16/13