Missing my nonexistent iPod

I often get jealous of people I see walking around Salvador (Brazil not El Salvador the country for those not paying attention) jamming to their music listening to their iPods. Mainly because I don't feel comfortable enough to walk around here with headphones on... I rarely have headphones on both ears even at home. Though its not recommended, I did go to the mall all by myself this week in the afternoon and it was so nice to get to linger and the freedom to dawdle at every store.

However, some stores were playing some music and I can't even tell you how much I loved hearing that music. It's such a part of my everyday life. Here, unfortunately I don't have that luxury because my phone takes more energy here on WiFi and takes twice as long to charge than at home. But its nice to be unplugged anyway. At the mall though, I was walking through a store with some volunteers and Bad Romance started playing and I realized how much I missed English pop music and my morning show on z100 and just generally being able to say and do whatever I want without the fear of a language barrier or being lost in translation. 

Of course there is always Tuesday night at Pelourinho... Man that was amazing! They are the very definition of dancing in the street. So I certainly haven't forgotten about all of the kick ass music in Brazil. Including the
capoeira class we had yesterday that I totally want to keep taking when I get back to New York! One hour of that and my rear was sore just 2 hours later! That's a work out (and defense technique) I'd love to continue!

This weekend I'm off to Morro de Bahia - a lively tourist destination that will be a welcomed time of rest, relaxation and hot showers at any time of day! More to come!

- Zulay

My First International Volunteer Experience

Today as part of our first day, Vinny had us say a word that represents why we chose to come to Brazil with (Cross-Cultural Solutions). My word was spirit. A few other words  floated around like education, experience, give-back, etc.  Then he had us say a word to describe our first day. As fast as we were able to summarize months of planning and anticipation I felt like we all had a tough time choosing just one word to summarize our first day. I'm not really sure I had one. But one word that someone managed to come up with was humble.

Now volunteering abroad, this is of course going to make u feel a certain sense of humility and how much you wish you didn't take for granted the things you have. But what's been even more eye opening is the culture of helping people and how much service is just something u do for your community. People can tell u things like "it's just a part of their culture" but when it's in your face, its pretty hard to ignore.

Of course there are the occasional American misnomers and random references -- like at the beach when this man trying to sell a foot massage by repeating "Rocky Balboa! Rocky Balboa!," as if we were boxing champions or wanted a foot message from someone 20 years late in their American POP culture? I would have considered the offer if he at least started singing Justin Beiber. (Before you lose all respect and credibility for this blog ... I'm kidding on that last point) Another lady asked a bizarre question while out shopping for yummy Brazilian snacks, when she realized we were American: "Ooooh, so do you remember Britney Spears?" -- Come on Brit Brit, my 90s inner child yearns for your comeback and return of yellow pythons.

Of course the food is ridiculous. I can't believe how amazing banana is in everything (though pretty certain its actually sweet plantain, though I can see the cooks hesitation to declare this ingredient. Banana is safe and friendly to non Latino influenced households. Maduros is hard and scary with a rolling r in it. Banana and beef pot pie it is!) Including cheese! Who knew parmesan goes with everything too!! The bread is SO delish, the fruit so sweet and juicy, but after the banana and beef pot pie dish, my favorite dish so far is the chicken made like Pollo Asado (boiled in sauce). I will def be hanging out in the kitchen to learn those recipes and bring the right spices!

We are in the mist if planning our weekend getaway and it looks like Morro de Sao Paulo is going to be our destination. Beach, restaurants, boardwalk and more! Def will post more pics.

Of course, a lady was wearing a Lady Gaga t-shirt with matching Poker Face sunglasses ... At night. Oh yeah, this was totally meant to be. Boa noite!

~Z

P.S. Please find more pics on Facebook or Google Plus. I will try to upload on Flickr too, screen name pocahantaz19.