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.
