My Life Is A Joke

No seriously though. Since I have essentially been running around like a chicken with its head cut off these past two weeks I haven't really had a chance to sit down and reflect on how incredibly privileged I am. Not only am I a white, middle-class, American female, but I also have a family who is financially stable and values education enough to send me to a college that supports adventures like the one I am embarking on.

I don't know exactly what I expected when I signed up for this program, especially when it came to the homestay aspect. I love meeting new people and since I did not grow up in your typical nuclear family I somewhat craved the experience that living with a homestay family would provide. The Perini's are basically the "American Dream" family transplanted to Sao Paulo and I am in love with it. My "parents" have been together since they were fifteen, we have happy hour every friday with their parents, host siblings, and friends, and I have a golden retriever named Frej for godsakes. I really don't know their exact economic bracket but the Perini's are well-off enough to have a housekeeper and a cook. I am incredibly thankful for my upbringing and wouldn't trade it for the world, but it's incredible to experience a lifestyle that is both foreign in location and in practice. I come home, have a delicious homecooked dinner with the whole family, and then watch soap operas with everyone in Portuguese until it's time to pretend to do homework. To say I am privileged would be the understatement of the century.

Did I mention that the Perini's have a beach apartment at Guaruja, which is probably the prettiest island I HAVE EVER BEEN TO EVER. Well. Actually the only island. But I digress. See what I said about my life being a joke. After Friday family happy hour, my host fam, Allegra, and I packed into our car and drove to Guaruja which is about 2 hours outside of Sao Paulo. Eager to escape the dirtiest and biggest city we have ever experienced Allegra and I could not contain our excitement as soon as we got to the beach. There were clear blue waters, islands raising above the ocean mist, and girls and boys alike in the smallest bikini's ever. It really was a Brazilian paradise come to life. I spent all day drinking Skol (which is a popular beer here) and tanning on the beach because my parents and host sister are probably the biggest peer pressurers ever when it comes to drinking. Once our parents went back to the apartment Allegra and I talked with our sister Carol and her 8+ friends who for the most part spoke English! They were super super cool and would not stop saying "shut up bitch" in English. They thought it was freaking hilarious. We also taught them Flip Cup which they were in love with and we got the ultimate compliment from our sister that we were the best host siblings that they have hosted. So cheers to that!

Sunday Allegra and I went to Liberdade, which is the largest Japanese community in the world outside of Japan. They have this huge Sunday outdoor market full of trinkets, food, and gifts. I bought a headband, a ring, a necklace with a pepper on it, 2 plates for my South African host families, and this yummy cake thing from a food stand that I can't remember. I wanted to buy a succulent because it was only 5 Reals but I could not possibly keep it alive. Or get it through customs. Oh, and I finally ran today which is good because I am convinced that my family is trying to kill me because they feed me too much every day. But if that is my biggest problem then my life is actually a joke. Also, my dad just called me out for not being deep enough in my blog posts so apologies to the five of you who read my blog. I'm just tired all the time and leave blog writing until 11PM. Perhaps I will write one with more pizzaz during one of the classes that I'm not paying attention to tomorrow. Ciao!

 How crowded my subway ride is every day. No wonder I'm always late to class. 

Me and my host dog Frej just palin' around

 Our big ol' Brazilian/Italian Family after Happy Hour!

 Getting nutty with a coconut on the beach

Guaruja, AKA PARADISE

 Teaching Brazilians Flip Cup. He lost. 

 Those yummy and weird cakes I ate at Liberdade

My favorite picture from the market. 

On a more serious note, my thoughts and prayers go out to DC and the families of those who were affected by the atrocity that occurred at the Navy Yard today. While in a country that is constantly being characterized by its crime, it is sad to see my own country affected by such a preventable tragedy. I suggest we abide by Chris Rock's words of wisdom.