Day 7- Segunda 23/5/11

If any of you know me, you would know that I don’t prefer a purse, rather I don’t even like carrying one. Instead I prefer a drawstring bag. Apparently drawstring bags are not as popular here, and I am the minority. With that being said, I have discovered it’s not smart to have one of these bags due to the chance of theft. What did I do? Yes, I caved, and I bought a purse at the market. I must say, that I actually like my purse a lot and it does add a stylish vibe to my soccer look. Anyways, today was a day to be independent. Me independent? … noooo. I found my way through Niteroi by myself and learned more about the bus routes. It’s actually really safe in this town, I mean it’s just like any other town, there are going to be thefts anywhere. During my little excursion on my own I just observe my surroundings and take in everything that is different. I have noticed that Brazilians are probably some of the warmest people I have ever come across. With that in mind, I have discovered here that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Every first impression that I have had has been wrong. Example: the house I am staying at doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once I stepped inside it was a whole other world. I will provide pictures, it’s a beautiful casa. Instinctively humans judge other humans on their first impression, but every time I “judge” (I like the word analyze better), “analyze”, I find out that they are opposite of what I thought. If you smile, they smile. If they see that you are trying to incorporate yourself in their culture, they catch you a break. I nearly ran this old lady over, and thinking she was going to give me a mean look, I smiled and gave her an apologetic gesture. To my surprise she gave me a big smile and went on her way. I will never forget that moment of gratitude. When I am sitting alone on the bus, some people have tried to talk to me and I just laugh and smile pretending like I understand. That is, until they ask me a question and I willingly give up my secret that “Eu nao falo Portugues” (I don’t follow Portuguese).  

Now for the BEST PART. I finally went to Icarai Beach at night to learn about where I will be coaching! IT’S AN AMAZING VIEW!!! Rio de Janeiro is across the bay and you can see the sugar loaf and a small outline of the Christ redeemer. The city is reflecting off the water and there are mountains everywhere around me. Pictures won’t even do this view justice. One of the projects abroad representatives lived at this beach when she was younger and said that Rio is known as the wondrous city. She said that the view is known as a mial (sp?) because it is the best view of the wondrous city. The beach has lights lighting the whole thing up, so people can play futebol at all hours. I am in soccer heaven. For this placement one of the representatives bought me a uniform. GUESS WHAT?! The best sign I have ever had in my life…! I tried on a jersey and it was the number 39 (my old soccer number). I did not even know that I got a number on my jersey, and later when I looked to see what number I got… number 19. I was jumping with happiness, definitely a sign. I am really excited! My first day is tomorrow eekJ, but the pressure is on for me to learn Portuguese. I started to slack, but I got my motivation back. I spent about two to three hours speaking Portuguese with my host dad and we had a conversation about a lot, but mostly sports and what is good to have for soccer. Like bananas, Gatorade, and chocolate milk after. Milk= leche. We are both teaching each other, and it is so much fun. I have never had so much fun learning something or had so much motivation to learn something. Patience: word to live by this trip.

Ok… let me give a little bit of background information. There is a hill (well two technically) that I have to walk up to my casa from the bus stop, and let me tell you this hill is torture. I get tired walking up it, but I am going to have the strongest calves because it is very steep. (I know I am athletic because I am one of the few that does not stop for a break halfway up the hill lol). I have created a challenge for myself. Here it is: after every session of futebol that I coach on the beach I have to run up this hill. My hope is by the end of these 2 months, I will be able to make it up both hills without stopping. If you have not encountered this hill in person then you can’t see how hard this challenge is. To be honest, I don’t even know if I can complete this challenge, but I am confident and I will let you know as time goes by.