Adventures of Living Abroad

So today I had the dance rehearsal for the upcoming show next Sunday. What a great day it turned out to be even though at first I was a little bummed to cut my tanning time  short at the pool on this beautiful Sunday. So the afternoon began with a stage makeup session. Now I have worn stage makeup before, but I wasn't sure if these Brazilians did it differently so I showed up at the class. I explained to the Lin, the head dance teacher who also speaks some English, that I don't have any makeup "stage worthy" here in Brazil. I through all that stuff out before moving here...I mean, come on, I didn't plan on wearing my bright blue eye shadow again anytime soon. haha. So Lin, being the smart and friendly person she is, decided to use me as the model for the day to show everyone how to apply their makeup. It made the most sense because I wouldn't be able to understand what she was explaining or be able to talk to the other women about it...

Last weekend we had a 3 1/2 day weekend for Brazil's independence day. I went with a new group of friends this time. I've decided I really need to live AT the beach. I absolutely love the feeling of walking on the sand and basking in the sun while listening to the sound of the ocean. It is so relaxing. Unfortunately, the trip TO the beach was NOT so relaxing. The 4 1/2 hour drive took us 10 hours! There is only one main highway to get there and there are spots where it goes down to one lane due to construction. I became excited thinking soon the construction will be done and there will be more lanes! But I quickly learned that this project has been going on for over 5 years now...soooo no hope for an extra lane anytime soon. All I have to say is God Bless America and it's highway systems. :) It was quite entertaining watching people walk up and down the highway, as the car sat as if they were in parking lot, selling things..water, snacks, tea towels, cell phone car char...

I've really been slacking with my blog lately. I just realized it has been a month since I last wrote. I have been keeping very busy with work and dance that I have not had the energy to write. I'm going to try to give a quick update on what has been going on during the last month. I'm loving my dance classes! On Mondays and Wednesdays I have ballet and hip hop and Tuesday is samba night! (5 1/2 hrs. each week) I really haven't been home much during the weekend except to eat dinner, check emails, and sleep. But I do enjoy being busy and doing what I love. It's also very nice to be around Portuguese speakers. I love my coworkers, but it is so liberating to get out on my own. :) I need to get the courage to start to practice speaking in front of them now! The people at dance have been very friendly and supportive. There was a Halloween Party at our school. It was unbelievable...Halloween is not a big holiday here in Brazil and only in the last few years has it gr...