2018-04-17
Dear Mum and Dad, My hair is longer and my skin darker. My family has expanded, stretching from America, England, Australia and Brazil. I have friends who speak several languages, who have grown up in the Middle East, South America, and Europe. I have argued, agreed and changed. I learned how to cook rice...
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2018-02-13
On the contrary to some grand metaphor about the silver linings of life, I was in fact, sprinting down main street looking for shelter as the after noon tropical storm set in. As usual I left my rain coat at home, having left the house during a perfectly warm and sunny morning. As the other...
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2018-01-07
I was fortunate to have my parents (de Estados Unidos) come and visit me during December. I may have cried a bit when they arrived in the airport, but I think that was also because of the “amendoim doce ” or, “sweet peanuts” we bought afterwards. They were delicious. We toured through the neighboring...
Read More2017-12-23
The scene is set. We were driving home after seeing the fluffiest, poofiest, biggest dog I have ever seen. His name was Konan, and I was given the opportunity to visit him at his home at the end of a rickety road on the top of a mountain. After I had given him hugs and...
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2017-10-04
As my mosquito bites grow in number, so does my inept ability to sit through an entire conversation acting as if I understand. As my first month of being immersed comes to an end, I realize all of the subtle, yet different changes I have made in my life with the Bento family. We always have on...
Read More2017-09-30
In the month I have lived in Brazil I have had a few “oops” and “oh shit” moments, a few more than I care to admit. My limited Spanish vocabulary has changed my language to a blurry mess between English, Spanish, Português, and a few wild hand gestures. Most likely the reason my conversations with...
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2017-09-26
As my posts on social media bring on an onslaught of questions about my days, what I am doing in Brazil, why I am taking a gap year, and more. I have realized that I have not disclosed exactly what I am doing living in a foreign world for seven months. No it's not to...
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2017-09-13
As day three of my new life comes to an end, I begin to reflect on my days in Brazil and while my time has been short here I have learned many things. There are small cultural differences such as the TV always being on, eating four meals a day; lunch being the largest, most...
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2017-09-01
The week has flown by in a flurry of lectures, field trips, impressive games of sharks and minnows, and finally learning about the tools that are necessary to aid us in the year to come. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting 130 other 18 year olds who chose to take a bridge year and who share...
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2017-08-21
As the much anticipated departure date rapidly approaches I have been tasked with gathering some important items that I will need to combat the sun and bugs in Brazil. I have taken it upon myself to make the executive decision to leave all of my clothes behind and pack my suitcases to the brim with...
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