The Grass is Not Always Greener--At Least Not THAT Color Green

I'm about to turn over a new Banana Leaf. I've decided this month I'm gonna see and do a lot of the tourist things in Rio. Last month, I kind of acclimated to the area, immersed in trying to communicate, and find a few good friends. That's kind of behind me to some extent, so now I'm ready to see some memories, as they say.

I was in Rio about 10 years ago with some friends from NYC, so we did a lot of those touristy things--plus Elder Blad and I spent a couple of days in Rio on our way back from my missions 28 years ago. But I figure I'm old enough now I've probably forgotten most of the cool things and why not re live them as though new.

Besides with the new subway system (in place after my last trip), it'll be much easier to get around.

YOUR NUMBER ONE FAN

Which while I'm on the subject, I am a HUGE proponent of public transportation. Unless someone lives in the wilderness or the next enclave of civilization is MILES away, I'm all for taking the bus or subway.

Why we think we'd rather DRIVE everywhere, is beyond me. It's stressful, dangerous, eco-unfriendly, costly, and time consuming. I'd much prefer to pay $2.00 and sit in an air conditioned seat, read a book, watch people, or just do NOTHING, until I'm dropped off at my desired location.

For family and friends in Utah...try it next time you wanna go to SLC...take the bus, or take the train...and leave your worries behind (and your HUGE carbon footprint).

HOLE IN THE WALL

Remember I said I couldn't find a place to eat Rice and Beans. Well, MY EYES HAVE BEEN OPENED. These little restaurants, street cafes, hole-in-the-wall bodegas are literally everywhere. I just didn't know what to look for--or know how to ask. Now that I know, I can cut my cost of food, and to be honest, the food is REALLY good and cheap.

For example, For lunch today, I had a meal of rice and beans, french fries (for those of you that love your french fries, they are a staple here...every meal has french fries...without catchup...just the fries-and better than McDonalds' fries), roast beef, and a soda...all for the low, low price of $6.50 Yes, you read me right..$6.50. And mind you, this wasn't served on a plate...it was brought to my table on separate serving plates...a plate for each item so I could eat whatever portions I wanted.

Not bad huh.

My only risk is I might get SICK...but hey, my eyes are blind to that now...they'll open up the first time I catch a bug.

But for now, they are closed tight.

Brasilians eat there daily...I'm going under the assumption my stomach is no less STRONG.

UPDATES

* Still no A/C (but the last couple of nights have been less hot)

* Stlll no shared internet for my computer--but I can go to an internet store and use theirs for only $2.75 per hour

* Still no teaching jobs

* Still no decision on a Portuguese teacher...but closer

* Still no formal membership at gym...

which leads me to...

TIN ROOF RUSTED

This neighborhood gym I've been going to this past week is really a (and now my memory is failing me...what's that disease you get when you step on a rusty nail?) just waiting to happen. The equipment is probably as old or older than I am...and rusty, and dirty, and smelly, and well, GROSS. But it's close, cheap, and the people that run the place are nice.

I was thinking today, the room where they have their aerobics classes is probably no bigger than 20' by 10', no A/C, and fits only about 8 women JAMMED into it. So close that the instructor has to sometimes stand outside the door and shout counts and commands to his sweaty students.

Plus, the instructor is a 50 ish man, with a crippled left leg, so he's hopping around the class as he belts our commands.

That said, the members seem happy and content.

I think there's a life lesson there.

NO ONE in america would attend that gym...NO ONE. Yet here, they are pretty happy to have a place to go work out.

THAT SICKLY GREEN COLOR

And while I'm on that gym...lets stay there for a minute. Today I walked up the stairs to the 2nd floor and was greeted by the most disgusting new paint job. You know the color that most witches or goblins are painted during Halloween, or if you ever see snot depicted...this color. Well, someone got the bright idea to paint the gym that color. Ha Ha.

But given everything else, it's perfect.

What is it about South of the Equator countries and their love for dark colors. I don't know...and don't intend to find out.

THAT LITTLE BLUE PILL THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

So, rumor has it you can buy Viagra without prescription here. Just walk into a pharmacy and get one.

But here's the kicker...It's like $50 a pill--and half the strength as the same pill in the US. LOL

One of my roommates is thinking of doing a Viagra run up to Miami, get his Doctor to write him a prescription for 100 or so, and come down and retire.

SPEAKING OF OLD PEOPLE

One of the nice things I've noticed is that about every store, government office, trains, etc. has a separate line for people over 60, handicapped, special needs, etc. But because it's very difficult to maneuver in this city with a wheel chair, it's mostly just women over 60 that rush to that line.

10 more years and I'd be moving through the line quicker here too.

But a nice gesture, all the same.

MY-UN CALENDAR

I'm gonna try and see the movie 2012 tonight...see what I need to do in the next 2 years before it all ends.