Now That's a Brief, Santa

Sometimes you just have to wait for things to happen on their own timeframe.

Today, I THINK i finally found a Portuguese tutor. She responded to my ad a week ago, and today I met her. At first sight, well, she seems a bit scattered and frazzled. And that she may be. But after spending an hour with here, and looking at some things she can--and will--do to help me perfect my language skills, we agreed to TWO sessions per week of 1 1/2 hours each. And only $23 per session.

I start next Tuesday. So better late than never.

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS

Finally, after seeing Santa dressed in full fur coat, belt, etc. in most stores around the city, I came across a Santa that better fits the southern climate. Take a look. Now THAT is how Santa should be dressed here in Rio. And he's parked right in front of my supermarket.

SPEAKING OF GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES

As my professor of Portuguese was going through some stuff, I don't know how it came up, but we got around to me living n Rio. She took a look at me and her assessment was that from the waist up to the neck, I looked Brasilian (I had on a simple tshirt). Then she said, from the waist down, you're very American, pointing out that i was wearing shorts with a madres pattern--apparently, they don't do Madres down here. And the shorts were kind of baggy, which they also don't go for. Then to my gym shoes and socks...again a dead giveaway she thought.

I had to laugh. As did she, but then she followed up with something very wise. She pointed out that dress patterns were all very regional, not right or wrong. To drive down here point, she pointed out the swim wear here in Brasil. For women, it's barely dental floss in the back and a bikini top. For the men, the small brief style bathing suits. She then said, but it's not a sign of immodesty. It's just that brasilians appreciate a beautiful body and a nice butt. :)

To make her point, she pointed out that in Europe, the women go topless...but here, that is COMPLETELY taboo! No one goes topless...NEVER. Yet in Europe, going topless is no more "sexy" or "immodest" than the brasilian woman wearing a very skimpy swimsuit.

And I have to say she's probably right. To a muslim nation, looking at the young girls in full piece bathing suits at a YMYW ward swim activity would be completely scandelous...Immodest, and a shere portrayal of a promiscuous young woman--one that doesn't adhere to God's rules of modesty. Yet, most Mormons would see the one piece suit as completely modest and appropriate.

So...the next time you see someone from another nation (or neighborhood) wearing certain things, take into mind that it's all regional...and may have nothing to do with modesty, religion, or self worth.

SLEEPING IN A STRANGER'S BED

Well, that stranger is my new apartment. And tonight is the first night in it...WITH a A/C. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.