Second Try at Brazil & Life

Second Try...Good Effort..Bye Brasil...For Now

2010-01-17T20:42:00.004-02:00

The Gringo has landed.

Yep, at around 5:30 a.m. EST I landed in Charlotte, NC, went through customs and after a short stint at the food bar, boarded the one hour and 1/2 flight to NYC--Newark actually.

So easy (except that I sat next to two little babies that wanted to cry half the flight--I almost became one of those angry single men inconvenienced by crying babies, but caught myself--realizing that I HATE those type of people. It's not like the parents weren't trying to quiet the babies. The babies were just having none of it)...and at each stop, I felt it getting colder and I had to start layering clothes. When I finally got to my front door, I was officially COLD even though I had on a couple of layers--although not a coat.

But I'm home in my shared apartment with David--my NYC roomie. And my two pieces of luggage sit here waiting for me to give them some attention. I don't have the desire or drive to unpack them just yet. I'll get around to it, hopefully, tomorrow.

MEMORIES LIGHT THE CORNERS OF MY MIND

Lots of good times. New friends I think I'll have for life (or hope to). Maybe an apartment in Copacabana that I, friends and family can enjoy. A renewed interest and love for the language. A sincere appreciation for the Brasilian people. A love for the beautiful scenery and beaches. A desire to eat rice and beans and a lot of other good foods.

I could go on, but all in all, I'm very pleased I took the RISK, the CHANCE, and the BREAK from my life here and experienced 3 months in the Southern Hemisphere. A country soon to become a world power...and a friend for life.

Did I get a second try at life? Well, that was a bit dramatic to begin with, don't you think. But did I gain new perspectives? New understandings? New friends? New experiences and choices that might alter my life moving forward. YES.

So maybe not a second try...but instead a good effort to return to a place of my youth and experience anew as a grown man.

I'm glad I did, and I would recommend it to any and all.

Boa Noite.

D Day...Departure Day

2010-01-16T09:46:00.004-02:00

This morning I woke up (after a good nitght's sleep--the night rain cooled down the apartment and I slept well), packed some more things and then decided...I wanna experience the morning on the beach one more time.

So I gather up all my loose change (I've been trying to use that now for the past couple of days), paid out over 7 reais in coins at the corner pastry/juice shop (yes I got some evil looks--but bus drivers give the worst evil looks when it comes to loose change), and walked to the be beach.

The morning sun was beautiful, warm, fresh from the evenings rain, and people were just getting started with their days. The beach vendors were setting up shop, all the hotels were receiving their fresh produce for the day's meals, and some early morning joggers were taking advantage of the non-crowded beaches. I like this time of the morning in Brasil.

I took a walk up to the mid point of Copacabana beach, where I'd enter the beach if I buy the apartment, just to see what type of crowd it draws. Being that the JW Marriott hotel is RIGHT there, well I'm not sure why I thought it would be anything less than very nice. And it was.

For some reason, maybe anxiety or stress, I almost didn't make it back to the apt before my lower end let loose...luckly within seconds I was on the safety of my toilet seat and all is right again with the world.

TAKE A PICTURE

This whole time I've been without a camera. Today I finally broke out the one I bought at Christmas and took some pictures of the new apartment and area.

I also spent some time with the Designer and my real estate people. the place looks good...I'll show you someday.

TAKE ME TO THE CIRCUS

Mark, Max and I are going to one of the proudctions of Cirque de Soilei here in Rio. It's kind of a farewell event for me, as right after, I'll have a bit of time to finish packing and then head to the airport.

In fact, I just got back from the show...I liked it...I always do those shows, but I'd seen this one before. It's the one Doug, Becky and I saw in NYC about 8 or 9 years ago...maybe even 10 or 11...wow, how time flies.

Anyway, now I have to finalize packing and head to the airport, so I'll write something tomorrow or Monday when I actually get around to unpacking this.

BYE BRASIL

I'm sad to leave. It's been a GREAT 3 months...it's gone by way to fast now--they always do when you get to the end.

What I've learned: I learned I loved Brasil when I came here as a missionary and even though I'm 30 years older and my life is very different with different perspectives, I still love the country and it's people. It's been fun to remember sounds and smells and cultural things. It's been a challenge to try and relearn the language, but I dare say that at this point I can get along ok. I'm not fluent by any means, but I can communicate with most everyone ON my level. And each day it becomes easier. And each day I'm more able to venture into new areas of discussion I couldn't the week or month before.

When I arrived both times in Brasil, I could understand very little. When as a missionary, I remember my breaking through day/night was when I dreamt in Portuguese for the first time. I haven't done that here yet, so I don't think I've broken through, but I dare say it could happen.

I'll head now to the airport. I finally got my camera working today, so took some pictures of the apartment I'm looking to buy, and I'll try and figure out how to post them here.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for being part of my life.

One or two more posts to come...so just hold on.

Back to the cold, and the Good Ole USA. As much as I love Brasil, I ADORE the USA.

Brett

It's the Night Before Return to USA Day...

2010-01-15T19:57:00.002-02:00

It's true, it's the night before I return to the USA. I can't believe it myself. But it's reality. I find myself looking at stores, streets, products, foods, buses, sidewalks, beaches differently...you know, the last time I'll do X, etc.

And just when the city's really getting excited about hosting the World Cup and the Olympic Games.

But maybe I'll be able to be here for that...

LET IT RAIN, LET IT RAIN, LET IT RAIN

Last night we had a major thunder/lightening and rain storm. I love that. I always have. And today we've had cloudy skies, but no rain to speak of yet. Although the skies do look threatening. I think it's supposed to rain a bit tomorrow for sure and then a lot of rain on Sunday. So let it rain as far as I'm concerned. I'm heading to bitter cold anyway, so what's a little warm rain amongst friends.

THE LITTLE APARTMENT THAT COULD

Today I spent a good portion of my day waiting for things to happen on the apartment. Around 3 p.m. my agent and I met with the selling agent. Now I don't speak perfect Portuguese, but from the minute we sat down, I could tell the selling agent was trying to establish himself as the ALPHA DOG. To the point he yelled out..."then we have nothing more to talk about...the deals off", which caused me to look at my realtor and he responded back rather cooley, again in an Alpha Dog manner...well if you'd passed the information we requested we wouldn't be having this conversation now...and it went back and forth like that for a few minutes.

By the time the meeting was over, we were all friends again.

Business here is similar in many ways and different in many ways from the US. We have our share of Alpha Dog Wanna-bes, and they do too.

In the end, business does get done, and slowly we are creeping closer to resolution on this sale.

One important thing that came out of our 30 minute meeting was that all other 11 condo owners have to sign off on it before I pay any money, and two are traveling, so I guess I don't pay the offer amount until we get those signatures...which could be 1-2 weeks, it looks like.

I'm OK with that.

I also waited for over 1 1/2 hours to view the architectual drawings of the new place. As of yet, I've yet to see it...long story, but to summarize into one sentece--the realtor only had one hard disk drive and it was in the a meeting with the owner of the company. :")

If all goes well, I'll go back shortly and sit with the designer and realtor and review the drawings. I'm excited to see if my vision was able to play out in the space.

PACKING IS A PAIN

I started packing my bag today. I have a lot of stuff, and not sure I'll get it all in, but I have to so THERE IS A WILL AND I'LL FIND A WAY--maybe.

The question then becomes, what do I leave behind?

HOPING FOR ONE MORE NIGHT IN COOL BLISS

I'm hoping that Mark will let me sleep one more night at his hotel, but I'm not gonna push it. I texted him earlier today, and he hasn't responded to it, so if not, I'll camp out here. It has cooled down quit a bit because of the rain, so I can survive.

OK, last night here in Rio...what to do, what to do?

Two, Two, Two Blog Postings in One

2010-01-14T20:46:00.003-02:00

So I got really busy and then went to sleep in Mark's A/C'd hotel room, so I wasn't able to post anything here. Why not post two days in one then?

YESTERDAY, ALL MY TROUBLES...WELL YOU KNOW THE SONG

So yesterday I spent most of the day trying to work through getting a Brasilian SSNish, and issues with the apartment.

Before anything, I went with my realtor to see another apt...which conceptually is good, but in reality--a mess. Even more so of a mess than this one. And the guy living in the place was doing the HARD SELL...i hate that more than the realtor doing it.

After that, I went into Ipanema to get a Brasilian SSN number, which they call a CPF number, and apparently need it for everything here. To get it, you have to go to the Banco do Brasil...and you get a chance to talk to a guy that takes your information and then he passes you to another woman that give you a NUMBER, in which you then are told to go upstairs and wait until your number is called. You then pay about $3 to process the number, and then you are told to go to another building tomorrow and you will GET the number, but not the actual card...that will be mailed to me in about a month. This first process of paying took about one hour. This kind of gives you an idea of the bureaucracy in this country.

Spent some time again with the realtors...going over some issues, and resovled to get some designs done on the new apt by Thursday.

I was able to squeeze in an hour at the beach too, which is always nice. I'm gonna miss those squeezed in hours at the beach.

BEST NEWS OF THE DAY

I slept in Mark's second bed in PURE BLISS. Almost 9 hours of chilled ecstacy. :) (oh and sleeping pill to get me there).

TODAY

A lot of the same.

After waking up and having he free continental breakfast at the Mar Palace Hotel :), I made my way up past the apt I'm looking to buy...just to get some good viewpoints. I walked on the street behind it which one side as planned developments, and the other side of the street sweeping up the mountain is a favela--shantytown. As I got almost to the top, I saw a HUGE presence of police, like over 100 police with there lights, cars, weapons. I thought I might be walking into a drug bust or something like that. T

Then I saw TV cameras and thought, Oh, I must have just missed it. Which gave me a sigh of relief, but also a wisp of envy that I wasn't gonna see/witness the action. (I found out later in the day that the Mayor of Rio was doing a public appearance to announce that they driven all the drug lords and violance from the favelas, and it was a sign of working together to make Rio a better place to live. Darn it, it would have been fun to see him).

I continued through the large gathering and circled around the mountain to try and get better views of the apt. I got some, but with my cell phone camera, they are horrible. Not good.

So I then found my way back to my hot apartment, took a shower and after a little relaxation, headed by to Ipanema to get my CPF number.

MAYBE THERE'S ANOTHER NEEDLE, ANOTHER HAYSTACK

When I got off my bus (which I am paying with all my extra small change--I have a lot to get rid of), I saw a real estate agency and on a whim, I went in and asked about purchase and rent. This office just did sales, so after some details, He took to see some places very close...they were OK, but really, not spectacular...by any stretch...and not cheap...$500,000 or so, for three small bedrooms on a busy street.

Brasil real estate is really getting pricey.

So then I stopped by the bank again to ask about opening a bank account--pretty much IMPOSSIBLE to do with just a tourist visa.

Then off to the Federal Agency to get my CPF #. After taking my number, I waited another hour to spend 3 minutes with a girl that essentially printed out my number--why they couldn't do that YESTERDAY, who knows, but I guess it's not THE PROCESS.

By now it's 2:30 p.m. and I've only had my free breakfast to keep me going. So knowing I had to be back in Copacabana for a meeting with the architect/designer, I grabed a BIG MAC and thought I'd eat it on the bus ride down.

After boarding the bus, and trying to find my free coins jingle jangling in my pocket at about 40 MPH across bumpy roads, I was able to pay my fair and head to the back of the bus to eat.

Imagine trying to eat a hamburger and fries on the roller coaster at Lagoon. YES, I mean the roller coaster. That's about what it is to eat on a city bus here. I'm lucky any food actually made it into my mouth...but I was soo hungry, I fought hard and won. My hunger was satiated for a bit longer.

MOVE THAT OVER THERE, NO, OVER HERE

We spent two hours with the architect/designer mapping out the specs of the exiting apt versus the plan of how we want to modify it moving forward. It's a small space, really, and to look at it now...it's HORRIBLE. But I think it has potential...I really do.

I should be able to see the design tomorrow at 5...so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

As my realtor, Thiago, the Designer, Luis, and I walked back to the realty office, Luis commented on how cool the apartment could be...and the point he liked the most was the ART THAT WAS THE FAVELA across the way on the mountain. I gave him a funny look, and he said, Yes, in it's own way, it's very magical and beautiful.

And yes, in a way, it is that. At least that's how it will be listed in the sales brochure when I decide to sell it. (You tell me...does the view out my furture window look like Art to you? In the aeiral view, it's the favela on the bottom left creeping up the hillside and the other two are various parts of it--day and night. The night view would be close to what I'd see out my window.)

BACK TO HEAVEN

I'm back in the oven now, typing this, but about to head to CHILLED HEAVEN...with a free breakfast. Ahh, it's good to have good friends that are willing to put you up. Mark is one of the good friends I've made while here, and very glad I did.

Until tomorrow. After tonight, just two more days here. :(

Little Kid Sweat Smell

2010-01-12T21:11:00.005-02:00

This city is just too HOT during the summer months. I've decided I like Rio a lot more in fall and spring--maybe even winter, than REAL summer.

For example, right now I have the smell that children get when they've been out playing all day. It's not a sweaty, stinky smell, it's just kind of a little-kid-sweaty-active-worn out-tired smell...do you know which smell I'm talking about? Well, I have that smell.

And it came from no major physical activity, just me being in the hot outdoors, standing in lines, walking to lessons and bus stops and getting lost on a bus and having to back track in the heat until I could hail a taxi...you know, stuff like that that gave a smell like this.

I need a shower. But why shower NOW when I know I'll be sleeping in the hot air and sweaty again by the morning. I'll kill two smelly birds with one shower and do it in the morning.

LETS GO TO THE CIRCUS

As I mentioned above, I was standing in line--in the heat. Well that line was for thing I was at the Cirque de Solei ticket booth. I finally found it, tucked away at the far end of the marina. (See above). No big deal except today was like mid 90's and humidty up the ying yang, but when I took my place in line, there were only about 20 people ahead of me. No problem...you'd think.

ONE HOUR LATER, I finally made it to the window and purchsed two tickets...one for me and one for Mark. I offered to have Sam attend but he opted out.

Now that I'm home and five hours later, I get a text from Max...ok, he's in, he says, so tomorrow I'm back to the line. UGH. Oh well, it'll be a fun activity for my last day here. Then four hours later, I'll be boarding my flight home.

Leaving one circus for the circus that can be NYC.

AN APPLE FOR THE TEACHER

I told Nisa today that I would be leaving and today was my last lesson. She didn't shed a tear, but she did say I'd improved a lot...Congratulations, she said, I should be proud. And then in the same breath, she added that congratulations are due her too, being that she was the one that taught me. :)

She got her thanks and we headed our separate ways, for now.

The last thing she said as I was about to leave...when you come back, do you think you could bring me some things if I contact you. She's ALWAYS thinking.

A THIEF AMONGST US

One of my roommates brought a new friend over to the place the other night and while we were all sleeping, he robbed him blind. Watches, money, credit cards, camera, etc. etc. The clever part was that he locked my friend in his bedroom and I think drugged him so that when he woke up, he couldn't get out.

Luckily, nothing was taken in my room--i was sleeping in there so I guess he didn't dare come in--and today all the locks on the apartment were changed so everything should be ok.

The moral of that story...choose new friends wisely. And locked doors don't always work to your advantage.

Speaking of which, does anyone else remember that one room in Pleasant Valley that had the door that locked immediately from the outside if the door was shut. WHAT A FIRE HAZZARD, now that I think of it, but Mom and Dad used the power of that door VERY WELL. "Stay in there until you can be happy or at least look like you're happy." A THERAPIST POT OF GOLD. :)

EXCHANGE RATE BLUES

Now that I'm thinking of buying an apt here, I've been paying very closer attention to the exchange rate. Today, I believe it closed at 1.747 reals to one dollar, up .024 centavos from yesterday. You may think that's nothing, but if you're looking at R$100,000, that means $764 less dollars I have to pay to get the same R$100,000 property. So every day I'm hoping that the dollar keeps getting stronger. Stronger! STRONGER!

Ok, night time for me.

An American, A Scott and a Brasilian Lawyer Sit Down to Chat

2010-01-11T21:06:00.002-02:00

Today was all about doing business in Brasil, day.

I went to meet my attorney about the penthouse purchase at our agreed upon time of 11:00 a.m in the downtown area of Rio where all the law offices are. I was notified by his secretary when I arrived that he didn't normally get in the office until noon or 1 p.m. HUM, so I asked if they would contact him. He HAPPILY was on his way and would be there in 20 minutes or so. So I went down and had a little breakfast, got some cash, and just happened to see a sale on pants (which I'll need to start wearing again once I get to the states--no more shorts and swim suits for a while), so bought three pair for only $100. I LOVE a deal.

Then I went back and luckly MAX was meeting with the attorney about that same time so we both went in and Max made sure I was understanding everything he had to say.

The good news is it's still a viable opportunity. The Not-so-good-News is it's not gonna happen quickly...because some paperwork, architectual drawing and engineer assessment still needs to be approved by the city hall which could take 2-3 months. Actually, I'm kind of GLAD about that, as it will give me time to really decide if this is something I want to undertake or not.

But still, moving forward.

Oh and then my attorney informed me I owed him $150.00 and I could desposit it directly into his account. See, some things don't change from here to the States.

NO WORK OUT MAKES BRETT A SMALL BOY

I think I got tennis elbow about a month ago and it's not healing, so I've been trying to lay off it...which really means my quest for free gyms ended about two weeks ago. So, unless it gets much better quickly, and I find a free gym, I guess my gym hunt is over. It was fun while it lasted.

DREDING THE PACK

I look around my room and while I've not bought much, I've accumulated STUFF. I'm not looking forward to packing it all and heading out, but hey, gotta find a place for everything I'm guessing. Or buy another piece of luggage.

BACK IN THE OVEN

I asked Max if I could sleep in his place tonight because it's just TOO HOT here in the apt. He agreed, so at least for one more night, I'm home FREE in air conditioned comfort.

Baby I'm Back

2010-01-10T23:41:00.000-02:00

4 a.m. is a hard hour to do anything. It was hard when I'd hear Dad calling down the stairs to go out and change sprinklers when 15 years of age. And 35 years later it's hard getting up to head to the airport--especially after only getting one hour of sleep.

But as Dad always said, "if you're going to hoot with the owls at night, you have to be ready to soar with the eagles in the morning." Well, I wouldn't call it soaring with eagles, but we did fly.

We got on the flight and after three hours of annoying flight (I must have been really tired, because I got my window seat--which btw didn't have a window--and thought OK, not bad, there's a little girl next to me. I can stretch out my legs a bit into her area and sleep a bit. But 10 minutes into the flight she decided she wanted to sit on the aisle so her grandfather moved to the middle seat and squeezed me into the corner. UGHHH. I was annoyed the whole flight because of that), and after achieving just an hour or so of sleep, we landed in Rio, spent an hour going through customs and another hour on the bus to the apt. Finally I was back--to my non-air conditioned room in mid 90 degree weather and 90 percent humidty. AHH, HOME SWEET HOME. I was happy to be back.

After a brief unpacking stint, Mark and I went to a pay by the kilo restaurant (very good, and Mark paid so even BETTER), grabbed a taxi to meet my realtor to see some new apts in Ipanema (which didn't really happen because of complications--hard to explain, I'm not gonna explain it), then back here and was able to get two hours of sleep.

I met a new friend from Australia for dinner and then after a bit of writing and e-mails will hit the sack...and hopefully sleep SOUNDLY.

Six more days of Rio. :(

Another Day, Another Country

2010-01-09T22:33:00.001-02:00

With such a late night, no one woke up until about 9:30 a.m. and by the time we'd searched online, we realized that the ferry ride to Uruguay left at 10:00--not enough time--and the next ferry at noon appeared to be sold out. So trying our luck, we went down at 11 anyway and tried to get on the noon ferry to Colinai, Uruguay. As luck would have it, the last three tickets were sold to us. It might have been our charm, or it might have been that Max was willing to flash his toothless grin--he'd lost a crown on his front teeth the night before eating ice cream (I know, I know...ice cream, but that was his story and he's sticking to it). Regretfully on his part, some of the pictures from that day will show him without a tooth. Oh well, such is the price of face and ice cream.

MAYBERRY RFD IN URUGUAY

After a one hour high speed boat ride across the Plate River (supposedly the widest river in the world--you'd think you were crossing the ocean as you can't see the other side), we arrived at a small town called Colonia, Uruguay--the oldest settlement in Uruguay. The streets are cobble stoned and tree lined. The homes are small, quaint and attractive. It's clean and just LOW KEY. I expected to see Goober and Barney playing checkers in the town square. Aunt Bea serving warm cookied at the cafe. (we did see a couple of Otis').

We were walking down the street mid day and thought it must have been Siesta time because it was so quiet. It wasn't, but it's just a quiet little town (all except for the one commercial street, that has all the business on it and that street gets quit lively at night time).

We did a little shopping (junk mostly), and then ate a very good meal. Mark's mother had been here a couple of days earlier and had rented a golf cart to zoom around the area, so we did the same Basically it took us to the tourist sites (the light house and even an old car now used as a flower pot) and finally out of town a bit where we ended up at the Sheraton Resort and Mark and I had a nice massage while Max returned the golf cart. Another meal and can you believe it, it was already 10:30 and time for us to catch our 11:30 p.m. ferry back to the Buenos Aires. (there's a one hour time change, so we left Uruguay at 11:30 and arrived at 11:30).

YOU WANNA SLEEP, BUT...

I got back to the B & B by 12:30, but for some reason could not sleep...until about 3 pm. UGH...so I only ended up with one hour of sleep before we had to leave for the airport and make our 6 :10 flight back to Rio.

All in all, a VERY FUN five days in Argentina and Uruguay. Could I live there, a resounding YES. Easily. Buenos Aires has a temperature and climate feel similar to Utah. It's very metropolitan, quite clean, and organized and appeared very safe. Oh and it appears to be cheaper to live there than in Rio.

But I'm off to my city of right now...Rio. Night.

I´ll Take the Flower Sculpture, not the Flower in Your Mouth

2010-01-08T23:34:00.002-02:00

Each morning we seem to rise a little later than the next. Which might mean that we´re becoming Argentinian. You see, everything is LATE here. They apparently start their business day around 9:30 or 10:00 a..m. They eat later lunches and they don´t have dinner until around 9 p.m. So if you´re going out to a club after, well that gets started around 1 a.m. and you can see how the cycle repeats itself.

That time frame is a tough one for me. I like the day to end around 10 - midnight and the day to begin around 7 - 8 .m. So yeah, it´s been a bit of getting used to here.

PARKS & MUSEUMS

We took a subway ride to the Palermo area of the city--supposedly a very fashionable and trendy place to live. And it is a nice area...tree-lined streets, nice homes and apartment buildings, and restaurants everywhere, etc. We walked through the botanical gardens (so so), then a very lackluster Japense Gardens, and was relieved to head to their version of the Museum of Modern Art for some A/C´d culture...which was very nice, although it was showing an exhibit of Andy Warhol...which was cool, but I´d seen some of his works already. But some pieces were really innovative and interesting.

From there, we walked to this HUGE flower sculputer in which the pedals open and close daily. I liked this a lot. The parks in this city are very impressive and they have a lot of statues everywhere. It´s a park and statue city from what I can tell.

DINNER and DANCING

We headed back for a quick nap, then headed back out for dinner and a show at this Tango Theater. To be honest, I was kind of dreading this--but being the good travel companion, didn´t want to raise a fuss. However, I have to admit, I really enjoyed it. The place/theater was very nice, not too tacky, and the dancing was spectacular...who knew people could move their feet that quickly. The tango is ALL about the feet, and emotion, and lust, and desire, which really come through in the feet--I know, hard to explain, but it does work and it was very cool. AND NOT ONCE did they put a rose in anyone´s month--to my utter delight.

Then we went to a couple of dancing clubs but to be honest, I was pretty tired by then and really just wanted to come home and sleep...which we finally did around 3 a.m. I know, I know...but dinner and the show didn´t end til about 1 a.m. See what I said about this city running on a slow time table.

So hitting the bed and sleeping well in anticipation of heading to Uraguay for a day trip.

Night.

Six Feet Under In Style

2010-01-08T09:49:00.007-02:00

So...another day in the beautiful city of Buenos Aires.

PEOPLE CRYING OVER EVITA´S GRAVE

After some continental breakfast, we headed out to see if we could find the airline office and change our tickets from 6 a.m. on sunday to a later flight. After looking for a bit of time, and realizing finally we had been given wrong direction, we gave up and headed to the one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, Recoleta.

There in is bured Evita Peron. Her family mosulium wasn´t that spectacular, but she is definitely the DRAW at this cemetery. But the cemetery is so cool. Just this mini buildings housing generations of caskets of the family dead. And so eleaborate. It was really beautiful.

Interesting enough, there was an actual funeral arriving when we did, so about 50 people were dressed in their best sunday best while the other 200 people mulling around the place were in their tourist worst. :) An interesting mix.

After a light lunch at a restaurant that had one menu, but they charged about 10-15% more for any item on it if it was served outside on the patio versus inside (go figure), under this TREMENDOUS Banhan tree..wow, so big and beautiful, we were ready for the afternoon.

PAINT A HOUSE--ATTRACT A TOURIST

From there, we headed to the Hyatt (Mark´s mother is staying there), mostly to use the bathroom, but also because they´ve attached an old palace to the hotel and Mark´s Mother insisted we take a look.

Then a taxi ride to an area of the city where someone came up with this great idea to paint the neighborhood apts/houses various bright colors, and WALLAH, it´s now a tourist trap. With all the traditional touristy trash to buy. I bought NOTHING. We wandered around here for a bit, watched some people doing Tango dancing for tips, ate a little, then the took a city bus back to the downtown area to again try and exchange our tickets.

SOLD OUT

All that wandering around the city to try and find Aerolinhas Argentina, when we finally did, they were all sold out of all other flights on Sunday. So I guess we´ll either not be getting much sleep Saturday night, or we just won´t sleep until we head to the airport at 4 a.m. UGHHHH!

We did do quite a bit of leather shopping, although so far only Max had made a real leather purchase (riding boots, as he´s thinking of taking up riding again). I do like the smell of leather shops though.

ARGENTINIAN BEEF

After a quick nap and shower back at the B & B, we headed up to the Palermo area for dinner at this Steak House with Mark´s mother and her friend. The dinner was BIG, and the meat portions HUGE, and good, but not great. (I made the mistake ording my Ribeye steak Medium Well done--it came back a bit OVER COOKED). But that´s my mistake for ordering it that way.

We´d planned to come back to the apt and then head out for some night life, but by the time Mark was able to look something up on the ineternet, I´d crashed...

Another fun day in BA.

What a Beautiful City--Buenos Aires

2010-01-07T20:53:00.004-02:00

So I´ve been in Buenos Aires for two days now. And let me say this start gets started LATE.

TUESDAY

Went to the airport and was informed by Aerolinhas Argentinas that the reservation I was sure I made, wasn´t really made. So I could buy a ticket there for flight with Max or I could buy the flight coming with Mark at 9 p.m. The morning flight was $200 more expensive, so I opted to head back home and wait out the day for the night flight.

We did take off--about an hour late--but arrived in Buenos Aires around midnight and into our Bed and Breakfast around 1 p.m. It´s a converted apartment, about five quest rooms, and has a nice, clean, older feel to it. I´m becoming a fan of bed and breakfasts. They do most things a hotel will for you, but smaller and serve a free continental breakfast each morning. Anyway, here we are.

WEDNESDAY

Since we´d arrived rather late that night, we didn´t really get going from the hotel around 10 a.m. Mark found a 3 days in Buenos Aires promo plan from american airlines online and we followed it. Went to the Pink House (called because about 100 years ago one of the leaders painted the building PINK to satisfy two fighting political parties...the red party and the white party. Thus the PINK house which seemed to satisfy them. Then we went to a couple more sites, the renovated warf area (see pictures), this really cool building in which the lower floors were architecurally designed after the HELL in Dantes Inferno and the upper floors represented Paradise and Heaven. At the top of the building, and after climing two floors of very narrow and winding starwells, we made it to a light house look out tower and could see the entire city (21 floors up). But it was so small and surrounded in glass that you could very off balance by the moving clouds. The pictures turned out well, but I was happy to descend to hell, so to speak.

We saw many old churches, BEAUTIFUL Architecture more in the mode of something you´d expect in Paris than South America, and ended the day with an interesting TASTER menu meal that lasted us 4 hours and cost just about as much as a VERY fine meal in NYC--a lot but it what an experience and really, it was good AND filling--surprising EVEN to me.

I slept well and was ready for the day today, which I´ll have to tell you tomorrow because Mark´s mother and her friend are here in Buenos Aires as well and are waiting for us to eat at one of the city´s best steak houses--a change from last night for sure.

We're Not "Buying" in Kansas Anymore

2010-01-04T22:59:00.003-02:00

OK...so either with fingers crossed or not, I think I got the approval to buy the apartment. The Condo Association came back and asked for another $4,500 in the asking price (I think to pay the realtors...) but I still think it's a good deal and if I accept, I can buy it.

Here's a link to Google Map showing the location of the apartment. Check it out.

Praça Vereador Rocha Leão - Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Link: <http://maps.google.com.br/maps?hl=pt-BR&q=Pra%C3%A7a+Vereador+Rocha+Le%C3%A3o+-+Rio+de+Janeiro+-+RJ&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FQuVof4dD_ls_Q&split=0&hq=&hnear=Pra%C3%A7a+Vereador+Rocha+Le%C3%A3o+-+Rio+de+Janeiro+-+RJ&ll=-22.968094,-43.190002&spn=0.010431,0.015879&t=h&z=16>

and if you wanna get a bigger perspective of where it is in relation to the beaches and city overall (well the South Zone area), check this one out.

Praça Vereador Rocha Leão - Rio de Janeiro - RJ

Link: <http://maps.google.com.br/maps?hl=pt-BR&q=Pra%C3%A7a+Vereador+Rocha+Le%C3%A3o+-+Rio+de+Janeiro+-+RJ&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FQuVof4dD_ls_Q&split=0&hq=&hnear=Pra%C3%A7a+Vereador+Rocha+Le%C3%A3o+-+Rio+de+Janeiro+-+RJ&ll=-22.977439,-43.190002&spn=0.041723,0.063515&t=h&z=14>

So the wheels are in motion. I contacted a real estate attorney that had worked with a friend in closing his deal. She's going to start researching everything tomorrow. I wanna make sure EVERYTHING is legal and in order before I sign on any dotted line.

But I must say, I'm kind of nervous and excited at the same time.

Think we can get it all done by Friday the 15th? I'm not so sure. And even if that happens, the work has really just begun. THIS I KNOW.

DON'T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA

I'm off with two friends tomorrow to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina. With all that's going on, I kind of wish I wasn't going, but if I were to stay here, I'd just get nervous and start fretting about everything. At this point, it's kind of out of my hands anyway. Now it's up to the lawyers, real estate people, etc.

Oh and a little issue about me getting a Brasilian Social Security Number...I applied for that...but we'll see how long it takes.

TROUBLES IN PORTUGUESE TEACHER LAND

At about the end of my lesson today, Nisa asked if she could confide in me...being that I was a PASTOR of my church (she did add many years ago), she felt she could share some things she had not told anyone else.

I panicked...oh no, what is she gonna confide in me...HELP!

She then went into this long story about her male renter and him throwing Fits of RAGE whenever he talks to his wife on the internet...I guess she's left him and took their one child with her and he wants them back but she won't come back (i'm guessing because he has a violent temper when he gets angry). My Portuguese teacher is now facing the brunt of seeing his rage and anger played out. He's busted two laptops (his) and last night he pulled a light fixture from it's spot in the ceiling--in the other renters room--OOPS. And she's a bit worried what he might do if lashing out the next time.

So she was asking me what she should do.

I said, Um, give him a warning...if he does it again, he's out.

That was easy, and no one needs a divinity degree for that one.

EARLY PLANE TO ARGENTINA

I've got to be up by 7 a.m. tomorrow, so gonna check in and head to bed. Night.

Lazy, Hazy, Well More Lazy Day of Brasilian Summer

2010-01-03T19:48:00.005-02:00

It was a very relaxing and beautiful day here. Nothing much happened, just one of those nice Sundays where the day has no time constraints and you can rewind and wind up for the week ahead. So I thought I'd just pass along some pictures of Rio.

Enjoy.

Live a Little, Learn a Little

2010-01-02T22:32:00.004-02:00

Three things I learned today:

1. Even if someone says there's a public park at the top of this long steep road, um, there isn't always.

2. No matter how deep you dive to avoid a huge wave passing over you, sometimes you still get sucked into it and get sandy water up your nose and ears.

3. Laundry always takes longer to dry online than in a dryer. ALWAYS

NO NEWS IS WHAT NEWS

Nothing on the apartment. Well, I shouldn't say nothing. I asked my realtor in the morning and he thought they'd have a response by the afternoon as he was working today--he would let me know.

By 5 pm. and no word from him, I called him. He answered from the beach, (apparently working all day didn't mean ALL day), and "oh yes, I was gonna call you", but the condo board has to have four people sign...maybe tomorrow.

So again, no news on that so far.

BEANS & RICE

I made my third batch of beans and rice, and while they LOOK DELICIOUS, they taste a bit salty. But I'm not sure which is which..I think it's the rice, but I'm not sure.

Oh well...I'll get better at it.

Other than that, I stayed inside most of the day, cleaning house, doing laundry, and cooking--a woman's work is never done.

And also a little bit of recuperating as well.

That's all folks for today.

After the New Year, Comes the Spoils

2010-01-01T23:32:00.001-02:00

Last night was the New Years Eve Celebrations. It really was an event to see.

But today, as I walked around the beach and some of the major streets the people had been crammed into, well lets just say I was praying for rain.

Two million people, of which 95 percent were drinking some form of alcohol or something else...and although they did have many porta-potties, well, drunk people go through a lot of liquids.

At times I'd be walking down the street and BAM, this horrific smell of urine or vomit or something--not sure always what that smell was--would hit me and I'd pray the wind shifted immediately, or I'd step up my pace and hold my breath.

All that rain that came before New Years...well, we could use a little of it now to wash off the city. But no rain forcasted for a while now. YIKES.

I will give the city credit, they've cleaned up pretty well. Brasilians in general (at least in my experience) seem to think the ground works pretty well as a trash can, so there was TRASH everywhere last night. But by noon today, most of the major areas were cleaned up and they were working on getting to the rest done shortly.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Remember I mentioned I put an offer on an apartment in Rio. I should hear Saturday/Sunday if they accepted the offer...then I have to really decide if I'm gonna go through with it. A friend of mine who's remodeled 13 apartments, most in Rio, said he'd help me with it, so that eases some of my concerns. He's good. He did the apartment I was just staying in and it's GREAT!

But today I walked to the area of the apartment around 5 pm just to get a sense of how it was during that time of the day. It's an interesting area. And I have to say I came away pleased. This is what I found out:

1. The apartment rests not far from a tunnel dug through one of the many remaining rock formations left from the receding Ice Age. In the pictures above, it's the second group of mountains in back of the large residential high rises--ON THE OTHER side of that mountain, closer to the beach of Copacabana. The road leading up to the tunnel entrance is covered and they've made a little part there.

2. Their's a little police kiosk so it looks like it's a pretty safe area--plus there was a police struck parked nearby with several armed policemen--which is kind a common site around the city.

3. I timed my walk from the apartment to the beach and the subway station:

Beach: 10 minutes

Subway: 5 minutes

4. If you walk through the tunnel (4 minute walk), you come into an area of the city called Botofogo, which houses one of the largest cemeteries in the city. But if you look up, you see the Christis Statue--which you can't see on my side of the mountain, but it's there--getting hit by lightening in this picture.

5. There's another large secluded park just a minutes walk from the place, and a large hospital about the same distance. Supermarkets within 3-4 minutes walk as well.

ROCK THE BOAT

Had an invite to take a five hour boat ride out to some island off the shore and back tomorrow. While that sounds like it "could" be fun, if the weather isn't so good, the only thing I'd be seeing would be the inside of the bathroom, which wouldn't be so fun, so I declined. I think I'll try and hit the beach tomorrow if all looks good.

Felize Ano Novo--2010

2010-01-01T10:57:00.004-02:00

Amazing!

The New Years Eve celebration here in

Copacabana was truly spectacular. And I will add that New Years is MUCH MORE FUN when it's not freezing outside. It was a warm 80's here at midnight--not the freezing cold of Utah and New York that made me never wanna go anywhere on that night.

But let me back up.

The day, no the week, has pretty much been rain all day and night, off and on, but WET. So everyone was thinking the big planned celebration was just gonna be a wet mess.

Instead, around 6 p.m. the light rain stopped, and by midnight, the moon peaked through the remaining clouds. It was a beautiful night. Plus, since it had rained so much the past several days, it allowed the sand on the beach to become more packed and easier to walk on. So the THREE huge stages they'd build on the beach were easily accessible even with tennis shoes--although my bedroom floor now has a light dusting of sand from taking them off last night.

The night was great, but even more fun because my friend Mark, who's been working on producing the whole event, got me Backstage and VIP passes--it's nice to be special at these kind of events, I'm finding out--where food, drinks and preferred viewing stages were made available thoughout the night. Too bad they couldn't actually get Beyonce to perform--but she was asking $3 million to do a 30 minute show--so instead I got Brasilian artisits--all good but I didn't know any of them.

As you can see by the pictures, the fireworks show is spectacular, with several barges spanning the 4K beach, and synchronized to music as they light up the sky.

The people lined the beach to see the spectacle...and it was that. PEOPLE EVERYWHERE. Think of it, the state of Utah has about 2.7 million people. They calculated over 2 million people cam and packed themselves into a 1.5 mile stretch of beach about 80 yards wide, and you start to get the idea.

Towards the end, we moved to another stage and I was able to watch two of the large SAMBA schools perform on stage...although I don't really "get it", the Brasilian love for Samba, THEY DO, and they were having a great time both on stage and in the audience dancing in the sand to the samba beat (which is all precussion...loud, forceful, and happy).

The stages performed until about 3 a.m. and by then 1/2 the people had tried to head home--which I did too.

But getting home wasn't that easy for most...for example, the subway stop near my apartment had a line going about a quarter mile JUST TO GET IN TO A CAR. Can you imagine! And that was at 3 a.m. I can only imagine how long it mus have been at 1 a.m.

But remember, last night I was VIP, so I walked right past them all (as my apt is just a block from the subway stop) and fell into my bed, where I slept until 10:30 a.m....and decided to wake and write this...lucky me, lucky yous! :)

CHUCK HER INTO THE SEA

The new year is also celebrated with the Brasilian Umbanda religion through what they refer to as the Festival of Iemanja--the Goddess of the Water.

Throughout the day, the vendors on the street were lined up selling white gladiolas. Most brasilians have adopted the tradition of walking to the beach and making their new years wishes, and then throwing their flowers into the water...watching their wishes float out to be accepted by the Goddess Iemanja.

This part of the celebration also played out on stage tonight--but it had been condensed into pretty much a stage show...the small group of 50 or so sing and dance on stage and then the group (all dressed in white) follow a man carry a statue of the goddess to the sea. The men are carrying a small boat filled with money and flowers, the women carry flowers and following behind the boat dance as they make their way to the water's edge. Once there, the lead guy offers some prayer to the statue Iemanja he's carrying--which I didn't understand--and then launches the boat out to sea to the cheers of all.

From what I get, the fisherman think doing so will help them with their catches during the year. But it has also taken on some carnal aspects, as the Goddess is also known as the Goddess of Carnal Pleasures, where peoples' carnal lives will be better if the worship and are blessed by the Goddess.

I'm guessing a good part of the flowers bought during the day had to do more with this then the fish catch...wink wink.

Anyway, I wasn't that impressed. I expected more, thousands of people walking backwards into the sea and coming out renewed--a couple did this but, nah, not what I expected.

THE BEST TO YOU ALL

I do wish everyone a prosperous and joyous NEW YEAR...can you believe it..2010. It sounds like a good number. Good things will happen, I'm confident.

Tara, Tara, Tara

2009-12-30T22:23:00.003-02:00

I took the first step in what could be a big plung.

I made an offer on an apartment here in Copacabana. It's just an offer, no one has exchanged any money, yet, but I hope I'm able to get it.

The asking price was R$175.000. I countered at R$130.000 and she countered at R$163.000--"and don't even think of going lower", she warned. So I countered at R$150.000 (about US $84,000) and a 1/2 hour later the realtor called and said lets draw up some paperwork to make the offer official so the woman can present it to the condo board.

It's the day before new years eve, so pretty much the world is starting to shut down. The condo association is supposed to give me a response back by Saturday. But the realtor thinks they'll accept the offer.

So what exactly would I be buying?

Well to start, a TOTAL fixer-upper if you want to live in ANY place half-way decent. I'm thinking I'll need to put in another US $40-$60,000 to make it the place I'd wanna live in. BUT, once done it'll be a really cool 1 BR/LOFT style Penthouse apartment overlooking the city, the mountains (and some favelas), and a sliver of the beach through the tree lined streets. It will have an outdoor patio, with an outdoor shower, on the 12th floor, with a wall of glass sliding doors to give you access to the patio. Total square feet won't be huge...maybe 800-1,000 WITH the patio, but still, a nice apartment for a couple or single.

I think the resale value could be very attractive, and the price of real estate is bound to climb in this city with the Olympics coming up. It's only three blocks from the metro station, and six blocks from the beach--about a 10-15 minute walk.

The only challenge now is How/Where to get the money...but the wheels are in motion for that too.

Oh, and being that I'm leaving in 18 days...well, a lot would have to be negotiated and finalized...but hey, I could ALWAYS rent it as is...and wait to fix it up.

GETTING BETTER

Yes, the cold which turned into a chest infection IS getting better. I sense it day by day. Hopefully tomorrow, even better still.

I hear Jamie has been bed-ridden for a couple of days. Mine was NOTHING close to that...so I don't have nearly as far to go for recovery.

NEW YEARS CELEBRATION

The weather forecast for New Years Eve and New Years is RAIN, RAIN, RAIN...so that might put a damper on the expected 2 million people that will pack themselves onto the beach of Copacabana...but even with the rain, they are expected to come. As my roommate said, "oh yeah, I'll go...New Years is almost like a religious thing for Brasilians".

So I guess I'll be there, Rain or Moon-shine.

One thing of interest--according to the TV news, as of tomorrow, no one can take more than $100 reals from their ATMs each day until Sunday. Why? Well, and don't freak out about this cause I'm not the target audience here, the "bad guys" here in Rio have been kidnapping foreignors and asking for randsoms...you know, sending their friends to the ATMs to withdraw $1,000 or so in cash to pay them off. So limiting the amount one can withdraw in any given day to $50 "should" thwart that plan...hopefully. :)

Foreignors are being advised to walk with about $50 reals ($30 US), and only one credit card to take out more...the limit again is $100 reals per day.

Now, I think it's all been sensationalized and blown out of proportion...but that's what my roommates told me they heard on the news today.

Ahh, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I Think I Fan, I Think I Fan

2009-12-29T20:56:00.002-02:00

Cough, Cough, Sneeze, Blow...oh what a relief it is.

And thus is my life the past couple of days. I have FAITH that the antibiotics will work, but it's a five day regimen and at best I'm only on day two...actually, day 24 hours, but I've taken two pills to try and Jump Start the process.

Day three in the morning...we'll see. We'll see.

ISSE LEFT ME HANGING

Yep, she writes me an e-mail changing my portuguese class to 4 p.m. versus 2 p.m., and when I show up ON TIME, no one's home.

Hum...I wonder again if I have a portuguese professor. Does no one want to teach me portuguese?

Que Pena!

A PARTY EVERY NIGHT

Rio is in HIGH PARTY MODE. New Years is a huge thing down here...and then Carnival comes just six weeks later, so everyone is thinking HOLIDAY. There seems to be a party every night, events going on around the city, and huge structures being erected on the beach for the New Years show and fireworks.

Me, I'm not feeling ANY OF IT because of this stupid chest infection. And because I'm on antibiotics, I need to limit sun exposure, so yeah, I'd just as soon get to the fireworks show and get on with the new year.

Of course, I've never been a huge New Years Eve celebration guy. It seems like so much adu about NOTHING...more a chance to sell liquor and funky eyeglasses I think.

But this year I really want to see how Brasil/Rio celebrates it.

If I can just get my body to behave.

DRAMA IN THE HOUSE

Apparently, the two brasilian guys that are living here had a knock-out, drag-out discussion/fight yesterday and I'm wading through the aftermath of it today. I'm staying out of it as best I can..Out of sight, out of mind. Not my issue.

But the house does look different now that it's decorated with eggshells.

THE WINDS OF TIME

Last night's sleep, with my new and improved high-powered ceiling fan, went pretty OK...not great, but passable. I didn't sleep soundly, but didn't wake up in pools of sweat either, and although I woke up a bit early, was able to go back to sleep for an hour or so so I'm not complaining.

Here's hoping for a healthier, happier day tomorrow.

And an even better nights sleep tonight.

Go little fan-helper, GO!

Doctor..err...Pharmacist, Give Me the News

2009-12-28T22:03:00.004-02:00

It's nice to play doctor.

So I've been coughing and blowing my nose for about a week now. And like every year, what I think is a mild mannered cold slowly persists and before I know it, I have a wheezing cough and a lung infection from all the sinus drippings going on back there. I finally break down, drag myself in to see a doctor and he prescribes antibiotics. After four or five days, WALLAH, all better.

Well, here in Rio, I don't have a family doctor to go see...and apparently, you don't need one. Anyone can play doctor.

Yep, I talked to a couple of friends and that's the case. One friend took me to a pharmacy and said I have a chest infection, can I get antibiotics. SURE she said, but what type...there a many types that treat different parts of the body. Hum, I didn't know the name, he didn't know the name, a quick call to his doctor friend resulted in a busy signal, so we couldn't get anything there.

But I know my chest and it's feeling heavy, so I thought I need to get this taken care of. So I talked to a couple more friends...and they seemed to be very knowledgeable. So, with names and doses in hand, I walked to my local pharmacy, said I needed this drug in this dose for this duration. NO PROBLEM. But when I explained my chest infection, he suggested I up the power factor and use another antibiotic instead--and another pill to help coat the stomach lining so it didn't react negatively. Starting tonight, I'm on a pretty powerful antibiotic and hopefully will be better in four or five days.

Fingers crossed.

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN

I'm back in the A/C less apartment in Copacabana again--and just as the days get longer and warmer. Anyway, they did fix the overhead fan, and it seems to move the humid air around a lot more, which all helps, so I'm not complaining yet...well, a little, but not a lot.

COMMENCE COUNTDOWN SEQUENCE

I was thinking today...I have 18 more days of life south of the equator, then back up north, to the cold and work.

Again, a very unsettling feeling.

OK, enough...I read somewhere that blogs should be kept short or people won't read...mine might have been a little long.

Short is good.

Usually...

A White Christmas

2009-12-27T20:59:00.003-02:00

Did you miss me? C'mon, you know you did.

So, unbeknowst to me until last Thursday, I had to head back to NYC to take care of some business stuff--including legal matters for the lawsuit which had to be submitted by January 4th. So rather than wait til after the new year, I just used my original return air ticket and went back.

But I didn't want my family to know, so I didn't tell them I was home...and writing on here would have given away too many clues, so I stopped writing.

SURPRISE, IT'S ME

Two days before Christmas, I walked into my home in Provo...to what I'd say was the delight of my Father and Mother. It's nice to know you're wanted and loved. And then two days latter, at the family Christmas party, I surprised everyone else.

It always works so well in the Hallmark commericals...military son, home on leave, surprises the family. Well, no music played at our heartstrings when I walked in, but I dare say they WERE surprised, and they WERE happy to see me.

Ahhhhhhhh

AND START ALL OVER AGAIN

But since I'd booked a trip to Argentina LEAVING from Rio, I had to return to Rio on Christmas day. And one little gift that the US gave me was a pretty intense cold. I managed it well while in NYC and Provo, but that flight down to Rio was a little rough. My sinuses fought against me the whole way, and in the end, they left the battle scare of a pretty good sinus headache.

I did however get three seats to myself on the flight, which helped. But because of the annoying headache, everything annoyed me. Like this girl four rows up that continually kept twirling and flipping a strand of hair. I know, minor, but it got to me. Finally I had to turn away from here...couldn't take the flipping, twirling, swishing of blond hair ONE MORE HOUR--yes hours...I think she did it the whole time she was awake on the 8 hour flight.

So now I'm here in Rio and it's HOT and MUGGY and I really like it. Coming from the snow and cold of NYC and Provo, it's refreshing to walk this evening along the beach, see the beautiful setting sun, the people tanned and tired heading back home from a day in the sun...and me with nothing to do but wile away the hours.

I just hope this cold goes quickly, cause I wouldn't want the last couple of weeks here in Rio to be tagged with a post nasal drip epilogue.

BRUTAL READING

I picked up a small book in the airport in Charlotte (one of my two lay-overs--Phoenix the other) called PUSH (soon to be released as the move Precious). It's about a young black girl cheated and abused by society and her family in many ways, in the 80's living in Harlem. It's a BRUTAL read, but actually a very insightful read. If you can make it through a story about one of the saddest childhoods imaginable, pick it up. So far, I recommend it and I'm 3/4 the way done.

IT'S NOT MY PARTY

Last night with two friends, I went to a dance club. I have to say, people seemed to be having a good time. But I might have to say my club days are about over. The music got old. The scene got old. And then I realized I was way too old for the music and scene. :)

Give me a beat you can dance to WITH WORDS, please.

The fact I had a cold and a slight headache still from the flight didn't help matters. But still, I was ready to go an hour or so after I arrived.

WHICH SHELL IS BRETT UNDER NOW

My paradise apartment ends tomorrow. (I missed out on a good week of it while in the US), and I return for the last days of the month to my other apt. Hopefully, the weather will hold up and it will cool down at night. If not...UGHH, I don't wanna think about it.

In the first days of the new year, a friend who'll go with me to Argentina said I can stay in his hotel room. (with A/C). Then off to Aregentina for 5 days and back here for six days--which right now, I don't have a place to stay...I need to work on that.

Anyway, it's a beautiful apartment I'm leaving...outdoor shower and all, which I love...and I'll miss it.

TOURISTS, TOURISTS EVERYWHERE

Because of the holidays, the area is packed with tourists.

I like my Brasil better when I'm the novelty act, not thousands of others vying for that spot.

A Golden Contact

2009-12-20T16:41:00.002-02:00

It's not good when things do go as planned.

This past week I'd planned to do some sight seeing, but one thing led to another, more work-related things than I expected, and then i realize it's the end of the week and I've yet to see some things I really want to see.

BUT, I will do them before I leave...I promise myself I will.

DOCTOR, DOCTOR, GIVE ME THE NEWS

So yesterday and I was speaking with this successful dermatologist. She'd studied medicine in South Carolina I think. Anyway, one thing led to another and it came out that I'd served a Mormon Mission in Brasil, etc. She then said, "oh, I've always wanted to be a Mormon". As a Missionary, that would have been GOLD TO MY EARS, you know the golden contact. But I laughed and said, "oh really, why's that?". She said that during her training, she'd encountered a training physician that was Mormon. He had a large family and they all seemed to happy and loving. I said, that my family upbringing had been a happy family life..with several kids and lots of love.

She said that some Jewish groups put a strong focus on family, but they seemed a bit cultish, but not the Mormons (wow...so far she was saying all the things a Missionary would be drooling over). She then said that she'd even thought of hiring a Nanny from Utah at one point to help her raise her kids.

I then said, "well, I'm sure they'd take you if you really want to be one." With that, the conversation ended...I guess the dream of being a Mormon was better than the reality. Although if anyone ever does knock on this woman's door, I'm sure she'd be open to it. I have her contact info, maybe I'll send some missionaries to that door.

BRAS-ODDITIES

1. SKINNY SIDEWALKS. For some reason, sidewalk planning has gone awry. Whether certain buildings have been given special clout or not, but it's a hit or miss on sidewalk walking. Some buildings are allowed to jut out, barely leaving enough room for one person to pass before stepping down into the street. Other areas, you could ride four horses side by side, and still have room for a fat woman. It's a bit challenging to navigate during rush hour...and I just hope one day they have the courage to force those buildings to give up their land and create a better walking access.

2. JAMMY CONDIMENTS. I may have brought this up before, but it's starting to gross me out. Their ketchup really looks and moves like a jam...versus a paste. It's rather gross to look at, but tastes the same. And in the end, Ketchup is pretty much all sugar, so I guess it's fitting that it mimics a jam.

Heading out...have a good day.

Funny Funny You

2009-12-18T22:32:00.002-02:00

I missed a posting again. It happens. The elderly misplace their keys, kids miss a tooth, women miss a period, I miss posting occasionally. :)

SINGING WITH THE INSANE

Ok, she's not crazy, but sometimes she does some crazy things. Thursday in Portuguese class, we're humming along, going over the present imperfect conjugations, and then my professor gets this idea that listening to a song would be fun. Hey, it sounds like something I'd do if I were teaching--you know, break it up a bit--so after she recited the lyrics to me, and I had to write them down (testing my ability to write well), we moved into her elder daughter's bedroom (who still lives at home with her--very COMMON in Brasil. She also rents out two other bedrooms to people--gotta make a living I guess), because the stereo system was there. She put in a CD, handed me the lyrics sheet and we listened. It's actually a very beautiful duet by a man and woman. Half way through, she started to sing along. Sweet, right? And then she got this hair-brained idea that it would be better if we both sang along. LOL

So the next time through, she and I were sitting together, reading from the same lyrics sheet, trying to sound relatively harmonious, while I tried to form the right sounds of each word and she tried to hit the right key. I had a reminiscent moment of when Grandma Stevens and I would sit beside each other on Christmas Eve singing carols.

It was fun. She makes me laugh at times. I've decided I like her a lot.

THINGS I'LL MISS ABOUT BRASIL

1. Nature all around. Where else can you be in the middle of a Portuguese class, look out the window and see a family of six small monkeys climbing through the trees. Or walking down a hallway, and there on a windowsill is a beautiful butterfly with a 6 inch wing span. Just sunning himself.

2. Meals by the Kilos. You aren't so hungry, you don't pay so much. You're famished, you pay a lot. You only want meats and a taste of salad..it's yours. It takes the buffet concept to another level.

3. FAST buses. Buses always pretend like they are in a race to get somewhere. And generally with no thought to anyone on the bus. You get on a bus and you have to go through a turnstill and pay a fare. But once you step on the bus, the race resumes. Off it jerks to a start and you have to hold on for dear life. Not that hard for an able bodied young man or woman, but it's the same if you're an 80 year old woman on crutches--or a foreigner holding his stuffed portuguese book fumbling for cash and coins. Hold on or fall down. That's the policy. THE GOOD THING IS they do move quickly through the city. The same distance driven, if comparing a NYC bus versus a Rio bus, the times would be: NYC: 30 minutes, Rio: 10. I'll take the 10 minute ride any day of the week. And relatively cheap too. NYC: $2.25, Rio: $1.50

SUE ME AND I'LL SUE YOU

I may have to go to NYC to prepare some stuff on the lawsuit--search for files, etc. If so, that might happen quickly.

And speaking of the lawsuit, nothing ever goes as planned. Timing, costs, etc. We are working towards finalizing damages and preparing documents. We had to switch representation, because of the costs of our original attorneys. Things look promising, based on some other things that have happened in other states/suits, but you never know. You never know..and I can't plan my life around it.

If we do win the suit, and are compensated for damages, that will go a long way towards me meeting some financial goals that were taken away when DHL left the US. If not, I'll have to figure out something else...at 50...it's not something I had planned on doing.

FUNNY CULTURE THINGS

Every culture has their funny things, but I experienced some Brasilian customs recently you might find interesting:

1. An over turned sandal (shoe) is an indication that someone will die close to you. Don't leave shoes overturned.

2. When leaving someone's house, it's not appropriate to reach for the doorknob. By doing so, it means you will never return to the house.

3. If you leave someone without the double kiss, cheek-to-cheek, goodbye, it means you didn't like the visit and may never see them again.

4. The OK sign we American's give all the time with our hand, is a MOST offensive sign...worse even than the middle finger left upturned.

OK, outta here.

Here Comes Papai Noel

2009-12-16T23:44:00.002-02:00

Well, another day, another dollar (or several). Without a job here, it's all money out the door. But I have been trying to live frugally--as best I can and still enjoy life.

Like I've proven you can go months without paying for a gym membership--tried out a new one today, ON THE HOUSE. Even got a private training session--FREE. AND, it was air conditioned.

DASHING THROUGH THE SAND

So to try and give the place some holiday cheer, in upper 80 degree heat, I stopped by a dollar-type store and bought four strings of lights and 10 christmas tree balls. I've now hung the balls from the chandelier in the dining area, and the twinkle lights are out on the terrace in the tropical plants...doing what they do well...TWINKLING. It's a little much for me, all that twinkling, but hey, for $1.50 a strand of 100...who's complaining.

Overall, it's not a lot, but hey, it will help Santa find his way. (Or as they call him here, Father Noel).

WHAT'S THAT PULLING ON MY LEG

I remember that story Dad used to tell about being out hunting with his brothers...and shooting a mountain lion, and chasing it, following it's blood trail. Then spotting it up a tree, climbs the tree and suddenly SOMETHING was grabbing his leg!

At that point, he'd end his story with a laugh, after he'd scared us all to death, with this line, "just like I'm pulling yours".

For some reason, as a little kid, I couldn't hear that story enough. I loved it. Every time he told it, I loved it.

Well today I was entering the ocean to do some body surfing (around 6 p.m....as the sun set), and as I got waist deep, something was pulling at my legs. And then they were pulled the other direction.

In this story, it wasn't a mountain lion, but I think it was a riptide...so I promptly exited. I've said this before, THOSE THINGS SCARE ME, so it didn't take long to exit to higher ground, without water around me, where no one was pulling my leg.

GIVE ME THAT AND THEN PAY ME

Tomorrow I have to change my flight back to NYC. If not, I'm on the flight Friday or lose it's value. Of course I'll have to pay some extra, but what you gonna do. The way the airlines work with money is just so irrational. Anyway, DON'T LET ME FORGET!

Ok, off to bed.

Choveu hoje a noite.

Bread For Those Who Hunger

2009-12-15T19:53:00.004-02:00

The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know.

That's Portuguese for me. I do fine..I can get by...but far from fluent right now. And as I sit in my lessons and realize all the words and all the conjucations yet to learn, well, I better get CRACKIN'!

THAT AGNOSTIC TAUGHT ME A THING OR TWO ABOUT CHRIST--MAS

So again I kind of got some insights from my Portuguese Teacher. At the end of today's class, she was giving me some slang that people use, and one of them was Step-by-Step. I countered with the question, how do you say Line Upon Line...it's very common in the English vocabulary.

She'd never heard it. I said it was in the Bible. She's never read it. I said, WHAT, this is such a Catholic Country, how could you not have read even some part of it? She said her parents were Agnostic and so is she. In disbelief I said but you must have heard some lines from the Bible--especially during Christmas.

No, she's never read any part of the Bible. EVEN about Christmas--I couldn't let that go. Jokingly I said, well you're a SINNER then.

And then she enlightened me a bit.

She said she didn't know sin as most people do. She said that to her, seeing all the people go hungry, is the real sin. That we as a civilized society will allow the sin of hunger to still exist on the earth.

And then she said that Christmas is a very sad time for her. She sees all the happy faces, the merry making, the frivelous gifts being given to one another...and all these people are walking past the starving child on the street to get to their next party. THAT, she said, is a TRUE SIN if there is such a thing as SIN.

I'm not so sure Christ would disagree with this person that professes she doesn't believe in him.

As I left, she said that when her Father sat his family of seven children down for dinner, these are the words he offered before eating (in my humble translation from Portuguese to English):

"Give bread for those who hunger, and give charity to those that have bread."

It's a good thought. One to live one's life by.

THAT BRASIL-ILOGCAL CLOCK IS TICKING

I had a sinking feeling today. My original ticket was to leave Rio this Friday. 2 1/2 months have almost come and gone.

Even so, I'll be returning the first part of January. I'm not gonna get all melancoly about about it now, but I really am going to miss so many things about living here.

So many...

BACK TO SEEING THE SIGHTS

If the weather holds up...I'm gonna take in a couple of museums, maybe the Christ Statue, and some palaces tomorrow. One never knows. :) But I'm gonna make a day of it.

So pack the sunscreen and maps...I'm off.

BTW, tomorrow I try my second batch of beans...maybe even tonight. We'll see how this one goes...hopefully without burning--although I finished of the pot i made a couple of days ago yesteday and actually they weren't half bad.

Even tasty, if I MUST (and I MUST) say so myself.

I called them CAJUN BEANS...Mom, you should have done that.

Hey everybody, Mom's Making Cajun Toast again...and she LOVES eating it.

I'm Late for a Very Important Date

2009-12-14T11:56:00.000-02:00

Drama back at the old place...the oven without A/C.

Well, one of they guys got a boyfriend that pretty much never leaves the apt. They stay in their nice A/C'd room, so what did/do I care. But the other guy told me today that he overheard them making plans to move to another state and start a business there, which essentially could put the other roommate in a living situation bind.

I'm glad I'm out of there...I just go back occasionally to do some laundry, or pick up some clothes. BOTH really nice guys, but the house needed some work.

SPEAKING OF HOUSES

So I took Max, my British friend who's remodeled 17 apartments, to this MESS of an apartment to see if there could be any hope for remodeling it into something cool. He had to leave before I could pull him aside, but his last words of advice were this..."have you ever remodeled a place before? I responded in the negative. He said, "well you might not want to make this one your first...it's a LOT of work!"

I'll get more scoop tomorrow, but I think it's gonna more on that theme. MOVE ON, as my NYC roommate always says...Just Move On!

BRASILIAN WAYS

One thing that does kind of annoy me is that they can't seem to keep an appointment of any kind. NOT everyone, and NOT everytime, but definite times don't exist here.

I had an appointment to go with my realtor, his boss, an architect, and my british friend to revisit this apartment. Over the past three days, we've exchanged several phone calls confirming...everything was always a go.

One hour before I am to show up, I get a call from the realtor..."um, we can't do it today. My boss has other appointments, etc. etc.." "We'll didn't he know this earlier?" He mumbled something in Portuguese I didn't understand. "Thiago, are you saying that the other appointments are more important than My appointment." (I thought that ought to get him). He answered very professionally..."if it were me only, yours would be the most important".

And with that, three days of planning, getting people there, were just OFF.

It wouldn't fly in the US, but here, people accept it as common place. I'm sometimes amazed they get anything done. But overall, business and the economy is thriving. So maybe everything doesn't have to be so rigid.

And don't get me wrong, they work long, hard hours. They stay late at work. They have a strong work ethic, just not a strong "appointment on time" ethic.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE CORNER

I bought some Christmas gifts today. Now I just have to get them shipped there. I wish I knew a good shipping company--that wasn't running on fumes. :)

Simple, No Nothing Day

2009-12-13T11:55:00.000-02:00

Passed by a catholic church and witnessed a bit of mass. That in itself isn't that special, but the overall church was a bit interesting.

It's kind of a modern church, built withint two buildings. On the front steps, they have several statues of children, singing, reading, etc...I guess it's the church of some saint that loves and protects children.

I've passed by it before and always thought it bit creepy, but this time on the step landing, they have build a nativiy scene. Since it really doesn't feel like Christmas here, I thought taking a moment to look at that might be a good way to get more into the spirit of things...but not really. That didn't work. The nativity was rather tradtional, but whoever was in charge of decorations this year went too far...she threw in some little lawn variety statues...you konw the statue of the girl with basket gathering flowers. I didn't know she showed up at the manager. Or a little boy plahing a flute...looks like a roman child...hum...well, they had a drummer boy, why not a flutist. Sara Palan plays the flute...it could happen. Maybe she'll be in the scene by next week.

Needless to say, didn't get much feeling from all that.

WHERE'S MY MORTON SALT GIRL WHEN YOU NEED HER

It rained pretty much all day today. Hum...it's good, I'm nursing my sunburn anyway, so good to have to stay in doors.

And with that, gonna log off today. Sorry, a slow writing day, but really don't have that much to chat about.

Location, Location, Location

2009-12-13T03:03:00.002-02:00

I thought yesterday when I went to the Favela (Slum) Gym, I'd reached the gamit of gym variations in this city, but today I experienced JUST ONE MORE.

There's a section that divides Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach...it's called Arpoador. It~s a rocky penninusla that actually is quite beautiful. See the picture. If you look closely, you see the part where to the two sandy beaches come together right before the rock that sticks out like a ship. well, there atop the rocks is my lastest gym find. (By the way, my new apartment is very close to this area).

On this beautiful rocky stretch of beach, they've built an every man's gym--sort of. The benches are concret slabs. The barbells are flower pots on each end with cement inside to give weight. There's pull-up bars, dip bars, bench press bars...etc. The best way to describe it is it's kind of like a Fred Flintstone gym set on the sea shore, in beautiful Rio, with the sun setting and fresh smells of trees and flowers and salt air as you watch the surfers and ships passing by.

Nice picture, right. Abba, Dabba, Do!

So, I tried it out, and as nice as the best gyms can be, this one seemed to do the part just as well. (I might have been overcompensating for the surroundings). There were some men there with great bodies, and I'm pretty sure they only use this little open air gym.

A lot to be said for less-is-more.

Got a good work out, and it was so beautiful...God's A/C, and the walls were bautifully painted with God's masterworks, (not that horrible green color at the one gym).

I'll go back, I'm sure.

PLEASE WAIT FOR ME ARGENTINA

So the British gentleman I'm renting from in Ipanema (Max) and my American friend doing the New Years Celebration here (Mark)--we've all decided to take 4 or 5 days and go visit Buenos Aires the first week in January. I'm excited to go do that. Should be interesting. I've never been there and have always wanted to visit. They say it's got an European flare with a Spanish Accent. We'll see how right THEY are.

Mansions in Heaven

2009-12-11T22:58:00.003-02:00

You heard me say I've been on a mission to find all the free visit gyms in this city, right? Well, I've not exhausted them, but I've been to a lot. So far I've only paid for two weeks, and I've been here over two months.

Well, today, I resorted to the GHETTO GYM...it's up in the hills in the 'favelas'. I thought it would be interesting--living on the edge. You know the American tourist tasting a bit of the local "danger" culture.

It was GROSS...I think every machine hadn't been cleaned in YEARS...it just felt like there were years of sweat and grime on EVERYTHING. I couldn't wait to get home and wash my hands. (I tried to do it in the bathroom, but it had about an inch of water on the floor--not sure where that came from-- I didn't WANNA know.)

The good side of the gym is the owner of the gym is a woman that won three national championships in body building several years back. She performed as a blond (the pics are plastered around the gym (they looked grimy too), but now has lost the muscle, gained some normal curves, and has black hair. But very sweet. This gym is her livelihood. I hope she makes enough to do whatever she wants.

I'm guessing she's skimping on costs by not CLEANING the thing.

MANSIONS ON THE HILLS

Really, one big issue with Rio is the favelas are everywhere NORMAL construction couldn't go. So they have literally build these small ramshackle homes on the hillsides--on rocks. It's a problem because slowly they keep creeping up on all the natural beauty that Rio is known for.

But by so doing, they must have GORGEOUS views of the city and the breach/oceans. Quite a paradox, right? Peace and Quiet for Wealth and Security.

Up in the favela is actually very peaceful. Because most don't have cars, plus the streets are so sidewinding and narrow going up, well, not much traffic. The sounds of the city are very distant and really not heard. Walking home, at dusk, I heard crickets, birds, and little else. Very peaceful.

ALICE I AINT

Well, I did my first batch of rice and beans today. I think they both would have been VERY GOOD, if I'd cooked them correctly, but as it turned out, I think I cinged the beans (nice way to say I burned the bottom--letting the water boil out while not attending it), and the rice was a bit undercooked. But I'll get better at it.

The problem is, I made a BIG pot of beans...enough to last me for a full week. They aren't horrible, but they could be better...I'll keep trying--and keep eating.

Lesson #1. When making a new recipe, never make more than one serving--that can be thrown out if you have to start over.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

And it did. The sun made a strong showing today, and I did too on the beach for an hour. But because of the hard rains, the beaches were lined with signs warning of riptides, and I could feel it when in the water. Most everyone staid out of the water, or in shallow areas. Me included.

Those things scare me. I was sucked out once while in Taiwan...I really thought I was going to die...you know, life passing before me eyes type stuff, and then just as soon as I was going out, suddenly, i felt my feet land on a sand bar, and I was ok.

But it scared the begeebers out of me. (I also thought I would drown in Mexico once, but that's another story--not a riptide story). I've been catious of them every since.

A guy died last week on Ipanema Beach because of a riptide, so you (read I) need to be careful.

Rainy Night in Rio

2009-12-10T22:45:00.005-02:00

Little by little you get a glimpse of what is supposed to be. I'm talking about a new language. Today in my class, Nila mentioned that you don't say this, you say that. You move you mouth like this, not like that. You keep that sound in the back of your mouth, not pressing against your lips. And when she says it, it all sounds so RIGHT. When I try it, it all sounds so wrong...but with practice, it gets better and now when I hear the sounds, I see what she's talking about.

Anyway, it's that old principle, "line upon line, dipthong upon accents". You've all heard it.

Class went well. She was prepared for me, with teeth IN, and the fan in place. I actually think she's pretty good. And she insisted on a two kisses goodbye--if not she said, it means that you may never return.

So she got her two cheek kiss.

LEAVE YOUR WORK IN THE USA

Well, easier said than done. Today I had about three hours of conference calls and work that had to get done.

With the lawsuit, and selecting lawyers, and all that other fun stuff, well, we're right in the thick of making some decisions that will affect us short term and long term, so it moved to the top priority. Not that there was much else going on...IT RAINED CATS AND DOGS here today. And as I write this at 11 p.m. it's slowed a bit, but the rain is expected for another couple of days.

I didn't think this was supposed to be their rainy season, but hey, what do I know. :)

MOVE THAT WALL, RAISE THAT FLOOR...AND START ALL OVER AGAIN

So today I looked at a roof top apartment that really WAS the rooftop. It's one of those hodge-podge add on things..."I think we could make an apartment up here on the roof", but this thing was a MESS. Walls going no where. Floors raised up 2 feet for a room, slanted ceilings, etc. etc.

BUT, the good news is that is has a large terrace, which is a sought after comodity...and slight view of the ocean, and a good view of the huge rocks around Rio (with accompanying slums), and all that other good stuff.

SO, since it doesn't cost anything, I asked the realtor to contact an architect and have them come by and tell me what walls have to stay, which can go, etc. etc.

I'm thinking maybe a LOFT type apt on the top of the building...we'll see if he agrees. I really think it's impossible, but hey, WHO knows.

As Dad always said, at the right price, anything is a good deal.

THINGS I"LL MISS ABOUT BRASIL

1. The rain. When it rains, it REALLY rains. But the good thing is it cleans everything off. I always love rain for that reason. I remember the smell of rain on the farm...LOVED that smell, and the fresh color it gave to EVERYTHING GREEN. (Which if you know our farm, GREEN was a sought after commodity).

2. Nice people. They really are nice people. Today I sat on the bus next to a guy and within a couple of minutes he was telling me about studying Spanish, and working on Royal Carribean, etc. The check out lady at the super market couldn't be helpful enough...Here you weigh each fruit item at the produce section, and they put a sticker on it there. You then check out and they just ring up the price. Well I forgot to do this on my two bananas, and when I got to check out--you'd have thought the whole store was coming to my rescue. NICE PEOPLE.

A TRUE ACCOMPLISHMENT

And I was actually proud of myself today. A couple of days ago I splurged and bought a PINT of Haagan Daz, Dolce de Leite Ice Cream...it cost about $10...so it really was a splurge.

I was all excited to try it out and when I peeled back the lid, and took my first bite, I realized that the ice cream had melted, and then refroze leaving it crystalized. I HATE THAT!!!! It's worse than a mealy peach. Or a bruised banana. Yuck!

So using my best bravado, when at the grocery store, and trying to use my best remembrances of Portuguese, I tried to explain melt, froze, crystalized, soft, pint, etc. etc. Words I don't usually use or even KNOW.

The good news is she got it the first time--without giving me dumb stare, or looking to a co-worker in a state of panic, like a new father might do if he feels his new baby wetting his diaper!

I felt pretty good about myself.

Thanks NILA. I've really sunk mine and your teeth into learning this language and it's paying off--I can return the ice cream for a new pint.

YEAH.

My Second Chance

2009-12-09T22:43:00.002-02:00

It rained all day...I'm asking Mother Nature for a refund on the day. Brasilians are very much into red-tape, so maybe I'll have them fill out the paperwork for me. First, paying more for a room with an A/C that the past couple of days I don't need...AND what's up with Rio without the sun.

A refund I say...REFUND.

I'LL BE SOMEWHERE FOR CHRISTMAS

A couple of you have asked when I'm coming home for Christmas, or where I'll be spending it. I've avoided answering that question, because I really don't know yet.

I may extend my exit from Brasil until the first week of January...making my stay a full three months. It would be great to see the New Years Celebration on Copacabana Beach--I guess it's a sight to behold. PLUS, I've made a friend of one of the guys in charge of putting that celebration on...so I might have some good seats for the fireworks.

Or I maybe decide to spend a week or so in Buenos Aires, Agentina. If I do that, it would be the first week in January...which would require that I spend Christmas here in Rio.

And then there's always my original plan...return on the 18th and be home in Utah for a white Christmas.

At this point, I'm leaning on extending through the New Year, visiting Buenos Aires, and then returning back to New York...and my life.

I'll keep you posted.

SECOND TRY AT LIFE

Why'd I make that title of my blog. Hum, well today I was thinking about that. Did I come to Brasil to find myself. Nah...I think I found myself many, many years ago. Did I hope to explore a unique part of my life that I hadn't done in the US. Again, no. So why? Why think THAT heading fit my life here in Brasil.

In short...I think it's because I kind of am at a crossroads in my life. My career...the demise of my NYC business, and watching that all unfold now in the courts, and dwindling bank accounts. But as much as I hate to admit it, I think I'm kind of experiencing a Mid-Life Awareness (not a Crisis, because I don't feel that way about it). But yeah, I'm 50 years old. Who'd have thought? Who'd have thought?

This morning I think I found a gray hair on my stomach. I've had gray hair on my head now for a couple of years, although this past year, it's becoming much more prevalent. But so far only a few on my chest--I pluck them. Now my stomach...what's next? You know it goes downhill...I don't think I'm ready to find one in my nether regions. :) Help me no, not there. Ha Ha.

But aside from some grey hair, a thinning spot on my crown, and some wrinkles in all the expected places, I'd have to say I'm holding up pretty well. And I don't feel the effects of age that much. (aside from aches and creaks early in the morning). I never understood why older people stood up so slowly, but NOW I understand. And tying your shoelaces early in the morning is almost impossible.

I have started to think more about my downhill years than ever before--my career has a part to do with that, but also the fact that I might have to face those years alone. Not ALONE--I always have my family--but alone...without family, spouse, or loved one(s). I still hold out hope/expectations that will change, but yeah, if there's one thing that makes me feel a bit melancholy, that's it.

So Second Try at Life...well, it was kind of a misnomer...it should have been My Try at accepting my Second Half of Life.

And with that, off to bed. Night. Soul searching can be wrentching work. ;)

Choveu ontem a noite.

I Can Really Sink My Teeth Into that.

2009-12-08T22:52:00.004-02:00

It was a rainy day here in Rio. And it looks to be a rainy next several days....WHAT, this isn't supposed to happen. Not on my last couple of weeks in Brasil.

But what you gonna do, right?

TEACH ME TO TALK

So I went to my first lesson with Isabella, or as she likes to be called, NISA. I was freeting it all day long, because she made a big stink about not forgetting and standing her up when we first met. So right at 2 p.m., I show up at here door. I ring. I ring again. I ring AGAIN. I hear a, "who's there". Me, I say. Then the door opens slowly, she peaks her nightgowned head through the crack. "oh, you...". Yes, I say, we have our lessons today, right? "Well, you didn't respond to my e-mail saying we should schedule a time." But, I say, we confirmed last week that I would be here now, taking the space of the Danish girl that return to Denmark. "Oh, yes...right. Well let me go put in my TEETH", and off she went to her bedroom.

I'm thinking, what have I gotten myself into.

But actually, I left with some good tools, some good insights into pronunciation, and some homework...so right now I'm happy.

THE AMERICAN DREAM IN RIO

So, I got a burr up my "horses patoot" recently, thinking I should maybe buy some property here. So today, my realtor Friend, Thiago, showed me a place...the first I've seen.

It's about $282,000 and has a view of the Christ and it's got a roof top terrace. Very nice, in that regard. But it also need some work...probably another $50,000 to fix it up. BUT THE KICKER is that there is no lobby. You have to enter through the garage. CRAZY right. For this reason this apartment has sat on the market for over 3 months...and will sit longer.

Anyway, still looking and will see another tomorrow.

HOMESICK FOR BRASIL ALREADY

Today I got a sinking feeling that I'll be leaving here shrortly. I'm not gonna dwell on this now, but it makes me a bit sad...

Enough Already...I'm Tired

2009-12-07T23:52:00.003-02:00

I'm gonna make this entry short. It's lake, and to be honest, nothing much of "interest" happened today.

Do you mind? Will you hate me? Will you leave me? Will you find some other blog that is more fresh, more tantilizing, more in the "know"?

Well, trust me, they are out there.

UPDATES

1. First Portuguese lesson tomorrow--boy, do I need it, even though at this point I can pretty much stumble my way through and out of any situation.

2. I need a haircut...it's not long, but the humidity makes it puffy--I hate that. One thing that does work well with my hair is the ocean...I find that if I swim in the ocean for a day or more without shampooing, it does wonders for making my hair more "asian-esque" if you know what I mean...More brittle, less soft.

3. Looking at the possibility of buying an apartment for an investment here in Rio. If anyone is interested in putting down some money in a booming real estate market...and should only get better with Brasil expected to be a world economy moving forward, um, let me know.

Off to bed.

Obama vs Three Strippers

2009-12-06T23:00:00.000-02:00

So the flight back to Rio was pretty uneventful, EXCEPT that I got a whole row to myself on the plane...THAT never happens. So all is good.

I made it back into the city around 6:30 p.m. and as I transfered from my bus to the subway on my last leg to the apartment, I noticed LARGE crowds of people around street side cafes watching a soccer match. Apparently it was for the Brasilian title, and in the end, the Flamingos won. When that happened, pandemonium took place in the stadium AND the streets...Brasilians do love their soccer. No doubt.

OBAMA vs DAVID LETTERMAN

As I was riding up the elevator to my new apt, this older woman got in and commented on the game. By my response, she picked up that I am a foreignor, and asked what country I was from. American, I said. She then went into a tirade about the joke David Letterman had made about Brasil getting the Olympics and Chicago losing because Brasil had sent three strippers and Chicago sent Obama & Oprah. Ha Ha. Well this woman found that very UNFUNNY, and said she would never watch his show again (he comes on here at 8 a.m. each morning), and she thought it was very bad of America to do that.

Um, I guess it doesn't matter what Obama does, Letterman's gonna screw it up.

Off to bed.

And a Partride in a Pear Tree

2009-12-05T23:31:00.002-02:00

Today really was kind of a lazy day of summer. Summer because it was HOT, and lazy becuase I didn´t accomplish that much.

I woke up around 8:30, went down for a second effort on that really good breakfast, and then headed over to the hotel´s designated gym. It´s about a 10 minute walk away, and actually a nice Air Conditioned gym. I was working out and began talking with the lead trainor, Hector (or it could be Edgar, I´m not really sure). He spoke some portuguese with his Spanish, and we were doing pretty well communicating. He mentioned that he´d been a professional body builder...still is...and that he knew where I could buy some neutracutical supplements rather inexpensively, so we hopped on his motorbike, and weaving through the traffic made our way to a very ¨hole in the wall¨ shop. And yes, they were cheaper. MUCH cheaper. So I bought some...now I just have to lug them back to Brasil on the city buses (see yesterday´s post) to the airport. Again, anything for a bargain.

I told him i wanted to gain some muscle weight, so he wrote a three page plan of what I should eat to gain muscle mass...so nice of him, really. All without communicating very well. Now I just have to find a spanish dictionary to translate his suggested menu. Ha Ha.

I WENT TO PARAQUAY AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY SUNBURN

The hotel here has a pretty nice pool...but because of special events, etc., I´ve not been able to use it. But this afternoon I did, and thinking I wouldn´t be there long, I didn´t apply much sunscreen...mistake #1. Mistake # 2 was thinking the sun here wasn´t as strong as Rio. Mistake #3...well, that will be thinking I can sleep peacefully with this sunburn on my shoulders and back.

LIFE IN THE PARAQUAIN SUBURBS

So my friend Oskar that works at the hotel, invited me out to see his house tonight. And what a big house it is. Complete with two dogs, two turtles, a monkey, two parrots, a pond that used to hold two crocodiles (he swears by that story'--til the neighbor came over, killed and ate them), and a lots of mosquitos (that came over and started eating me).

And the area he lives is so quiet. You drive down a rock paved road...pretty cool, and come upon what apparently is a little subdivision consisting of German families. It really was a peaceful place out of the hustle-bustle of downtown City of the East, Paraquay.

WATCH OUT BELLAGIO

Oskur then took me to Itaipu (see the pictures) for their weekend light show. On the weekends, they don´t illuminate the damn until they bus in about 500 people to watch the Lighting of the Damn Show.

I will say this, the music was loud and very powerful. And the damn itself is VERY impressive in it´s size--the largest output of hydroelectric power in the world. Even larger than the Three Gorges Damn yet to be completed in China.

But someone should have taken a tutorial from Disney or the Bellagio when it comes to light and water. It was nice, but too short, and not that creative--especially since the bus and watiting took us about 1 1/2 hours and the show itself lasted no more than 5 minutes preceeded by a 7 minute slide show of the damn construction.

BUT, something to see ONCE in a lifetime IF you happen to be in the part of the world.

And now I´m back in the hotel, for my last night...STARVING, and about to devour a salad from the restaurant that has gotten RAVE revues from the staff.

We´ll see. We´ll see.

Oh it just arrived...and it DOES look tasty.

Water, Water Everywhere

2009-12-04T23:57:00.004-02:00

BEAUTIFUL AND MAJESTIC and AWE-INSPIRING...but enough about me (I mean the FAlls), I'll come back to that.

First let me fill you in on my day long excursion to get to there.

PENNY SAVED IS A DOLLAR HEADACHE

I woke up this morning after a good nights sleep in my $70 a night hotel (apparently the nicest hotel in the city (the vice-president of Paraguay is about to stay here tonight). I went downstairs to a VERY TASTY and FILLING buffet. And who should be there at a table near me...Elders Callan and Peterson and their wives. (I'm guessing regional rep and maybe a counselor, not sure). The first missionaries I've seen and they happen to be relatively big ones.

We didn't speak, they were pretty engrossed in their scrambled eggs and melons, but it did bring back memories.

So rather than fork out $100 for a taxi to the falls and back, I thought, I can do this with local buses...it will be an adventure.

That was an understatement.

I started out with a taxi ride to the local bus station here in The Eastern City, Paraguay. $15. From there, I took a bus that basically sat in a line to cross the bridge for over an hour. $1.50 While waiting for that bus to move, I asked if I could get off and look around, do some street vender shopping, and catch him further down the line. I knew I had about 45 minutes I could burn before he made it to the bridge, so that's what I did.

You know those street scenes of vendors selling everything and anything and NOTHING you want, well that was my case today. After winding through what this man found as TRASH, I found myself 30 minutes into it and all the way down the river. Trying my luck further, I thought, "why not get the border guard to stamp my visa?", so I could re-enter into Brasil with another 90 day visa.

Well, that was the plan...I'm lucky I still have my passport.

The guy at the window was basically a JERK. You can always spot them when you politely ask, "do you speak English?", and they snarl back with, "do you speak Spanish?". It wasn't pretty much downhill from there.

In the end, he agreed to stamp my visa but for a little bribe--$7o. Which later came down to $50 and then $30. I finally countered with $20, and he held firm--$30. Well, I did two, and luckily was able to grab my visa back before he held it hostage, and left. And lucky for me, just as my bus was approaching me and the bridge. I hope on and within a couple of minutes was back in Brasil. (It's a friendly border zone, so no visas needed as long as you stay within I think 30 KM from the border).

So far, I'm just up to $16.50.

Well, i think I misunderstood my directions, but was able to relay what I thought I wanted to the driver...45 minutes later I was at the Iguazu Falls Bus Terminal, only to find out I didn't want to go there...I wanted to go to the Central Bus Terminal OF Iguazu Falls, which would have cut 30 minutes off my commute.

I had to catch another bus back to the Central Bus Terminal ($1.50) and finally a bus that took me out to the Falls themselves. $1.50

Total travel time, about 3 hours. Total travel time back, About 1 1/2 hours...and another $4.50, so all together, my travel cost was $24 versus the $100 I would have used with the Taxi. And actually, figuring out the buses, and even taking a VERY LOCAL one on my last leg here (wow, that was an experience--riding in a 1940's style bus, jam packed, and me not sure where to get off, how to pay, or how to ask either in spanish.

But I made it.

IF THERE IS A GOD

Yes, if there is a God, he would have made the Falls of Iguazu. They are simply spectacular. Take Niagra falls and multiply their size and power, and scope and beauty by 10 fold. I took some pictures and will post here...but they really don't do it justice...you HAVE to see them in person. Or again, rent the film THE MISSION.

I'm SO glad I made it here...and witnessed their majesty myself. You know, about 32 years ago I almost made it here. When me and my MTC group, now in Brasil, were leaving the country after six months to renew our visas, Brasil decided they wouldn't play that game anymore with the church, and wouldn't renew them. So for a month we pretty much had a Mission vacation. We couldn't work here, because we didn't speak Spanish, and the Mission here didn't want us in their hair. So we site-saw and saw a lot of movies.

But what we wanted to do was come down from Assuncion and see the falls...and we probably could have but the Church was nervous about us crossing into Argentina...so close and yet so far away.

The Brasilians have done a good job of the site. There are some trails that actually take you out ONTO the water, where you can feel the spray and the power of the water cascading down near you, past you, and down more balls behind.

But one of the more beautiful things is that as you leave that spot, and look back, a perfect rainbow follows your every step and as move past the fall. It was very pretty.

I thought Brasil really has been my lucky pot...I found it here in Brasil this year.

Border Patrols

2009-12-04T00:22:00.003-02:00

It's HOT here!

The first thing I noticed when I stepped off the plane (yes, off the plane onto the tarmac), is HEAT! Apparently, it rains about every day in the late afternoon, and the humidity is generally VERY HIGH. But (and Mom, you'll love this), EVERYTHING is so green. Everywhere you look there is fresh grass growing. It's lush and beautiful.

But again, I warn you, HOT!

My internet friend, Oskar (from Germany, but living in Paraguay for almost 17 years), and his driver picked me up at the airport and wisked me off to this rather nice hotel on the outskirts of the only country club in this part of Paraquay.

To explain a bit, the falls border Argentina and Brasil, the airport is located in Brasil, but his hotel is across the Bridge of Friendship (ironic since Brasil and Paraguay are always fighting about something...they've actually had some pretty bloody wars) in Paraquay, so here we came. (He works here and got me a good deal on a hotel room). Well, you know me and a good deal...how could I refuse. Plus he's a very nice guy and I'm happy to finally meet my internet pal.

Tonight after a short couple hours break, he walked me into the country club to the club area itself and we had a pizza that I must say was GREAT!

The homes around this very exclusive club are BIG, and relatively cheap. Rob, your home here might sell for $500,000, on the golf course, in a gated community. So yeah, pretty inexpensive--relatively speaking. That's the upside. The downside, you're in Paraquay...a VERY developing country. But developing countries always have their perks. Meaning you could have your home at that price, all the maid service, driver, etc. you wanted, and still have cash left over for about anything you wanted.

For example, my friend says that the country club is SO special, that even the police can't enter if not given permission. In other words, it could harbor terrorist, etc., and the police force is powerless to apprehend. Interesting, right?

If they are living there, they all have nice lawns and big homes.

YOU PAID WHAT FOR THAT

Tonight I had to buy some toothpaste, so we stopped off at the local grocery store. My small tube of paste and a Twix bar came to about $15,000 quaranies, or about $1.20 (lol). Supposedly they plan to drop the 0000000's in two years...thinking it will take that long to educate the population about the new valuation. But those high numbers...talk about sticker shock.

SHORT CHANGED ON THE VISA

Speaking of shock, while I was waiting for dinner, I actually took a FIRST look at my Brasilian Visa in my passport. What I thought was a 180 day visa, is actually just a 90 day visa, so I guess I would have to be home and out of the country by the 10th of January. Of course, being that I'm in Paraguay right now, I have left the country so I could get another visa if I wanted to...hum, I'll think over that tonight.

Ok, off to bed...tomorrow I get to figure out how to take the local buses to the Falls, and avoid a $100 taxi charge. TRUST ME, I'll figure that one out. It's kind of an adventure/challenge I'm looking forward to.

Night.

Technology at Times HATES me

2009-12-02T20:47:00.004-02:00

First off, I leave tomorrow for the Falls of Iguazu. Now for any of you that don't know about the falls, I strongly recommend you rent (this week) the film THE MISSION. First off, it's an EXCELLENT film, but secondly, it has many scenes shot at the falls. So rent it and get a glimpse of just how majestic and beautiful they really are.

ATE IT ALL UP

Yesterday I went to a HSBC ATM to get some money to pay rent. I requested R$ 800 Reals. ( see the brasilian currency to the left). The ATM gave me a receipt saying it gave me R$ 800, but the machine only gave me R$ 360. I immediately called over a secrutiy guard at the metro station (where I took out the money from the ATM), and said "look what this did...will you be my witness", and he just walked away from me. LOL

I called up HSBC and they said I have to take it up with my Bank (CHASE), so so far I've gotten a pretty good run-around, and I'm not sure how it will be resolved. But I will keep you posted.

A LITTLE TIFF

So I told my roommates that I would be moving out of the apartment at the end of the month, and as expected, one of them said nothing and the other went ballistic. It all rests on the fact that when I moved here, I bought a bed, and that bed was agreed to go against the cost of the last months rent (at a depreciated rate). Well, now that I'm leaving, that didn't go over very well. Thankfully I put it in an e-mail a month ago...so he can rant and rave, but it's all there as to what we agreed.

But I'm sure I haven't heard the end of it.

THINGS I'LL MISS

As I was walking home along Copacabana Beach tonight at sundown, I began thinking that all this will come to an end sooner than later...and i began to think of things I'll really miss. So as I think of them, I'll list them.

1. The sunset/twilight hour on the beach. People come to the beach at this time to work out, run the beach, stroll and unwind, or even for soccer/volleyball camps...lots of little kids learning to play soccer. It's a nice peaceful time.

2. Juice stands on every corner. It's very refreshing to be able to have a fresh fruit drink at any time of the day or night for only $2.00

SLEEPING WITH "CHILLED" ANGELS.

Last night I slept with the A/C on...need I say more.

But I will say that the auto thermostate on the A/C is in Centrigrades, so I set it at 32...which is too hot, apparently. I woke up in a sweat and quickly lowered it to 25...ahh, refreshing.

Plus this new house has an outdoor shower. I LOVE outdoor showers. If I ever build a house, I'm doing one for sure. It's so great to have the sun beat down on you as you wash the dirtiness of the world away.

Try it...everyone make a HOME DEPOT run tonight! :)

Now That's a Brief, Santa

2009-12-01T23:02:00.003-02:00

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.

Green Acres

2009-11-30T21:08:00.003-02:00

Back from the farm.

And what a trip it was....amazing. Sunday Afternoon, I boarded a bus at the central bus station here in Rio. From there, it was about a 2 hour trip up to Max's farm outside of Teresopolis...a town dedicated to one of the once reinging monarchs family of Brasil. Another neighboring city is Petropolis, where the King ruled during the HOT summer months--escaping the heat of Rio. (Smart Man).

I'm not sure of the elevation, but it's up there in the clouds. The sleeping temperature is perfect. It's quiet, green, VERY GREEN, and just a nice break away from the hustle/bustle of Rio.

On the way up, we passed what is known as the DEDO DE DEUS (Finger of God) and from the picture, you can tell why it's called this. It really does look like a hand and finger pointing upward. The remains of the ice age, it's a beautiful site just outside the city.

Teresopolis really is a mess of a city--very unplanned, and not so attractive. But outside the city is where it becomes more jungle and VERY green.

Needless to say, I loved my night away in the mountains on a brasilian farm thanks to the hospitality of Max.

A NEW LEASE ON LIFE

I've got to give my notice to the other apartment...given the uncertainty with the lawsuit and other things and not sure exactly when I'll be leaving. I have found another apartment in Ipanema with a share that has A/C and will allow me to catch some respite from the heat of December. More on this later.

LOOKING FORWARD

I leave Thursday for my trip to the Foz de Iguzu....and I can't wait. I'm very excited about this.

The countdown starts today...three more days.

And counting...

1...2...3..

Four-to-Five Deep

2009-11-29T12:34:00.005-02:00

I'm a little early today because in a couple of hours I'll take an hour and 1/2 bus ride up to Max' farm. He's British, nice guy. And needs someone to drive his Jeep back into the city...so I volunteered.

I thought I'd write this now and not have to worry about lugging the laptop with me on the bus.

EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE

Disney really is amazing.

I was walking down the street this morning, looking for something to eat when I looked towards the beach area and saw a line of people, and then heard a roar go up from the crowd. Instantly, I thought..A PARADE, so I decided to go check it out.

Come to find out, Disney had organized, and I'm sure paid a pretty penny, to have a parade down Copacabana. Not quite as spectacular as the Disney Parade that winds through DisneyLand, it still did a pretty good job of spotlighting all the Disney characters, Sleeping Beauty and her castle, etc.

The songs were all translated into Portuguese, and the skin tone of most of the characters was a bit darker, but where natural hair color didn't match the image, wigs too it's place.

And what a marketing machine Disney is. I was amazed at how international all those characters are. Children were lining up, sitting atop shoulders, just to catch a glimpse of Mecke Mos (as they pronounce his name). One little girl was sobbing as Mickey's float passed by, she was so overcome with joy. Shortly thereafter, an ambulance pulled up to take another little boy and his mother away...not sure why...but I doubt it was because Pulto was too much for him.

FEEDING FRENZY

From there I walked past one of the Street Fairs (I mentioned that daily these street fairs travel to different locations...selling all kinds of produce, meats, flowers, fruits, etc.), looking for some lunch.

I stopped at a little PASTEL stand. It's a deep fat friend pastry, filled with meat, or cheese, or shrimp, or chicken...AND VERY GOOD. And served with it is a freshly squeeze sugar can, quickly chilled over ice and served fresh. DELICIOUS. But because the parade had just ended, there was a mob around this square stand two/three/four deep. And they were hungry!

It reminded me of the KOI (not sure how to spell that) fish ponds where tourists throw bread at the fish to see them swarm all over each other.

There were four men inside trying to fulfill orders, but really, the jockying for position, andyelling for this or that...I'm amazed they were able to keep anything straight.

The biggest surprise is that they don't take your money until you're finished and ready to leave, but they also don't pay particular attention to any one customer. Different men filling different aspects of your order. It's done entirely on the HONOR SYSTEM. Pretty impressive. But it seemed to work. I'm sure maybe someone made off with the free drink and a pastel, but I'm guessing the majority of the people were honest and paid for what they ate.

Because in the end, I think the VAST MAJORITY of people are honest and want to do what's right--pay for what they consume.

And good-hearted. I see more giving to the poor/invalid/street people here than in the US. Probably because in the US, we think there is a social program we're already paying for that is taking care of those people. That isn't the case here...those social programs don't exist, so I think people reach out more to help.

I was walking into a grocery store the other night and sitting right by the door was a begger...he looked skinny, but not sick.

Just as I was about to pass him, a man and his little daughter exited the store, saw the Man and said, "What, you still here. Come on, I'll go buy you some food. C'mon!" So a bit reluctantly, the begger got up and followed the man across the street to a shop. I'm thinking the man has seen this man before, but also didn't feel the $4 or $5 bucks was too much for him to give the man a meal.

As I left the store, the begger was back in his spot, wiping the last few crumbs from his mouth with one hand, the other hand outstreched asking for some change.

Life goes on. But because of one man, another man had a full stomach that night. And maybe he can save the spare change he gained for a BEER or DRUGS. LOL (Isn't that the reason most of us don't give to the homeless...we feel they'll misuse our good deed.)

Ahh, give anyway...a sinful beer to someone is a carbohydrate refreshment to another.

UPDATES

1. Still no A/C

2. Return date uncertain

3. It's HOT

2009-11-28T20:26:00.007-02:00

I did it again...I went a day without writing. I was going to, and then didn't, and was going to, and then didn't...well, you know where that one ends. I didn't.

Anyway, I'm back.

IS THE MUSEUM FOR ART, OR THE ART

Today I took the ferry from the center of the city over to visit a couple of friends--and then to see the Museum of Contemporary Art. First the friends.

One is an ex Missionary for the church (I think I mentioned him before)...and living now in Niteroi and working for the phone company OI, which by the way is robbing me blind everytime I make a phone call (he promises to fix that...but I've yet to see that.) He is no longer active in the Church, and seems content with his life. And tall Brasilian--about 6'4", and always has a smile on his face. It was fun to have the mission as a common background as we walked through another American Style Mall (with GREAT air conditioning), looking for nothing in particular, but just enjoying a cool afternoon indoors and away from the sun.

The second friend has a CAR...a nice little perk, and was able to drive around the area and show me some points of interest. I'll post a couple of pictures to give you a feel for what we saw. He's a young attorney, just starting out on his career.

I may have mentioned this before, but children live with the parents LONG into adulthood. He is I think 28 and has NO INTENTION of moving out any time soon. I've encounterd men, women, even families in their 30's/40's that still live at home and think nothing of it. In fact, being a very FAMILY ORIENTED culture, it's the an accepted practice.a

So watch out Mom & Dad...I could still show up anytime, any time at all. :)

Anyway, one of the places I wanted to see...and the primary reason for my trip across the bay was to Visit the museum. It's such a unique building...more like something you'd see in a space

fantasy.

The art within was mediocre at best (always in the eye of the beholder, so I'm cautious not to say it wasn't anything worth seeing), but the space is so unique I liked it.

Below, there's a restaurant we rested and ate some Strawberry Cheesecake--and good Cheesecake at that.

Afterwards we continued our drive, and some of the views looking back at the city, were spectacular with the setting sun...JUST BEAUTIFUL.

Having taken the ferry over, I decided to take the bus back. We went across this huge bridge...and since the drive back hit about the Twilight Hour , the ligh hitting the city made it appear peaceful, inviting, and beautiful.

I've always look the twilight hour. I remember on the farm, after working a long, hot day, the respite provided by twilight was always so inviting. The greens were always a darker color, and there was a peace (and a smell), that just made the day seem complete.

I loved it, and miss the twilights on the farm.

THE LONG THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Being the holidays up north, a lot of people flocked down to a warmer climate. The beaches were pretty packed yesterday and on the streets and restaurants, I could hear a LOT of English being spoken. I even ran into a couple of people I knew from NYC. It's always weird when you run into people in unexpected places. But fun, just the same.

DOWN HOME ON THE BRASILIAN FARM

Tomorrow, I plan to visit a British Man who owns several apartments in the city (Hopefully I can land in one of them) at his farm about 1 1/2 hours away from the city. It'll be good get away, and kind of reduce the temperature by 15 degrees (it's up in the mountains), and relax away from all the CITY stuff.

New adventures are always good.

Always.

Giving Thanks for Being in Brasil

2009-11-26T19:28:00.003-02:00

I've lived away from the US during Thanksgiving before, and it's funny how the rest of the world goes on it's way without the hustle/bustle of Thanksgiving...you know what I mean, travel, food, dinner, family, traffic, delayed flights, etc. etc.

I did get a couple of Happy Thanksgiving's from Brasilians, or mostly Ex-Patriots either from the US or Europe. But just in a fleeting way. There's no sentiment around the holiday. None of the emotions that "Thanksgiving" brings to most Americans.

Which makes me think a bit about cultural differences and how they drive our thoughts and actions. I'm sure there are millions of people so happy today in the US, being with family and friends. And on the other hand, there are probably millions of people miserable today...dreading the time with family, the travel, the "conformity" of the holiday. It would be interesting to see how many suicides are committed around this holiday. I mentioned yesterday the woman that was doing the cruise to ESCAPE Thanksgiving and the sad memories it would bring her.

Yet it's all because of a man-made "hoiliday" designed to give thanks for everything. Thankfully, it's about the LAST holiday that hasn't become completely commercialized.

Makes me think how much cultural barriers have been created that limit the human race from really getting to the core of humanity--that is knowing and loving each other, for no other reason than we are "family".

I believe it's a wise and better man/woman that is capable of stepping outside of his "culturally imprinted" thoughts and actions, and look at the world/mankind without the shroud of culture, nationalism, race, religion, sect, class, neighborhood, or clique.

I think the best way to do that is to step outside one's "comfort culture" and experience others as they are, within their world.

Once you do this, the world becomes more simple and understandable. It's easier to see a Brother/Sister, than a stranger, enemy, infidel, threat, liberal/conservative, good-for-nothing or even a cock-eyed son-of-a-buckin'-son-of-a buck :) .

On this day, I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to do that in Brasil.

Oh, and I'm also very thankful for my great family, friends and life.

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND I SAW WHAT YOU WROTE

I think I've mentioned before that I LOVE the comments you write. If anyone can tell me how to respond to them individually, without writing something to the entire world, I'd like to know.

I'm happy to welcome JULIE...Hi Julie. I don't know you, but I read your comment last night...just a stranger passing through my blog. Thanks for you comment and welcome back anytime.

SOAP OPERAS THAT WORK

I might have mentioned that Brasil has had a long tradition of soap operas. But they are a bit different than those in the US.

In the US, they are broadcast mid morning to early afternoon. They are a continuing story that could go on for 30+ years or more.

In Brasil, they are a nightly affair, and the story line only lasts for about 3-6 months, and then it ends. And a new one starts up. Each night, you can walk down the streets and hear the familiar music of the soap coming from most apartments.

It is a very CULTURAL phenomenom, and one that is GOING STRONG--where in the US, Soaps are dying.

As I close off, I'll say one more time to all...Happy Thanksgiving!

Penny For Your Thoughts, $2.50 for that Post-It

2009-11-25T23:29:00.006-02:00

Funny how you take things for granted. I've started writing down words / verbs I need to learn on little flash cards. But until now, didn't have a rubber band or clip to keep them together...I just stuff them in my pants pocket and PRAY that when I pull them out, they don't go flying all over the floor, bus...you get my point.

So I go to an office supply store (don't think Staples or something like that--those don't exist here. It's just a Mom & Pop type store). I ask for a clip...you know the clips that come in different sizes to hold different thickness of paper.

The sales clerk leads me to the back of the sore where he shows me exactly what I want.

"HOW MUCH?", I ask. He says, "How many do you want?" Well, I'm learning new words, but not THAT many, so I'm thinking, well one box should do. He then shows me that you don't buy the clips in the box, you buy them Individually...price is based on the clip size. (Remember the discussion about SPF gets more expensive as the number goes ups...are we onto a trend here?) My average sized clip cost me about 60 cents per clip. HIGH DEMAND ITEM, I guess.

I then looked at Post It notes. Each little pack of ONE (in the US, they usually come in packs of 4-6 packs wrapped in cellephane...well, here they sell them in individual packs of one. And they are expensive--each costs about $2.50.

So, I now know that there is a reason that EVERY TIME I have to clean out, or straighten up, my desk, I have the HARDEST time throwing out CLIPS of any kind or Post It notes.

It's just an innate need to save those items and I now know why.

DRUNK ON THE HIGH SEAS

A friend from Germany and I were on our way to the beach when a huge rainstorm hit. We sought refuge in the Copacabana Palace, poolside (see the picture...a beautiful hotel right on the beach). Within 5 minutes of being there, this older woman came by, bedazzled in diamonds and precious gems, and while taking a drag of her cigarette, turned on her heals as she heard us speaking English. Before we could say much, she'd sat at our table and weaved her way into our conversation.

Come to find out, she's from NYC/CT/FL, and on a stop over in Rio until her cruise takes off to Buenos Aries. I asked why she decided to do that...and she said she was trying to get away from Thanksgiving.

"In what way?", I asked. Come to find out, she divulged her life story (she's actually very interesting and charming), her husband, father and mother all passed away this past year. She couldn't bear staying in Florida and thinking about it.

So, she found a way around it..around the Horn of South America, that is.

I hope she has a good cruise, the seas are calm, and she always finds an ash tray and a drink to calm her nerves.

A REAL TURKEY

At lunch, in a pay by kilo restaurant, I realized that tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the US. I'd almost forgotten. To everyone there I love, YOU WILL BE MISSED. You're missed anyway, but I just might forget the day as here, it means NOTHING.

Carbon Two-Stepping

2009-11-25T00:07:00.004-02:00

I had another one of those days...not really a lot of value got done.

But I did find another three our four gyms where I can get 1-2 days of free workouts. So far, I've only paid $30 for about a month and a half of work out...That's darn CHEAP, if you ask me. :)

But gonna join a gym this next month for sure. I think I've narrowed it down to two or three. (ALL WITH A/C).

A BIG COUNTRY WITH A CONSCIENCIOUS CARBON FOOTPRINT

So, one of the more interesting things about Brasil is they are VERY conciencous about not wasting energy. Before it sounds way too altruistic, let me explain. Energy is VERY expensive here. Even though they are a huge energy supplier to the world, it's costly for the consumer here.

So, they've come up with innovative ways to save on Electricity. For example, in our foyer leading into our apartment, there are three overhad lights...these lights are motion sensitive, so they only turn on when they sense motion. As you walk down the hall, it feels like you're in an MTV music video. AND, even better, the one going into the side door hardly every turns on on time, so half the time I'm fumbling for my keys in the dark.

Today I walked into a mini mall and realized that the escalators are also motion sensitive...once you step on it, they turn on...interesting, right? And you see this type of energy convervation in many other ways.

One of my roomie is FANATICAL about not leaving the lights or overhead fans on--to the point I'm starting to get a bit annoyed.

Anyway, small steps to a greener world, but I'm sure it's really just to save money.

COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS

Thankfully, the weather hasn't been TOO hot these past couple of days. So it makes the unbearable bearable. :)

BRASILIAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL/SOCCER

Check out this link to some guys playing Beach Volleyball...it's AMAZING.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSBrv8-gcH0

OK, I'm falling asleep here.

Chuvou ontem a noite.

And Your Bill Comes To...

2009-11-23T14:22:00.003-02:00

I hate to sound like a broken record, but the heat...even the Brasilians have started to complain. :)

My skin from yesterday is slightly reddish in color today--I've been called a SHRIMP by more than one person. :) No Sun today...laying low.

SHAKE, RATTLE & HELLO

Last night my American friend here for the Olympic bid invited to a club um in the Botanical Garden section of the city...sort of a dance/club thing. So I went. Other than being just like any other club in the US, it has an interesting financial twist to it. Kind of like when you're on a cruise.

When you enter, they charge you R$30, but you don't exchange money. They give you a card, and then throughout the night, if you want a drink, soda, water, candy, food, whatever, you just add it to your "bill".

Easy enough, right? But I'm sure some people get surprised when they go to leave and all those expenses are FORCED onto their wallet. :)

Sticker Shock, after you've driven off the LOT.

BRAS-ODDITIES

1. Variable Pricing. Not only can one retail chain have different prices for an identical item from store to store, but I saw something today that was really interesting. I was shopping for SPF 50+, and each SPF has a different price. Ranging from $13 to $39 Reais depending on the SPF. Interesting, right?

2. Paper Napkins apparently are like GOLD. At Subway, you get one napkin, wrapped in a wrapper...and NO MORE. :) Most restaurants are like that.

TRY THIS ON FOR HYPOCRACY

Meet a young guy a the beach the other day. As we talked, you know me, I had to delve into his life...one question after another. He's Gay. Told his parents about two years ago. His Father later admitted he'd had Same Sex relations before he married (his parents are divorced and each with a different mate now). His Mother still can't accept it...telling him he'll go to hell for this for sure.

Here's the kicker--and this really made me laugh out loud (LOL for you Mom). Both his parents are living with their mates without marrying, and his Father is a Pastor of an Evangelical Church. HA HA

Now THAT'S the Pot calling the Kettle black, if I ever heard of one.

BOOK EM DANNO

Booked my flight to Falls de Igazu--one of the seven NATURAL wonders of the world. Can anyone name the other six? I'm guessing...

Grand Canyon

Yellowstone

Not sure....

I'm excited to see them...I'll tell you all about it as I'm there or get back on the 6th of December.

I believe this will be the first week in a long time that Brasil hasn't had a holiday of some sort. Ironic that this is Thanksgiving week in the US.

Choveu duas vezes ontem a noite.

Lazy BLAZING days of Summer

2009-11-22T20:58:00.003-02:00

Even with 50 SPF, I seem to get some kind of a burn...and that's staying the bulk of the time UNDER an umbrella. So I've begun to limit my sun exposure. I like the beach, but not that much...I'm going at later hours, and I'm trying to stay in the shade as much as possible.

It's not worth it otherwise.

MISSION REUNION

Hopefully I'm able to get A/C in the room this week. If not, well, I'm gonna have to move...I don't see another way around it.

I ran into anther guy that had served a Mormon Mission last night. Just by chance, we happened to mention that we'd both served missions. Him up north, and me in Sao Paulo. Small world right. We are going to try and have dinner and talk about old mission stories.

We're both in the same situation now--years away from the mission, so to speak, but living here in Rio just the same.

Other than that, it was a pretty casual day here...not much happened, which at times is good.

I have some goals for the coming week: 1. A/C 2. Visit at least two cool areas in the area. 3. Determine if I can swing a trip to Buenes Aires in the next 30 days, and 4. Get a Portuguese Professor.

Vicki suggested I try to get a charity thing going. Actually, I have been looking into that for some time, but with limited Portuguese skills, and the fact I'm on a Tourist Visa, well, it's not as easy as it sounds...but I'm still looking.

Droppings and Drop & Roll

2009-11-22T01:35:00.006-02:00

I took most of the day and David and I went to the little section of the city called Santa Teresa. ( I'll post oics if I can find it and the acqueduct the trolley passes over.) It's up in the hills just out of the city center. And once you're up there, you realize why these colonial mansions were build on very step, winding roads...It's like 10-15 degrees cooler and has a very pleasant breeze...during hot summer days. Some of the old colonial mansions REALLY are beautiful. If I had enough money, I'd love to buy one and fix it up. Wow, really beautiful.

One way to ascend up into this hilly suburb is on a very old and rickety trolley car-that goes surprisingly fast. But when we got to the trolley loading area, all the seats were taken on the open air trolley, so we opted to hold on the from the sides. Now, this is something that would NEVER be allowed in the US, with their ambulance chasing attornies, but Brasil is not like that, so on the side we stood, hanging on for dear life. And it was our dear lives we almost lost a couple of times. You see, this trolley passes precariously close to POLES, POSTS, FENCES, CARS, TRUCKS...sometimes I was only inches away from being swiped, but thankfully, we made it all in one piece--and loved the thrill of the ride.

Going back down the hill, I missed hopping on the side and David had to jump off to stay with me (as the trolley was moving). He landed well, but then lost his balance and fell HARD on the cobblestone path. Not to worry, he got up and with nothing hurt or cut, proceeded on our way. He took it much better than I would have. David returns to the US in several days and I'm gonna miss him. He's one of those guys that love the adventure of life...and I'm sure he'll have many in life.

THE WOLRD AS YOUR TOILET

Brasilians have much less of a hangup about urinating in public. If you make it through a day without seeing at least one taxi driver pulled over on the side of the road relieving himself, or people doing so on the sides of buildings, at bus stops, etc., you're doing pretty well.

In fact, what pertains to Humans must also pertain to dogs...because they don't do a very good job of picking up after their pets.

Yesterday, I passed a woman walking a dog.

Just as I passed, the dog stopped and well, did his deed. I looked at the woman, and didn't see a doggie clean up bag anywhere on her. Sure enough, she let the dog finish and then proceeded to walk away.

For some reason, all the days of side-stepping "CRAP" kind of boiled to the surface. I stopped, and waited for her to pass me. As She approached, I said, "Mame, are you gonna clean that up?" She looked at me, then sheepishly looked down and kept walking. Not one to let it LIE, so to speak, I followed up with, "It's your responsibility to clean up after your dog, not your dog's". She couldn't pass me quick enough...and be on her way.

The good news is...as I walked by the SPOT where the little gift had been left, it was gone today. So if she did it, or the shop keeper, I don't know.

But I think she got the message.

DOWN ON SUBWAY

I did it. Tonight I couldn't think of any place to eat so I ended up doing what I did a LOT in NYC--and went to Subway and got a Tuna sandwich.

I think it will be my last. They get 90- percent Right, but it's that 10 percent well that kind of ruins it for you.

Not bad, just not SUBWAY FRESH if you know what I mean.

Yeah, no more of those til I return to the states...I should have NOT gone for the fish.

Never go for the fish...that's the moral of the story.

Living in a Piece of Art

2009-11-21T00:57:00.003-02:00

This county has almost as many holidays as the Jewish Community does in NYC. It's amazing...today was another holiday. I would say every week except for maybe one...that's about 7 since I've been here has had AT LEAST one day as a holiday. It's amazing to me...Today's was something to do with the end of slavery and some black man's risen ghost...or something like that.

But regardless of what is was...the BEACHES WERE PACKED.

And it was HOT.

DOCTOR, DOCTOR

I talked to a dermatologist today and she said that there really IS value with certain skin types to use those higher SPF sunscreens...like 70 or so. And all this time I'd thought it was just a marketing ploy.

But I'm going to the store tomorrow to buy some. I can't protect myself enough from this sun--it's DIRECT and HOT.

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END

By tomorrow morning, my traveling roommate will return and consequently, my days of chilled rest by his A/C are over. :)

To be honest, it's kind of bugging me, this no A/C in my rook. I've asked, and they seem to be working on it. Apparently someone from the building has to come check out the electricity capacity...and since today as a holiday, well, the excuses keep coming.

I'm giving them til the end of the month...

PRETTY, PRETTY PICTURES

Well, I've said it many times, but the stone sidewalks through the city are just a piece of work under every strep. Look at that picture above...it's amazing, really. I love walking along the pier promenade, and seeing the art.

It's an art form that is lost in other parts of the world.

Speaking of pictures, I saw New Moon tonight...better than the last, but I need a good Vampire fight to make it a good movie and this one had none of that.

Oh well...NEXT

When in Rio...Dress the Part

2009-11-19T23:47:00.003-02:00

You know when you have one of those days where you kind of think you did some stuff, but when you sit down at the end of the day, you're not sure what, if anything worthwhile you did.

Today appears to be one of those days for me.

I did do some stuff, spent some time with friends, lunch with a friend, a couple hours at the beach...stuff like that, but NOTHING of note.

Hum, I need to not have those types of days any more.

REMEMBERING MY MISSION

A couple of family members have asked me if I've been back to the places I lived during my mission, or seen the people I taught.

That answer is no. I did my mission in Sao Paulo...which is about the distance from Southern Utah to LA, California away. So running into them would be tough. And how to contact them would be even tougher, since I lost contact with them over 20 years ago.

And as of yet, I've yet to run into a missionary. I just think that's weird. Some people have "heard" of the missionaries, but most haven't seen them.

When I was a missionary, I thought everyone noticed us in our white shirts and ties in the heat of summer. But I guess not.

GOING THE BRASILIAN WAY

Ok, so when in Rome, right. Anyway, I broke down recently and bought a brasilian swimsuit. About 70 percent of the men wear these suits. And think nothing of it. And I must say, they are MUCH more easy to swim/play in the water with than the long board shorts most Americans wear.

I'll post a picture above of what I'm talking about, not me mind you, but just imagine me in one of them. (And while a lot of Brasilians do have great bodies, um, yeah, these guys are ABOVE the norm).

When in Rome...

Like when I visited Mom and Dad in Turkey...I went to the Turkish Baths for a massage...(that was a painful experience, but hey, when in Istanbul, right?), and when there, if I wanted to enter their mosques, I had to wear a black covering around my shorted bare legs.

So here's it's kind of the opposite, I'm taking a little more OFF :)

WOMEN on the other hand take a lot off...wow, what they charge for really, just string.

But they all have nice tans...definitely all have that skins that TANS well--unlike me and my SPF 45.

Another Day in Paradise

2009-11-18T22:25:00.003-02:00

So anyway, yesterday I mentioned that I'd been into the center of town and visited this huge cathedral, ultra modern, and said I'd add a picture or two.

Well, I forgot the pics so here a couple are. You can get a sense of the size, and then when you see the interior, you realize just how big it is inside. A LOT of cement.

I guess God invented cement too.

NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON'T

So as quickly as I got a Portuguese Tutor, I lost her. My first lesson was supposed to be today, but se cancelled, saying she got a full time job and good luck.

Well, I'll show her good luck. :)

It's back to the LOOKING BLOCK...or maybe I just dedicate MYSELF to finding Brasilians friends that will correct my speech...that's always an option--and cheaper.

BRAS-ODITIES

1. In the US it's Uncle Ben's Rice. Here it's Uncle Johns. Why, who knows?

2. Almost every fruit here is bigger than the US, EXCEPT bananas. They are 1/2 the size, and not as Perfect in color as in the US. And not any more tasty.

3. In NYC, there is a nail salon or a bank on every corner. Don't ask me why. HERE, they still have a lot of banks, but instead of nail salons, there's a mattress store. There are more mattress stores than people to sleep on them, I think. I find that VERY humerous. What kind of a distribution strategy is that?

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

I took MEG, the resident Dog of the house for walk today along Copacabana Beach. Paulo, her owner was sick in bed, so I helped out a bit. She's so cute...a Jack Russel, and smart, yet obedient. She's like 10 years old, but still appears like she's a puppy, so lots of cooing by the ladies that walk by.

She's fun-- BUT SHEDS A LOT...ugh, thank God for vacuums.

CHANGE THE CHANNEL

So our TV ONLY gets Portuguese speaking stations. I'm forced to watch them or nothing, and some shows I get like 80 percent of what's going on...Others, less. But the news, I can get pretty much everything. I think it's true the world over the TV announcer anunciate VERY WELL.

God bless em.

Chovendo hoje a noite.

You Got Your Samba in My Sioux War Dance

2009-11-18T10:11:00.004-02:00

Mission Started--Not Accomplished.

I went into the city with my Texas Friend, David, and did a little exploring yesterday. We toured the National Library (I have to say, a bit of a let down...rather than explaining history about the building, architects (our guide did a bit of this, materials, interesting insights about the building and its history), she pretty much lead us from room to room and told us what happened in that room/books stored and let us enter and look.), the large concrete Conical shaped Catholic Cathedral...I'll try and post a picture of that for you--it's a modern TRIP to say the least, but in it's own way, quite pretty, and the romanesque arches of Lapa...originally an acqueduct (sp) to bring water to the downtown area of the city--now a trolly track.

So overall a good day of sightseeing. We looked like tourists...and acted like ones too--took a couple of pictures.

THE BRASILIAN PECKING ORDER

While eating lunch, outside of our cafe a Peruvian Flute Band was playing for tips. Most of you have probably walked by these groups...they play some kind of wind flute (the Zither if you've seen the tv-infomercials), hyped up by a muscial underscore. The variation here is that while this Peruvian music is playing, one or two, dressed in pretty authentic looking American Indian dress and head gear, are out front doing an American Indian Dance. It's a strange mixture of cultures, music, and dance, and I'm guessing most Brasilians don't know the difference. It would kind of be like us watching some Southeast Asian Dance and not having any idea that maybe the music or the dance form came from some place in Russia.

Anyway, all's good, we're chowing down on our Ham Pizza without any red sauce, and we look over at this performing group and a old drunk has decided to join in the dance. It was pretty funny, watching him try to mimic the American Indian dance moves, but with a samba mentality. David and I were having a good time, laughing, and seeing what he'd do next when what I think was the Owner of the restaurant stormed towards him, screamed for him to leave and when the Drunk protested, saying he was only dancing, the Owner HIT him in the head, forcing him to the ground. He did stand up, but moved away...just out of swinging position, then proceeded to moon the owner, and then flash a full Monty at him in protest and defiance.

We were pretty appauled of the assault on the poor guy.

David was so mad that he called a policeman over and protested to him about the abuser's actions. According to the policeman..."it's complicated". Meaning that it isn't his task to monitor social issues like a drunk...the hard reality is Brasil hasn't progressed to the point where they have a large social infrastructure to take care of these types of people/situations. So it's left to what in this case was the vigilante action of the restaurant owner. The policeman's defense was that he exposed himself. Both David and I quickly chimed back, BUT ONLY AFTER HE WAS HIT.

The sad thing was, yes the guy was obviously drunk, but was he hurting anyone? Causing anyone harm? No.

Yet being low on the pecking order, he took a beating. And it appeared that only David and I saw anything wrong with that.

I'S BES SPEAKIN GOOD PURDY SOON, YESS I'S BES

So I did I...I hired me a Portuguese tutor. She begins today. I tried to bring here down another $3 per hour, she wasn't budging, and finally I thought to myself...WHAT? You're haggling over $3 per hour? LOL

It was like when I was in Shanghai with friends back in 1985, and we really wanted to go see the Shanghai Acrobats. World renowned, yet preforming there in their own auditorium. A chance of a life time, right?

Well, you get so accustomed to haggling for better prices, that when we got there, and tried to buy the tickets from a scalper, we almost walked away because he wanted us to pay $5 per ticket, instead of the $4 we were trying to haggle down to.

We finally had to look at ourselves and say, WHAT ARE WE DOING? It's a DOLLAR. We'd got caught up in the drive a mile to save $.10 mentality.

We did pay the price, saw the act, and loved it.

I hope I love my Portuguese Professor as much.

I wonder if she can teach me while sitting atop six chairs all balancing on only one leg of each chair.

I'd pay $5 more per hour to see that.

MSN GETTING ME DOWN

For some reason, My Microsoft software sent me a message last night that I had to download some new version of something--I hope it's not a virus. But it wouldn't let me proceed forward with anything Microsoft related unless I did, so I started downloading last night and because of it...I couldn't log onto here to write this.

Sorry for another lost day of blog.

I hope you missed it/me.

Chovendo ontem...18

Hernando's Hideaway

2009-11-16T21:23:00.003-02:00

My grand design to start seeing the sights of Rio this week got put on hold for two reasons...1) most aren't open on Mondays, and 2) the rain from last night continued intermitantly throughout the day today. I'm not trapsing around, map in hand, on a rainy, muggy day.

Plans begin anew tomorrow, weather permitting.

B 14...BINGO

So the other day, I was walking down a street very near my apartment, and I saw these two guys walk down this kind of mall type alley way...not a mall, but a corridor with some stores, mostly abandoned empty stores. Thinking they might have a bike rental place amongst the shops, I decided to follow them.

No bike rental spot, but at the end of the corridor, there was a door with a big man kind of sitting there, maybe guarding it, maybe not. The two men went in...and I heard a noise inside. Not one to miss out on anything "mysterious", I thought, what the heck, why not...so I walked past the man like I knew what I was doing, and entered the door.

There, kind of like in the movies was this whole MOVIE SET of gambling and corruption--in the form of elderly people playing BINGO. How funny.

Come to find out, the country outlawed Bingo last April, but I guess this establishment was is still going strong, incognito.

Did someone say G 52?

AL GORE...I OWE YOU A BIG THANKS

Well, he says he invented the Internet--highly debatable--yet finally I got my wireless hook-up here in the apartment.

So, rather than borrowing a roomy', or even heading off to the internet cafe, I'm here on the living room sofa typing. It's much more convenient.

It's even rather cool, with the high speed overhead fan flowing the humid air on me. Cools you right down.

WHEN THE CATS AWAY...

So one of the roommates flew to Miami for a week...and he said I could use his room. So today I lugged my mattress into his room, plopped it onto his bed and tonight I'll sleep with A/C and have a color tv at my disposal.

Ahh, this mouse is about to play, well, sleep well tonight.

IS THAT ITALIAN YOUR SPEAKING

So I have these two doormen. Both nice guys. One likes to talk to me about his love for one of the local soccer teams called the Flamingos. So I talk with him...his animated speech and my broken speech...we have a fun time.

Last night as I came home, he and the other doorman were watching the Flamingos play on TV.

Tonight as I came in, the two were together and I said, as best I could, "So who won the game last night...the Flamingos or the other team."

They looked at me dumbfounded. I tried again. "What was the score of the Flamingo?" This they got. 2:1 they said. Oh, "So the Flamingos won?" Again, dumbfounded looks.

I repeated it...pretty sure I was using the correct words and even the correct conjucation of the verb TO WIN (Ganhar)...it was that word that seemed to be tripping them up.

Still, nothing.

Finally, the funny doorman said, "Are you speaking Italian?" They both laughed.

(I move out of the building tomorrow!!!!)

I walked up to the apartment, got my Portuguese/English dictionary and walked right back down and showed him the word for TO WIN.

He read it and said, oh yeah, "Flamingos won".

I said, "Wasn't that the verb I was using?" He smiled and said, "I thought you were speaking Italian."

Ughh, languagues can be so frustrating at times.

Tired tonight...off to bed early--or is it really off to zap some energy through my waiting A/C.

Disaster in Every Drop

2009-11-16T00:43:00.004-02:00

The end is near...

Or so I wished as I sat through 2012...the end seemed to want to never come. I swear they jam packed every disaster element in that movie that ever existed. Floods, earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanos, etc...and even some disasterous lines and acting.

AND LONG...I thought the wold would never end. But thankfully, it did, and all was lost, or saved, however you want to look at it.

WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

And it poured tonight. Coming out of the theater, it was a torrential downpour, with lightening and everything. I love the rain, but am not particularly fond of being caught in it with only flip flops on my feet

After a stall at a fruit drink stand, waiting for the taxi situation to improve, my American friend (remember Olympics) and I got a taxi and headed back to our hotel/apartment.

As I write this, it is still raining. I can hear the thunder rolling in the distance, and the city is Quiet except for the light rain falling. It's nice. I'm sitting on my bed, the windows open, a cool breeze coming through (good news given it was over 100 degrees today), and a calm everywhere.

I really like the rain. I've always liked laying bed listening to it...thunder too. It just felt so violent outside in the storm, but safe in bed.

I do remember being afraid that lightening would somehow come through our Pleasant Valley home kitchen windows and electricute us somehow...but Mom and Dad assured me it wouldn't. And it didn't...well, not counting Mike/Richard getting rocked by a lightening bolt.

Other than that a slow day today. Beach., lunch, walking a bit around my new neighborhood, dinner and a movie. Ahh, life is good.

Off to bed...

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

2009-11-14T16:50:00.003-02:00

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.

LABEL ME A PROGRESSIVE

2009-11-14T00:29:00.003-02:00

I'm melting.

My two roommates successfully got air conditioning in their bedrooms...but for "some reason" mine has been put on a back burner. I talked to them tonight and they plan to put one in, but they're concerned that it might put too much power needs on the breaker box...and they need to check that.

One good thing is that one roomie might be flying to to Miami for a week so I can sleep in his room...Ahh, rest for the weary, finally.

DIGITIZANDO

That's what the Portuguese word is for typing. And yesterday, because we still don't have a wireless in the apartment so I can access my computer...I wasn't able to write my daily blog entry. I missed writing...I hope you missed me writing it too.

But I'm here now, using one of my roomies computer.

You'd like the two guys...very funny and nice, actually. And little by little, things are getting fixed and liveable.

LIBERAL OR PROGRESSIVE

I was talking with Steven the other day about Liberal Politics...and I think it's time I speak my peace on this topic.

Whoever decided to come up with the term LIBERAL, should really be proud of himself. To be honest, if you asked many people what LIBERAL means, they'd probably say Socialistic and TAXING. To be honest, I doubt it means that literally.

But in American politics, from my perspective, there are two camps: Conservative (status quo) or Progressive (Change)

Progressive is a much better term than Liberal because it quite accurately identifies the position--someone searching for some sort of change, versus satisfaction with the status quo (conservative).

If we can agree on Progressive as the Identifier, then yes, I'm willing to line up behind the Progressives. I think change is generally good--hard--but good. And if you look at most of the innovation things that have changed our lives in general, either through the political progress, or social movements, CHANGE has moved us in a better position.

The founding fathers would be considered PROGRESSIVE/LIBERALS within the framework of their exiting governing environment. Lincoln was a Progressive. FDR, a Progressive, Joseph Smith a HUGE Progressive, etc. etc.

So yes, I'm a progressive...and I can be proud to say that.

There, did that help clarify a bit of my political thinking?

And can you now guess where I stand on the Health Care Bill before both houses of congress...um, yeah, PASS them...BE PROGRESSIVE!

You Say Tomato, I say RED JUICY FRUIT

2009-11-11T18:56:00.004-02:00

The same tudor called and said he couldn´t do it again today--late at work. This time I said..."will this happen during a normal week too?" He says no, but not sure I believe him. Tomorrow is his LAST shot at me.

IT´S ON THE TIP OF MY TONGUE

While strolling through a pretty recognizable national store called LOJA AMERICANA (American Store), I stumbled across some videos for sale and it made me stop and laugh at some of the titles. So I jotted down a few and thought I´d share them with you.

On the left, the Brasilian title...on the right the American. Some are very similar, and some, well, yeah, you get the point.

For example:

1. A Beautiful Woman--Pretty Woman (That one was a dead give-away...but read on)
2. In Some Place of the Past--Somewhere in Time
3. The Wind Lifted Away -- Gone With The Wind
4. The Young Rebellious One -- The Sound of Music
5. Those Times of Brilliance -- Grease
6. The Seven Capital Crimes -- Seven
7. The Overpowering Chief -- The Godfather
8. Tail Coat of a Thief -- To Catch a Thief
9. Twilight of the Deuses -- Sunset Boulevard
10.Where the Weak Aren´t Given a Turn -- No Country for Old Men

So anyway, I wonder what my movie would be called if it gets made and makes it back down to Brasil. "The Hope of the Damned", maybe. Actually, that's not a bad title.

MADONNA SEAL OF APPROVAL

Not sure if you heard or not, but Madonnã´s down here looking to set up some kind of help for the poor children living in the slums. God Bless Her, if she actually does it. Hey, she can use some good brownie points. I think she´s staying very near where I live now, but as of yet, no M sitings.

NOW THAT´S BLACK

Did you hear about the big black out that covered 7 Brasilian states and parts of Paraquay last night? I was 1/2 asleep on my bed, dosing sort of, not yet in bed, when the light began to flcker...and then went off...but I was too tired...I just fell asleep.

I guess it was really big...the biggest in Brasil´s history, but I slept right through it.

Cloudy here the past couple of days but a relief from the heat, so I´m happy.

Falling for the Right Falls

2009-11-10T20:43:00.004-02:00

Tell me what you think: is it a good or bad sign when you're new Portuguese Tutor calls and cancels on his INTERVIEW...because he had to work late at his other employer? Um, I'll give him one more chance, and then come bad grammar or not, I'm gonna have to go with the other woman.

There's a verb out there somewhere that is aching to be conjugated correctly.

BRAS-ODDITIES

1. Pizza. I already told you that a Pizzaria is really just a buffet table. But get this. When you order up a slice, you get a normal looking pizza except it has to tomato sauce on it. So people ask for ketchup and just apply a bit before each bite.

2. De-Centralized Hot Water. You remember my tribulations with the hot water at the other apt. Well, to explain better, there is no central hot water system. For example, the washing machine does not have hot water. There is a little unit that sits over the bathroom sink that runs to the sink, shower and kitchen sink. But it heats the water ONLY as the water is turned on and stops as soon as it's turned off. Pretty efficient actaully. Some shower heads have little hot water heaters right in the head.

3. Brazilians don't like pollution, but they are pretty quick to throw something on the street. But exhaust from a bus infuriates them. (ME TOO BTW)

FOZ DE IQUAZU

You've noticed the lovely picture I posted above...the suspense must have been killing you.

Now I plan to make a trip there, and see what some call the most perfect waterfall on the earth. OR, I can hold off and wait for someone to come down and see them with me. Which will it be. Let me know by comments or e-mails, but I'm thinking sometime in December.

They're majestic, aren't they...much bigger than Niagra. If you saw the film The Mission, those are the falls that started the story.

OK, off to bed.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

2009-11-10T00:02:00.003-02:00

I haven't been responding to anyone's comments. 1) I'm not sure I know how to do it? I tried to add my own comment to respond to those comments last night...but yeah, well, that didn't work. 2) I'm not sure that's what those of you who've been commenting want me to do...voice my responses to your comments here.

So, it's a standstill. What I think I might try to do is respond in a general way here when I think the response was intended/requested. BUT KNOW THIS, I love reading your comments, and every day I look for them. So COMMENT AWAY.

Two open responses now: yes, Mom, I'm alive. no, Mom, I haven't been getting your e-mails.

There...now let's move on.

ALL STUDY AND NO PLAY MAKES BRETT A DULL BOY

Today I interviewed the first of what I think will be four potential Portuguese Tutors. Sabrina was a pleasant, happy, fluent in English Brasilian woman that I kind of took a liking to. We sat for an hour while she heard me strumble through my life...all in portuguese. All the while taking notes on words I messed up, verbs that were giving me troubles, gramatical mishapes, and total blunders. After, she thought she had a plan to help me be speaking within 1 1/2 months MUCH better. I paid her the $20 US and said I'd let her know after I meet the other couple. (Come to think of it, I shouldn't have paid her anything--it was an interview....oh well.)

Tomorrow I meet my second--a freind of one of my roommates who's never taught Portuguese before, but is native Brasilian and is a Portuguese/English translator for Petrobras...the large oil state owned oil company.

Hopefully a third tomorrow or Wednesday with with cheapest rate of the three...and HOPEFULLY I'll like him the BEST! :)

But I will have a tutor and I will become better with my portuguese.

THE CITY OF GOLD

I'm thinking of taking a weekend trip to Ouro de Petro, a city about 6 hours by bus that is kind of a historic city in the interior region of Brasil. Architecure, scenic beauty, that kind of stuff should be fun.

However, the 6 hour bus ride is a big deterent for me...so we'll see.

GET ME HOOKED UP

Still no internet for me, so typing this off my roomies computer.

Short and sweet again, and off to bed.

But before I leave you, today I walked half the length of Copacabana Beach around 8:30 a.m. Beautiful in the morning...and I can't say enough about the sand. LOVE the sand.

Sweating With the Oldies

2009-11-08T22:33:00.003-02:00

So short and brief...i moved into my new apt...and wallah, no internet hook up...YET. So I'm typing this off my roomies.

Suffice it to say, the woman from the last apartment wasnt satisifed with the apt that looked as good as it did when she showed me, thinking i should have have washed the sheets and towels (which I did by HAND, thank you very much), and also have the apt professionally cleaned in order to get back my deposit. I TOLD her NO, that her crap stopped there and I wasn't gonna pay that, that this was how it looked when she showed me and I specially asked her if I could leave it like this--would it be fine. She then countered with, OK FINE, after all your bickering and calling to come fix little things all the time". I cut her off there, "you mean the hot water heater? Is that the littlet things you're referring to?" And it when on like that for a bit until she said..."I hope this is not how things are handled in the US...the way you are acting". And what I didn't say but I wish I had was..."Lady, i f things were handled like they've been with this temp apt...YOU WOULD BE OUT OF BUSINESS". I did have to throw in that my lawyer would see that I got it all back.

Suffice it to say, we didn't leave on best terms, but I left will all my deposit back. :)

NO AIR CONDITIONING FOR THE WICKED

It has been HOT the past couple of days, and tonight is also gonna be hot. It's supposed to break tomorrow and cool down, but I have to suffer in a room with a medocre fan to keep me cool. Ughh...the struggles one goes through to live a life of leasure.

Oh wello, off to bed.

Sweat dreams, I mean sweet dreams.

Snap, "CRACK"le, Pop!

2009-11-08T00:04:00.003-02:00

They say the Chinese invented the firecracker. But the Drug Lords here in the Rio Slums have perfected their use. Apparently, from what I can gather, whenever the police are about to do a bust, or a new shipment of drugs have arrived, you'd think the city was celebrating the 4th of July. It's firecracker heaven for like 30-45 minutes.

Tonight is one of those nights, although a small shipment must have arrived. Not much Noise from the explosives. But the last week, it was like The 4th of July for 2 hours.

I don't know what was going on, or who was doing what, but the early Chinese would have been proud.

Bang! Bang! Pop! Drug-izzle!

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT RIO/BRASIL

1. All of the grocery stores have a FRESH BREAD department. Throughout the day, fresh bread is being made, warm, fresh, tasty.

2. The sidewalks are most often paved with stones in the most beautiful pattern. If you take a look at the picture of Copacaban Beach above, you'll see the patters created by these stones. And it's not done in cement...the stones are laid out on sand, then packed with sand and that's how they stay. It's really a work of art.

3. Fruits of all kinds. Really, if you like any kind of fruit, you can find it here. And not only the fruit, but a glass of freshly made juice from it for about $2.00 per glass.

4. Rice & Beans. It's THE staple down here, but I really like it. Obviously, it's CHEAP to make and pretty easy to prepare, but it's something Americans should adopt more of. The rice is a non-entity as far as nutrition, but the beans are loaded with good proteins, etc. I'll try to learn how to make good Beans, and teach whomever wants to know.

A MEAL TO MAKE CHUCK-A-RAMA ENVIOUS

So, recently I've been let onto these Buffet type places. They are not called buffets (which by the way, they call buffets a Pizzaria...go figure), somelike more like Bar-b-Que, but what you do it you get a plate and you select whatever you want to eat...and then pay by the Kilo. Drinks are extra, as is dessert, but you can eat a lot, and pay a lot, or eat a little an pay a little.

Clever, right?

And I've stumbled across a couple that have REALLY good food...so yeah, eat your HEART out UpChuck-a-Rama.

KEEP ON MOVING

I move tomorrow. I know the landlady is going to try and stiff me, so I'm dotting my I's and crossing my T's. Still, I'm sure she'll say something.

And get this...apparently, in the contract I signed, I have to do all the laundry, wash, dry, etc and leave it FRESH for the next person. I said, "What, I've never done that in a hotel". She said, "Well, this isn't a hotel!" LOL I said, um, ok, you're right about that.

Chovendo MUITO hoje

No Really, What do YOU think about me?

2009-11-06T22:55:00.003-02:00

Funny how our perceptions of others are always, or usually, different than how they see themselves.

I recently stumbled upon a guy that had been through SLC. Of course, that peeked my interest, and before I could ask him what he thought, he added, "yeah, I made it to the center of the Mormon Church, but didn't go in." Knowing he probably meant Temple Square, I asked why not, thinking he'd come to a new place, a lot of american history, a worldwide church, beautiful landscaping, handsome people, etc.

His response, "It kind of freaked me out...I mean those young girls and the older people with those name tags...they all seemed so Stepford Wives. It just felt freaky and I couldn't walk in...I had to leave".

Now, that took me for a spin because I see those people as young, innocent, sincere, and welcoming--if not a tad pushy. But definitely not robotic.

Makes you think how others see you, versus how we see ourselves?

I see myself as presenting an outward personae of outgoing, happy, intelligent, clever, even- tempered, and semi-confident. But just the other day, a guy here called me a bad seed come down from the US...(I'm not sure that guy's not a bad seed, but hey, perceptions are perceptions). I always thought I treated women with respect, yet in my last singles ward, I was told that some women in the ward thought I talked down to them. At work, I think I project a skill level in most areas, yet at times I've been counseled to work better with some groups of people. I like to think I'm level-headed, able to look at complex situations be it business, politics, religion, society, and weigh the data and come up with a logical decision. Yet some people have called me head-in-the-sand, close minded, even arrogant.

So, what type of a perceptions am I really giving off? I want to be the good guy, but maybe deep down, the good guy doesn't wanna present itself all the time.

Makes you think. Or it makes ME think.

A BOOK, A BOOK, WE HAVE YOUR BOOK

So today I went out to Barra Shopping. 1) I bought my first official Brasilian souvenir--a pair of Made in Brasil board shorts, and 2) to get out of the heat (in the A/C'd mall--it's huge) and also meet a friend that lives out there.

So in one of the stores, I left my Portuguese Instruction Book. The bad thing is, I didn't realize it until I'd left and was on the bus home. It hadn't gone far, so I got off at the next step, walked back to the Mall, and retraced my steps...finding it on the exact same shelf I'd left it while trying on a Tank Top.

I was SO HAPPY. I thought this language is gonna go NO WHERE FAST if I don't have my book to learn from. So yeah, I got it back, and then went and bought my souvenir to celebrate.

On a side note, the bus ride out was delightful--A/C and all. The bus ride back was stop and go, and without A/C and I am still sweating, hours after because of it.

Something has happened to this body--it sweats a lot more than it used to. I'm having to take 2-3 showers a day just to be presentable in public :)

IT'S MY PARTY AND I'LL CRY IF I WANT TO

I'm off to a party tonight. I know NO ONE that will be at this party...but I got an invite so I'm gonna go. You may have this false perception about me that I like doing these kind of things--meeting new people. YOU WOULD BE WRONG. I hate it when I know no one. I much prefer it when I have someone to anchor onto and then it's much easier to meet people.

But I don't know anyone, so I'm just gonna go, do my best at trying to be outgoing and friendly, and see if others perceptions of me are positive versus negative.

Ughh, perceptions, perceptions, perceptions.

Junk in the Trunks

2009-11-05T23:17:00.003-02:00

Brasilians have an issue with time and keeping appointments. I should have remembered this from my mission, but somehow, I'd forgotten. But tonight I re-learned the lesson. (the third time in the past week).

A guy wanted to meet for dinner. Sure, we set a time, a place, exchanged numbers. I show up and after 30 minutes left because he didn't show or call.

I then get a message 2 1/2 hours later saying he had to work late. Sorry, lets do it Friday or Sunday. No remorse, no issue...he just couldn't make it.

I'm trying to GRILL him, but in my limited language, I'm sure it's not having as much PLAY TIME and STING as it should. And in reality, I know this is the culture. I should just get used to it...you NEVER know if someone's gonna return a call when they say, show up for an appointment, meet at a certain time, etc. Scheduling repairmen or changes to a house--I hear-- are a nightmare.

If they actually have the Olympics on the days they've promised, I'll be surprised.

One thing they are on time for...Soccer games.

ONE BIG SWEAT BALL

I have to find a gym with air conditioning. I'm not kidding. This one week gym deal without the A/C is about to kill me. By the time I leave, my gym clothes are so soaked they're as though I was walking in NOAH's rain storm.

And today, the city was MUGGY and hot. And summer is just begining. I knew my new room should have required A/C but it doesn't have it. This living like and amongst the natives might have a shorter life span than I expected. :)

But around 6 again today I walked down to the beach and took a dip. It was so refreshing. So beautiful.

UNCLE LORYN WOULD BE PROUD

I've noticed that the men/boys here have a lot in common with Uncle Loryn. As a kid, I couldn't help noticing that about every couple of minutes Uncle Loryn would adjust his JUNK down there. Maybe a nervous hitch, discomfort, heat...I wasn't sure, but I do remember him always doing this.

Or MAYBE Uncle Loryn was Brasilian.

Even young boys here are constanting adjusting their junk. It's like every few minutes/seconds..oops adjust.

Isn't it funny that things like that are so cultural. Men in American don't do that, or if they do, they are very careful to be discreet about it.

But down here, you could be talking to Mother Teresa and they'll still be rearranging the furniture.

I remember in China when I was there, they spit about 100 times more than we do. Culturally, they've learned to not swallow, but spit that stuff out. I found it gross...they have spittons all over the city and even older women like to do it.

Here they adjust.

Spitting and Adjusting--Americans are so behind the curve.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

So I've been studying the language more each day. Spending about 2 hours going through some books I brought with me. And I was thinking today as I walked down the street...I'm understanding more of what people are saying...but still if I'm not engaged in the coversation, I'm only getting baout 60 percent of everything they say.

I thought back to my mission. I know at first I was LOST. I got almost nothing people were saying.

But the weird thing is, I THINK I could pretty much understand everything, and they me, after the two years. I don't recall for sure, maybe I was dillusional, but I think I was doing pretty well. NOW GRANTED, I'm only here a month, but I still think I have a long way to get to fluency again.

I get by, I mean I can MAKE it through the day, but I'm far from fluent right now.

I'll keep trying.

DHL SPOTTING

I saw a DHL vehicle today. Yep, they're here. I was walking down the street and parked on the sidewalk was a little motorcylce with a basked on the back that said DHL. Yep, there's my lawsuit in action--a huge international company driving around on a 50 cc motorbike.

I'm tired. Good night.

I'm Melting...My Pretty

2009-11-04T21:20:00.003-02:00

I think I missed a posting yesterday. It was a late night. I had a two hour IM call with Rod in the LA office. And after that, I spent some more time IMing with another franchise owner. I didn't get in bed til 1:30 in the morning.

Things could be better in the LA office for our USS business. Essentially, since last December, we have spent about $70,000 in salaries and other expenses. We've been unable to turn around the losses and unless things change QUICKLY, we will run out of operating funds by first Quarter 2010. My conversation with Rod was all about this...looking at the financial data, our sales data, and expected growth over the next three months based on current and potential future product offerings.

He believes he can make the changes to make us profitable. But at this point, future risk has to be shared by Rod...he knows this and still feels that he can make the company turn around.

I hope he's right. Because when I return, I'll be picking up with him, or where he left off, and will be selling in NYC.

As a side note, I hear our lawyers are meeting with DHL the coming Thursday...next. Hopefully good things will come from this meeting.

THE WILD WILD SOUTH

And we thought the days of the wild, wild west were over. Today, while eating a late lunch in a cafe, SOME soccer game (there is ALWAYS a soccer game on some TV) was interrupted by a hostage/police raid on a bank in Sao Paulo. Most people are so accustomed to it, they didn't pay the EXCLUSIVE HORROR plastered on the screen (or at least that's how the TV station branded the action).

Bank robberies happen everywhere, in every country, but I thought something interesting about watching this one play out in Sao Paulo, Brasil.

You've heard soccer announcers on internatinoal channels, right? They get HYPER excited about every action and the enthusiasm becomes hightened when the player approach the goal or comes close to scoring.

Well, the news announcer covering the robbery sounded JUST LIKE he was calling the play by play for a soccer game. Really, if you didn't see the pictures, and you couldn't understand the language, you would have thought you were hearing the commenators calling a soccer game.

I had to laugh. So I did, which did get a stare or two from people--what's this gringo laughing at a bank robbery for? And it's a HORROR EXCLUSIVE.

AHH, GRASSHOPPER

So I had an interview to teach english in a pretty prestigious language school here. I doubt they'll hire me because I have only a Tourist Visa, but we'll see...pay's not great, but it will offset some costs, and it's nice to save for winter, Grasshopper.

The best part of the interview was it was downtown, in the more business/historic section of Rio. If you didn't know you were in Brasil, some of the architecture looks like the 18th century architecture of Europe. It really was BEAUTIFUL.

I'll be back down there shortly to see some of the cool museums, etc. And hopefully take some pictures...I took a couple on my phone camera, but don't think that's working very well.

IT'S HOT ON THIS HOT TIN ROOF, KITTY

Today was HOT HOT HOT. Or at least it felt it because I had to dress in business casual for my interview. I was sweating so bad...and just my luck, the subway car I chose to hop on didn't have the A/C working. By the time I got to my appointment, my shirt was soaked through...blue shirts don't do well in hot climates...they change from baby blue to Navy blue VERY quickly.

Anyway, when I finally got home, I tore of my clothes, put on a suit and ran for the beach. The water felt so cool, refreshing, and calming--even if one wave pounded me into the sand.

After, I stood on the beach and just took in the sunset in such a beautiful setting until I'd cooled down, relaxed and ready to walk back to my apartment.

Speaking of which, I've yet to turn on my A/C in the apt for more than 10 minutes, and only once. At times, I do feel uncomofortably warm, but I'm trying to live more like Brasilians do...on average.

It's not bad...really. No really...really. I mean, really.

I Wish I Could See Clearly Now

2009-11-03T00:22:00.003-02:00

Is anyone out there except two people...reading my blog? I got two comments back on the screenplay. Both aren't reading it...I'm gonna put off writing any more of that until tomorrow. Please tell me if you're reading it or not.

Steve Spielberg...are you reading my screenplay? If so, call me...I'll have ME call YOUR Girl.

SO WHAT DO YOU DO, ANYWAY

It's a common question that most men ask each other within the first five minutes of introduction-- well, two minutes of conversation. It's kind of a modern day way to find out where you fit on the Maleness heirarchy ladder. Brains trumps manual labor. Brains and Money trump Brains and Book Smarts. Celebrity and Social Awareness can trump them all. Doctors, right up there on the top rung--unless it's a Doctor followed by a PHD...you're back down with the Book Smarts guys. Evolutionary processes can be messy.

So of course, while here, every person I've meet asks me the question, "what do you do, anyway"--it apparently crosses cultural and geographic boundaries.

I blurt out something in elementary portuguese that satisfies them..."I do my work on the internet from my work in the states", or something like that.

But it's a vague answer. Vague because I really don't have an honest answer.

What do I do? Why am I here? Where am I going from here?

All very good questions, and all very "ify" at best, at this point in my life.

Fifty. Yes, 50...you're supposed to be settled, on the down-hill slope towards retirement. Kids married, out of the house. You're slowing down, enjoying the fruits of your labors.

Fruits...labors.

Um, well, I'm here enjoying fruits of all kinds, but labor...not so much. The fruits of my labors kind of evaporated about one year ago to this month. And to be honest, it was a big blow. Bigger than I originally thought. Big enough to make me completely change my lifestyle, my living situation, my income, and my plans for the future.

Did I fail, or did my work situation fail me. Or if I'm really honest with myself, is it really one and the same?

So close...to all those 50's activities I should be doing, and with one press conference in some foreign country, with three executives that each could be holding a letter, D, H, L, and all of those dreams are now gone. Poof. POOF. And shortly thereafter, a twin turban jet's engines and 11 hours later, I'm living in Rio de Janeiro and writing a blog.

What do you do anyway...um, I really can't say.

Pass the fruit please.

CATCH THE WAVE

Big waves on the beach today...LIKE big ones. After the sixth big wave pounded me into the shore, I got out and watched the 100's of people enjoying them with care or worry.

And interesting waves they were.

The ocean would be calm for 4 minutes or so, and then a wave of new waves would stealth their way into shore. They seemed to come from no where...and they didn't really seem that big, but when they got closer to the shore, they packed a force unthought of just 30 seconds earlier.

As I stood on the beach watching, my mind went back to the Tsunami victims in Southeast Asia a couple of years back. They must have had no clue, just another beautiful day at the beach, and then BAM, it hit and they were gone.

It kind of freaked me out, actually...so I packed up my towel and went back to the apartment.

SO THIS IS THE BEST VIEW IN THE CITY

This evening, a friend took me up to the base of one of the favelas (slums). Well, it's not like he took me, we just walked up this street--the same street that passes by my apartment. Up a zig zag winding cobblestone road, and a couple hundred yards of height increase, he announced that this was the start of the favela. I looked, and the ramshackle houses were packed one on top of the other as if miracuosely attached to the steep hillside. But the good thing for them, is they really must have amazing views of the city. AMAZING. No money, but awesome views. It's like a little bonus for being dirt poor. "We can't eat today Dear, but would you LOOK at that view".

I wonder if any of them had their life's career taken from them too, like maybe one year ago today.

I know I didn't see any DHL delivery trucks in the area.

With My Brasilian Bonnet

2009-11-01T20:58:00.003-02:00

Of all the smells on a Sunday in Rio, someone in or near my apartment is making or eating buttered popcorn. It smells SO good. YUM. I'm about to go knocking on doors, but my windows are open and not sure...it might be coming from anywhere--upstairs--across the street.

A GAY OLD TIME

So it just happens to be Gay Pride here in Rio this weekend, and they had a parade down Copacabana Beach. It was scheduled for 2 p.m., but it rained most of the day, and I think they moved it back to like 4:30 or something. I decided to walk down to the beach and take a look and what I found were thousands of people, mostly soaked to the skin--and most were showing a lot of it--and I'd say a good majority pretty drunk. But most seemed pretty happy regardless of it all. Nothing like alcohol to make people happy.

The music was loud, the crowd thick, and lots of trash everywhere. I have to say I didn't really like it so much, but I guess a sight to see.

I've decided I'm not a big fan of parades in general, much less gay pride parades.

And the moral of the story is, DON'T EVER have a parade in the RAIN.

MOVE ON, JUST MOVE ON

It's my last week in the apartment. I'm pretty sure the landlady is somehow going to screw me out of some of my deposit so today I took the first step...

I sent her an e-mail thanking her for the stay, told her I was prepared to leave the place in great shape, but unless she was ready to give me the full refund, I'd consulted with a real estate lawyer and she'd advised me to not leave the apartment until that happens. (I kind of fibbed on that part...I've never spoken to anyone about it who knows Brasilian law).

The ball is in her court...we'll see what she does.

SCREEN-PLAY IT AGAIN SAM

Ok, it's been a week, I'm on page 9 (about 9 minutes into the movie), and I'm wondering if you guys are even reading it.

If you are and like it, respond to today's posting and say yea or nay. It won't hurt my feelings either way.

FORLORN HOPE

Page 9, 10

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. STREET - MORNING

An elegant tree-lined street with stately mansions. Washington monuments in the b.g. Women and men walk the sidewalks.

EXT. ELIZA DONNER HOUGHTON'S HOUSE

An impressive Victorian. Summer in full bloom.

INT. ELIZA DONNER HOUGHTON'S HOUSE, ELIZA'S DRESSING ROOM

Eliza sits at her dressing mirror. Her servant, FREIDA, late 20's, a Paiute Indian, fastens Eliza's corset.

ELIZA

I don't believe I have an option, Sherman. I

simply must go.

SHERMAN (O.S.)

You could stay put.

Freida tightens the corset.

ELIZA

Freida, must you bind me like a papoose? I must

breath.

FREIDA

Sorry Miss Eliza. You like it--

Eliza gives a "stop talking" look.

SHERMAN (O.S.)

We'll be returning to California in less than two

months. Can't he wait?

Eliza stands and begins to exit the room but is restrained by Frieda's firm grasp on the strings. Eliza turns, pulls the srings from Freida's hands and exits through a central

HALLWAY

and into

SHERMAN'S BEDROOM

where Sherman's tying his tie. Freida stands at the door.

ELIZA

To squelsh this malicious lie once and for all can

only help your re-election efforts. And it's what we've

dreamt for some time.

Sherman looks at her in disbelief.

ELIZA

Okay, I've dreamt it. My Mother's diary...I simply

must go. I'm, well, I'm tired of having everything I...

we work so hard to have that...eh, lie footnooted to it.

SHERMAN

Darling, it's been thirty-five years. Can't it wait

another week?

Eliza helps him with his tie.

ELIZA

I've learned to never wait, not even a day. I'm

leaving on the next train.

SHERMAN

You can't go alone and I'm in session.

ELIZA

Freida will accompany me.

SHERMAN

Do I have a say in this?

ELIZA

You do, but this time you'll lose by one vote.

He stands on his tiptoe and kisses him.

SHERMAN

Ahh, that same one vote.

EXT. TRAIN STATION - MORNING, NEXT DAY

Eliza, Sherman and Freida stand on the platform.

ELIZA

If the injuns don't get us, we'll be back in no time.

Sherman looks at Freida, then Eliza.

ELIZA

Freida, ohh, not you Freida. You're one of the good

ones. Couldn't live without you.

Freida doesn't smile. The train WHISTLES.

CONDUCTOR (O.C.)

All aboard.

ELIZA

We'll be fine.

She thrusts her hands into her pockets and the RATTLE of wax paper is heard. She gets a contented look on her face.

SHERMAN

I do wish you'd stay.

Eliza pulls from her pockets two wrapped candies, places one in Freidas hand and then directs her onto the servants section, where primarily African-Americans are boarding. Eliza hands hte second candy to Sherman. He takes it, without question.

ELIZA

I'll telegraph you when I arrive.

She steps on the train and blows him a kiss. She's gone. The train jolts forward.

Sherman waves to nothing.

Take That...And Sleep On It!

2009-10-31T23:38:00.003-02:00

Today's Halloween but you wouldn't really know it here in Rio. Outside of an occasional young woman on the street with a witches costume (well really a hat), that's about as much as I've seen. I think the day here is called Day of the Witches, or the more Catholic tradition is called the The Day of the Dead...it's more like our Memorial Day, but they go to the cemeteries and light candles for the dead, and weep and wail. It's an interesting phenomenom.

PROUD OWNER OF A NEW BED

I decided to move into a three bedroom apt with these two guys I stayed with when I first got here. Come to find out the apt ISN'T on the beach as I thought (although it's just three small blocks from it). The good thing about it is that is QUIET. After nearly three weeks of Street Noise, I'm ready for quiet...peace and quiet after 7 a.m.

And it's clean and has very nice parque wood floors. One downside I've seen to far is the toilet lid hits one of the valves and wont stay up...you have to lean against it as you sit--NOW THAT's gonna get annoying, I can tell you right now.

The only thing is, they made me buy a bed being as they didn't have one. Which I did today...About $1,000, marked down from $2,000. You must be thinking--WHAT...for two months. But the two guys agreed to buy the bed from me when I leave, so it isn't as crazy as it sounds. And it's a nice bed. BUT, an expensive bed just the same...Yep, beds I found are EXPENSIVE here. The same bed would be about $500 in the US. Twice the amount. BUT, I did get four free pillows, a bed cover and the skirt for that price. :) Lucky me. AT LEAST I KNOW IT'S CLEAN, which I'm not so sure about with the bed I've been sleeping on.

WHERE ARE THE MISSIONARIES?

I was thinking today as I walked down the street...I've been here three weeks now. and I've yet to see my first Mormon Missionary. I know they must be out there, but no, nothing.

Come out, Come out wherever you are Elders!

MYSTERY CREPE AND A HIT IN THE FACE

For breakfast this monring, I went to one of the sidewalk cafes, and ordered what I found out to be a Crepe with turkey, ricotta cheese and I think either black olives or dried prunes...not really sure even after eating it. But it was pretty tasty. Anyway, as I was eating, this young kid, about 12 or 15 came by and ever so politely he touched my shoulder and put out his hand, asking for something.

The first brush by, I waved him off....hardening myself to the daily onslaught of beggers. But after seeing him be so polite to others and getting no where, plus he was rather skinny, I realized I didn't really need all my dried prune crepe, and cut it into two, giving him a half.

I was feeling pretty good about it when about 2 minutes later, I heard a loud, mean voice behind me, and then the sound of a fist cracking into a skull. I turned just in time to see some man scolding the kid for hanging around the area and the kids head take the blow.

I didn't know what to do...The poor kid took off, but not until the man gave chase.

Hopefully he finished the Crepe before he got walloped.

Life's tough. But for some, more so.

Chuveu ontem a noite e hoje a noite.

FORLORN HOPE

Page 9

EXT. MARY'S RANCH HOUSE - EVENING

A modest house with corrals and barn.

INT. MARY'S RANCH HOUSE, KITCHEN TABLE

Mary, her husband JAMES THOMAS CLARK, late 50's, two older SONS and a DAUGHTER, and Daniel surround the table.

DANIEL

But others are helpin' him. If you don't--

MARY

I've contribued more than enough for one lifetime.

It's behind me.

(beat)

If I choose not to assist some yellow journalist in

profiteering scheme, at my expense, then so be it.

JAMES

Mary, if the others have agreed, well...it might not

be a bad idea.

MARY

(agitated)

James! Daniel! I shan't waste more of my time

cooking a warm meal if each of you prfer them cold.

Daniel, tomorrow ride into town and send a reply to

Mr. McGlashan stating that I have better things to

do with my life than to relive it.

DANIEL

(humbled)

Yes Ma'am.

Mary cuts a slice of rare, bloody steak and eats it.

Wipe That Smile Off Your ... FACE

2009-10-30T20:27:00.003-02:00

I'm tired. Sweaty and tired. And I feel like I lost the war. Today, I kind of ran out of steam and gave in and paid for a 4 day membership to a gym. I feel defeated...I know there must be many more free-days I could have conquered, but I was hot and tired and didn't wanna walk any further. Besides, I'll be moving next week and thought, ahh, lets just fork over the dough.

So, I joined the one gym I knew that had a reasonable weekly rate. I SOLD OUT. Sorry Mom.

BRAS-ODDITIES

1. Napkins. Just about every eating establishment has these wax-paper/tissue paper type sheets they pass off as absorbant (they aren't) napkins. I bought some real ones for the aptartment and dare I say I kind of look forward to a good wipe across my mouth when I'm home.

2. Toilet Paper. Speaking of a good wipe, not all places still do this, but most public places have a little trash can in ever toilet stall--and some homes. Why you might ask? Um, supposedly either the sewer systems aren't built for it, or something, but you're supposed to WIPE and THROW in the trash can--not the toilet bowl. So far, I've been a rebel...no trash cans for me. It goes where everything else does...out of sight, out of mind.

TURQUOIS WATER & WAVES

I spent an hour at the beach today...a REAL hour, meaning I put out a towel, wore a swim suit, and actually got in the water. Refreshing, but not too cool, but the waves were pretty big...too big to body surf. I didn't last long, but it sure felt good. And still I got a bit of a burn even with 30 SPF.

I still can't get over how cool the sand is here. I love it. A good beach isn't a beach unless you can actually feel it squeak under your feet. And this sand does. It's beautiful.

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

My temporary apartment sits at the intersection of five streets, and because of it, I hear quite a bit of traffic. Now, usually I tune it out, but I really get annoyed when a bus or truck or motorbike decides it's time I wake up--at 7 a.m.

But that said, I also live near Ipanema Hospital. Now if I lived near a hospital in NYC, I would hear sirens every 15 minutes. LOUD sirens. In fact, NYC is a city of sirens...police, ambulence, political convoys moving through the city. It's just a loud HONKING city.

But in the two weeks I've been here, I think I've heard only 2 or three ambulence or police sirens. It's just wierd how cities are different.

Why would NYC need so many sirens, and Rio need them hardly at all?

Weird, right? Do people die less here? Do police not hurry around doing stuff? I can't figure it out.

FORLORN HOPE

Page 7

INT. WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM - LATER

The energetic group dances to a string quartet. The President dances with Eliza. Standing on the periphery are Mrs. Hayes and Sherman.

MRS. HAYES

She's remarkable. And to think of all she's

endured, yet overcome. Only Hell could hold

more misery I'm afraid.

SHERMAN

She's definitely one of a kind.

A black White House servant approaches Sherman.

SERVANT

Senator, a telegram for your wife. It appears

urgent.

We see the hand holding the autograph.

MATCH CUT TO:

INT. TELEGRAPH OFFICE - DAY

A similar telegram is held by a white hand. Another male hand grasps it, pushing it into the back pocket of his denims and exits.

EXT. CALIFORNIA RANCH - DAY

The ground passes under the feet of a racing horse, across a green meadow. And then we see the telegraph stuffed into the rider's back pocket.

EXT. CALIFORNIA RANCH - CONTINUOUS

SUPERTITLE: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Early summer. Billowy white clouds.

From above we see a lone woman astride a horse overlooking a large mountain pasture and grazing cattle.

This woman is MARY GRAVES CLARK, 48, majestic with long dark, graying ringlets, Grecian looks and fine teeth.

She's watching her son, DANIEL, 14, approaching her at full gallop.

Daniel abruptly halts his horse and hands Mary the telegram.

DANIEL

Ma, this come for you.

MARY

Came. This came. And it couldn't wait?

DANIEL

It could, I couldn't.

Mary smiles and reads.

DANIEL

Well?

Mary eyes him.

DANIEL

Well?

MARY

Am I to assume curiosity killed the cat...again?

Mary turns her horse.

DANIEL

So, ya think you'll go Ma?

MARY

See if you can beat your old Mother home.

She takes off at a full gallop.

DANIEL

Ma!

He speeds after her.

It Does a Body Good

2009-10-29T23:51:00.004-02:00

Just when you think you're smarter than the average jaguar (native to the Amazon), um, I did it again. I went to try out another gym today (Mom, how long do you think I can drag this out...another free toaster if I open a $100 savings account, Colleen), and all was good. But after a short stroll down the beach, and lunch at a sidewalk cafe, I got home and realized the key must have fallen out of my pocker. So about $30 bucks later and a vist the local locksmith--did anyone else not know how really EASY it is to pick a lock--and I was back in my apartment.

I got two keys made..I'm thinking of burying one in the sand on the beach so I can always have one to go find.

THE BODY BEAUTIFUL

I'm not sure if it's living near the beach, or if I haven't seen enough people yet, but yeah, I think I can confrim that Americans are generally much heavier than Brasilians. Diet has to be part of it, but also they seem to walk a lot more and generally live less sedentary lives. And life isn't quiet as easy. Many families people still don't use washing machines so they wash their clothes by hand. Food here is just as expensive as in NYC, and I dont' think they come close to the average wages in NYC...so less food or smaller amounts.

Anyway, the average person looks a lot slimmer than in the US.

And everyone here seems to focus on developing the LOWER body, while Americans tend to focus on the UPPER body. I guess it's because of the soccer culture, but women have the most perfect rear-ends. Men, the strongest legs.

JUST A LITTLE NIP TUCK

Met a Brasilian (boyfriend of the American guy I met a couple days ago), and low and behold, he's wearing a support belt under his shirt. I question him why (he speaks English so I could speak freely), and he proceeded to tell me that at least in this beach culture, plastic surgery is VERY common. He'd had a little lipo to take away those tiny little love handles around the wais t and little fat in the lower abs. Now mind you, this guy isn't even close to fat...it's just a body-beautiful culture, and he wanted the perfect body to go with his handsome face.

The real question is, "How much did it cost?". Anyone wanna guess? Well, come to find out, they pay by the weight in kilos sucked from the body. He paid $1.500 reais, or about $1,000 for that surgery.

Anyone want me to book reservation?

EAT UP

Remember I said I hand't found any good hole in the wall restaurants. Well the past couple of days I realized they'd all been hiding right under my nose. On about every street corner there's little mini-restaurants. I'd always thought they only sold Juices, but come to find out, it's like a little mini Brasilian diner.

Delicious and CHEAP. I LOVE IT. Now I'm exploring all the good ones around my neighborhood. And I hope to regain my 5 pounds lost somewhere in this country. Maybe they're near my key?

Choveu hoje a dia.

FORLORN HOPE

Page 5 & 6

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - NIGHT

SUPERTITLE: WASHINGTON D.C., 1875

The city, US Capital and White House stand prominently in the expanding city.

EXT. WHITE HOUSE, DRIVEWAY AND FRONT DOOR

Elegant carriages arrive. Finely dressed MEN and WOMEN exit carriages and climb the steps.

MILITARY GUARDS assist Eliza and Sherman from their carriage. Both join a receiving line. Eliza take from her pocket a wrapped candy and plops it in her mouth.

INT. WHITE HOUSE, FOYER

SERVANTS take Sherman and Eliza's coast and hats as they approach Presidnet RUTHEFORD B. HAYES and MRS. HAYES.

RUTHERFORD

Well, if it isn't the Orpah of the West herself.

He kissed Eliza's cheek.

MRS. HAYES

You look lovely.

They embrace.

SHERMAN

Am I now to be known only as the husband of a

survivor of the Donner Party?

RUTHEFORD

If it wins you votes, yes.

Rutheford guffaws and hardily shakes Sherman's hand.

INT. WHITE HOUSE, BANQUET HALL - LATER THAT NIGHT

The remaions of a seated banquet litters the tables. The room is filled to capacity. The men smoke. The room erupts in APPLAUSE.

Eliza, seated at the President's table, approaches the podium. Rutherford leave the podium, ,kissing her as he moves to his seat.

ELIZA

I am truly honored to be here toinght with

you all, my esteemed friends, to reflect on how

California has benefited, and will continue to do so,

because of the truly remarkable wonder of the

modern world--the Transcontinental Railroad.

APPLAUSE

ELIZA

What took my family and tens of thousands of

couragous pioneers several months to transverse

now takes these great monsters of the rail less

than one week. If you haven't as of yet taken the

opportunity to travel across our vast plains, thread

through our pristene mountain passes and finally

bask in the warming climes of our pacific shores, I

strongly urge you to begin living yesterday's

dream today.

APPLAUSE. Eliza basks in the moment.

Silver Gloves and Lope-sided Perspectives

2009-10-29T00:08:00.003-02:00

Just got back from seeing Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT. I have to say, I wasn't that excited to see it...more a life experience since it will only play for 2 weeks worldwide. But after seeing, I'm glad I did. He was a FREAKY man, no question, BUT he was also an extraordinary talent. I have to say, two white sequined thumbs up.

THE KEY MASTER

Tried out another gym today with another American friend, and as soon as I was ready to leave, I realized I'd done it. I knew I would. And yep, I'd fallen into my own trap...I left my keys in the apartment.

So after a three hour bus trip back and forth to my friend's house in Barra de Tijuca who'd stowed away a spare key, I was able to get back into the apartment.

Speaking of which, I'll need to be out of this place by next Friday. Now, I've been looking for other options...at this point, I have two: 1. A room within a two bedroom in Copacabana. Pros: it's furnished and ready to move in. Cons: It's a bit expensive for a room in a small apartment without A/C...about $1,000 a month. It's also not on the beach...two blocks from, but has a reasonable view of the beach but not on the beach. 2. A room within a three bedroom in Copacabana living with the two guys I originally stayed with when I arrived (and the dog, Meg). Pros: It is on the beach, you walk out the door and there's the beach. And one of the guys likes to cook!!!!! The apt will have a Washing Machine. Cons: The apt doesn't face the beach, it faces a parking lot in the back. Completely unfurnished. No A/C. About $1,000 a month. I'd have to buy a bed (which the guys agreed to buy back from me when I leave.)

At this point, I'm leaning to option two SIMPLY because "one of the guy's likes to cook". :) But I must decide by this weekend.

VULTURES IN THE MORNING

It's a weird concept, but a beautiful site. Each morning, from about 7-9 a.m., HUNDREDS of vultures fly into the beach areas of Rio and circle above the waiting city. I think they catch the updraft off the ocean, forced upward by the sky-rising Apt/Hotels and simply Vulture-Glide, circling for hours.

It's an amazing site to see. Especially when you know what type of birds they are.

And speaking of the city, it's been kind of overcast with occasional rain showers over the past couple of days. But I don't mind that--I've not been HURTING to spend a lot of time on the beach, thinking less of sun tan, more of sun burn potential, so this kind of weather is cooler and suits me fine.

There will be time for the Sun. Plenty of time.

CUT SHORT

Enough of the shaggy me. Today I went and got a haircut at a local barder. He really spent a lot of time getting everything right (not that I'd know. I hate looking at my hair because I know that I've a balding spot on the crown of my head and I go to great lengths not to look at it--you know the adage, if you don't see/know it, it's not there--kind of like not watching the news at night. If you don't hear it or see it, it's NOT really there). So when he handed me the mirror to look at his MASTERPIECE, I simply squinted my eyes, got out of focus and began giving him praises.

However when I got home and took a guarded look, I noticed that one side of my head was longer than the other side. LOL Now, it's not THAT noticeable, but still, I'm a bit lop-sided. :")

But I'm a bit lop-sided in life at times too...but I've become pretty adept at just squinting my eyes and giving myself praises.

FORLORN HOPE

Page 4

INT. MORMON OFFICE BUILDING, LOBBY - CONTINUOUS

A large romantic WESTERN LANDSCAPE PAINTING depicting a covered wagon train hangs on the wall. Portraits of Brigham Young and Joseph Smith hang on the opposite wall.

Charles enters, takes in the imposing paintings then walks to the front desk. An OLD MORMON WOMAN stares at him.

CHARLES

Good day, Ma'am. I'm Charles McGlashan, Editor

for the Truckee Republic.

She looks at him, but remains stoic.

CHARLES

Near Donner Lake. I wrote earlier--

She sneers, showing NO teeth.

OLD MORMON WOMAN

You're late.

INT. MORMON OFFICE BUILDING, LIBRARY--MOMENTS LATER

Charles sits at a large table. The woman approaches carrying a wood crate, placing it on the table.

OLD MORMON WOMAN

It's all I could find of the Mormon Battalion's trek through

California and back here to Deseret.

CHARLES

My heartfelt appreciation for your kind efforts.

Charles pulls his reading glasses from his pocket.

OLD MORMON WOMAN

It's to look at only.

CHARLES

Understood.

INT. MORMON OFFICE BUILDING, LIBRARY - HOURS LATER

Books, maps, clothing and writing instruments are strewn over the table. Charles closes a book and puts it aside.

He pulls out a dusty book from the crate. A brush of his hand reveals the words LA SANTA BIBLIA. He thumbs through it, landing on the Book of Job. Two pieces of paper and a swatch of Cloth lie between it's pages.

He sneaks a look at the old woman. She's distracted.

He examines the yellowed, artistically femine script. The cloth has a crude map made of charcoal.

CHARLE'S POV - THE HANDWRITTEN PAGES

CHARLES (V.O)

Cold and snowing again. My eldest girls have left

me and are hopefully beside a kind stranger's

warm fire. George does not yet rest in the warmth

of an angel's wing, but I fear that day will shortly come...

Charles flips the paper over. His demeanor changes as a smile crosses his lips.

CHARLES

Tamzene Donner, I found you.

Gym, Gym-ane, Gym, Gym-ane, Gym Gym FOR FREE

2009-10-26T22:39:00.006-02:00

Ask and you shall receive--or in this case, cuss out your online CHASE representative located in, I'm betting, New Delhi, and suddenly you have money again. Yep, an attempt at 3 p.m. yesterday ended up in 600 Reais in my wallet.

Ahh, the magic of plastic!

SWEATING WITH THE OLDY

I like going to the gym. I started going regularly about 10 years ago and have found great internal growth (and external) from it. So, obviously, I wanna join a gym here too. But my first week's living arrangement was with a friend 30 minutes outside the city. I'm now in a temp apt in the Copacabana/Ipanema area. I think I'll be in a more permanent one in two more weeks, so I'm reluctant to join ANY one gym until I know where I'll be.

But using Mormon Ingenuity and Janet-Ross-taught-Frugle-idity, I've been gym hoping, asking for 2-3 free days to TRY OUT THE GYM. So far, it's worked. And this city has a LOT of small gyms, so I should be able to hold out for another week or two before I have to put down more permanent roots and tightly-held MONEY.

I was trying a new gym out yesterday with a new friend (he'd offered me a free guest pass) and 1/2 way through the workout, all the A/Cs stopped working. The remaining work out was a REAL WORK OUT...I was sweating up a storm. But I think I was the only one affected...everyone else seemed used to the heat/humidity.

Oh, and I think I've lost 5-7 pounds in the past two weeks. It's not that I want to, although the stomach has gone down a bit--no more first trimester belly--, but I've yet to find easily convenient restaurants that will keep the weight on. I'm sure they're out there, but so far, well, I'm still looking. I guess I could cook...ahh, c'mon, who are we kidding? Although it is MY GOAL to learn to cook some good Brasilian foods. You know, the standards. So prepare you're pallets. Ready or not...you will enjoy my RICE AND BEANS.

TO BED OR NOT TO BED

So we've all been to hotels that have that bed we know we have to sleep on, but really don't want to. This apt has THAT BED. The first night, it skived me out, the second day, not so much...and by now, well, I figure there's two bed sheets between me and it...what to worry?

In reality, it's not THAT bad...no bed bugs. It's just not the good bed I had in NYC. Ahh, and one thing I wish I had brought down was a change of my good bed sheets. LESSONS LEARNED.

GIVING THANKS

I see that some of you have already logged in and read the blog (they like me, they really like me), and even better, some of you left comments. LOVE the comments...Keep 'em coming. And please, tell me after a couple of days if the screenplay is working...if it isn't, I'll just forget it and we can all pretend it never happened.

OK, a new French/Algerian guy arrived a couple of days, and being that are both lost in this city, we hung out a bit today...again, looking for another gym to HOP in and out of.

7 gym s down...many, many more to go.

FORLORN HOPE

Page 3

CUT TO:

INT. ELIZA DONNER HOUGHTON'S HOUSE, SHERMAN'S BEDROOM (1875) - NIGHT

The room is dark except for moonlight entering the windows.

ELIZA DONNER HOUGHTON, 33, junoesque and haughty, bolts upright in bed, SCREAMING.

SHERMAN HOUGHTON, 56, balding with a long brown beard, wakes.

SHERMAN

Eliza? Eliza?

He pulls her close. Eliza slowly wakes.

SHERMAN

It's all right. There, there now...it's okay.

ELIZA

Keseberg had me again.

Sherman caresses her cheek, calming her.

SHERMAN

Your'e here. You're safe. Sweetie, there, there.

You're safe. It's all right, I'm here.

EXT. SALT LAKE CITY, HOTEL & STREET - MORNING

SUPERTITLE: SALT LAKE CITY, 1875

Early Summer. A warm, clear, sunny day. CHARLES McGLASHAN, 44, dressed in business attire, walks out of the hotel. He stands and looks down the street towards the Mormon Temple, still under construction.

He walks towards it. He's cordial to passersby, but women and children eye him with suspicions.

He approaches an OLDER MORMON MAN and MORMAN MAN exchanging a handshake.

OLDER MORMON MAN

A blessing for your good wives, Brother Nelson.

MORMON MAN

To you and yours as well, Bishop.

The Morman Man backs into Charles.

CHARLES

And a good morning to you, sir.

MORMON MAN

(tipping his hat)

Morning, Stranger.

EXT. MORMON OFFICE BUILDING

Situated across the street from the Mormon Temple. Charles takes a long look at the building, then enters.

You Can Buy Anything in this World With Money

2009-10-26T10:13:00.005-02:00

It's generally a good thing when you are in a foreign country with foreign words and ways, to have money to maneuver through it. Sounds easy enough, right? With today's technology, all you need is a plastic card in your wallet and you can go anywhere, anytime...as long as that little ATM machine keeps spewing money out at you.

Or so I thought.

The first day I arrived here, I tried to purchase a phone with my credit card. Rejected. After a couple of other attempts, and not knowing how to get a hold of a foreign operater to REVERSE the charges (such a nice gesture from my bank, but how to do that is the real challenge), I was at a loss. Luckily my ATM card allowed me to withdraw funds for living, for a months rent (if taken out in five daily smaller amounts), and other needs.

Until this weekend when every ATM I tried told me that no more money for me...the card wasn't working. I know I have funds (you'll be proud of me, since in Brasil, I signed up for my online banking and I can see there's funds there, just waiting to be spent.) But how to get them is the real question.

I've sent e-mails to my Chase On-line rep (which I'm pretty sure is someone living in India). I was assured that my VISA is now cleared to use...I'll try that later today. I've yet to hear back on my ATM.

Luckly, I have about $50 US dollars tucked away in my apt that if I really need to, I can exchange until I get this resolved.

ATMs have always been my friends...now I'm a little bit intimidated by them. Like when you have a good friend, but for some reason, one day, you get a sense he doesn't like you as much. We go way back...and gosh darn it, my ATM better like me again. Cause $50 won't last me that long.

BRAS-ODDITIES

1. I have yet to see any fresh milk (you know, milk that will go sour) anywhere in this city. Oh they have milk, but it's been irradiated and pasturized and manipulated so much that I'm sure it could be drinkable many years into the future. It doesn't taste that bad, but I miss always knowing I had to drink the stuff before it went sour.

2. Every policeman I've seen, wears a bullet-proof vest. Now, coming from New York, I've seen that too...but generally not on every cop. That said, I've seen nothing approaching anything violent or dangerous.

3. Where else can you watch Bevery Hills 90210 (the original) and Felicity as though they were first fun...HERE, and I'm really liking them--again.

FORLORN HOPE

OK, so I decided to try the screenplay. If you haven't read a screenplay before, it reads just like you'd watch a movie...you'll notice cuts from one scene to the next, locations and time of days are noted in scene headings...and other than that, it's pretty easy to follow. Give it a day or two...and tell me if you like it or if it's just too hard to get into and stay with.

This screenplay was entered in the Nicholl Felowships in Screenwriting Competition (the one sponsored by the OSCARS), and was a semi-finalist. I think it's one of my better efforts.

Here goes.

FORLORN HOPE

Based on the experiences of The Donner Party

FADE IN

EXT. MOUNTAINS (1846) - DAY

Winter.

We follow six snowshoes laboring across the pristine, powdery whiteness.

Each step a struggle. Pushing forward.

EXT. MOUNTAINS

MONTAGE OF SHOTS: Three men with heavy backpacs. Various time of day sequences.

A) Climbing mountains

B) Sliding dangerously down steep snowy slopes.

C) Struggling against blinding snow.

They're weak...very weak.

EXT. DONNER LAKE - DAY

Sunny. The men stand at the shore of a frozen, snow-covered lake. RESCUER 1 scans the horizon.

He begins to cross the lake. He stops, looks back to see the other men still standing. He turns and continues walking.

The others follow.

EXT. DONNER LAKE - CONTINUOUS

Bird's eye view of the men crossing the lake. Small dots in a world of glistening, pristine white.

EXT. MOUNTAIN CAMP - MOMENTS LATER

The lake behind them, the men see shorn off trees.

RESCUER 1

(echoing through stillness)

Hello!?

RESCUER 2

Hello? Is anyone there?

Rescuer 1 points to a small barely visible smoke trail rising from one of four partially concealed cabins. They walk toward it.

EXT. CABIN - MOMENTS LATER

The snow line is nearly at the roof of the cabin. The tunneled-out door is littered with hair and bones, filthy yellow snow and excrement.

They're repulsed, but descend to the door, and cautiously enter.

INT. CABIN - CONTINUOUS

Dark except for muted light from the door. Slowly, the men's eyes adjust to the light.

Several partially mutilated corpses of men, women and children are strewn around the room, flesh pulled from decapitated bodies.

Amongst them, a small girl, LITTLE ELIZA Donner, four years old, dressed in a garnet cloak and red knitted hood, trembles in the corner.

A movement in the opposite corner.

And then the men see him.

They stumble backwards.

LOUIS KESEBERG (KEYS-burg), 40's, dressed in Victorian worker's rags is hunched over a half-eaten corpse, his back to the rescuers. He turns to face the intruders, revealing a crazed face, bushy blond hair and beard matted with filth and blood. He speaks with a heavy German/Dutch accent.

KESEBERG

(motioning to the men)

Come lay and sup with me.

Rescuer 2 dry heaves.

RESCUER 1

Lord have mercy.

Keseberg lunges for him. Rescuer 1 falls and scoots backwards towards the door. Keseberg lands on him and bites out his tongue. Rescuer 2 and 3 scramble for the door.

RESCUER 3

Run for your lives!

The door bursts open with a FLASH of light.

Little Eliza screams.

CUT TO:

OK...so that's scene 1 of the screenplay. It would have taken about 2 minutes on the screen.

It's about 11 a.m. here, and while I typed this, I watched Felicity...man she was cute with her long curly hair--too bad she cut it off--it ruined her career. Oh well, lessons learned. Like not leaving the country without verifying your credit card and ATM card will work. :)

Hippidy Hopping Along

2009-10-25T21:28:00.004-02:00

Sometimes we just don't realize how good we have it til we're able to step outside our little world and see what others don't have.

Don't get me wrong, a lot of Brasil is very modern. People don't live that differently than we do as Americans...some better--there are some VERY WEALTHY Brasilians. Beautiful homes, cars, etc. But today I saw something that made my heart sad. I'd just found what I'd like to think is a FOOD FIND--you know those restaurants that once you've tried them you think to yourself, I can see myself coming back here quite often--and was walking back to my apartment with a full and happy stomach, when crossing the street ahead of me was a young kid. He couldn't have been more than 14 or 15, and looked so happy, so alive, so young and full of life. But as I saw him weave his way through the cars, I noticed that from the waist up, he was perfect. But apparently either at birth or some accident, it looked like his bones going from his knee to his right foot were broken, forcing his lower leg to have a bow in it, as though a 1/2 of heart shape. He limped on it, hopped to keep as much weight of it as possible, but he moved forward happy and content as he moved up the street with his friend.

I thought to myself just a broken bone that wasn't set. A simple procedure that if done correctly, in 2 months he's fine. He is now hobbled for the rest of his life.

And then I realized that this simple procedure would never go unattended in the US...it just didn't seem fair.

I know there are worse things in the world...worst problems, much worse living conditions, terrible things. But I just wanted to help that kid, to make his remaining years hobble-free. How much would it take, really?

If I get some money in the future, I hope to do that. Find a way to help kids/people in that kind of situation. You can't solve all the world's problems, but you can solve someone's, right?

Of course I have some money now...so why wait. Um, that thought depresses me.

I took the evening and walked a bit along the beach of Copacabana at dusk. So pretty. They have this little beach side stand that sells Pizza in a cone--I know, I know, but really good. I had one of those, a Guarana, and waited out a small shower. Then walked back to Ipanema beach.

I'm still amazed at the natural beauty of this place.

On a more sanitary note, I took a shower today after two days of not taking one. I don't know why...just been pretty sedentary, but today I realized it was time, and since I now have hot water in the apartment, there's no reason not to, right?

OK, so, again not gonna start my screenplay. I'm thinking of that idea and not sure it's gonna work. Hum, still throwing it up in the air of my head...to see if it sticks.

But another day in Brasil. I've been here two weeks and one day now...and a lot to see and learn still. Including a thousand new words. :)

Boa Noite.

Wow, I Did It...I Really Did it.

2009-10-24T19:51:00.000-02:00

Ola!

Well, by the title of this first post, you'd think I was so excited about where I am and what I'm doing here. But no, not that at all. Being relatively Computer Stupid, I'm actually amazed I was able to get this blog up and going. I know, I know, most of you would say it's so easy. And now that I'm here typing, I can agree--yes it was...but it's held me back for almost a month. The fear of not knowing how to do it when I really wanted to...

Which kind of leads me to the reason for the blog. I'm here in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. (Yes, it's with an S, not a Z--for you broadway lovers, I can hear you humming "it's Liza with Z, not Liza with an S...", and I know I spelled it with a Z in the title--I compromised--but enough of spelling and broadway). And while I've thought of coming to live back here for some time, it took some pretty dramatic life events to finally give me the willpower and courage to do it. I'll get more into that later, but suffice it to say now, I'm here. And I'm glad you are too...with me. (I'm pretending someone cares enough to read it...it's nice pretending you have an audience.)

I saw the move Julie & Julia...so I kind of have an idea of how blogging goes. And my take on what she did was to set out some objectives from the very beginng. I liked that, so I'm gonna do the same.

1. I'm dedicated to writing on here on a pretty regular basis. Julie did it daily, and while I like that idea, I won't promise it. However, that will be my goal...and a goal not written is only a wish, so there, it's written.

2. I've had some pretty important and dramatic life events happen to me over the past couple of years...all motivators for me to be here in Brasil. They will weave themselves into my daily blogs, but suffice it to say now that I've lived in Brasil before, and I'm back here as a very different person in many ways--my second try, so to speak, at many things.

3. I'd like to have a career one day as a writer. I've kind of had that dream for a while. While I don't expect to make my career from blogging, I do want anyone that's reading this to know I can write, I have written, and I continue to do so. In fact, after several screenplays and teleplays sitting in a COLD CASE file on my computer in NYC, and knowing that some of you may have never read anything "real" I've written, I'm gonna do that here too. You see, in some ways I did prepare for my trip down here. I brought with me my favorite screenplay and each day I'm gonna add a page from that screenplay at the bottom. (So I'll be writing for at least 100 days.). Hopefully family and friends will enjoy it enough to try and piece it all together. Ideally, some big Hollywood producer will read it and think--here's my next OSCAR. Either way, It'll be "published" somewhere. HA HA. And before you go and think you can steal it, um, no, it's copywrited...Momma didn't raise no fool.

3. I am going to try and be honest with my thoughts and feelings about life, surroundings, actions, and thoughts. To be honest, that TERRIFIES me. Which leads me to #4.

4. I come from a STRICT Mormon upbringing. More on that later too, but because of that, I'm very sensitive to the moral/age appropriate concerns of family and friends that might be reading this blog. What do I mean by that? Well, as my sweet, funny Grandma Stevens entered here last fews years of a life shattered by dementia and undiagnosed alzheimers, we saw a side of her mind that none of us knew existed. Words, phrases, thoughts spewed from her mouth that at first made our innocent ears curl. I didn't know how Grandma could talk and think those kind of words. But I guess, somewhere within a part of Grandma none of us knew, those words were tucked away, waiting to spring out when her moral concience wasn't guarding her mouth. So while I don't know how to do it, I'm gonna figure out how to share more of the total me in another way. Kind of like this movie I went to as a young boy growing up near Roosevelt, Utah called Red Light, Green Light. When some act of violence or horror was about to show up on the screen, a RED light would flash, warning us to close our eyes and ears. A GREEN light told us it was OK to look again. Of course we watched it all, but just knowing something bad was coming up kept us watching and wanting more. So in my spirit of being open, I'm gonna try and figure out how to do that.

5. I can't take full responsibility for misspelled words...c'mon, I'm writing a blog, not the Constitution.

So that's kind of it. I've begun. And while I did this first blog page, I'm not gonna write the first page of my screenplay until tomorrow (there, I've already broke one promise).

It's too much already.

I'm sure I've lost anyone that might have started with me.

Come back! GREEN LIGHT. GREEN LIGHT.