Ilha Grande

I'll write more later when I have time, but I thought I'd post these pictures for you to enjoy/feel envious!

We did a 6 hour boat tour of 4 little lush islands off the coast. We swam, we ate, we suntanned. I think it was pretty much perfect.

I am happy. What a nice morning.

Minus my room mate having to leave this morning, Angie. I'm going to really miss her. She was so good to me while I was sick. Patient, caring, and attentive. I know the nursery where she volunteered for 11 months will miss her dearly as well.

The picture below is of Timothy and Angie and I at the 'going away' dinner we held for her the other night.

Back to this morning. Yes, it was satisfying. I slept in until 9:30, hung around by the pool and suntanned, then I swam for about a half an hour (the first real exercise I've had in over a week!- highly unusual for me, it's because I've been so sick), and then met up with Steph. We went and got our nails done. It was an awesome cultural experience. Extremely cheap too! Like $5 for a full manicure. Crazy, I know.

We walked around a bit, then I came back and had a grilled cheese sandwich and fresh watermelon. Scrumptious.

Off to my project now. It's only a half day on Tuesdays.

I think I'm becoming quite accustomed to living here, finally. And, I'm becoming a little more assertive about trying to speak Portugese with strangers. It can be fun!

Just another Monday

Not exactly! Due to Brazil playing in the World Cup, our project was cancelled and everyone headed to Copacabana to watch the big game.

Brazil won 3-0 against Chile and a good time was had by all.

Perfect weather, fun people.

One thing I'd really worried about before leaving for Rio was being lonely. While I have experienced some other unfortunate events (being sick, losing my credit card), I have been incredibly blessed to not feel lonely once.

I find it fascinating how easy it is to connect with complete strangers, and feel comfortable. Here is my analysis of the situation:

- People are naturally drawn to others who can communicate fluently in their native language.

We like to form communities based on primal abilities, such as conversing, and then we choose to feel secure in those relationships, even if we have only just met.

- However, this isn't always the case, as I have loved hanging out with the French crew. Their English is good, but it's not perfect. Sorry guys! ha

So the second facet must be that we are drawn to people who are in roughly the same life situation. We form a common bond through circumstance. We are all foreigners, living on the same street, experiencing similar things.

- And lastly, I think our shared demographics connect us. Us volunteers are all youngish, with the desire for a little adventure and life experience.

I'm blessed to be a part of such a great group. English, Australian, Irish, American, and me, the Canadian.

I'm going to try and head to bed early tonight but since Brazil won today, the crazy loud music that comes from God knows where will be playing until late tonight. Rio de Janeiro is without a doubt the noisiest city I've ever been in. It's like it's in their DNA to be ridiculously loud. It's great : )

The top photo is of this alley I passed by with the French crew the other day.

And the bottom one is of Ray Ray (Rachel), Vicki (Victoria), and Dani (Danielle) at Copacabana.

Sunday photos

I thought today was Saturday, so I missed church this morning. Instead, I went to the Botanical Gardens with Tonya (the Texan) and had a blissful afternoon. After the garden tour, we checked out a neat little market and had a delicious lunch- 4 cheese lasagne, which looked more like cheese soup - delightful nonetheless.

I bought a vase for my house (the place I will be moving August 1st) and picked up a new purse, to replace the one I lost.

And to my complete relief, my debit card works at the HSBC bank! Now I don't have to worry about getting the emergency credit card. Thank the Lord.

Just as a side note, I felt completely content today. Still coughing but 100 times better.

Tonight for dinner I made two of the French boys, Ben and Gabi, their first egg and cheese and ketchup sandwich. They graciously said they liked it : )

Out with all the volunteers tonight.

Best of times/worst of times Part Deux

Saturdays seem to be the day I'll have it all.

Like I posted earlier, feeling seriously ill is no fun at all, but once you are in the mindset that you are going to get better, all things are possible.

I ended up having an absolutely wonderful afternoon and evening (minus the Christ mis-hap) and it's not over yet. Highlights of today:

- having one of the best, if not the best, moments by myself, standing in a town square, marvelling at the reality of being in Rio de Janeiro. I came here alone, and have met some of the most hilarious, welcoming people in my life.

- I'll inform you of the French crew. There's Jules, who I'll call the 'lover'. His girlfriend, Christie, just arrived today and they haven't seen each other in 3 months. I'm sure you can imagine ha : ) Then there is Gabi, the 'silent one'. Next is Pierre, the prototype of a 'passionate Parisian'. There is also Ben, the 'nice/funny Jew'. And lastly, there is Lucy, who is actually Belgian, but since she speaks French fluently, I'll categorize her as the 'honorary Francais'.

They are an awesome group and I'm lucky I got to know them...

- having a going away dinner party for Angie, my room mate. There is nothing like having a huge home cooked meal in a foreign country. What a delight.

- Attending Angie's friend's samba birthday party. I was absorbed for the entire time, watching the fluid movements of the dancers. It was incredible. I even got asked to dance several times, but for one guy, all I had to say was

"Eu sou Canadense" which translates "I am Canadian". He laughed and walked away.

Saturdays in Rio are memorable, that is for sure.

Photos are: 3 of the French crew, after realizing we didn't make it.

Went to the hospital and almost saw Christ...

ha ok, ok I'll explain... before you start thinking I've had a 'divine' experience.

I'll start way back with last night.

I went out with the French crew again, and was enormously pleased I decided to tough it out to have the experiences that I did.

We hung out at this one particularly hip place for a bit, and people watched. I tried to savour the moment and the visuals of the crowd - drunk, rowdy Brazilian women, sophisticated young men eyeing up the available talent, openly affectionate lovers, the warm night air, the smiles and the easiness of it all.

Then we headed to a very memorable restaurant - a champagne bar of sorts. The French guys knew someone who worked there and we sat on a balcony, sipping delicious champagne for a couple of hours. It was glorious.

I knew the alcohol probably wouldn't be the best for my throat, but I decided it was worth the risk.

In the morning, I woke, drenched in sweat and it hit me hard: whether it was the alcohol's fault or not, I was worse. Waaay worse. Like oh my gosh get me to a doctor. Now.

I sat there for a minute, freaking out. 'Everyone is still sleeping. I don't want to have to bother Ingo [the volunteer co-ordinator]. I don't want to make a big scene. I hate going to the doctor at the best of times, and going in Brazil?' Plus, I'm ultra cheap and the thought of throwing down a bunch of money for medical services was not very appealing.

And then I thought, 'Claire, you are a big girl. Get a hold of yourself. Get up. Wash your face and go over there and wake him up. It's not the end of the world'

So I did. And we went. And it cost 300 Real but praise the Lord, I should be fine within a week. I just have really infected (gross, I know) tonsils and with regularly taking the anti-biotics I bought, I will be healthy in no time.

I know for a fact that it's the placebo effect, but I think I feel better already. Simply knowing that I have the ingredients to make myself well, makes me feel happy and lighthearted.

I think that's why I had such fun with the French crew today, even though we had a major disappointment.

And my major disappointment, I mean we arrived 5 minutes before closing to see the massive Christ statue, but they had closed the ticket window. We had spent loads of cash on getting a taxi there and it was lost...

I mainly felt bad for them because they have to leave soon, whereas I hopefully will have a chance to see it before I come home.

I will post more later... with pictures too. My camera needs to charge : )

Sickness not over but definitely better

I decided not to go to the doctor after all this morning, as I didn't really feel like paying 100 Reals to hear a doctor tell me I need rest and honey (which is what my co-ordinator advised I would probably be told).

I decided to go to the beach with everyone and watch the game! And by watch, I mean lie on the warm sand, and then occasionally take a dip in the cool, clear ocean, and then come back and lie around some more. It wasn't too strenuous and I feel substantially better now. However, I might pay for it later tonight...

I managed to catch these pictures from a balcony tonight. No matter where you are in the world, the moon is always gorgeous.

I can't believe I only have two weeks left!