Friday, May 20, 2016

Welcome to Fortaleza

Hi all!
After an almost year long hiatus (in which time I graduated from Pitt!), I'm back on the blog, this time writing from Brazil! I left home two weeks ago which means that my trip is already 1/3 done. I have no idea where the time is going.
This trip is similar to the trip I did two years ago to Bolivia and different from when I lived in Spain last spring. I'm living with a wonderful family instead of on my own and conducting research instead of taking classes. My project is about cultural identity expressed through dance. So that's technically my main purpose for being here in Fortaleza, Cidade de Alegria (City of Happiness) and Terra de Luz (Land of Light).


I would venture to say that it lives up to its name. It is seriously hot here and the sun is intense. Its 85 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit every day, all year long. But I'm not complaining. I've been passing my time hanging out, reading books, listening to Brazilian music, eating delicious new foods, going to the beach, and drinking caipirinhas (sometimes individually and sometimes all at once). And doing my research of course.


I've loved trekking through the huge, beautiful park by my house, wading in the warm waters of Praia de Iracema, and laughing with my host siblings every day. I've been adjusting to the heat and what I've dubbed Brazilian time, in which they take their time doing most things. This has actually been a nice change from the hustle of the end of the semester.


I return one month from today so... I'll be on the beach til then!
I've been posting fairly regularly on Instagram so be sure to follow me there if you want the most up to date posts.

Beijos!