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Really, it's the people that make me Brazil so amazing. You'll find almost everyone friendly, open and patient with you. It won't be hard to make good friends that you keep in touch with later.
Family
First and foremost, I had a loving family. My host father, Evandro, was a doctor. My host mother, Graça, worked in tourism. I had four siblings: Felipe, who I only saw a little as he was in medical school, my sister Andrea, 23, brother Marcelo, 20 and Vicente, 15.
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They were all incredibly nice to me, always patient with broken Portuguese, always taking the time to explain things slowly so I would understand. Marcelo, Andrea and Vicente all spoke English well enough that I usually would just talk to them in English. I guess I would have learned more Portuguese if I had talked ALL the time, but it was nice for them to have a chance to try out their English too. Together we were one big happy family. I was the first exchange student to live with them, which made it that much more special. I'll be jealous of any other one trying to move in on my territory. I also have to mention our maid, Soledade, or Sole for short. She lived with the family, and took care of my every need, which took some getting used to. |
She made sure my clothes were washed (and ironed, folded, and put away), my bed was made, and DELICIOUS food was on the table. And, she made the best desserts in the world, especially her puddim (flan). The BEST.
Friends
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I met so many great people in Brazil. First there are other American students, both from the U of I and other schools (we also did our program with some students from the Universities of Tennessee and New Mexico). Then there are the the host siblings of the American students. And there are also the friends of your host siblings. And friends of those friends, etc. It seems that all Brazilians are eager to hang out with Americans. I still keep in touch with many of them, through emails and AIM. One good friend of mine is actually coming to study in Chicago next semester, and I can hardly wait. |
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Here are some more group pictures, I hope I didn't leave anyone important out:
 Me and my sister |
 This is where I played soccer, called futesal, for court soccer, as opposed to the regular futebal. It was a ton of fun: fast paced and high scoring. |
 Jon, Tyler, Renata and Help at a churrascoria |
 A bunch of us crammed into a hotel room in Jeri |
 Marcelo and I having fun |
 Our last night in Fortaleza |
