Bus route #157

Bus #157 at the PUC stop station

Today I woke up relatively early. Yesterday Saturday I slept in and I regret not rising early, but tanto faz, it was still a productive day. As was today. A pleasantly eventful weekend. 

I hopped on the correct bus, #157, but it was going the opposite direction from my final destination. When I realized this I went up to the cobrador and asked him where I should get off to reach my destination. He informed me it was going to be a bit complicated and that I was better off staying on the bus until we reached the bus hub which is located in the center of the city, that is, in downtown. A fair distance. I stayed on the bus and had a very nice conversation with Valter. Yes, with a letter /V/. His team is Flamengo. On our way back, he was pretty much my tourist guide and pointed out major city points. For R$2,75 (that would be about US$1.35). I told him so, especially how much I appreciated the helpful assistance and friendliness.

A known landmark in Ipanema.

Granted, the trip was much longer than I expected, from 20 minutes to 1:40 hours. Nevertheless, it was a worthwhile experience. If you're to become mistakenly "lost" in such a manner, do so during the day time. Especially if you're still new to the city as is my case. You can never err on being too safe, no matter where in the world you are, even at home.

I recommend that you always be friendly, cordial and have a tremendous amount of patience with yourself. Try not to act too much like a tourist. In other words, try to make your mannerisms and your dress appear similar to that of the locals. It has helped me tremendously. To such a point that many Cariocas do not realize that I am not brasileira until they have a longer conversation with me and it then becomes a topic of discussion. As they tell me: "Você parece brasileira e fala dirietinho." Let me demonstrate my giddyness: Yay!!!

 

I safely reached my final destination. I met Lilian at her place. I accidentally met Lilian yester-eve at Ipanema's local bakery and we soon became fast friends. I do not believe us meeting was an accident, it was destiny. She is worried I do not have a cell phone. I make do. I also figure that my trip is soon coming to an end. 

Across the bakery there is a beautiful church. I went to the 4:30 mass.

Both Lilian and I walked through the Osório market, which occurs every Sunday and is located about 2 blocks from the beach. Going there is a must, particularly if you're interested in purchasing worthwhile gifts for family. Which I of course readily accomplished. Though I realize I have to be extremely careful with my spending. Rio de Janeiro is an expensive city. Even for the people who live here. 

 

Market day at Praça General Osório, Ipanema 

Capoeirista figurines

Having a cell phone

When you arrive to Rio de Janeiro you might realize you will want a cell phone for emergencies or to keep in contact with the new friends you make. Unblock your phone back home. If you don't know how, find someone who does. It is more expensive to try to add an international plan with your phone company. If you arrive with an unblocked phone than you are able to buy a chip, with the same name, only with a carioca pronunciation.`Do not fret because you can also purchase a phone here, if you can find a cheap one. If not, it will also be pricey. It all depends on what you want and especially how long you plan on staying: a month, a semester or a year.

Nevertheless, yesterday I read an article from a small newspaper, Destak, that a law was recently passed several days ago in which companies can no longer sell blocked cell phones. People just have to wait 22 days for the it to take effect. So by the end of this month, July 2012, people will have the opportunity to purchase unblocked phone. Or at least, that's the idea.

I do not know how to unblock a cell phone. And I also decided not to purchase a phone during my stay in Rio de Janeiro. Since I only have about 20 days left here, I figured a cell phone was not extremely necessary. I am always certain I arrive back to my homestay at a decent time as to not cause in worry, in my person.

Now, if you want to speak with family back home, do not purchase calling cards. Most students should have internet access in their homestays, I encourage you to use Skype with your family. If your family does not know how to use Skype, you can always add money to your account and call your family's land line. I spoke for about 45 minutes, from Skype to a United States land line, and the total cost was just under $2.00. There are options, just make sure you inform yourself as much as you can before you arrive.

Don't call your family often, let them miss you or your voice, for that fact. Contact them once a week. If you use any other social media, be certain that they do follow posts or status updates even if you do not directly contact them. Your time abroad is to experience a different culture and sometimes to do that you must create 'distances' from those back home.

Exploring Gávea

Today was the first day of classes. I hopped on a bus that took a different route than the one I've been usually taking. I arrived 3 minutes late to class. Towards the end of class the instructors gave us another test to verify our level. I have not seen Portuguese grammar in over two years. Let's just say, that if they are to base my class level on this sole test, they'll be placing me in a much lower level. Tomorrow I will find out.

A slightly longer route than usual.

After class I asked one of the interns for a store where I could purchase passport type pictures. I have to report myself to the Polícia Federal with my passport, student visa, head shots of myself and receipts proving that I paid taxes for being in Brazil.  

If you are to participate only in the intensive program, I suggest you come with a tourist visa. I originally went with my acceptance letter to the consulate and consequently a student visa was provided. Now I am paying more than I probably should have if I had only applied as a tourist. 

 

Rio de Janeiro is an expensive city. I look at prices and after converting reais to dollars my jaw immediately drops. If you plan on doing a semester or a year in Brazil, either start saving now or be extremely frugal when you're here. If the 2012 World Cup  or the 2016 Summer Olympics  are your goal, do the same, there is no doubt in my mind that the prices will multiply.

Rua Jardim Botânico with a large extension of graffiti.

We were told several days ago by the program's coordinator that you are not to smile in the head shots that will be handed to the federal police. That is the pictures. It was important I kept a serious face. I purchased a complete sheet with yours truly. That's the only way the store would sell them. Now I have extras, just in case, for some random use. After my photo-op I proceeded to walk home instead of taking a bus. I wanted to explore.

I haven't seen a stray dog but have I seen cats.

Let me be honest...exploring means that I took some wrong turns several times and wasn't sure what bus to take back home. I was lost for a couple of blocks. Then I recognized the street and decided that I would just walk back. And did I walk, with flats. A little over 5.3km. It took me over two hours to make it back to my homestay. I kept stopping to take pictures.  

o Jardim Botânico

There are some amazing buildings that unfortunately are abandoned.

 

Parque Lage. Walking by this park was unbelievable. As odd as the comparison will be, it felt as if you were walking by a natural AC system. Your body immediately felt refreshed. I know mine did.

Winter in Rio de Janeiro

Tomorrow Monday, classes officially start. I'm eager for them to begin. I need to improve my Portuguese and that's one of the main reasons why I'm here. Today I had what you can say a free day. My original plan was to walk around the neighborhood to get to know the area and take pictures. It's been raining since the wee hours and the temperature dropped several degrees. About 68˚F. After debating for several hours in my bedroom I decided to venture out into the rain.

Bring an umbrella during this time of year as well as light sweaters and some light but warm scarves. I brought three fitted jackets--corduroy, faux leather (from Express clothing), and woven.  If you're familiar with Florida weather, then you are prepared for this type of weather. I regret not bringing my flat boots that were a Christmas present (I didn't want to over-pack), especially because I'm not sure how often it will rain while I'm here. I will be fine, I hope, since I did bring some walking Puma tennis shoes. Others might not find Rio's winter too cold, but the body becomes accustomed quite quickly to certain climates, therefore it is not a bad idea to dress and bundle up as the Cariocas do.

This building is what I encountered on my afternoon walk: Portugal's Embassy on Rua São Clemente. It is absolutely beautiful. I'm curious to see and compare it with the U.S.A.'s Embassy. I have a strong feeling that the architecture will not be the same.

 

The steps I take daily to leave and return to my temporary home. Today they were a slippery endeavor. The weather forecast for tomorrow will be the same.

There were few Cariocas walking on the streets. This allowed me to walk more comfortably so I could read street signs and recognize landmarks without attracting too much attention. Though a bus did splash me during my walk. The sidewalks are generally narrow. Large umbrellas are wonderful but not practical to use when light-posts make sidewalks even more narrow.

My homestay

I'm sure there might be a few more posts about my homestay. This is the first one. I'm not sharing a room as some other students have the pleasure of doing so. My room also is not a small closet as a new friend's is. Nevertheless, they seem to be content since they are only a block from the beach. My location is still considered a zona sul, which means that it is located in a middle class type neighborhood especially because it is near the Lagoon. I have not been here a complete week so I cannot recognize what areas are what. I'm told the favelas are the homes located on the skirts of hills, the homes are not completely constructed, that is, they do not have finished façades.

Here and abroad we're told favelas are 'pacified'. The word has many implications and I will leave that for another blog. I will be honest, I grew up visiting family in Mexico and it really is all relative. Unless of course this is your first time traveling abroad, then differences will be much greater.
 

Shelving that does the trick, it keeps my clothes somewhere for better access.

If you are considering the university's homestay program, do plan accordingly if you want to be comfortable. The majority of the homes that participate in the homestay program do so because it is extra income. I haven't heard many students say yet that they feel like they're in a welcoming home, per se. It is a college dormitory-like situation but in a family's home. 

I brought a top sheet as a last minute thought for the bed. Now I wish I had also brought a fitted sheet. I did bring my own bath towels, always do. My bathroom is located on the first floor and my bedroom is on the second floor. I have to admit, I thought my bathroom in my tiny apartment back home was small, it now seems like a palace compared to the one that is designated for my use here. The sliding door that closes my bathroom here is made from frosted glass. The bathroom is located right by the kitchen area. I'm hoping that neither the lady nor her daughter decide to cook while I'm taking a shower. They'll be getting a silhouette show for sure. Imagine!

Do bring a converter for your electronics! Make that two. I only brought one. My electronics now take turns charging. And when you head out to the university or to explore the city, make sure you turn everything off and lock your bedroom door. The lady asked me to turn off the fan on the second day. Apparently someone's home burnt down because the fan was left on. Most homestays should provide you with a key to your bedroom and the home.

On the foot of Corcovado waiting for the train that will lead us to Cristo Redentor monument.

Cristo Redentor. My own personal picture. Finally! Please link me.

Receiving some redemption.