Ive had over 3 months to observe and talk to Cariocas (I don't want to say Brazilians because Rio is a small piece of the pie) and I've found both interesting and strange things. There are some ideas or concepts that I love but others that quite frankly, I don't know if I can ever understand. The list is endless to be honest, but I chose a good chunk just to give you an idea. Things I'll never get used to: They love Justin Bieber- really?! This ridiculous bee-...

I'm not playing favorites here but as I'm planning my last classes, a few students stand out for me. Students who I'll miss and who I think have great potential. Students who I'd love to see in a year and see where they are in English or if they accomplish their goals. I know I'm only going to list less than half of my students but I tend to give thorough descriptions so I had to be picky here. I also decided to help keep them separated and not to confuse, I will...

Going to a soccer game, any game at all, in Brazil was on my list before I even arrived because Brazil is world-famous for their unique foorwork tactics, quick moves and borderline-psycho fans. So I got my friends together and asked Vitor, Ricardo's brother (and true soccer fanatic) to take us. This was an adventure in itself because Vitor is a true Carioca, through and through. I asked him a month ago about going to a soccer game and each week he came with half ...

Ok sorry for the worry-wart-Debbie-downer before. This one will be more positive. Because I'm positively excited to be home and I have lots of things to do! What I can't wait to do when I get home: - see family and friends is obvious-roll around on the carpet-wash and dry my clothes in a machine-play with Rafa-ride my bike around Mission Bay and PB-go salsa dancing!-go dancing in TJ with Maggie (Kokobongo!! Haha)-sleep on Rhondas couch-watch Sex an the City (Y...

If any of you have known me for more than 5 minutes, there are a few things you definitely know about me: I talk too fast and too loud, I'm a step past impatient, and I worry a lot (I'm sure I didn't get that from my mother). I'm well aware that I can't spend too much time worrying, especially about the future or something I can't control but... That's easier said than done. With so many changes and just as many unknowns around the corner, it's difficult not to t...