Oi!

I know this posting is way overdue. But, please, give me a break. I am alone in a country that speaks no English and I have had to figure out a lot of things by myself with the Portuguese that I know. I have some people helping me here, but they don't speak any English either. It has been very challenging to say the least. I arrived safely on Sunday morning. My flight was rather uneventful except that I could not sleep. Flying into Rio was beautiful. Everything you've heard about Rio is true. It is absolutely breathtaking!I flew right over Corcavado (the mountain with the big Jesus statue on it)My connection from Rio to Salvador was hectic through customs and then I had to get to the other side of the airport to switch terminals. My advice to anyone coming here is to learn the language or have a guide. There is no way I could have done this not knowing any Portuguese. My flight was delayed in Rio to Salvador.Once we finally arrived in Salvador and taxied toward the gate, the man in front of me had a heart attack. He spoke only English so, I helped him communicate with the flight attendants until a doctor arrived on the plane. I am staying in a friend's apartment in Stella Maris which is a neighborhood about 15 minutes away from the center of downtown Salvador. It has very beautiful beaches, beautiful people and it's very safe.My friend is letting me stay there for the duration of my stay if I wish. It's a very nice apartment with air conditioning and modern amenitites. I can even flush the toilet paper down the toilet!Something we couldn't do in Costa Rica.My first day was exhausting. I slept for a few hours and took a badly needed shower. Then Pepa, (my friend) and I went to dinner and to this club that played Boate music and watched all the beautiful Brazilian girls dance Samba to it. The next morning I went to Praia Allelujia (Allelujia Beach).Another breathtaking site.It's very different from the beaches in Costa Rica. Every beach here has a cabana or a barracha (bahaka) where you can order food (really good CHEAP food) and they will get you a nice chair, pillow?.anything you want. So, in reality, I had a real cabana boy.I spent a few hours there and then went home for the night.Yesterday, I went to get my hair colored and highlighted.Probably the most risky thing I've done on this trip. I had to find a salon that met my standards. My radar managed to find a place and I managed to get my hair done by a woman who spoke no English. The language of beauty and fashion know no boundaries.Unbelievably so, I really like it and she did a great job.I then went to my friends video store where his employees threw him a surprise birthday party. I met his family, father, mother and his 13 year old brother (very cute Phoebe) who were eager to practice their English with me. There are very few Americans in Salvador, so when they see one they treat you like a celebrity. Once you get to know someone, you are now their friend for life. The people here are so warm friendly and happy.They offered to take me into the city on Saturday to see the historic Pelhourinho and various other tourist sites. I am looking forward to a change of scenery.Today, I woke up and hired a driver to take me to the airport to exchange money.For some reason there are no banks in Stella Maris?crazy. Then I went back to Allelujia for the afternoon.My evenings are usually spent alone in my apartment with no TV. I'm not comfortable going out at night alone.So, I write in my journal, study my Portuguese, listen to my iPod and talk to myself. It really is a lot of fun.I am loving this country.Each day brings a new challenge and everyday I meet new people. I miss everyone and wish I could pick up the phone to tell each of you my adventures.But I'll bore you with that when I return.I try to be more consistent with my blog from now on.Love you allSaudades!!!Lisa