So much has happened since I've left Colorado; that I'm not sure I will be able to summarize everything. Let me just start by saying that it hasn't been easy, but I know that as each day passes it becomes easier and easier.
It seems like a year since I left Colorado but in reality it has only been one week. Before getting to Brazil, I had a one and a half day orientation in Miami with the other exchange students. When I arrived in Miami, I had forgotten how much I hated humidity until I walked out to catch the shuttle to the hotel. With me on the shuttle was Sylvia, one of the other 4 exchange student that were going to Brazil. As we made our way into the hotel we were greeted by two AFS volunteers and the rest of the exchange students. Going to Brazil were: Jennifer, Nikita, Cori, and Sylvia (obviously). Going to Paraguay were: Marley, Kate, and Erin. The rest of the day consisted of orientation and a horrendous dinner at Bennigans. The following day we had orientation for 2 hours in the morning and lunch, until we started heading back to the airport.
On the plane to Sao Paulo I sat next to a woman and her young daughter. For some reason AFS couldn't seet us together. It was a 7 hour flight and I only got about 45 minutes of sleep the whole way. Landing in Sao Paulo was exciting but the 9 hour layover Jennifer and I had waiting for us was not. We almost missed our flight to Salvador because of miscommunication we had with some Brazilian airport employees but surely we made it on. After more than a day of traveling, I finally landed in Salvador.
The first couple days at my host family's home were one of the hardest I have expierienced in my life. I was in major culture shock and every little thing would make me feel homesick. I thought that right from the begining I would be enjoying myslef, but this was not the case. I knew it was going to be hard, but NOT this hard. At one point, I had even questioned why I had wanted to go on this trip at all. For future exchange students, all I have to say is that the first couple days will be hard, but remember to always be optimistic. It took me a couple days to get used to my new home and I'm still adjusting. Next was school.
The school that I go to is really nice but really hard. The first day, the kids in my class were all so excited to meet me. They asked me so many questions and talked so fast that most of the time I couldn't even understand what they were saying. Not only that, but some of the classes are so confusing especially math. I thought it was going to be the easiest one since math is a universal language but honestly, it's my hardest. Tommorrow is my third day of school and I hope it will be better than the first two. This weekend I'm going to Salvador for 3 days for carnaval and I'm really excited! I will be posting soon after this weekend.
Hope all is well with every one.
Sincerely, Nevo
Landing in Salvador
My school!
omg! make a post about the problems and how are the brazilian people!
ReplyDeletekeeping posting!
xx