Today is going to be my first time watching the world cup in Brazil. Terezinha, Paulo's mom, took me with her to pay her bills and to exchange my US dollars into their money, the Real (Reais). I was shocked to see that nearly all of the shops, including the money exchange, were closed. Why were they closed? The soccer game.

Devout fans of soccer, everyone was rushing home to watch the game, which begins at 11:00 am. It is currently 10:21, and the traffic is becoming more crazy by the moment; people begin to ignore traffic signals and lines on the road are merely that: lines. When we arrived home, a delectible scent taunted my nose and tongue, coming from the patio in front of the pool. A Brazilian BBQ has already begun, with the television blaring the pre-game news. I am still full from breakfast, but I can't help but really be tempted to snitch some carne do sol, a salty kind of roast beef/steak (not sure..but it's definitely tasty!)

I am relieved to say that I'm understanding quite a lot more, and his mom is starting to call me a "Brasiliera," a brazilian girl. I hope to take some photos of the food for my next post, because while I don't like everything, it all tastes interesting enough for me to want to eat a little more, just to try it. It is all extremely different from what I am used to. I think my favorite so far is the passionfruit mousse, which is slightly more solid than the American mousse, borderline pudding, but still airy. Here is myself in the cute Brazil-Hello Kitty T-Shirt Terezinha bought for me. I was surprised it fit, but it does! Clothing here is generally much smaller than in the USA...perhaps for sadly obvious reasons. Their "Big girl" stores look more like American sizes, in honesty. I noticed this when we took a trip to a large, 3-story mall yesterday.
Today, it seems that an exciting game of futebol is awaiting me. I am sure that I won't be disappointed. Brazil's team is renown for putting on a great game and having spectacularly loyal fans.