One Year and Counting

You can probably tell by the title what this post is about. Yep, I have now been living in Brazil for a year.

We all know time flies so I won’t go on and on about how I can’t believe it has been a year already. The truth is there have been days when time passed with a blink of an eye and days when I felt this experience was the longest of my life.

I did some creative thinking last week about some of both the good and bad things I recognize after being a year into this journey. I’m not at a point where I want to reflect on the experience as a whole. I’ll do that at the end of year two.

I can step back and say that there have been great adventures, fun times, new friends, struggles and sadness. I’ve always been taught to start with the positive, but this time I think I’d rather end on a good note for the things that are yet to come. So here you have the not-so-good and the good.

The Not-So-Good

Speaking
I am sad to say that I still don’t know Portuguese. Yes, I can answer questions and I recognize words, but I certainly don’t understand as much as I should. This makes me disappointed in myself.

Others have suggested that there are reasons including – I’ve lived here a year, but spent a significant amount of time in the US visiting family and friends (13 weeks to be exact), I’m not in a situation where I’m forced to speak the language daily and I don’t watch TV in Portuguese.

Hopefully, it will change soon. I signed up for private lessons last week. I’m already wishing that this was what I had done in the first place. After only 3 private lessons I recognize that the group classes I had before were not nearly as effective.

Personal Bubble Issues
I still have personal bubble issues, but I am more tolerant, I think. Now let me explain. I’m not talking about greetings – hugs, kisses – I don’t mind. It is the person literally breathing on your neck as you wait in line at the grocery store that gets to me. I just prefer space from strangers.

Heat
As much as I try to enjoy it, the heat is still unbearable to me. I am not looking forward to round two at all. If I had a pool or beach this would be a different story. I am thankful I have all the trees in this city for shade though. Now, if they would only plant a huge one right in front of our building so it would reduce the afternoon scorch I’d be good.

Travel Expectations
I have gotten to see several places here within a year’s time – Foz (twice), Sao Paulo state, Curitiba, Londrina and Floripa. That is actually a pretty decent list. There are just a ton of places, mostly in the north, that I thought for sure I would get to see and I don’t think it is going to happen.

There are a lot of factors – schedules, lack of holidays this year, cost – I’ve even traded some opportunities to travel here for travel other places which I’m happy with. There is just still a feeling of disappointment that I’ll miss seeing most of this country. However, a lot can happen in a year so we’ll see.

The Good

A Settled Apartment
Considering that it took 6 months to completely move into the apartment with all that we needed, this is a much bigger deal than it might first appear. The endless days of waiting for furniture, the repair of the kitchen floor and the install then re-install of the ACs and internet are now behind me. Sometimes this is much more unbelievable me than the fact that I’ve been here a year!!

Shortcuts and Street Names
It is definitely nice when you get to know a city. I’m happy to say that I actually know several street names and areas of town. When I’m out and about I’ve recognized a few short cuts to save me walking time as well. Knowing your way around can make a place feel more like home even if it is for a short time.

Cafés and Padarias
Despite the fact that Europe will always hold a special place with me when it comes to bakeries and cafés, I am beginning to enjoy those I have available here. I’ve had some really great breads and pastries and, of course, great coffee. I miss the relaxing atmosphere that I am used to at these types of places, but I’ve learned to ignore the madness of people rushing around and create my own coffee break.

Less Looks
I think I get stared at a little less when I am out. This could be due to one of three things. It is actually happening less, I was overly sensitive to it before and noticed it much more, or I’ve just become immune to it and it doesn’t bother me anymore.

New Career
I’ve mentioned my switch to freelance writing throughout this living abroad experience. Not a day goes by that I am not happy about the fact that I don’t have to go into an office. This is definitely the right move for me.

So Saúde, Prost, Na zdraví, Sláinte and Cheers!

Here’s the passing of one year and the start of another.