Oh yeah the blog....

[As written on June 1st 2009] So this is the end of the road. How appropriate that it occurs where it all began here in Rio de Janeiro. It was a pleasant memory; that of the laid back vibe which permeates from the pores of this place. I feel that the traveling routine has run it's course yet contrarily, I really wish that I could have those 3 "missing" weeks back from the feds....just so that I could delay the inevitables of the real world for that much longer (and learn how to truly samba as well). Often times, Brasil is a country of extremes. Whether it be passions (music, loved ones....uh SOCCER) and of course in terms of gaps between social classes. It also possesses the potential to become one of the greatest countries on Earth, as I and many Brasilians already know is true. It's just a matter of realizing this potential and continuing to move forward (as it says on the national flag :ORDEM E PROGRESSO = ORDER AND PROGRESS) and I identify with these values very much personally. This is partly the reason why I have become so passionate for this country.

This will surely not be my last time here (RT airline tix have dropped by over 40%!!!...although the $ is a bit weaker). There are many other places to visit here which I've yet to see, especially more natural areas.

As for the Português, I am content with where I am at but I know that I can become even stronger. One hinderance has been my tendency to be on the quiet side, which doesn't bode well for my speech training. Becoming even stronger in the language will be an on-going challenge (especially since I've left!)

To anyone with an interest in visiting Brasil I would say DO IT! It is a marvelous place, but do it right. Anyone can be accused of being a gringo (which isn't necessarily derogatory in Brasil like it is in say...Mexico or any other former SPANISH colony) but as long you make an effort...like anywhere else...it's quite easy to gain acceptance and a whole new world will open up to you. Without a doubt this was the best time of my life and totally worth all of the preparations and obstacles in the 16-month buildup to this adventure. My B-day/New Year's is only 4 1/2 months away.....see you again in RIO. FELIZ 2010 BOAS FESTAS...;)

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