My First(s)

I am still in awe that I am in Brazil.  I wake up to sunny blue skies, warm climate, beautiful scenary and beautiful people.  What more could I want?  As I am thinking about our last week in Brazil, I thought I would reflect on the many “firsts” I have experienced on this trip. 

My first time…

1.  Going out of the country.

2.  Having a flight cancelled due to engine problems (that was a good thing).

3.  Staying in a Hilton (due to cancelled flight).

4.  Flying 10+ hours across 3 time zones.

5.  Living with people I have never met. (my new extended family).

6.  Eating food I have never heard of or tasted (the fresh fruit is delicious).

7.  Hiking to waterfalls (that was a true adventure, but a I loved every minute).

8.  Digging for crystals (real ones).

9.  Shopping in a Brazilian mall (my size 46…large for Brazil).

10. Learning the samba (actually doing it at the District ball).

11. Not flushing toilet paper (a no, no in Brazil).

12. Riding in a yacht on a lake.

13. Seeing a Tucan bird up close.

14. Going to a theater to hear an orchestra.

15. Going to a live futebal (soccer) game.

16. Interrupting a Catholic Church mass.

17. Seeing a horse and buggy on a major highway.

18. Taking a shower without doors (open showers).

19. Seeing a cow wandering around at a gas station.

20. Delivering my presentation in Portuguese. (priceless).