one month.

So, it’s been exactly one month since I’ve left the United States. In some ways, I feel like everything is very similar; daily errands don’t really change much from country to country. I still have to time manage, figure out my schedule for the week. I hang out with friends on the weekends, go out, work out. But in some many other ways, everything has changed. I’m dealing with learning a new language. I’m constantly hyper-alert, not just for my own safety, but to be aware of the culture and people around me. Everything takes so much more time here. I factor in at least an hour to get to work. The ride home has taken up to three. It’s tiring, dealing with the traffic, not understanding what people are saying around me, not being able to just call friends at my own convenience. But in other ways, it’s highly gratifying to be able to figure things out on my own. Finding a beauty salon that provides eyebrow threading. Learning how to get around on the buses. Finding a yoga class, a rock climbing class, a surfing class. Making friends. Going to another country really teaches you patience.

Interestingly, the weather hasn’t been nearly as wonderful as I had hoped. I hope that when the sun does come out—and stays out—I’ll be able to really experience Rio in its fullest form. I’m enjoying living in Ipanema; walking down the streets, having everything I need within arm’s length… it’s nice. The beach is just two blocks away, and Lagoa is another couple in the opposite direction. And while at times the area can feel a little “Gringa” (you hear English here more than in any other area), it’s one of the few neighborhoods where the main street feels comfortable enough for me to walk around at all hours. Plus, being just a stone’s throw away from the farmer’s markets, the hippie fair, and about five fantastic ice cream stores is dangerously addictive.