I took a look at the posts I wrote when I first arrived, and it's weird to think how much I've changed in the past six months. I've learned another language, dealt with cultural differences, figured out how to complete my research, and faced the everyday problems that you encounter when you live in another country. My tastes and preferences are constantly changing, and I can feel this too.
It's also interesting to see how a whole world is slowly opening up to me here in Rio, as I find more things to do and places to see. Knowing Portuguese and being able to communicate with people really makes a difference-- I've made new friends sitting at the beach in Arpoador, waiting in line to get to an art gallery, going to dinners of friends of friends, standing outside a bar drinking choppe with my roommate.
I'm trying to think back to my major goals (personal and research-oriented) that I wanted to achieve before I left Brazil. In some ways, I'm far from completing them, but in other ways, I've made some immense progress. I've finished my field research and analyzed my date. I'm going to be able to present my work at a national conference in Brazil. I live with a Carioca. I'm constantly improving my language. I'm learning to surf. I row. I longboard. I own a bike.
I hope that I can keep these aspects of my life and these perspectives I'm gaining when I'm back in the United States. But for now, I'm going to keep enjoying every second and minute of my time here-- it's essential that I leave my Fulbright without regrets.
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