Churrasco is the Brazilian word for barbecue. It consists of cooking marinated meat over an open fire-pit on skewers. It's similar to an American barbeque, but the cuts of meat are huge and they slice off pieces on the outside of the skewer and return the skewer over the fire to cook more. The meat is pretty salty by US standards and they marinate it in garlic and lime. It's awesome. I am telling you all of this because this was my birthday present from my family. My family bought about 20 pounds of chicken, beef and sausage for my churrasco birthday party on the beach. Since it is tradition to throw your own birthday party here (and pay for all of it) this was a really nice thing for them to do. I only had to pay for part of the drinks from the beach bar (turned out being about $25 bucks which is a lot by Brazilian standards- these people love their pop and beer). We stayed on the beach from about 10 until 5 and just sat, talked, and ate under the palm trees. Every now and then I would need a break from Portuguese (Brazilians never need a break from talking), so I would make the excuse that I wanted to go to the ocean to cool off. Grant and Renata were there and since Renata's birthday was yesterday, she bought a cake and celebrated her birthday too. Also, Nicole's mom and little sister came into today and they spent most of the day with us on the beach. They will be here for the next week or so.
After recovering from eating all day, I decided to go on a run. I ran straight for about 65 minutes and I think this was my longest run yet, but slower. Then I went to the station on the beach and did some exercises. I really find comfort in working out because it gives me time to think and listen to English (through music), but I found that listening to Kenny Chesney made really excited to be living at the beach but really sad to be skipping my last semester of college and especially Spring Break. Laurel is in Puerto Rico with her whole fam right now, and I really wish I could have gone. Ticket prices were ridiculous no matter what time I would have booked, so I guess it just wasn't meant to be. I keep telling myself that I'll just do it another year, but I looked on the WVU SOM calendar and I think that only second year med students have a Spring Break. Great! Why am I going to Med School again?
Nicole and her mom wanted me to go out to eat with them at a crab restaurant, but I don't have enough money to keep spending everyday and I was really tired after being on the beach all day. Amanda really wanted to go, but couldn't go by herself so she tried to talk me into going but I've learned enough Portuguese now that I am finally comfortable with saying no. Anyways, she tried to make me feel bad about this but I'm glad that I don't have to do everything that everyone wants me to do now. When I first got here, it was tiring just keeping up with everyone's demands for my time. On a separate note, I feel like I need to start being more efficient with my time so that I can accomplish more. One thing I want to accomplish is relaxing more. It sounds counter-intuitive, but I want to be busier, so that I can relax more. Also, I feel like I need to keep in contact with my friends and family more. I haven't been able to talk to my grandmother once since I've been down here and I feel like I should try to catch up on what's going on with my friends. At first, I didn't want to contact people because it made me sad, but now the end is in sight and I am realizing that I have been removed from these people's lives for over 2 months!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Final Four Baby!
I still can't believe WVU is in the final four! When trying to think of a title for my entry I couldn't think anything more exciting that has in the last week. Actually, I think this is the most exciting thing that has happened while I've been at WVU (except for almost going to the BCS championship if it hadn't been for a certain unmentionable school). Anyways, I am really glad that I bought fast internet because I can watch all the NCAA games down here (probably one reason I haven't been blogging much lately).
Another reason I haven't been blogging much lately is because I have had a change in perspective. At first, I took my assignment to the max and tried to blog everyday and even made up previous days because I found utility in this. I felt that a reason I was down here was to inform friends, family, and WVU of what I was doing here. The only problem is that I spent a lot of time and energy documenting my experience and less time and energy enjoying my experience. I have come to the point in my trip where the end is in sight, and it scares me. It scares me because I feel that I still have a lot to accomplish. As of today, I have only about 5 more weeks in Vila Velha (and 6 days I'll be in Rio) and less than 6 weeks in country. I still have some goals that I have yet to accomplish and none of them really involve blogging, but rather involve learning and personal growth. Don't get me wrong, I am still very dedicated to my academics here, and I am still learning in the classroom. However, most of my learning here has been outside the classroom. I have already learned more in this semester than I ever have in my Bio courses at WVU. I guess its true that "Traveling is the best teacher!"
Back to the game... I kinda put a crimp in everyone's plans last night because I had to be home early to watch the game. I missed the first couple minutes so when I turned it on, we were already down by 6. Kentucky was dominating us in every area, but this didn't last long. After Butler started draining treys in the end of the 1st half, Kentucky just couldn't keep up. Since when did WVU become a three-point team. This team was a type of magical hybrid of John Beilein's three-point and free-throw shooting and Huggins's physical toughness. They played better than I think I have ever seen them play, and I was letting everyone know. It's pretty bad when in Brazil your neighbors look out their windows to see what's going on (especially since they are accustomed to my loud family). Final Four!!!!!!!!! First time since Jerry West and 1959!
On Saturday I woke up late and then went to the beach with my family. When I say I woke up late, it really means that I woke up around 8 (when it starts getting hot in my room) and tried to sleep for the next two hours, but really I just lay there in front of my two fans. At the beach I read my book and just relaxed on the sand. I am tan to the point that I don't need sunscreen anymore for short periods in the sun (still haven't gotten burnt yet- one of my previous goals of this trip). The waves were especially big today, and my went swimming in the shockingly cold water.
The rest of the day, I didn't really do much (besides watch the aforementioned game). I ran my fastest time ever on my normal route and worked out at one of the stations on the beach. I am getting in pretty good shape, but the food down here is certainly not a good diet. Sure, I eat beans and rice for two meals a day, but the fatty meats and sugary drinks ensure that I keep a few pounds on. If I did eat so much sausage and fatty chicken down here, I would be skin and bones by this point.
Another reason I haven't been blogging much lately is because I have had a change in perspective. At first, I took my assignment to the max and tried to blog everyday and even made up previous days because I found utility in this. I felt that a reason I was down here was to inform friends, family, and WVU of what I was doing here. The only problem is that I spent a lot of time and energy documenting my experience and less time and energy enjoying my experience. I have come to the point in my trip where the end is in sight, and it scares me. It scares me because I feel that I still have a lot to accomplish. As of today, I have only about 5 more weeks in Vila Velha (and 6 days I'll be in Rio) and less than 6 weeks in country. I still have some goals that I have yet to accomplish and none of them really involve blogging, but rather involve learning and personal growth. Don't get me wrong, I am still very dedicated to my academics here, and I am still learning in the classroom. However, most of my learning here has been outside the classroom. I have already learned more in this semester than I ever have in my Bio courses at WVU. I guess its true that "Traveling is the best teacher!"
Back to the game... I kinda put a crimp in everyone's plans last night because I had to be home early to watch the game. I missed the first couple minutes so when I turned it on, we were already down by 6. Kentucky was dominating us in every area, but this didn't last long. After Butler started draining treys in the end of the 1st half, Kentucky just couldn't keep up. Since when did WVU become a three-point team. This team was a type of magical hybrid of John Beilein's three-point and free-throw shooting and Huggins's physical toughness. They played better than I think I have ever seen them play, and I was letting everyone know. It's pretty bad when in Brazil your neighbors look out their windows to see what's going on (especially since they are accustomed to my loud family). Final Four!!!!!!!!! First time since Jerry West and 1959!
On Saturday I woke up late and then went to the beach with my family. When I say I woke up late, it really means that I woke up around 8 (when it starts getting hot in my room) and tried to sleep for the next two hours, but really I just lay there in front of my two fans. At the beach I read my book and just relaxed on the sand. I am tan to the point that I don't need sunscreen anymore for short periods in the sun (still haven't gotten burnt yet- one of my previous goals of this trip). The waves were especially big today, and my went swimming in the shockingly cold water.
The rest of the day, I didn't really do much (besides watch the aforementioned game). I ran my fastest time ever on my normal route and worked out at one of the stations on the beach. I am getting in pretty good shape, but the food down here is certainly not a good diet. Sure, I eat beans and rice for two meals a day, but the fatty meats and sugary drinks ensure that I keep a few pounds on. If I did eat so much sausage and fatty chicken down here, I would be skin and bones by this point.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Bus Culture
Yesterday Nicole told me not to come to CADEC until 9 instead of 8. I thought this was strange, but I showed up late and there was already a party going on. On the last Thursday of every month, CADEC has a party to celebrate the birthdays for the past three months (Jan, Feb, Mar- this time). They wanted me to show up late so that wouldn't have to worry about getting everything ready and I could just enjoy the party. Nicole had bought face paint for the kids, and there was cake and popcorn, but I think the kids were enjoying popping the birthday balloons more than anything else. I decided to trust one of the kids to paint my face because he assured me that he was very good and knew what he was doing- I turned out looking like a gay pirate. Nicole has pictures of this, but I haven't gotten her camera yet so I will post them later. I didn't get to paint today, but I had a lot of fun with the kids, and the food was really great today.
On the bus ride home, someone heard Nicole and I speaking English. We usually try to keep our voices down so that we don't attract too much attention, but we look and sound very different. We ran into two Brazilians that were very interested in what we were doing here. The guy had taken English classes for 5 years, but he could barely string a sentence together (This is common here, I guess they don't really get to practice much, so it is a lot different than my living and learning while immersed in the culture). They were both very friendly and we got to talk with them for the next two buses. One thing that I have noticed while spending time with Nicole is that it really isn't that great for my Portuguese. Since she is so much better, I just feel content to listen while she talks with others. When I am alone and talking with others, I am much more involved in the conversation and much more out-going. I also realized today that the bus has been a large part of my experience here. I like to call it the "bus culture" because it really has enriched my time here and given me a lot of new experiences. Also, I am glad that we do not travel in a van with the other American students because the bus gives me time to interact with Brazilians, time to think, and makes me feel more immersed and integrated into this culture.
On a separate note, I was rocking out to James Taylor on my way to UFES today and I heard "Only a dream in Rio" for the first time. I had probably listened to this song ten times before but thought that it was about Brazil. Some of the lyrics I really connect with and some I still have no idea what the heck he talking about. The lyrics are below:
More than a distant land
Over a shining sea
More than the steaming green
More than the shining eyes
Well they tell me it's only a dream in rio
Nothing could be as sweet as it seems
On this very first day down
They remind me "son have you so soon forgotten
Often as not it's rotten inside
And the mask soon slips away"
Strange taste of a tropical fruit
Romantic language of the portuguese
Melody on a wooden flute
Somba floating in the summer breeze
It's alright you can stay asleep
You can close your eyes
You can trust the people of paradise
To call your keeper
And tender your goodbyes
Oh what a night wonderful one in a million
Frozen fire brazillian stars
Oh holy southern cross
Later on take me way downtown in a tin can;
Can't come down from the bandstand
I'm never thrown for such a loss when they say
Quando a nossa mae acordar
Andareimoz au sol
Quando a nossa mae acordar
Cantara' pelos sertao
Quando a nossa mea acordar
Todos os filios saberao
Todos os filios saberao
E regozilarao
Caught in the rays of the rising sun
On the run from the soldier's gun
Shouting out loud from the angry crowd
The mild the wild and the hungry child
I'll tell you there's more than a dream in rio
I was there on the very day
And my heart came back alive
There was more
More than the singing voices
More than the upturned faces
And more than the shining eyes
But it's more than the shining eye
More than the steaming green
More than the hidden hills
More than the concrete christ
More than a distant land
Over a shining sea
More than a hungry child
More like another time
Born of a million years
More than a million years
A translation of the portuguese:
Quando a nossa mãe acordar
When our mother awakes
Andaremos ao sol
We shall walk in the sun
Quando a nossa mãe acordar
When our mother awakes
Cantará pelo sertão
She shall sing in the wilderness
Quando a nossa mãe acordar
When our mother awakes
Todos os filhos saberão
All her children shall know
Todos os filhos saberão
All her children shall know
E regozijarão
And they shall rejoice
On the bus ride home, someone heard Nicole and I speaking English. We usually try to keep our voices down so that we don't attract too much attention, but we look and sound very different. We ran into two Brazilians that were very interested in what we were doing here. The guy had taken English classes for 5 years, but he could barely string a sentence together (This is common here, I guess they don't really get to practice much, so it is a lot different than my living and learning while immersed in the culture). They were both very friendly and we got to talk with them for the next two buses. One thing that I have noticed while spending time with Nicole is that it really isn't that great for my Portuguese. Since she is so much better, I just feel content to listen while she talks with others. When I am alone and talking with others, I am much more involved in the conversation and much more out-going. I also realized today that the bus has been a large part of my experience here. I like to call it the "bus culture" because it really has enriched my time here and given me a lot of new experiences. Also, I am glad that we do not travel in a van with the other American students because the bus gives me time to interact with Brazilians, time to think, and makes me feel more immersed and integrated into this culture.
On a separate note, I was rocking out to James Taylor on my way to UFES today and I heard "Only a dream in Rio" for the first time. I had probably listened to this song ten times before but thought that it was about Brazil. Some of the lyrics I really connect with and some I still have no idea what the heck he talking about. The lyrics are below:
More than a distant land
Over a shining sea
More than the steaming green
More than the shining eyes
Well they tell me it's only a dream in rio
Nothing could be as sweet as it seems
On this very first day down
They remind me "son have you so soon forgotten
Often as not it's rotten inside
And the mask soon slips away"
Strange taste of a tropical fruit
Romantic language of the portuguese
Melody on a wooden flute
Somba floating in the summer breeze
It's alright you can stay asleep
You can close your eyes
You can trust the people of paradise
To call your keeper
And tender your goodbyes
Oh what a night wonderful one in a million
Frozen fire brazillian stars
Oh holy southern cross
Later on take me way downtown in a tin can;
Can't come down from the bandstand
I'm never thrown for such a loss when they say
Quando a nossa mae acordar
Andareimoz au sol
Quando a nossa mae acordar
Cantara' pelos sertao
Quando a nossa mea acordar
Todos os filios saberao
Todos os filios saberao
E regozilarao
Caught in the rays of the rising sun
On the run from the soldier's gun
Shouting out loud from the angry crowd
The mild the wild and the hungry child
I'll tell you there's more than a dream in rio
I was there on the very day
And my heart came back alive
There was more
More than the singing voices
More than the upturned faces
And more than the shining eyes
But it's more than the shining eye
More than the steaming green
More than the hidden hills
More than the concrete christ
More than a distant land
Over a shining sea
More than a hungry child
More like another time
Born of a million years
More than a million years
A translation of the portuguese:
Quando a nossa mãe acordar
When our mother awakes
Andaremos ao sol
We shall walk in the sun
Quando a nossa mãe acordar
When our mother awakes
Cantará pelo sertão
She shall sing in the wilderness
Quando a nossa mãe acordar
When our mother awakes
Todos os filhos saberão
All her children shall know
Todos os filhos saberão
All her children shall know
E regozijarão
And they shall rejoice
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Order of Augusta
Today, I had my Order of Augusta interview. I have been a little worried about this and praying a lot so I didn't get much sleep last night. I woke up around 8:30 to prepare myself for some of the questions that Laurel and I thought of last night. I did my usual morning thing of taking a shower, drinking some coffee and eating a piece of bread and butter, and talking with my mom about whatever I can convey easily in Portuguese. Today, I talked extra long with my mom because it was kinda relaxing before I had to prepare for my interview.
I ironed my shirt last night and debated whether I would even wear pants since they would only see my face. I decided it best to wear pants but not necessary to iron them. It will become apparent why this was a good decision on my part. Before the interview I just kept going over the questions and praying. Soon enough, it was 11:30 and they called. The interview had 4 professors (Dr Atkins- Speech Path, Dr. Klandorff- Animal Science, Dr. Conner- English, and Dr. Stewart- VP of Student Affairs). They started the interview with introductions and then Dr. Stewart asked me about what the Brazilians think about the World Cup being in Brazil and what are their impressions of the coach. From talking with people and especially with my host dad, I knew that everyone was ecstatic about the World Cup, but I also knew my dad didn't like the coach. I thought that this was because he made them play a European style of soccer, so I went with that and Stewart completely agreed- dodged my first bullet. I believe Klandorff spoke next and mentioned that he had talked to "Doc" Blemmings about me. Doc wrote one of my medical school letters of reference because we really connected over common interests in hunting and camping, especially out West. Klandorff asked me about BBB and why I thought it was "genuine" as if other organizations were not. I answered this question by saying that BBB invests in its members (connecting them with research opportunities, etc) and invests in the WVU/Morgantown Community (Stewart St Adopt a Road, Bartlett House, other community service). He liked this answer and replied "good answer." Next was Dr. Aktins. She made the comment that she liked my tie and the colors of my tie (its the same blue and gold tie that I've worn since the beginning of college for all of my important WVU functions). I remember she asked what are my two favorite and most beneficial community service activities. I replied that both of my study abroad trips are my favorite (I wanted to bring them up sometime in the interview and this seemed like a good plug-in). I talked about how these trips have been very difficult but more rewarding than any service I have done while in the states. I talked a lot about this and she replied "good answer." Her next question was a request to see me salsa dance. This is where I was very happy that I decided to wear pants. Without hesitation, I stood up and gave my best acapella salsa dance. I apologized that it wasn't that great and that I needed my girlfriend to keep time for me. When I glanced up, they were all crowded around the screen loving my failed attempt. I don't actually think that Dr. Atkins thought that I would do it. Next was Klandorff again and he asked me about my Portuguese. I think I was a bit too modest here and they might think that I still do not speak much Portuguese (which isn't far from the truth). I was thinking about rattling off something in Portuguese but I wanted them to feel as relaxed as possible with me, and I know personally how hearing something that you don't understand can make you feel very insecure. Next, was Stewart again but I can't remember what he asked me. I know we talked about WVU being in the Sweet Sixteen and he informed me that Bryant had broken his foot. Afterward, I looked on Sportsline and sure enough Bryant broke it in practice and is out for the season. After that Dr. Conner asked me about the recent health care bill. I was very happy that I studied up on this. This was possibly the only current event in America that I was somewhat familiar with and I think I did an alright job fielding his question about how this will effect my future occupation. I tried to sound as bi-partisan as possible, but I used my recent overnight stay in a public hospital here as a reason to believe that this could lead to hospital overpopulation. Also, I threw in that since I am so young, this will be great for me because I will be able to stay on my parents insurance while in Med School until I am 26 click here. I tried to ride the fence as much as possible because I thought in this mixed company establishing a strong argument or opinion could lead to unfamiliar territory and get me in trouble. He also asked me about why I might want to become a orthopedic surgeon and I said because it is the most useful specialization in developing countries when it comes to correcting club foot, cleft palate (I guess this is more plastic surgeon though- glad they didn't pick up on that). He also replied "good answer" at the end. Next, was Klandorff again. I think he felt that he needed to lead the interview with me since we both come from similar disciplines in the sciences. He asked me about the hybridization of Populus tremuloides and Populus grandidentata and I was very happy that he brought my research up. I think I really sounded confident when answering this question (I guess I should be- I studied them for 3 years). He even asked me a theoretical question about what are the implications of hybridization for future populations. Again, I think I did pretty well thanks to Dr. DiFazio's Quantitative and Population Genetics class and from my independent study. I brought up that there was also a third invasive species of Popular present (Populus alba or European Popular) and I said how these hybrids could lead to increased assexual reproduction with more vegetative vigor which would in turn decrease the effective population size and sexually diversity (Sorry to bore you with the details but this was a good 7 minutes of the interview). After that they asked if I had any questions for them and I turn this opportunity to brown-nose. I talked about how I had researched each of their respective publications and how I knew many people who spoke highly of both Atkins, and Stewart (thanks lindsey and tiff!) Also, I commented how I used Klandorff's Animal Phys book with Dr. Vona Davis and I think I might have had him blushing in front of his colleagues ( I think this was a good move- guess we'll wait and see). After that I thanked them and hung up the phone. In total it took about 45 minutes and I felt pretty calm about the whole interview.
Immediately after the interview I started to worry that it possible went to well because they didn't grill me very much. I thought this could be a bad thing because it could mean that they weren't that interested in me and they had already made up their mind. Of course this could also mean that they had already made their mind up in a good way and that they just wanted to confirm their decision with feeling that they had to put me through the wringer. I know, I over analyze things, but this is how my mind works. I mean I guess its not really that big of a deal. Only possibly means a 50k+ scholarship to med school. Who cares, right?
I didn't really worry about the interview as much as I thought I would. I did feel pretty worn out so I talked with my mom and ate lunch to calm myself down. By the time I was ready to leave it was already about 1:30 and I decided to skip CADEC ( I justified this in my mind by the fact that I already volunteered ~9 additional hours at the hospital on Monday night). I went for my first run without taking any shoes of sandals and I ran very fast on the sand because the tide was low and I was able to run in the packed sand. I made it to my normal spot (~3.2 miles I think) in my normal time of 25minutes and returned in only 24 minutes while running on sand! I guess I was feeling pretty stress-free. After returning I swam in the ocean (just about took my iPod in with me) and then did a few leg exercises on the beach. I returned a lot of emails the rest of the day and read more of the Snow Leopard. At about 7:30 I went on another run to my normal spot and ran it in record time. I keep getting faster at this distance and I think I am running ~7 minute miles. I returned home and ate and talked with my host mom. Nicole used my comp to talk to her mom and we all Skyped together. Then I called my parents and again all talked together. I feel kinda bad because I was supposed to talk to both Caleb and to Joe tonight, but I'm glad that Nicole got to speak to her family. I think they are arriving here this Sunday.
I ironed my shirt last night and debated whether I would even wear pants since they would only see my face. I decided it best to wear pants but not necessary to iron them. It will become apparent why this was a good decision on my part. Before the interview I just kept going over the questions and praying. Soon enough, it was 11:30 and they called. The interview had 4 professors (Dr Atkins- Speech Path, Dr. Klandorff- Animal Science, Dr. Conner- English, and Dr. Stewart- VP of Student Affairs). They started the interview with introductions and then Dr. Stewart asked me about what the Brazilians think about the World Cup being in Brazil and what are their impressions of the coach. From talking with people and especially with my host dad, I knew that everyone was ecstatic about the World Cup, but I also knew my dad didn't like the coach. I thought that this was because he made them play a European style of soccer, so I went with that and Stewart completely agreed- dodged my first bullet. I believe Klandorff spoke next and mentioned that he had talked to "Doc" Blemmings about me. Doc wrote one of my medical school letters of reference because we really connected over common interests in hunting and camping, especially out West. Klandorff asked me about BBB and why I thought it was "genuine" as if other organizations were not. I answered this question by saying that BBB invests in its members (connecting them with research opportunities, etc) and invests in the WVU/Morgantown Community (Stewart St Adopt a Road, Bartlett House, other community service). He liked this answer and replied "good answer." Next was Dr. Aktins. She made the comment that she liked my tie and the colors of my tie (its the same blue and gold tie that I've worn since the beginning of college for all of my important WVU functions). I remember she asked what are my two favorite and most beneficial community service activities. I replied that both of my study abroad trips are my favorite (I wanted to bring them up sometime in the interview and this seemed like a good plug-in). I talked about how these trips have been very difficult but more rewarding than any service I have done while in the states. I talked a lot about this and she replied "good answer." Her next question was a request to see me salsa dance. This is where I was very happy that I decided to wear pants. Without hesitation, I stood up and gave my best acapella salsa dance. I apologized that it wasn't that great and that I needed my girlfriend to keep time for me. When I glanced up, they were all crowded around the screen loving my failed attempt. I don't actually think that Dr. Atkins thought that I would do it. Next was Klandorff again and he asked me about my Portuguese. I think I was a bit too modest here and they might think that I still do not speak much Portuguese (which isn't far from the truth). I was thinking about rattling off something in Portuguese but I wanted them to feel as relaxed as possible with me, and I know personally how hearing something that you don't understand can make you feel very insecure. Next, was Stewart again but I can't remember what he asked me. I know we talked about WVU being in the Sweet Sixteen and he informed me that Bryant had broken his foot. Afterward, I looked on Sportsline and sure enough Bryant broke it in practice and is out for the season. After that Dr. Conner asked me about the recent health care bill. I was very happy that I studied up on this. This was possibly the only current event in America that I was somewhat familiar with and I think I did an alright job fielding his question about how this will effect my future occupation. I tried to sound as bi-partisan as possible, but I used my recent overnight stay in a public hospital here as a reason to believe that this could lead to hospital overpopulation. Also, I threw in that since I am so young, this will be great for me because I will be able to stay on my parents insurance while in Med School until I am 26 click here. I tried to ride the fence as much as possible because I thought in this mixed company establishing a strong argument or opinion could lead to unfamiliar territory and get me in trouble. He also asked me about why I might want to become a orthopedic surgeon and I said because it is the most useful specialization in developing countries when it comes to correcting club foot, cleft palate (I guess this is more plastic surgeon though- glad they didn't pick up on that). He also replied "good answer" at the end. Next, was Klandorff again. I think he felt that he needed to lead the interview with me since we both come from similar disciplines in the sciences. He asked me about the hybridization of Populus tremuloides and Populus grandidentata and I was very happy that he brought my research up. I think I really sounded confident when answering this question (I guess I should be- I studied them for 3 years). He even asked me a theoretical question about what are the implications of hybridization for future populations. Again, I think I did pretty well thanks to Dr. DiFazio's Quantitative and Population Genetics class and from my independent study. I brought up that there was also a third invasive species of Popular present (Populus alba or European Popular) and I said how these hybrids could lead to increased assexual reproduction with more vegetative vigor which would in turn decrease the effective population size and sexually diversity (Sorry to bore you with the details but this was a good 7 minutes of the interview). After that they asked if I had any questions for them and I turn this opportunity to brown-nose. I talked about how I had researched each of their respective publications and how I knew many people who spoke highly of both Atkins, and Stewart (thanks lindsey and tiff!) Also, I commented how I used Klandorff's Animal Phys book with Dr. Vona Davis and I think I might have had him blushing in front of his colleagues ( I think this was a good move- guess we'll wait and see). After that I thanked them and hung up the phone. In total it took about 45 minutes and I felt pretty calm about the whole interview.
Immediately after the interview I started to worry that it possible went to well because they didn't grill me very much. I thought this could be a bad thing because it could mean that they weren't that interested in me and they had already made up their mind. Of course this could also mean that they had already made their mind up in a good way and that they just wanted to confirm their decision with feeling that they had to put me through the wringer. I know, I over analyze things, but this is how my mind works. I mean I guess its not really that big of a deal. Only possibly means a 50k+ scholarship to med school. Who cares, right?
I didn't really worry about the interview as much as I thought I would. I did feel pretty worn out so I talked with my mom and ate lunch to calm myself down. By the time I was ready to leave it was already about 1:30 and I decided to skip CADEC ( I justified this in my mind by the fact that I already volunteered ~9 additional hours at the hospital on Monday night). I went for my first run without taking any shoes of sandals and I ran very fast on the sand because the tide was low and I was able to run in the packed sand. I made it to my normal spot (~3.2 miles I think) in my normal time of 25minutes and returned in only 24 minutes while running on sand! I guess I was feeling pretty stress-free. After returning I swam in the ocean (just about took my iPod in with me) and then did a few leg exercises on the beach. I returned a lot of emails the rest of the day and read more of the Snow Leopard. At about 7:30 I went on another run to my normal spot and ran it in record time. I keep getting faster at this distance and I think I am running ~7 minute miles. I returned home and ate and talked with my host mom. Nicole used my comp to talk to her mom and we all Skyped together. Then I called my parents and again all talked together. I feel kinda bad because I was supposed to talk to both Caleb and to Joe tonight, but I'm glad that Nicole got to speak to her family. I think they are arriving here this Sunday.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Brazilian Health Care
On last Friday and again on Monday night, I have been able to shadow a doctor named Sandro from the Clinic Carmen Lucia. He has been very open with me and very patience while working through language barrier and my ignorance of medicine. On Friday, I shadowed him from 8-12 in the Carmen Lucia Clinic. This clinic is funded by the PCLB Foundation which is owned by the owner of Subway (This is who Daniel Weiss works for). The clinic is very clean and neat and not very crowded. They have one doctor, 4 dentists, and a few dental hygienists. The day that I shadowed Sandro we only had 5 patients and spent a lot of personal time which each. Sandro says that he really enjoys working here because it is rewarding.
The public hospital that I shadowed Sandro in on Monday night was a stark opposite. This hospital is apparently the premier children's hospital in the whole state and people come from pretty far to get the quality of care offered here. However, this hospital is total chaos.
We arrived at 7 at night to begin the 12-hour shift. Immediately as Sandro arrived he had people coming up to him asking to be seen next. Sandro is a very genuine and tries to help everyone he encounters (including me), but he eventually had to push through to get his stack of orders and make it to the physician's room. In this room there were 3 other physicians and only 2 patient tables. All 4 of the doctors work from 7 to 7 but after 1 in the morning only 1 doctor is on at a time. They must bring all of their own personal equipment in a doctor's bag (looks like something a doctor would carry back in colonial times). The hospital has almost all the divisions that you would see in a hospital in the US, but some of the building is in decrepit shape. Also, I think every bed in the whole place was taken. The waiting rooms are really the saddest part. There are people sprawled out everywhere while waiting to see the doctor or waiting to finish their IVs. Some people stay here for up to 3 days with there children in the waiting room because it is hard to get in once you leave, so they just live in the waiting room and sleep. These conditions were so different than what I am familiar with in the US, and with what I expected based on the standard set by Carmen Lucia Clinic. There seemed to be very little order what so ever, and the amount patients was astonishing. I didn't count how many patients we saw that night, but we probably only spent on average 10 minutes with each patient. Also, the paperwork was very time consuming. Multiple forms were needed for each patient similar to in the U.S., but here their were essentially no nurses and the doctors were responsible of ordering all the meds, x-rays, labs, etc. I really don't see how Sandro does this twice a week. I was starting to drag at about 3 in the morning and I don't know how many times I put the stethoscope on backwards.
You have to keep in mind that this was a triage or a kind of "Health Plus" or "Health Works" in the US. There were no emergencies in this department but there were a lot of unstable or "red" children in very close quarters with small babies with a simple cough or "green" patients. Also, the amount of time that these people waited showed extreme dedication to their children, but that amount of time worsened the condition of many of the patients. For example, there was a child there that had severe pneumonia who was not seen for 4 hours. By the time Sandro saw him, he immediately put him into surgery. Right before we left, we visited him and he had already drained over a liter of fluid out of his lung.
Being from "comfortable" America, this seemed like an injustice to me. The quality of health care in the US is so superior to what I experienced here. At one point in the night while watching Sandro scribble furiously, I had a sleepy reflection. Recently, I have not only been trying to stay up on the health care bill, but also trying to figure out what side of the fence I am on. I have my reasons for being both for the bill and against it, but I thought of a new variable that I had never factored in before. How will the hospitals handle the additional influx of 32 million people suddenly having health insurance? It takes at least 7 years to train a doctor once graduated from college, and decades to plan and build new hospitals. Do we have the infrastructure to do this? And it won't be a slow transition. The current bill calls for all people to buy insurance by 2014 or face fines. The insurance companies will no longer be able to discriminate against people based on pre-existing conditions, so how will we cope when this potentially "sicker" demographic suddenly has insurance? I am still trying to find answers about this but I haven't found many news outlets or even blogs that have addressed this question. Any answers?
After we left the hospital at about 3:30, Sandro was hungry so we drove around to find a bit to eat. Of course nothing we open so we just went back to his place and raided the fridge. I slept in the extra bedroom that actually had an operating fan! I slept really well but I had to wake up at 8 because Sandro returned from signing out of the hospital and wanted to eat breakfast with me. After this we took his dog "A Breezy" (Laurel, thought you might laugh at the name) for a walk and then went to the beach. I got back to my house just in time to leave for class. I ended up being 10 minutes late to class because I was so into my book "The Snow Leopard" that I stood in the wrong line and missed the right bus. Jiame was at the class since Daniel and Geli are leaving for the states tomorrow. He took us to Shopping after class and I ate a 30 cm Subway sandwich. So much for not eating American food while abroad, but I guess I already broke my creed with McD's last week. We were late for our Portuguese class and of course our professor was on time. In the second class, we had our first test of the semester. Even though this semester has been very challenging, I guess its been my easiest semester ever in classic academic terms. I mean I've been here over two months and I just took my first test! However, I never really escape education here. Everything is education here and I learn constantly. I'm just glad that the learning is getting easier now!
The public hospital that I shadowed Sandro in on Monday night was a stark opposite. This hospital is apparently the premier children's hospital in the whole state and people come from pretty far to get the quality of care offered here. However, this hospital is total chaos.
We arrived at 7 at night to begin the 12-hour shift. Immediately as Sandro arrived he had people coming up to him asking to be seen next. Sandro is a very genuine and tries to help everyone he encounters (including me), but he eventually had to push through to get his stack of orders and make it to the physician's room. In this room there were 3 other physicians and only 2 patient tables. All 4 of the doctors work from 7 to 7 but after 1 in the morning only 1 doctor is on at a time. They must bring all of their own personal equipment in a doctor's bag (looks like something a doctor would carry back in colonial times). The hospital has almost all the divisions that you would see in a hospital in the US, but some of the building is in decrepit shape. Also, I think every bed in the whole place was taken. The waiting rooms are really the saddest part. There are people sprawled out everywhere while waiting to see the doctor or waiting to finish their IVs. Some people stay here for up to 3 days with there children in the waiting room because it is hard to get in once you leave, so they just live in the waiting room and sleep. These conditions were so different than what I am familiar with in the US, and with what I expected based on the standard set by Carmen Lucia Clinic. There seemed to be very little order what so ever, and the amount patients was astonishing. I didn't count how many patients we saw that night, but we probably only spent on average 10 minutes with each patient. Also, the paperwork was very time consuming. Multiple forms were needed for each patient similar to in the U.S., but here their were essentially no nurses and the doctors were responsible of ordering all the meds, x-rays, labs, etc. I really don't see how Sandro does this twice a week. I was starting to drag at about 3 in the morning and I don't know how many times I put the stethoscope on backwards.
You have to keep in mind that this was a triage or a kind of "Health Plus" or "Health Works" in the US. There were no emergencies in this department but there were a lot of unstable or "red" children in very close quarters with small babies with a simple cough or "green" patients. Also, the amount of time that these people waited showed extreme dedication to their children, but that amount of time worsened the condition of many of the patients. For example, there was a child there that had severe pneumonia who was not seen for 4 hours. By the time Sandro saw him, he immediately put him into surgery. Right before we left, we visited him and he had already drained over a liter of fluid out of his lung.
Being from "comfortable" America, this seemed like an injustice to me. The quality of health care in the US is so superior to what I experienced here. At one point in the night while watching Sandro scribble furiously, I had a sleepy reflection. Recently, I have not only been trying to stay up on the health care bill, but also trying to figure out what side of the fence I am on. I have my reasons for being both for the bill and against it, but I thought of a new variable that I had never factored in before. How will the hospitals handle the additional influx of 32 million people suddenly having health insurance? It takes at least 7 years to train a doctor once graduated from college, and decades to plan and build new hospitals. Do we have the infrastructure to do this? And it won't be a slow transition. The current bill calls for all people to buy insurance by 2014 or face fines. The insurance companies will no longer be able to discriminate against people based on pre-existing conditions, so how will we cope when this potentially "sicker" demographic suddenly has insurance? I am still trying to find answers about this but I haven't found many news outlets or even blogs that have addressed this question. Any answers?
After we left the hospital at about 3:30, Sandro was hungry so we drove around to find a bit to eat. Of course nothing we open so we just went back to his place and raided the fridge. I slept in the extra bedroom that actually had an operating fan! I slept really well but I had to wake up at 8 because Sandro returned from signing out of the hospital and wanted to eat breakfast with me. After this we took his dog "A Breezy" (Laurel, thought you might laugh at the name) for a walk and then went to the beach. I got back to my house just in time to leave for class. I ended up being 10 minutes late to class because I was so into my book "The Snow Leopard" that I stood in the wrong line and missed the right bus. Jiame was at the class since Daniel and Geli are leaving for the states tomorrow. He took us to Shopping after class and I ate a 30 cm Subway sandwich. So much for not eating American food while abroad, but I guess I already broke my creed with McD's last week. We were late for our Portuguese class and of course our professor was on time. In the second class, we had our first test of the semester. Even though this semester has been very challenging, I guess its been my easiest semester ever in classic academic terms. I mean I've been here over two months and I just took my first test! However, I never really escape education here. Everything is education here and I learn constantly. I'm just glad that the learning is getting easier now!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
American Oasis
I woke up today and realized that I had forgotten to my homework for my Portuguese class. One of my assignments was to write about my past weekend in Pedra Azul. I really got interested in this and wrote a lot because I found that it was a pretty good way for me to learn new verbs and some new words. My writing in Portuguese is very similar to my speech, like a child. When I first arrived here, I felt very ignorant when speaking because I didn't even know how to formally say what my name was or where I'm from. Now, my Portuguese is improving, but I still sound very ignorant, however now I'm O.K. with that. I have learned that it is better to speak than to seem closed and unfriendly. Also, now Portuguese is a lot more fun for me because I have learned some basics in my UFES Portuguese class. Now that I have my foot on the first step of this language ladder, my learning is beginning to "snowball." Don't get me wrong, I still have conversations that are very difficult, but I am able to decipher things much more quickly now. I think this is due to my learning of the basics. One thing that I have learned through this experience is when entering a new culture with a new language, try to get the basics down before your departure. I knew that I should have been studying more Portuguese before I left, but I honestly had almost no time (or the little time I did have I was spending it with my friends before I left). I have no one to blame for this lack of preparedness but myself. However, I have had the opportunity to speak to several students here at my university and every single study abroad student had to go through some kind of intensive culture and language training when they first arrived or before their departure. For example, the PITT students I met last weekend at Pedra Azul had to go through 6 weeks of 5 hour per day intensive Portuguese training in Rio de Janiero before they came to UFES for classes. I've still only had 4 weeks of formal Portuguese training to date! ( I didn't have UFES Portuguese classes for my first 3 weeks). Another example is the Peace Corps. I was talking with my Laurel's parents (served in Peace Corps Bahrain) and they said that they went through six weeks of intense language and culture training (it seems that six weeks is the optimum amount of training). Please don't misinterpret me. I am not complaining about Amizade (even though they did tell me that I didn't need to do prior Portuguese training, and any that I did do would just be bonus). I am merely stating my opinion that next time I enter a program like this I am going to ensure that I go through language training prior to departure or ASAP when I arrive. I know that this would have made a huge difference in my experience at the beginning of this trip.
That being said, because of my lack of language and communication, this trip has stretched me in completely new directions. I now understand much more non-verbal communication and I am able to communicate more with just my hands and "acting out." Also, even though it was really tough, I kinda liked it because it was almost like I could completely tune out even when people were talking around me. You can't really do that with your native language and I am now starting to do that less with Portuguese.
Anyways, I'll get off my soapbox now. After I did my Portuguese homework, I got on the bus to go to Banco Verde. Banco Verde is the recycling plant I volunteered at last week and it is located in a section of town that I am very unfamiliar with. I was already running late so I just got on the first bus I saw to terminal Ibes when I arrived at terminal Vila Velha. This was a mistake. I knew it was as soon I started going over the third bridge into Vitoria. I will save you the details of everywhere this bus went, but I was stuck on it for about 1 hour. This trip would have usually taken 20 minutes. I called Nicole and we agreed that I would just meet her at UFES since going to Banco Verde would be useless since I could probably only stay for about 30 minutes. By the time I arrived at UFES, I was hungry and hot. I scoured the surrounding area for a place to eat and do homework but all I could find is a McDonalds.... I have this thing about eating American food while in foreign countries. I think it takes away from the cultural experience, so I never do it. However, as soon as I stepped into this AC, clean, American Oasis; I couldn't help myself. I ordered a McUnica Bacon (or something like that) and it was awesome. Directly after finishing my meal, I got a slight stomach ache. Probably due to the fact that I haven't eaten anything this fatty or enriched. I stayed in this American embassy for another 3 hours and got quite a little bit of homework done (AC really helps you concentrate, surprisingly).
Once again, the first intensive Portuguese lesson was very beneficial and the second one was very slow. After the class, we rode the bus with other students from Italy (Oliver and Juicy?, sounds like "Juicy"). We communicate in broken Portuguese and every now and then Oliver says something in English. He made a comment about the buses that I had never thought of before. The bus has a turnstile in the front where a worker takes your money. It is very tight and hard to get through with a backpack on. He made the comment that this would never work in Italy or the US because it discriminates against obese people. He's right, there is no way you could get through this if you were intermediate overweight. Come to think about it, I don't know if I've ever really seen a fat person on the bus here. The seats are so close together that even I inconvenience people just with my shoulders. Brazil is certainly not a place that is accommodating to the overweight and very different from my home state in this respect.
That being said, because of my lack of language and communication, this trip has stretched me in completely new directions. I now understand much more non-verbal communication and I am able to communicate more with just my hands and "acting out." Also, even though it was really tough, I kinda liked it because it was almost like I could completely tune out even when people were talking around me. You can't really do that with your native language and I am now starting to do that less with Portuguese.
Anyways, I'll get off my soapbox now. After I did my Portuguese homework, I got on the bus to go to Banco Verde. Banco Verde is the recycling plant I volunteered at last week and it is located in a section of town that I am very unfamiliar with. I was already running late so I just got on the first bus I saw to terminal Ibes when I arrived at terminal Vila Velha. This was a mistake. I knew it was as soon I started going over the third bridge into Vitoria. I will save you the details of everywhere this bus went, but I was stuck on it for about 1 hour. This trip would have usually taken 20 minutes. I called Nicole and we agreed that I would just meet her at UFES since going to Banco Verde would be useless since I could probably only stay for about 30 minutes. By the time I arrived at UFES, I was hungry and hot. I scoured the surrounding area for a place to eat and do homework but all I could find is a McDonalds.... I have this thing about eating American food while in foreign countries. I think it takes away from the cultural experience, so I never do it. However, as soon as I stepped into this AC, clean, American Oasis; I couldn't help myself. I ordered a McUnica Bacon (or something like that) and it was awesome. Directly after finishing my meal, I got a slight stomach ache. Probably due to the fact that I haven't eaten anything this fatty or enriched. I stayed in this American embassy for another 3 hours and got quite a little bit of homework done (AC really helps you concentrate, surprisingly).
Once again, the first intensive Portuguese lesson was very beneficial and the second one was very slow. After the class, we rode the bus with other students from Italy (Oliver and Juicy?, sounds like "Juicy"). We communicate in broken Portuguese and every now and then Oliver says something in English. He made a comment about the buses that I had never thought of before. The bus has a turnstile in the front where a worker takes your money. It is very tight and hard to get through with a backpack on. He made the comment that this would never work in Italy or the US because it discriminates against obese people. He's right, there is no way you could get through this if you were intermediate overweight. Come to think about it, I don't know if I've ever really seen a fat person on the bus here. The seats are so close together that even I inconvenience people just with my shoulders. Brazil is certainly not a place that is accommodating to the overweight and very different from my home state in this respect.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Family Tradition
Today is really my first day blogging without my camera, so I apologize for the lack of pictures from today, but hopefully my camera will miraculously be healed by God soon. I took it out of the box of rice today and the lens is still really blurry and I don't think that it is going to dry out any more. I tried to put the memory card in it and it won't snap into the slot. I think it is toast. This is pretty sad for me because I have been everywhere with that great camera and it has recorded some really great memories for me.
We had class today at 10 but I went with Daniel at 9:30 to buy paint for CADEC. Class is always very interesting here because it doesn't really ever feel like class because there is only 3 of us in the room. This is kinda good and bad. It's good because we can all voice our opinions easily and it usually leads to a pretty interesting conversation. It's bad because I can never skip class and not be noticed (just kidding, Daniel).
So the buses here are pretty crazy. I don't know if I would call the drivers extremely talented or just plain stupid, but riding the buses is kinda like an amusement park ride. Riding the bus while standing up is pretty hard, riding the bus while standing up and reading a book is very difficult (I've almost mastered it), riding the bus while keeping paint cans from sliding everywhere is pretty impossible.
At CADEC I went about removing all the wall decorations and cabinets and then smoothing rough patches with a putty knife. I didn't have much to clean the walls with so I just used water and a towel. It was disgusting how dirty everything was. After this I mixed up some ready patch and filled in the many holes. The job was really hot and tiring because I had to keep the door closed and the fan is broken in this room. Also, I was working on top of a stack of chairs as a ladder and scrubbing the walls and ceiling. The combination of sweat and dirty water left me soaked by the end of the day. Everyone thought this was really hard work, but I prefer this any day to working with 40 kids. I think that is one of the hardest jobs I have ever done.
We finally got back from CADEC at 6 and I got some great news via email. I was recently awarded a spot as a WVU Foundation Outstanding Senior and today I got word that they want me to interview for Order of Augusta. I believe that about 30-50 Outstanding Senior awards are given each year and only 8 go on to be Order of Augusta. Order of Augusta is the highest honor bestowed upon a student and there could possibly be a scholarship to med school associated with it. Also, yesterday I received an email from Dr. DiFazio that I have been nominated for Outstanding Senior of the Department of Biology. I don't know if I will get this honor since I'm sure there are many competitive candidates and it doesn't help that I am going to med school.
I was talking to Laurel when I read the good news and then my mom walked in. I told her that I needed a haircut and we immediately went to the barber shop. This was my first time in a barber shop since my mom, me, or Laurel have always cut my hair. I guess I should have been nervous about have a man cut my hair that I couldn't even communicate with, but I used my broken Port and hand signals to get the gist across. I actually think it turned out pretty good but he left the borders very jagged and didn't use a razor on my neck or around my ears. He did however use a razor on my hair. After he went around with scissors, he then took a straight razor and pinched my between it and his thumb and then pulled out on my hair. I have never seen this done but it did a great job and I feel like my head can breath now!
Since I now have fast internet, I bought unlimited calls to landlines through Skype for only 12 bucks a month. Isn't technology amazing? I called Mama and Papa and it was great to hear their voices again. I can tell that they are worrying about me, but I tried to reassure them as much as possible. I then tried to call Grandma (forgot that she is still living at Norm and Marianne's) so I called her house phone. I also tried to call the Beatty's, but I just left a message.
I wanted to go for a run today, but I thought it best to rest until I get completely over my cold/cough/scratchy throat. I really don't understand this sickness, but I am going to beat it NOW. I already had it for about 3 weeks and it really got bad last week. Every time I think I am over it, I wake up with a really scratchy throat and I cough half of the day before I can really breath normally. Crazy climate.
We had class today at 10 but I went with Daniel at 9:30 to buy paint for CADEC. Class is always very interesting here because it doesn't really ever feel like class because there is only 3 of us in the room. This is kinda good and bad. It's good because we can all voice our opinions easily and it usually leads to a pretty interesting conversation. It's bad because I can never skip class and not be noticed (just kidding, Daniel).
So the buses here are pretty crazy. I don't know if I would call the drivers extremely talented or just plain stupid, but riding the buses is kinda like an amusement park ride. Riding the bus while standing up is pretty hard, riding the bus while standing up and reading a book is very difficult (I've almost mastered it), riding the bus while keeping paint cans from sliding everywhere is pretty impossible.
At CADEC I went about removing all the wall decorations and cabinets and then smoothing rough patches with a putty knife. I didn't have much to clean the walls with so I just used water and a towel. It was disgusting how dirty everything was. After this I mixed up some ready patch and filled in the many holes. The job was really hot and tiring because I had to keep the door closed and the fan is broken in this room. Also, I was working on top of a stack of chairs as a ladder and scrubbing the walls and ceiling. The combination of sweat and dirty water left me soaked by the end of the day. Everyone thought this was really hard work, but I prefer this any day to working with 40 kids. I think that is one of the hardest jobs I have ever done.
We finally got back from CADEC at 6 and I got some great news via email. I was recently awarded a spot as a WVU Foundation Outstanding Senior and today I got word that they want me to interview for Order of Augusta. I believe that about 30-50 Outstanding Senior awards are given each year and only 8 go on to be Order of Augusta. Order of Augusta is the highest honor bestowed upon a student and there could possibly be a scholarship to med school associated with it. Also, yesterday I received an email from Dr. DiFazio that I have been nominated for Outstanding Senior of the Department of Biology. I don't know if I will get this honor since I'm sure there are many competitive candidates and it doesn't help that I am going to med school.
I was talking to Laurel when I read the good news and then my mom walked in. I told her that I needed a haircut and we immediately went to the barber shop. This was my first time in a barber shop since my mom, me, or Laurel have always cut my hair. I guess I should have been nervous about have a man cut my hair that I couldn't even communicate with, but I used my broken Port and hand signals to get the gist across. I actually think it turned out pretty good but he left the borders very jagged and didn't use a razor on my neck or around my ears. He did however use a razor on my hair. After he went around with scissors, he then took a straight razor and pinched my between it and his thumb and then pulled out on my hair. I have never seen this done but it did a great job and I feel like my head can breath now!
Since I now have fast internet, I bought unlimited calls to landlines through Skype for only 12 bucks a month. Isn't technology amazing? I called Mama and Papa and it was great to hear their voices again. I can tell that they are worrying about me, but I tried to reassure them as much as possible. I then tried to call Grandma (forgot that she is still living at Norm and Marianne's) so I called her house phone. I also tried to call the Beatty's, but I just left a message.
I wanted to go for a run today, but I thought it best to rest until I get completely over my cold/cough/scratchy throat. I really don't understand this sickness, but I am going to beat it NOW. I already had it for about 3 weeks and it really got bad last week. Every time I think I am over it, I wake up with a really scratchy throat and I cough half of the day before I can really breath normally. Crazy climate.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
I Feel Home
So I didn't blog any while I was away this weekend so I am going to try to describe my weekend quickly and with the use of pictures- hope you enjoy, this might be boring.
Friday:
We met at Daniel's at 7 which meant that I had to wake up around 5:30. I was hoping to get a glimpse of the sunrise but I still wasn't early enough. We drove past Domingos Martins and met Jiame at a store by his house. We went to a local school with 5 grades and only 2 classrooms. Then we went to a coffee association where we got to see a coffee bean "de-husker" (just made that word up- the machine takes the bean out of the pod). This was the beginning of our coffee making adventure.
After the coffee association we visited the agriculture office of the region and talked about a lot of topics. Jiame is using this office to help him re-forest a section of his land. We finally got to Jiame's sitio and went to check out the waterfall. I got some great pictures of a coral snake and of the waterfall and then proceeded to fall about 30-40 feet down the waterfall and ruined my camera. Not a good day. I was so mad at myself and I still can't believe that I wrecked my camera. Even though I was furious, I strangely felt a sense of home in the mountains. There is definitely something spiritual about being in the mountains and I felt more home today than I have since I left.
I helped Jiame make dinner and we ate outside. He has an unlimited supply of jokes and funny stories and kinda reminds me of a combination of Pap and Bill Beatty. Needless to say, I hope I get to spend more time with him.
The picture below is of Jiame and Nicole performing their improv singing
Saturday:
We woke up early to get to Pedra Azul but barely made it there on time. The breakfast that Jiame made was so good and was pretty close to a normal American breakfast.
Pedra Azul was very beautiful but I'll let the pictures describe it. I met some kids from PITT that live in Vitoria and go to UFES. This gave me someone to talk to and of course poke fun at. Little did I know that WVU had just won the Big East! (probably a good thing because the trash talk could have gotten out of hand).
Swam in this pools-fridgid.
This was pretty cool. All they had to get up a pretty steep section of rock was an anchored rope. I kept thinking how this would never be allowed in the US. It was crazy that we didn't have to be strapped in, but pretty safe at the same time.
Me and Dan solving the worlds problems. I really enjoy talking with him and he is pretty knowledgeable on a lot of topics, especially history.
Sunday:
I slept in till about 8 but the flies were horrible and woke me up. We had another awesome breakfast and Jiame is really spoiling us for when we go back to our homestays. We went to a local horticulturist and he showed us around his large property. He specializes in orchids and some were beautiful and ornate. One orchid species he had goes for about $10,000 USD in Sao Paulo.
The next few pics is our coffee making process. In the first one I am roasting the beans (you can actually see the coffee trees behind me where the beans came from. The second picture is me grinding the coffee beans after roasting- smelled awesome. The third picture is me and Jiame's wife enjoying the fruits of our labor.
Friday:
We met at Daniel's at 7 which meant that I had to wake up around 5:30. I was hoping to get a glimpse of the sunrise but I still wasn't early enough. We drove past Domingos Martins and met Jiame at a store by his house. We went to a local school with 5 grades and only 2 classrooms. Then we went to a coffee association where we got to see a coffee bean "de-husker" (just made that word up- the machine takes the bean out of the pod). This was the beginning of our coffee making adventure.
After the coffee association we visited the agriculture office of the region and talked about a lot of topics. Jiame is using this office to help him re-forest a section of his land. We finally got to Jiame's sitio and went to check out the waterfall. I got some great pictures of a coral snake and of the waterfall and then proceeded to fall about 30-40 feet down the waterfall and ruined my camera. Not a good day. I was so mad at myself and I still can't believe that I wrecked my camera. Even though I was furious, I strangely felt a sense of home in the mountains. There is definitely something spiritual about being in the mountains and I felt more home today than I have since I left.
I helped Jiame make dinner and we ate outside. He has an unlimited supply of jokes and funny stories and kinda reminds me of a combination of Pap and Bill Beatty. Needless to say, I hope I get to spend more time with him.
The picture below is of Jiame and Nicole performing their improv singing
Saturday:
We woke up early to get to Pedra Azul but barely made it there on time. The breakfast that Jiame made was so good and was pretty close to a normal American breakfast.
Pedra Azul was very beautiful but I'll let the pictures describe it. I met some kids from PITT that live in Vitoria and go to UFES. This gave me someone to talk to and of course poke fun at. Little did I know that WVU had just won the Big East! (probably a good thing because the trash talk could have gotten out of hand).
Swam in this pools-fridgid.
This was pretty cool. All they had to get up a pretty steep section of rock was an anchored rope. I kept thinking how this would never be allowed in the US. It was crazy that we didn't have to be strapped in, but pretty safe at the same time.
Me and Dan solving the worlds problems. I really enjoy talking with him and he is pretty knowledgeable on a lot of topics, especially history.
Sunday:
I slept in till about 8 but the flies were horrible and woke me up. We had another awesome breakfast and Jiame is really spoiling us for when we go back to our homestays. We went to a local horticulturist and he showed us around his large property. He specializes in orchids and some were beautiful and ornate. One orchid species he had goes for about $10,000 USD in Sao Paulo.
The next few pics is our coffee making process. In the first one I am roasting the beans (you can actually see the coffee trees behind me where the beans came from. The second picture is me grinding the coffee beans after roasting- smelled awesome. The third picture is me and Jiame's wife enjoying the fruits of our labor.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Recycle
I barely slept last night because I was up hacking my lungs out and it was especially hot in my room because of the recent rain. I am going to bed at pretty decent times, but I think it is safe to say that it is impossible for me to get quality sleep here. I thought I would become accustomed to the heat by now, but I don't think that is ever going to actually happen. I wake up several times throughout the night drenched in sweat and I don't even use any type of cover. I guess it makes sense that I am burning up down here because I am usually really hot back home even in the winter. Anyways, its all part of the experience, right?
Nicole and I met a man named Itamarco on the street outside of Daniel's apartment and he took us to Region 3 of Vila Velha (I usually volunteer in Region 5) Itamarco is a micro-financier/political activist that is trying to clean up Region 3, especially focusing on the watersheds. One river (or rather canal) used to be a profitable fishing stream but now it is very polluted and the fisherman moved away. He has several projects running to try to change this condition. One project is called Banco Verde (Green Bank) and turned out to be my job for today. Banco Verde (shown below) is run by a man named Joao who is also a political activist/volunteer/mason. Banco Verde accepts cans and plastic bottles from people and in turn issues Banco Verde currency. This currency is only good in their small grocery store which runs on donations from supermarkets. It only contains the essentials but it give people a very easy way to attain the necessary foods. I really liked the structure of this NGO and I think that it has a pretty self-sustainable business plan. However, the business plan revolves around Joao who is a short energetic stone mason with a opaque cataract in his left eye. He has many ideas for Banco Verde and you can catch his passion for the project even through the shroud of the language barrier.
I really liked this manual labor and I felt like this place was much more active than CADEC. I felt like Nicole and I were pretty useful here and that they were really happy that we were helping out. However, I couldn't have picked a worse day to be working and sweating outside in the extreme heat. I was coughing all day long and I just couldn't stop sweating. I thought about how much my Papa would like this hot work with recycling and I came to realize that this is one area we are not cut from the same cloth. My body really just doesn't do that well in extreme hot. I have always thought that I really liked working in the heat, but this near 100% humidity really throws me a curveball and my body is working hard to adjust.
The picture shows only about half of the plastic which was turned in while I was present. It was a stinky, hot, sticky job but I felt like I was helping to make a difference in the community.
A great thing about this project is that it gives people an incentive to recycle and anyone can do it. The man pictured below was a mute (we got along pretty well) and he brought in two loads of this size on his wagon. He earned enough to buy enough food for probably two weeks (two large boxes) and apparently he comes in twice a week! This place is really making a difference in the recycling habits of this community!
We left Banco Verde around 2 and went to our Portuguese class at UFES. For some reason I had thought that I should bring an extra shirt today and I was really glad that I did (we weren't told what we would be doing, we thought we were going to be shadowing Itamarco all day). My cough got a lot worse at UFES and by the time I got back to my place I was feeling pretty crappy but all the pharmacies had already closed. I finally was able to watch an episode of house that I had been queuing up on my internet for 2 days. This was probably the second time that I have watched English entertainment in over a month. I tried to go to bed early but couldn't fall asleep. I got to talk to Alex on Skype and she caught me up with all the happenings back home. Thanks Alpo!
A great thing about this project is that it gives people an incentive to recycle and anyone can do it. The man pictured below was a mute (we got along pretty well) and he brought in two loads of this size on his wagon. He earned enough to buy enough food for probably two weeks (two large boxes) and apparently he comes in twice a week! This place is really making a difference in the recycling habits of this community!
We left Banco Verde around 2 and went to our Portuguese class at UFES. For some reason I had thought that I should bring an extra shirt today and I was really glad that I did (we weren't told what we would be doing, we thought we were going to be shadowing Itamarco all day). My cough got a lot worse at UFES and by the time I got back to my place I was feeling pretty crappy but all the pharmacies had already closed. I finally was able to watch an episode of house that I had been queuing up on my internet for 2 days. This was probably the second time that I have watched English entertainment in over a month. I tried to go to bed early but couldn't fall asleep. I got to talk to Alex on Skype and she caught me up with all the happenings back home. Thanks Alpo! Monday, March 8, 2010
Chicken Foot
Just as I was about to leave this morning, I got a text from Daniel that he had sent an hour before (gotta love the cell service) that said that Nicole was sick and there wasn't class this morning. I called him to tell him that I was sick as well, and he allowed me to skip volunteering today. This is the worst my throat has felt yet and it was kinda hard to breath this morning. I am starting to sneeze a lot and my head pounds when I do. My mom made some juice for me and chew on ginger root. The weird thing about this cold that I have had for about two weeks now is that it gets better throughout the day and then I relapse every night. My family is still blaming it on the change in weather, but I'm thinking that I am having a reaction to something environmental possibly in my mattress. I really sprayed it with Raid last week, so I don't think there could be anything alive in it, but you never know in Brazil!
The two pictures are of vistas near the Vianna region and Domingos Martins area that I visited yesterday
I decided to use this day to work ahead, so I went to the beach and finished the Jeffrey Sachs book for my Political Science class. I also caught up on my blogs. I went to the store to buy some lemons, caju juice, acerbola juice (it wasn't until tonight and I finished my last bottle that I found out that this was essentially "from concentrate" juice- I just thought Brazilians liked their juice how they like everything else- super sweet), and activa yogurt (really been missing yogurt). I returned home and tried to ate the lemons with salt and drank the juice and as much water as possible. I gotta get over this cold- its been affecting my life for 2 weeks now! I tried to sleep for a little bit during the day, but after it rained the heat was only amplified. This seems counter-intuitive to me, but my mother explained that the rain cools the ground, but the ground boils the water and makes the air a humid, tropical oven! I got to talk to Laurel a little and worked a lot on my Biology publication. I should have it done for review soon. This is probably going to be another long process, but as many people have told me, it would be a shame if I didn't publish what I put so much work into.
For dinner, my mother made me chicken noodle soup. I guess that's another thing that crosses cultural barriers. I had a somewhat pretty good conversation with her and it is amazing how much easier it is for me to carry on a conversation with my family compared to a stranger. During this conversation, I glance up at my mother's plate and noticed there was a chicken foot sitting square in the middle of her soup. I didn't think anything of it because I had some unidentified chicken meat in my soup as well, but I thought it was there to make the broth only- I was wrong. My mother proceeded to pick up the whole chicken leg and start crunchy on it starting with the three toes. At this point I asked her about eating the chicken foot and she said her whole family eats them and fights over them at family dinners. Kinda sounds like the Woleslagles and the turkey gizzard at Thanksgiving!
The two pictures are of vistas near the Vianna region and Domingos Martins area that I visited yesterday
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Country Roads
I was planning on going to the beach today with Amanda and her surfer friends, but I forgot that I had already told the doctor at the clinic, Sandro, that I would go on a hike with him in the mountains. Just as I was about to leave, he called me and so I waited at the house and got all my homework for tomorrow done. At about 12, Sandro and his wife, Tatiane, picked me up at my house and we headed north from Vitoria into Vianna. Sandro's father and family own much of the country in this direction of the city and we stopped by one of his fathers's cow ranches where they were just about to slaughter some cows. I asked if they shot the cows to kill them, but I forgot that Amanda had told me that you can't have guns in Brazil. Apparently they cut the whole head off and string them upside down... yummy.
We crossed Rio Jucu (named after Indians in this region) and into Domingos Martins. This area was settled by the Germans and Swiss which is evident by the architecture. In the words of Daniel, "They are waiting for the snow." We ate at a really great restaurant and I had my first taste of Minero food (food from the state of Mineas Gerias). The food here is pretty fatty, but they just consume a lot smaller quantities. Apparently, Sandro and Tatiane think that almost all Americans are really fat and thought that I was some kind of an exception. I tried to explain to them that America has a lot of fat people (especially my state) but that you can't make a generalization like this. Once again, the language barrier was very interesting.
We crossed Rio Jucu (named after Indians in this region) and into Domingos Martins. This area was settled by the Germans and Swiss which is evident by the architecture. In the words of Daniel, "They are waiting for the snow." We ate at a really great restaurant and I had my first taste of Minero food (food from the state of Mineas Gerias). The food here is pretty fatty, but they just consume a lot smaller quantities. Apparently, Sandro and Tatiane think that almost all Americans are really fat and thought that I was some kind of an exception. I tried to explain to them that America has a lot of fat people (especially my state) but that you can't make a generalization like this. Once again, the language barrier was very interesting.
We met the dentist from the clinic, Carla, and her husband Sandro at the restaurant and then toured the small town after the torrent of rain passed. The town is almost like a slice of Germany, but looks very out of place when you consider the geography and climate. After leaving the town, we slowly made our way back out of the mountains into Campo Grande where I met Tatiane's mother. She, like all Brazilians, is still crazy in her old age. We toured the port and Sandro showed me around most of Vitoria downtown. I really like Vitoria and I hope to come over here for the weekend and stay in their apartment. He showed me the nicer neighborhoods in Vitoria and it almost looks something like Florida. After this we stopped by his apartment to pick up his dog (Laurel, you will appreciate this, his dog is a pug and its name sounds like A Breezy), and then they dropped me off at my house. It was a full day but I really enjoyed it. Also, I was able to talk to Mom, Dad, Josh, Adeline, Laurel, and Caleb tonight on the internet. Caleb is going to try to come with us to Rio in two weekends since he can fly here for only $50.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Sleep all Day
I tried to sleep in as late as possible today in order to get over my cold, but it is hard to get quality sleep in my house. The blinds are really helping but they kinda make my room hotter and I can't sleep already because its really hot. Its a lose, lose situation. Anyways, I tried to sleep in till 2 but I really didn't do much sleeping. I got up around 2 and did some work and then celebrated my sister Gabi's birthday. Most of the fam was there including Sorria, Rodrigo, and Leo from Guarapari (they own the sitio I went to for Carnaval). 
After the birthday party, I did some work, or should I say I waited on my internet. My internet here is really horrible and disconnects whenever it wants. I told them that I would pay for better internet so we are going to get it installed next week sometime.
At 6 we took all the kids to the mall and I hung out with Rodrigo and Leo. It was our mission to find a Flamingo jersey for me. Flamingo is the team from Rio de Janeiro that my family likes and watches all the games. Its kinda like the Steelers for my family back home. My mom and dad are both from Rio originally so they are called "cariocas" and have a reputation of being very friendly, open, and loud. They certainly live up to their rep in all areas. We finally found a jersey for me and it cost about $50. Its a lot, but my dad seriously talks to me everyday about it. I think he wants me to buy one so he can show his buddies that I'm a Fla fan. While shopping, I awkwardly asked Rodrigo and Leo about what stores had the best prices. They said that it really doesn't matter because the same models in different stores have the same price. The only reason to go to different stores is to see if they have different models. I told them that this took away competition and they shrugged and said yes. I don't really understand this, but of course I might not have been understanding them.
After the mall, we went to a Chinese restaurant for Gabi's birthday and then Nicole Amanda and I took a walk to the park. I made the mistake of drinking Coke and the restaurant and Guarana at the park, so I couldn't go to sleep for a long time. Also maybe the fact that I slept all day had something to do with it!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Have You Ever Seen the Rain
I woke up pretty late today because my dad installed curtains in my room and its actually kinda dark now, also I am getting pretty accustomed to sleeping with a lot of light. I still have a sore throat and I don't really understand how I got sick in a tropical climate.
It rained all night here and Amanda was complaining that she had to go to school today (she skipped last Friday because Nicole wanted her hair straightened.). I joked with her about having a rain day similar to us having a snow day in the US. I guess I didn't really understand. I have seen some flooding in the streets here but nothing major. The infrastructure here is absolutely horrible and the sewers just can't handle the mass influx of water. The picture below doesn't really do it justice. This essentially cripples the city and traffic turns into a nightmare. When Amanda returned from school she was upset with her mom because they only had two professors and only 15 students in the whole school (usually they have over a thousand!)
Later in the day I walked to Central Vila Velha to get some more money and made the mistake of taking a new way and not walking along the beach. I wanted to explore the city more, but I picked the wrong day to do so. I had to take so many detours because I literally could not walk down the street. It was crazy. Also the water is backed up from the sewers which are open and contain human waste, garbage, oil, etc; so I tried not to wade through anything. I got lost maybe three times, but I guess this is the best way to learn a city. I walked for about 5 hours and went to the bank and then to the mall and bought 50 more Reals of cell credit. On the way home I got pretty fed up with myself because I couldn't even figure out how to enter the credits into my cell phone. It turned out that I wasn't including an asterisk but it made me feel a little better when it took two of my family members to figure it out.
At about 9 Nicole called me to go to a club called Barr Acustico in Barra do Jucu (close to the clinic). Karla and her husband Sandro picked me up and we met all of the other workers from the clinic there. It was really cool and the cover band sang almost all English songs but of course in a distorted accent. I got to socialize with the people from the clinic and they are all very nice genuine people. However, I didn't really understand much of what they were saying because I find it hard enough to understand people speaking English in a club, its almost impossible to understand Portuguese! I just kinda keep up with the body language and do my "smile and nod" routine.
It rained all night here and Amanda was complaining that she had to go to school today (she skipped last Friday because Nicole wanted her hair straightened.). I joked with her about having a rain day similar to us having a snow day in the US. I guess I didn't really understand. I have seen some flooding in the streets here but nothing major. The infrastructure here is absolutely horrible and the sewers just can't handle the mass influx of water. The picture below doesn't really do it justice. This essentially cripples the city and traffic turns into a nightmare. When Amanda returned from school she was upset with her mom because they only had two professors and only 15 students in the whole school (usually they have over a thousand!)
Later in the day I walked to Central Vila Velha to get some more money and made the mistake of taking a new way and not walking along the beach. I wanted to explore the city more, but I picked the wrong day to do so. I had to take so many detours because I literally could not walk down the street. It was crazy. Also the water is backed up from the sewers which are open and contain human waste, garbage, oil, etc; so I tried not to wade through anything. I got lost maybe three times, but I guess this is the best way to learn a city. I walked for about 5 hours and went to the bank and then to the mall and bought 50 more Reals of cell credit. On the way home I got pretty fed up with myself because I couldn't even figure out how to enter the credits into my cell phone. It turned out that I wasn't including an asterisk but it made me feel a little better when it took two of my family members to figure it out.
At about 9 Nicole called me to go to a club called Barr Acustico in Barra do Jucu (close to the clinic). Karla and her husband Sandro picked me up and we met all of the other workers from the clinic there. It was really cool and the cover band sang almost all English songs but of course in a distorted accent. I got to socialize with the people from the clinic and they are all very nice genuine people. However, I didn't really understand much of what they were saying because I find it hard enough to understand people speaking English in a club, its almost impossible to understand Portuguese! I just kinda keep up with the body language and do my "smile and nod" routine.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Math Teacher
I had a really hard time getting out of bed this morning because my throat is really inflamed. My tonsils and pretty red and I think I'm going to have to sleep a lot this weekend (I have to finish up the publication as well).
My job at CADEC today was math teacher. I really like this because the kids were surprising well behaved and this was something that I could not look stupid doing. We did very simple math problems and as always there were a few kids that breezed through it and then other kids that thought this little bit of work was gonna kill them. I helped for a couple hours and just walked around the room checking their work and helping them. They were have a pretty rough time with subtraction and addition so I taught how to use their fingers or tally marks on a piece of paper to count the answer. I didn't realize till after they were gone that these were 8-9 year-olds that couldn't figure out simple math problems. Hopefully I'll get to work more with them in math because this is something that I actually have utility in.
Nicole went to a concert in Vitoria last night and never went to sleep, so she stayed home while I went to the Portuguese lesson at UFES today. The first lesson was only with me and Glau and I was a little nervous that it would be hard to communicate without Nicole but surprising it wasn't. Glau usually speaks very slowly and I can understand her pretty well.
There were a few new people in the second class today and one guy is actually moving close to where I live. He name is Grant and he's from FL. He has a chem engineering degree from FU and has been working for Schlumberger in Alaska (told him about my Papa working in the oil field and he was really interested). He going to law school next year so he kinda taking it easy like me before he has to start up school again.
The second class was pretty good, but it drags on. I finally got home at about 9:30 and I was starving. I ate and then met my dad at the bar on the corner. I usually don't drink when I go with him because I don't really like drinking when I have to concentrate on speaking so much. Nicole passed the bar on the way back from her date (met some guy at the concert) and we finally got back to my house at 1. I told myself that I was only going to the bar to appease my dad, but it is literally impossible to escape because everyone makes a big deal about trying to leave.
The picture below is of my blind cat Pandora. It can sleep with its eyes open ( I guess since it is blind) and apparently likes to sleep in the most awkward positions possible.
My job at CADEC today was math teacher. I really like this because the kids were surprising well behaved and this was something that I could not look stupid doing. We did very simple math problems and as always there were a few kids that breezed through it and then other kids that thought this little bit of work was gonna kill them. I helped for a couple hours and just walked around the room checking their work and helping them. They were have a pretty rough time with subtraction and addition so I taught how to use their fingers or tally marks on a piece of paper to count the answer. I didn't realize till after they were gone that these were 8-9 year-olds that couldn't figure out simple math problems. Hopefully I'll get to work more with them in math because this is something that I actually have utility in.
Nicole went to a concert in Vitoria last night and never went to sleep, so she stayed home while I went to the Portuguese lesson at UFES today. The first lesson was only with me and Glau and I was a little nervous that it would be hard to communicate without Nicole but surprising it wasn't. Glau usually speaks very slowly and I can understand her pretty well.
There were a few new people in the second class today and one guy is actually moving close to where I live. He name is Grant and he's from FL. He has a chem engineering degree from FU and has been working for Schlumberger in Alaska (told him about my Papa working in the oil field and he was really interested). He going to law school next year so he kinda taking it easy like me before he has to start up school again.
The second class was pretty good, but it drags on. I finally got home at about 9:30 and I was starving. I ate and then met my dad at the bar on the corner. I usually don't drink when I go with him because I don't really like drinking when I have to concentrate on speaking so much. Nicole passed the bar on the way back from her date (met some guy at the concert) and we finally got back to my house at 1. I told myself that I was only going to the bar to appease my dad, but it is literally impossible to escape because everyone makes a big deal about trying to leave.
The picture below is of my blind cat Pandora. It can sleep with its eyes open ( I guess since it is blind) and apparently likes to sleep in the most awkward positions possible.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Clinic Visit
I woke up really early today and was pretty miserable. My sore throat is getting worse and I think I have bed bugs. I'm still not sure if they are bed bugs or not, but I have been looking up the symptoms and it appears that I fit every symptom. I have bites covering my neck, arms, hands, and feet. They are in groups of three or more which corresponds to bed bugs "breakfast, lunch, and dinner" eating style. I have not seen any of the bugs though, but I also have seen very few mosquitoes and no spiders. I plan to spray my whole room with Raid soon to see if this will alleviate the problem.
Anyways, I thought that I had class this morning, but turns out that I'm crazy. I showed up at 10 and got to talk to Daniel about the bug bites and we both think that they are bed bugs. I decided to just wait around the clinic until 12 and do some homework while I waited, but the physician, Sandro, said that he could take a look at the bug bites for me. This was a really different experience from a clinic in the US. First they took me into a room and took my information. This was really entertaining because I knew what they were going to ask because of the form and because they were essentially taking a very brief patient history. The nurse Rafael (far left) was taking the history, but the doctor Sandro (standing) and the dentist (can't remember her name, maybe Carla?) were all present. The clinic was not busy today and Sandro was only seeing 4 patients all day. After the took my bp and pulse (I think they thought I was dead, my pulse was 50 and my bp was 111/62), they took my weight and height and entered it into a BMI slider calculator. As always I was in the obese category and they weighed me again to confirm this. I told them that I am usually in the overweight or obese category, but they still didn't believe me. After the paperwork, Sandro and I went to his office and listened to my heart and respiration. One thing that I noticed was different was that he listened to my respiration while I was laying down and listened to my chest instead of listening on my back while sitting up. Then he examined the bug bites and did so without gloves on. I thought this was really weird, but I suppose bug bites aren't exactly contagious or dangerous (then again I'm not sure if they are bug bites, could be an allergic reaction with hives). He prescribed hidroxizina (which is known as Hydroxyzine in the states, it is an anti-histamine) and dexametasona (topical cortisol, used for anti-inflammatory, used after surgery to reduce edema, not sure he prescribed something 20x stronger than cortisol but maybe it is a very small dose). I struck up a friendship with Sandro and he wants to hang out more so we exchanged numbers. He lives in Vitoria so he wants me to come over and he said he could show me downtown Vitoria. Also, on Sunday we are going on a hike, I think. Still pretty confused about what people are asking me, but they are always very friendly. I got to eat at the clinic and the food was so good! I really like hanging out here (the people are super friendly, food is a lot better, and they have air conditioning!), so I think I am going to shadow Sandro on some of my free days.
I showed up to CADEC a little early and helped make lunch. Today I helped the art teacher in the classroom and pretty much just tried to keep order. I pretty much just held the marker container and passed them out to the kids. It is so hard to keep them in their seats, especially when they want markers. Also, most of the markers were dried up so they would just keep trying them and then putting them back and then try the same ones again.
At 5 Nicole and I left CADEC and she went to the store down the street to buy some clothes and I talked with the store owner. Everyone has a really interesting history and they always want to tell me about it. I tried to read the newspaper that Daniel gave me about the developments that are happening in Espirito Santo but it was pretty hard. They are spending 1 billion Reals (about 500 million USD!) in development. I went to the store and bought some Raid and I plan on spraying my room but I don't think my mom will like this.
Daniel picked us up at CADEC and we went to Banco Terra for their monthly meeting/ grand opening. It was supposed to start at about 6 but I think it started around 7:30. Even I would be on time for everything in Brazil! I try to understand what they are saying at these meetings but it is so hard to follow. However, I have decided that attending a meeting in Portuguese is more entertaining than in English because of a few reasons. First, I can completely tune out if I want to because I am not engaged in what the speaker is saying. Second, trying to understand the meeting in Portuguese keeps me more entertained than trying to listen in English. Third, Brazilians themselves are more entertaining to watch than Americans. There is not much order at these meetings and so it stays fresh.
We got back around 9:30 I think and I was starving. I gotta start buying and taking snacks with me everywhere I go. I went for a run again, but I don't take my iPod or anything besides my keys when I run late a night. Also, I witnessed a prostitute getting picked up on the corner by my house.... never know what you are going to see here!
Anyways, I thought that I had class this morning, but turns out that I'm crazy. I showed up at 10 and got to talk to Daniel about the bug bites and we both think that they are bed bugs. I decided to just wait around the clinic until 12 and do some homework while I waited, but the physician, Sandro, said that he could take a look at the bug bites for me. This was a really different experience from a clinic in the US. First they took me into a room and took my information. This was really entertaining because I knew what they were going to ask because of the form and because they were essentially taking a very brief patient history. The nurse Rafael (far left) was taking the history, but the doctor Sandro (standing) and the dentist (can't remember her name, maybe Carla?) were all present. The clinic was not busy today and Sandro was only seeing 4 patients all day. After the took my bp and pulse (I think they thought I was dead, my pulse was 50 and my bp was 111/62), they took my weight and height and entered it into a BMI slider calculator. As always I was in the obese category and they weighed me again to confirm this. I told them that I am usually in the overweight or obese category, but they still didn't believe me. After the paperwork, Sandro and I went to his office and listened to my heart and respiration. One thing that I noticed was different was that he listened to my respiration while I was laying down and listened to my chest instead of listening on my back while sitting up. Then he examined the bug bites and did so without gloves on. I thought this was really weird, but I suppose bug bites aren't exactly contagious or dangerous (then again I'm not sure if they are bug bites, could be an allergic reaction with hives). He prescribed hidroxizina (which is known as Hydroxyzine in the states, it is an anti-histamine) and dexametasona (topical cortisol, used for anti-inflammatory, used after surgery to reduce edema, not sure he prescribed something 20x stronger than cortisol but maybe it is a very small dose). I struck up a friendship with Sandro and he wants to hang out more so we exchanged numbers. He lives in Vitoria so he wants me to come over and he said he could show me downtown Vitoria. Also, on Sunday we are going on a hike, I think. Still pretty confused about what people are asking me, but they are always very friendly. I got to eat at the clinic and the food was so good! I really like hanging out here (the people are super friendly, food is a lot better, and they have air conditioning!), so I think I am going to shadow Sandro on some of my free days.
I showed up to CADEC a little early and helped make lunch. Today I helped the art teacher in the classroom and pretty much just tried to keep order. I pretty much just held the marker container and passed them out to the kids. It is so hard to keep them in their seats, especially when they want markers. Also, most of the markers were dried up so they would just keep trying them and then putting them back and then try the same ones again.
At 5 Nicole and I left CADEC and she went to the store down the street to buy some clothes and I talked with the store owner. Everyone has a really interesting history and they always want to tell me about it. I tried to read the newspaper that Daniel gave me about the developments that are happening in Espirito Santo but it was pretty hard. They are spending 1 billion Reals (about 500 million USD!) in development. I went to the store and bought some Raid and I plan on spraying my room but I don't think my mom will like this.
Daniel picked us up at CADEC and we went to Banco Terra for their monthly meeting/ grand opening. It was supposed to start at about 6 but I think it started around 7:30. Even I would be on time for everything in Brazil! I try to understand what they are saying at these meetings but it is so hard to follow. However, I have decided that attending a meeting in Portuguese is more entertaining than in English because of a few reasons. First, I can completely tune out if I want to because I am not engaged in what the speaker is saying. Second, trying to understand the meeting in Portuguese keeps me more entertained than trying to listen in English. Third, Brazilians themselves are more entertaining to watch than Americans. There is not much order at these meetings and so it stays fresh.
We got back around 9:30 I think and I was starving. I gotta start buying and taking snacks with me everywhere I go. I went for a run again, but I don't take my iPod or anything besides my keys when I run late a night. Also, I witnessed a prostitute getting picked up on the corner by my house.... never know what you are going to see here!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Kitchen Duty
Today I had CADEC at 8 in the morning and I was assigned kitchen duty. I prefer this over baby-sitting the kids but it is still a tough job. I usually start off with making breakfast and then dishing it out to the 30 or 40 kids. Today, I pretty much washed dishes for 4 hours straight. I tried to unclog the drain, but again I couldn't because I didn't have any tools. After cleaning up the mess I made on the floor (smelled absolutely horrible). I helped make the lunch with Gesane (shown in the picture above) and then we left around 1.We had class with Daniel at his apartment at 2 and Jiame was there. Daniel had made tacos and it was the first "foreign to Brazil" food that I had eaten since I left the states. Afterwards, I went straight to UFES for my Portuguese lesson. I keep making the mistake of not eating enough before my class and so I am starving by the time I get home. I get home at about 9:30 and then eat dinner immediately. I tried to go for a run tonight, but I could only run for about 40 minutes. I have a sore throat and the rest of my family does too. They say that it is caused by the sudden onset of the rain, and at first I laughed at them. I guess they were right.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Toilets
I had class at the clinic at 10 and learned about the structure of non profit organizations. We got into a really good discussion, and didn't leave for CADEC till 12:30. At the clinic I noticed something in the bathroom- the toilet. It was unlike any I had seen before and I think the Brazilians have solved one of the world's problems with it. They are really on to something with this. It has a cut-out in the front and a cut-out in the seat as well. This way men don't have to put the seat up and down everytime they use it. This is revolutionary. I have probably the equivalent of days of my life putting the seat up and down for women. Just think of what I could accomplish with that extra time.
CADEC was pretty uneventful today because school was cancelled for a meeting so only the kids with working parents were there. They watched Portuguese Scooby Doo (kinda like a Chinese dubbed movie because the lips don't match the words, pretty much the same with all of the English entertainment) for a couple hours and then I watched them play outside while I read my book.
Sirley scheduled a meeting for 3:00 but it was about 4:00 by the time it started. There is no such thing as on time here. The meeting was pretty boring for me cause I almost understood nothing, but the reason for the meeting was to hire paid teachers and for the volunteers to give feedback to CADEC about what they are doing and how the volunteers can help. Nicole stayed later than me but I returned home at 5 to do work.
I went for a normal run and then came back to work but it is very hard here with the slow internet and because of the person below. I am still trying to get my publication into review but I didn't have a big enough block of time to even start on it, so I studied some Portuguese with Rosetta Stone. I am learning a lot by doing out of class work, but I feel that I am learning words that I never use or never hear in day-to day. I hope this starts paying off soon.
Also, it poured again tonight. After my first month of sun and extreme heat, now it is raining almost every night. Crazy weather.
CADEC was pretty uneventful today because school was cancelled for a meeting so only the kids with working parents were there. They watched Portuguese Scooby Doo (kinda like a Chinese dubbed movie because the lips don't match the words, pretty much the same with all of the English entertainment) for a couple hours and then I watched them play outside while I read my book.Sirley scheduled a meeting for 3:00 but it was about 4:00 by the time it started. There is no such thing as on time here. The meeting was pretty boring for me cause I almost understood nothing, but the reason for the meeting was to hire paid teachers and for the volunteers to give feedback to CADEC about what they are doing and how the volunteers can help. Nicole stayed later than me but I returned home at 5 to do work.
I went for a normal run and then came back to work but it is very hard here with the slow internet and because of the person below. I am still trying to get my publication into review but I didn't have a big enough block of time to even start on it, so I studied some Portuguese with Rosetta Stone. I am learning a lot by doing out of class work, but I feel that I am learning words that I never use or never hear in day-to day. I hope this starts paying off soon.
Also, it poured again tonight. After my first month of sun and extreme heat, now it is raining almost every night. Crazy weather.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
