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.