Carnaval 2002!!!

I recall in a previous a report I wrote about my longing for junkanoo. I guess suprise was on itīs way. Many have heard or should I say many people know that to see the best carnaval is to visit Brazil in the month of February. How many have heard of the Brazilian dance SAMBA & PAGODE. As I watched thousands of participants parading in beautiful costumes, ladies with body painting, guys dancing, singing, beating drums, playing instruments. It was an event that was worth the wee hours, it was so amazing, beautiful, the beauty of art and creativity.   

In my city I was apart of a group called "4 nights in a funeral" this name was the best name for carnaval. I would leave home at 9pm and sometime earlier and return home in the wee hours. A proverb is said, " when in Rome do as the Romans does" I had a wonderful time dancing samba and pagode. 

 After  being away from school  on vacation for nearly 3 months. On February 20, my school re-opened, How many realized this 20/02/2002 and at 20hrs 02min in 2002 (2002/2002) in my classroom everyone started to talk about this  sequence and kept asking each other when will this sequence return again. A few weeks ago I gave my offical speech to Rotary. I represented my Country well. I was so happy, I shared many exciting things with the club members, when I was finish there were at least 8 persons that wants to visit the Bahamas on their next vacation. This made me feel really happy. After 4 nights of carnaval nothing was left to do. It all started all over again, staying home with nothing to do for whole 3 months, (My God). My portuguese is sooooooo good, every day someone has to ask, Are you taking portuguese lessons ? I can only smile and say "No" I appeared on the newspaper for carnaval (hehheheheh)

I remember like it was yesterday when I arrived in Brazil. I can recall the only word that I knew was "obrigado" (thank you). In the beginning hings  were very hard for me, I guess for all of us, thatīs  what exchange is all about (differences). Can you imagine living with people that you donīt know, living in a country for one year, no friends, especially a language barrier. I remember there were nights and days I would cry, whether in school or at the dinner table. I can recall many nights Iīd cry myself to sleep. Many times I would talk to myself in the mirror (like a dummy) Many days I kept wondering what is the latest news in Freeport? What has change?

After 6 months, I am proud to say this  is an experience that I will never forget, I will never regret despite of the way of how I felt about  this city. I have so many memories and many friends that when it is time for me to leave, it will be a sad good-bye because, I  donīt know when will  ever see them again. To be truthful, in the city that I live in there is absolutely nothing to do. One thing that I have learn is that living in a small city everyone knows everyone so therefore it is more like families. To be honest I guess I know every one or everyone knows Olivia.

On March 3, I will be with my 3rd hosting family. I am very excited that I will soon see my family (I guess every one else) but I am also sad that some of my friends wonīt never see me again.

Untill next time Bob and Roy. ivia