Sidewalks of Cambui

The sidewalks of Cambui are designed by the owner's of the houses or businesses they are on.  These are just some of the beautiful designs.  Some are kept neatly and some are not.  This is why you never walk without always watching the sidewalks closely.  If you do not watch you end up flat on your back.  Trust me I've been there.

AUGUST 2006

 

John has survived yet another challenge.  He finished his two week immersion in Portuguese and feels it helped.  He understands better.  I wish I could say "poof" and he would be fluent but it just isn't that easy.

 

The Brazilian people are very patient and laid back people.  They take their time eating and visiting with friends.  They are friendly and kind and helpful.  BUT put them behind the wheel of a car and they become impatient, horn honking, speeding crazy people.  I am still shocked and amazed that John has survived it all.  Then you add in the motorcycles and you've got a whole other thing.  There are lines in the streets but they mean nothing.  PLUS all the cars here are not automatic.  Not easy going up a hill.  The most important thing to remember is to never tailgate the car in front of you on a hill.  John probably has one of the only automatic cars in the city.  Parallel parking here is an art form.  They do it swiftly and with ease.  I stand in amazement every time I watch.

 

I am working on rug # 7 and almost finished.  My snowman rug is finished and is my favorite so far.  I have decided that my new hobby brings me great joy.  I love the Brazilian women I am getting to know and it is a great place to meet with my American friends.  Plus, it is next door to Romana's and you all know how I love Romana's.  One of our waiter's, Sergio, is studying very hard to learn English and is doing very good.  He was really proud of his new Portuguese/English Bible.  The food is delicious but the atmosphere is the best especially early in the morning.

 

John and I went to the mall shopping and were noticing the prices of things.  Here in Brazil they allow you to charge things and pay for them in payments.  We were looking at Nike tennis shoes.  The are R$580,00 which is $270.00 American.  You can pay for your tennis shoes with 10 payments of R$58,00.  The credit card companies do this here for all the businesses.  This is the only way many Brazilians can afford things here that are so overpriced.  Blue jeans are another thing that are really overpriced.

 

Some new things:

*The orchid plant Jan and Mike Rodger's gave me last August has bloomed again.  I was shocked to walk out on the balcony and see it with 3 beautiful orchids on it.  Many of you know my thumb is black instead of green.

*There is a presidential election coming up here in Brazil.  If you are a resident of Brazil you are required to vote.  No exceptions.  Cars drive through the streets with loud speakers telling us who to vote for. 

*I was out on the balcony the other day and looked up and there was the Goodyear Blimp.  See the picture.  I could see the people in the cab. Our friends here, Todd, Kathy & Ryne Turner, recently got to ride in the Blimp in Sao Paulo.

*My friend Kyle and her husband Sam became Grandparents on August 19 to a beautiful little girl, Joie.  Their daughter Dena and her husband Wade are doing great.  I'm so glad Kyle was there to help.

*John and I watched Tiger win the U.S. Open Golf Tournament last weekend.  Golf takes on a new meaning when broadcasted in Portuguese.  In fact he is winning again this weekend but it isn't on tv.

 

My blog will have many new pictures this month because I've been taking my camera everywhere.  This is it.  http://journals.aol.com/jcw41/AnAmericanInBrazil/

There are also many archived letters so check them out also.

Also, Meredith and John have a blog and you can catch up on their travels there too.

http://www.manyroadstotravel.blogspot.com/   They have returned home.

 

John and I will be in Wichita Falls from September 22-29.  John will be at a meeting and I WILL GET TO SEE FRIENDS.   Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Then we will get to see Mom in Chattanooga and help her with some things around the house.  John is excited especially since he hasn't seen Mom since Meredith's wedding.  I was going to try to fly to see Ben but it looks like this will have to wait until January when I come home again.