One of John's fun jobs, when the kids were little and sleeping in the same room, was he would tell them bedtime stories and sing them to sleep. Many of you have sat near John at church and can testify Ben and Meredith must love their Dad very much to listen to him sing every single night. John sang many songs every night and one of them was We Three Kings (all five verses). For our 31st Wedding Anniversary I had the rug store paint me a beautiful wall hanging the We Three Kings to make for John bringing back wonderful memories of him falling asleep between Ben and Meredith while singing to them. I have finished it and I'll put the picture on the blog when it is finished being made.
I walked with John to get his hair cut last weekend. This is a very different experience from the states. In this wonderful place the men are upstairs and the women are downstairs. There are 12 barber chairs and on this day 8 were busy. There were many overdue haircuts being done and manicures. Yes, Manicures! There was someone constantly sweeping up the hair on the floor, someone always offering everyone coffee or water, and someone always greeting you. It is a most pleasant experience. Probably why I go with him.
There are many beautiful names here in Brazil especially for women. Fernanda, Fabiana, Cassia, Ana Clara and my favorite Camila. The reaction on people's faces when I tell them my name and the name of my daughter and grand-daughter is always amusing. Cynthia Kathleen & Meredith all have TH in them. They do not have that sound in the Portuguese language and it is so difficult for them to say. I am called Catchie here. Meredith is called Mereditch. Then when I tell them Reagan's name they really give me this blank look.
The follow are things I have learned in Brazil after three years:
*I have learned to watch my every step when walking the sidewalks of Cambui. All are uneven, different and can break an ankle in a second. I have turned my ankle many times. I'm sure orthopedic doctors here are very wealthy people.
*I have learned to just close my eyes in heavy traffic. John does a great job but it scares me so bad especially the motorcycles that really do not have any restrictions. Also, Brazilians are laid back, easy going, patient people BUT put them behind the wheel of a car and they become crazy. I have also learned to watch with awe as Brazilians parallel park. They can whip that car in the tiniest space without blinking.
*I have learned to hold my breath when walking through the fish section of the grocery store or the Saturday Market. The smell is a killer.
*I have learned not to expect to see the doctor on time. For doctors here in Brazil it is quality of time instead of being on time.
*I have learned to not talk about politics here in Brazil.
*I have learned apartment living is just heavenly. Secure & safe with guarded entrance, no yard, and no pool to worry about. Everything is taken care of.
*I have learned that the three things I will miss most from here will probably be Bob's Ovaltine Milkshake (Bob's is a Brazilian Burger King), the sweet popcorn at the movie theater and the delicious coffee at Romana's (Starbucks can't touch their coffee). Plus, you add the service you get and it is an extra bonus.
*I've learned the hardest word to say here in Brazil is hair dresser - ca be lei rei ro. I just can't wrap my tongue around it.
*I learned that the nicest people are the chauffeur's (drivers) that are waiting for the children at school, ballet or English Class. They always help me with directions and have pity on my poor Portuguese.
