One Week Down

I've been in Rio for over a week now.  Things to update you on include moving to my new and permanent residence here, attending my first week of class, and just making it through a week in general.

On Saturday I grabbed a taxi in Ipanema to take me to the apartment where I'm now living with my host family.  The cab took me quickly out of the 2 blocks that I had begun to feel comfortable in and off to the neighborhood of Cosme Velho and Laranjeiras.  When I saw the tower that was going to be my new home the address then made sense.  That number I couldn't figure out, 1502, turns out to be the apartment number.  Fifteenth floor, second apartment.  And I thought living on Leonard Six was cool. I got in the elevator, my ears popped, and I was there...with no idea what to expect.

I was greeted by my "host-mom" Fernanda, her two college age kids Ruby and Dillon, and Funk, the dog.  (Agatha the cat was hiding).  Everyone was very nice and welcoming and we sat for somewhat of a group interview--me on one side and them on the other.  However, what grabbed my attention more than anything was their window, facing west towards Corcovado, home of the modern wonder of the world "Cristo Redentor". Not only can you see him, but he's looking right at you--and the thousands of other cariocas that are practically within reach at all times.  Regardless of your religion, it's pretty powerful.  I don't know if it's that Cristo is always looking down on the city, or that the city is always looking up at Cristo, but something about seeing the statue peek through buildings and granite hills everywhere leaves you with a certain comfort.

That night, I went out with Dillon and his friend Lucas to a place called Lapa.  As I've said on facebook, it's just like New Hampshire, if you switch trees with people.  The main street was closed off by the police and there were people everywhere.  We went into one huge bar and played pool for a while and had a few drinks.  Then, we started walking upstairs to what I expected to be your average night club.  However, instead of "DJ Kid Lucky" there was a stage and spotlights on two live singers, with a complete brass band playing live and incredible samba music.  And a cover of "Welcome to the Jungle." (I knew the words!).  The coolest thing was by far the people.  Every type of person could be seen coupled and dancing samba.  There were 45 year old couples dancing next to teenagers.

To be continued...