Para a novo brasileiros...

Translation: from the new brazilians...well maybe not quite yet.

So we're here! FINALLY! Flight was long...relatively boring. At least we had the plane w/the individual tvs in the seat in front of you, and I got to watch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, so I guess not that boring.

We are all set up in our little apartment until the end of the month. It's actually bigger than I expected, so that was a plus. We are already learning so much! Yesterday we learned how to cook pizzas in the oldest, smallest gas stove that you could ever imagine...and OMG did it smell bad!

Anyway, Stefan and I are having fun, although it is scary that no one in Niteroi speaks a lick of English.
Today our friend Cristina took us to Itaipu beach, which was really neat. She drove us in her car then left us there when she had to go to work, with directions for the bus. She is forcing us to speak portuguese and actually learn how to get around instead of hiding in our apartment, which to us seems much safer.

Pros and Cons of Brazil so far:

Pros:

--We have our own apartment

--It's bigger than we expected

--We are five blocks from a gorgeous beach

--Beers are cheaper than water

--TONS of cool restaurants and bars on beachfront near our apartment

--Everyone has been so friendly

--The food is delicious

--It is different from anywhere I have ever lived

--FUN FUN FUN!!!!!

Cons:

--NO ONE speaks English

--no air conditioning in apartment

--on top of no air conditioning, fan in bedroom makes horrendous squeaking sound

--We are constantly hopelessly lost

--I have to go to school soon :(

--It is different from anywhere I have ever lived

--HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!

Anway, I'd have to say that so far the pros way outnumber the cons. Unfortunately no internet of our own until we get a permanent place in the beginning of April, so until then we can't post any pictures. :( So you'll all just have to sit there salivating in suspense until then.