home anecdote #2: my "mae" (mom) slept in this morning until around 8, usually she is up around 5:30 and when she got up she was a little grumpy i think. tereza had prepared breakfast, as usual, and, it seems, had prepared much too much yucca (aipim). my mae mentioned various times how it was far too much that it would never get eaten and then called out to tereza from the breakfast table for her to come listen to what she should do with it. then, a few moments later, called out that it was warm and tereza should open the curtains and windows etc. point is: it is SO strange to live in a home with a maid. it is odd and i have so many questions about it. apparently many young women (predominantly afro-brazilians from rural parts) come into the city looking for work and the domestic sphere is the most common place they find it. they have unions and the work is regulated, in many instances, but the racism and maltreatment, at least in my home setting, are a little hard to deal with. so. things at home remain the same.
the weekend was excellent. more dancing, more time with great peeps and just getting to know the city better in general. i was trying to think about what exactly it is that i like so much about here and i think that an example from a friend's party yesterday will sum it up. a few people from the group have made "special" brazilian friends. these special friends "namorados" joined at the party. it was amazing to think and see that, despite the fact that everyone knows we will all be leaving there is a certain "live in the moment" and enjoy life's opportunities kind of attitude. this is not the same thing as "hook-up-with-whomever-you-can" which permeates stereotypes of brazil. it is different. there is a true exchange of ideas, and a pride and settled-ness about brazilians that i really admire. there are so many more things but, for now, this is one little example.
it is another school week and i'm already feeling tired by it. i think that this whole being in class thing is starting to get to me. i'll go to dance class again tonight and that should make it all better. i'm loving hearing from you all. (pics are of: cacao fruit; megan/i; lisiane and zelia)
2 comments:
namorados---me encanta eso!! You look soooo happy in that picture--muy Naomi! besos, guapura
ok, I'm glad you are having fun and all, but YOU COME HOME NOW. I'm missing you. Twice last week I thought: I'll call Naomi and maybe we can grab a bite to eat. Doh! Keep having fun, but know that the peeps can't wait for you to come home! Love Kelly :)
Post a Comment