My Cheat Sheet

My Cheat Sheet

Four weeks in and I am having the time of my life here in Brazil. It's so strange to be so far from home geographically but to feel so welcomed and loved in a place you've only been in for a short period of time. It may seem like it's hard to adjust at first, but everyday I am learning new phrases, new places, and new pieces of the city which keep me wanting to know more. So to help with the adjustment process, below, I have created a Cheat Sheet of things I have learned since being in Brazil. These are places to go, things to see, and what to do's.  

Cheat Sheet

1. Capybaras are the cutest, largest rodent you will ever see. G is scared of them but I dont think they bite. One of our mentors told us they have ticks, so we shouldn't ride them (but to be determined). 
2.  Ilhabela is a must go to island off the coast of Sao Paulo. We went for my birthday trip, and I guarantee it is one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. However, word to the wise, when people say mosquitoes flock at the beaches, they are not kidding. Bring bug spray. A lot of bug spray. 
3. If you have a birthday in Sao Paulo, and there are candles, don't try to blow them out. It is most likely a sparkler candle. People will laugh at you if try. It happened to me twice *thumbs up*. 
4. Don't underestimate the rain. In Sao Paulo, public transportation (commonly metro and bus) and walking are the main forms of transportation. In continuation, when it pours, Uber spikes their prices up knowing good and well people who walk may need a lift given the torrential downpour. I guarantee you will get soaked if you don't have an umbrella, and rain jackets won't cut it. We learned the hard way.
5. If you get hit by a car, it is best to take it with a laugh and continue walking (a lot of cars are stick shift and may roll backwards when being on a hill).
6. Dogs are INSANELY cute here. Also they allow them in malls so that's a big plus. Furthermore, don't trust stray dogs. You may think they are cute and friendly, but they know what they are doing. 
7. If you have a sweet tooth, you can find chocolate, ice cream, cake, or candy anywhere. My roommates have learned to specialize in finding sweets where ever we go. Addiction to chocolate is a thing, however. I would recommend taking it slow before becoming professionals like them. 
8. If you hear a car beeping on the street, it is most likely traffic. For some reason, there is always a lot of traffic. 
9. Don't wait to wash all your clothes at once. It'll take forever to wash, forever to hang, forever to dry, and forever to fold. I would strongly suggest against that.
10. Always try to plan ahead. If not, you may get stranded in San Sebastian. Fun fact: Uber doesn't work there. It's best to take a bus. If the bus driver feels sorry enough that your stranded and don't speak Portuguese, he may even escort you to a bus station to buy a ticket (he was such a sweet man).
11. Hold on to the handle bars when riding in the metro or buses. There have been numerous times when I think I'm fine then nearly face plant in front of numerous strangers. It's a super cute look. 

Overall, these are just a few things I have gained. I've loved every second and the memories and laughs keep building up. One month left. Who knows what will happen? Stay tuned.