Montevideo, Uruguay

In the end of my freshman year/early sophomore year of college I made the easy decision to study abroad. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would not pursue this for a semester during my college years. Isn't that what hundreds of thousands of college students do each year? I have not done any research on this topic of college students studying abroad, by all means, but I'd imagine that it is quite popular throughout college campuses - in the United States. I had already had the opportunity to study abroad for a year as an exchange student in Cochabamba, Bolivia upon my graduation from high school. I loved it. I was hooked. I couldn't wait to do it again. My undergraduate university, SUNY Binghamton, has an Office for of International Programs and I knew that I could find a program for me. But I couldn't find the exact program that I was looking for - a semester in a Latin American country where I could study in Spanish. Now I can't remember exactly how I went about finding a university to help me get to my destination: somewhere in Latin America, but I did. I do know that I actually studied abroad through the Latin American Studies Southern Cone Program at SUNY Plattsburgh. Since both of these universities are in the same SUNY (State University of New York) system, it was easy for me to go through their program. I knew I wanted to study abroad, I knew I wanted to go to Latin America, and I knew that I wanted to go through SUNY (it was easier to transfer credits, deal with financial aid, etc.). So that's exactly what I did.  


I almost went to Chile. In fact that is where I had planned to go once I decided on the above stated program in the Southern Cone. So how did I end up in Montevideo? It turned out to be an easy choice. I knew something about Chile; Uruguay was unknown territory to me, much like Bolivia had been. My other option in this particular study abroad program would have been Argentina, but that is probably the most well known country in the Southern Cone of South America and being the adventurer that I am, that could not be an option for me. I wanted to go to a country that I knew nothing about. Again, that's exactly what I did. In the spring semester of my sophomore year, I went to study Anthropology and Spanish in the Spanish language in Montevideo for 6 months. I wasn't looking to learn Spanish because I already knew it; I was looking to improve and challenge myself.


One of the images that I distinctly remember that attracted me to Uruguay was the Casa Puebla in Punta Ballena (Punta del Este). Rest assured that I visited here. It truly is a breathtaking sight, especially at sunset. I'd say that this landmark attracted me to Uruguay much like the Teatro Amazonas later attracted me to Manaus.

I attended La Universidad Catolica del Uruguay in Montevideo where I studied a Portuguese language class (yeah! :), the History of Uruguay, Uruguayan Literature (very interesting and absolutely beautiful poetry, short stories, and novels), and an Anthropology class. Spanish and Anthropology were my majors in college. I did not want to miss out on my credits for my majors, as well as my minor in International Studies, so I made sure to keep myself on track in this aspect. Each of these classes was given in Spanish with the exception of the Portuguese class, taught by two Brazilian instructors, of which one still remains in contact with me today. My Spanish, which was already quite good, improved immensely and I even acquired the distinct Uruguayan accent. I had friendly, openhearted, and fun housemates. I made friends at school and with other international students, I dated a Uruguayan, and really got to travel like I never had before. It was an unforgettable, exciting time in my life.


I took a ceramics art class that I found through the university, I volunteered at a local English language institute (even participating in a workshop), I traveled to Buenos Aires a couple of times and around Uruguay with friends and housemates, and went shopping often. The exchange rate at the time was definitely in my favor, and as I had earned a scholarship prior to my departure, I think that my plane ticket only cost me $100. During my stay in Uruguay I visited Brazil twice - Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro - and this is where my love for that country grew. I learned how to make mate like a Uruguayan and my appetite for meat and Italian food also increased. 


I will always hold a special place for Uruguay and its citizens in my heart. I believe that I became even more independent during my semester study abroad in the Southern Cone and on a personal note I know for a fact that I grew as an individual. 


Uruguay, siempre te voy a querer mucho.

Cochabamba, Bolivia

Finding a gorgeous, exemplary photograph of the city of Cochabamba was not an easy feat, considering there are numerous pictures that I found on-line that show what a majestic place this city is, which is tucked deep inside the Andes Mountains in South America. 


I've briefly mentioned before about my stay in Cochabamba, but only in passing. I believe that the truth behind what this city can offer deserves it's own introduction. I can only hope that others will adventure off into the unknown like I did once I had graduated from high school. I know I cannot do it justice, but I can recommend for EVERYONE to adventure out and discover this gem of a city - well, a country. Everything was wonderful - the people!!, the food, the music, the culture, the ancient traditions, the languages, the dress, the weather in Cochabamba is considered the most perfect in the world (I'm not lying), the parties, and all the while the country will welcome you with open arms and take good care of you.


It all began in my junior year at my relatively large high school in upstate New York. Our school announcements were during 2nd period and I was used to listening to them, not paying too much attention once I had sat down after pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Until one day. I heard the question - would you be interested in being an exchange student in another country? The answer previous to that day had always been "no". Although I was attracted to foreign cultures and language, I had never thought about being an exchange student myself. In fact, I didn't even find the idea of anyone being an exchange student impressive or "cool". So what happened that morning? I don't know. I'm still unsure. Whatever it was, the announcement either made studying abroad sound attractive, or it was exactly what I needed at that time in my life; I like to think it was the latter. I needed to get out of that town in upstate NY and discover the world, or at least one country in one area of the world.


From what I remember, I had from the end of my junior year until the first semester of my senior year to make a decision as well as apply. I do remember really wanting to complete my application, but I was also applying to colleges, looking for scholarships, taking the SATs, and other responsibilities that high school upperclassmen on their way to college have to accomplish. I was really stressed out from my school load and other activities (and responsibilities) in the beginning of my senior year and I almost didn't apply. That would have been the mistake of a lifetime. With the help and support of my parents (my stepdad had been a drummer in a band that traveled with the Army and my mother had had the dream of being a flight attendant when she was younger) as well as a prominent judge in my town, who is a Rotarian, I did apply. I wanted to get a scholarship from the Rotary Club Exchange Student program. And I did. 


I distinctly remember that we were asked at the time of completing our application which were our top ___ choices as to our destination, being reminded that we were not guaranteed to be sent to the country of our picking. Needless to say, Bolivia was at the bottom of my list; I didn't know anything about the country except that it was in South America and the official language (well, at least one of them I later found out) is Spanish. My first choice was Spain because as a 16-year-old studying high school Spanish, I knew for a fact that in Spain people speak Spanish. Somehow, NOT to my surprise, I was told I'd be studying abroad in Bolivia. I felt that I knew I was going to be sent there and I was not disappointed. Although I had not adventured farther than Canada, Texas, and Florida, I was up for the challenge. I accepted my scholarship and was on my way to Cochabamba in August of that year.


Rotary was wonderful! Not only are they a worldwide organization working to make a difference through service and fellowship, they offer young people the opportunity of a lifetime. And that is exactly what it is. I absolutely LOVED my time abroad; it changed my life. I would not have changed my major from Speech Language Pathology (which is what I had planned to study at a particular SUNY school where I had deferred my entrance for a year) to Anthropology and Spanish at an even better, more prestigious SUNY school. I would not have gotten a minor in International Studies, or studied abroad in Uruguay, or worked abroad in Peru, or worked in Brazil as an EFL teacher - meaning I would never have chosen the profession I have today or have married the man I did. That one, seemingly small, decision affected everything I've done in my life. Amazing if you ask me.


And of course I had more fun in Bolivia than I knew what to do with. I won't go too much into details because it was a fabulously exciting ten months and I couldn't possibly put into words all that I saw or did, but I can try to sum it up....maybe...I lived with two open, kind families (5 months each - that's the Rotary way), I had an additional family to support me!, I went to a fantastic school where I was able to make lifelong friends and learn Spanish. I had graduated from high school by the time I went to Bolivia, so I just attended high school to attend (best decision ever - to go after high school versus during). Plus, with their school years being opposite ours in the North, I wasn't actually in school that much; but I still liked it. The teachers and students were unforgettable. I was given $50/month which was fantastic seeing as Bolivia is an extremely inexpensive country to live in, and of course my food/board/schooling was all paid for. I also had money saved up and my parents didn't even need to give me money until the end. I traveled all around the country, eating, sightseeing, smelling, experiencing a COMPLETELY different, exciting world. I even visited Machu Picchu and Cusco in Peru.

Tiwanaku, Bolivia

If there is ANYONE out there who is considering this opportunity (I hope this gets to you, or send it to someone you know) then TAKE it. Don't hesitate. A friend of mine who graduated with me took advantage of this and studied in Argentina at the same time that I was in Bolivia and I know it changed his life, too. Rotary tells you at their numerous pre-departure workshops/weekend trips (which are well organized, informative, and exactly what a high school student needs) that you will mature in one year as much abroad as you would have one year in the U.S. This is true. When I returned I was ready to focus on my studies and take life much more seriously. I am grateful to my parents, to Judge Rose for his support and encouragement, to my family and friends, and especially to Rotary for this experience. 


And of course, THANK YOU Bolivia for all of the memories and love that you have given me. I am a better person today because of you. I will always respect and love you,

Pictures bring back memories

At this point I have basically gone through all of my personal belongings and have decided what will go with me to Brazil, and what will be left behind (more than likely in the trash can). Phew. Although it was a task, I was "forced" to look through every folder, envelope, and stack of papers to make sure I didn't leave anything out. The labor was worth it though because boy did I find all of my pictures, from 1999 to about 2004. In other words, all of the pictures that I've saved from before we had digital cameras. Oh yeah, I found a number of pictures from when I was baby and throughout my childhood

What is exciting is that most of these pictures are from my travels. In fact, I was able to organize my pictures into 7 piles - Mexico, the U.S. (and this includes the pictures from my childhood all the way up to my undergraduate college graduation), Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. I love it.

Now the memories are flooding in as I carefully look at each photo. Unfortunately I cannot scan these pictures to put them on display (i.e. on my blog) because I've sold my printer/copier/scanner, but I did find one in a friend's Facebook album and saved it to my computer.

The picture I saved is from my first trip to Peru (it was taken in the Plaza de las Armas in Cusco). I was 18 years old and having the time of my life travelling around Bolivia and Peru with other North Americans and a European friend that had been studying with me in Cochabamba. I'm in the center of the photo with a huge smile on my face and my knees tucked up :). This was definitely an unforgettable moment, for all of us.

And it's not just the pictures of friends who live far away, or who I haven't seen since that particular time in our lives, but it's also the pictures of my high school friends and family that are really touching. I mean, I found pictures from my high school graduation and pictures of my now 13 year old sister when she was just a newborn.

I will be safely packing all of these pictures away to take with me to Brazil. When I get there I'll buy a number of photo albums and display them for the world to see...but more importantly, for me to appreciate. The photos of my grandparents, my mother, my sisters, my stepdad, and my dear dear friends who have always been around to encourage, support, and love me, will never be out of reach.

Brazil Through Foreign Eyes

Here are 13 questions from an on-line interview called "Brazil Through Foreign Eyes"; one that I found at Gringoes.com.  I thought I'd post the questions (only a teeny bit modified) that are asked, along with my responses. I answered them based on where I first arrived in Brazil, my initial impressions, and what I remember from being in Brazil from 2002-2007.

1. Tell us a little about yourself, where are you from, what do you do, etc?

I'm originally from upstate New York, but I've been living in central Florida for almost 6 years now. I'm a high school English teacher and have been teaching for 7 years. My first year teaching was in Manaus, Amazonas and we're now moving back to Brazil because I got a job as a 9th grade English teacher at an international bilingual school.

2. When did you arrive in Brazil and what brought you here?

I first arrived in Brazil in 2002 while I was studying abroad in Uruguay. I had been interested in Portuguese and Brazil for a couple of years, and was taking a Portuguese language class at the university in Montevideo and really wanted to "try out" the language I had used. A friend and I took a weekend trip to Porto Alegre to visit the country and practice speaking Portuguese.

3. What were your first impressions of Brazil?

My first impression of Brazil was that it was green. I remember visiting a fair in Porto Alegre in the middle of a green field. I also noticed the vast difference in the color of mate (chimarrão in Portuguese) which was a much brighter color than that drunk in Uruguay. The weather was also warmer than the winter I had been experiencing in Montevideo for the past few months. The food was delicious and the museums were nice to visit. It also rained nonstop for 3 days.

4. What do you miss most about home?

When I'm abroad I miss my family and friends, of course. I also miss superficial things like TV shows (Oprah), peanut butter, and American stores in shopping malls. I prefer to buy pants/jeans and shoes/sneakers in the U.S.

5. What has been your most frustrating experience in Brazil?

The most frustrating memory that I have from Brazil was getting my ID card while living in Manaus. I had initially taken the completed forms to get my internship visa to the consulate in NYC when applying for the visa. However, when I got to the consulate, I was told that I needed to fill out another application (which of course was the same thing). I did so in a hurry and I did not write out my parents' middle names (I wrote the initials). I had no idea this was such an error. Fast forward a couple of months to my arrival in Brazil....the federal police in Manaus were not accepting of my deletion on the application and they sent me on a trip to the local "American representative" who made me write out my own statement that said who my parents are. He signed in and I took it back to the Federal Police. That was pointless, a waste of time, and a crock of sh*t since I'm the one who wrote the statement for someone else to sign and be considered an official document.

6. What has been your most memorable experience in Brazil?

When I met and fell in love with my husband.

7. What do you most like about Brazil?

This is a hard question because I like so much. I like the affection of Brazilian people, I love the fruits, the healthy lifestyle, the laid back attitudes, the diversity and beauty of the landscape....

8. What is your favorite restaurant/place to hang out?

I didn't visit many restaurants when I lived in Manaus, but I did enjoy going out for late night snacks of tacaca, x-tudos, and other local foods with friends and family. I also really liked going out to drink guarana with açaí and granola. Ponta Negra is a beautiful area to visit in Manaus and I spent many an evening and night there with E and friends.

9. Do you have any funny stories/incidents to tell about your time in Brazil?

The funniest memory that comes to mind is when I adamantely told my best friend in Brazil that I would never fall in love, let alone marry, a Brazilian man.

10. What difference between your homeland and Brazil do you find most striking?

I'd say that Americans are too stressed, overworked, and don't know how to have a good time at a cheap price like Brazilians do.

11. How is your Portuguese coming along? What words do you find most difficult to pronounce/remember or are there any words that you regularly confuse?

Although I'm fluent in Portuguese, I still need to think twice at times when speaking due to the lack of gender in English and the complex grammatical rules in Portuguese.

12. What advice do you have for newcomers to Brazil?

Enjoy your stay because you'll have a great time! With that being said, I haven't been to Brazil since 2007 so I can only advice on what I know. I'd advice people not to be afraid of experiencing something new and to be open and ready for a good time. Take advantage of everything that's a novelty and different!

13. What are some things that you would recommend for a visitor to do in Brazil?

I'd recommend visiting the Amazon because there is nothing like it (just take a look at all of my posts on Manaus). You also can't visit Brazil without seeing Christ the Redeemer and the Sugar Loaf.

South America: What's not to love?

I have had the absolute pleasure, and let's be real, the extraordinary opportunity(ies) to travel, work, and study in various countries in South America. For some reason, out of the blue - while working out at the gym (because there you'll have time to think), I thought about this tremendous, diverse continent and how much I love to be there.

Not only am I anxiously awaiting my move to Brazil, but I'm secretly planning adventures to surrounding countries that I would either like to return to or that I'd like to explore for the first time. I'm not going to say too much more about that yet except that we do have an invitation to a wedding in Colombia in December 2011. Yeah!!

Until today I've been fortunate enough to live, work, travel to, and/or study in:

Bolivia (Cochabamba, La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre)

Perú (Cusco, Ayacucho, Lima)

Uruguay (Montevideo, Punto del Este, Colonia, Flores)

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

Brazil (Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Manaus, Itacoitiara, Presidente Figueiredo)