29.7.11

Brazilian Winter

FINALLY went to the beach in Brazil! Sao Paulo is about 60 miles inland so unless you have a car it's really hard to get to the beach. Thanks to a friend's friend, well I guess he's my friend too, Mao, we (Melina, Mao, Tiago and myself) were able to drive over the hills and through the jungle to get to the coast. I don't remember the name of the beach but all you really need to know is in the photos below. Beautiful hills topped with a fine mist, crabbies scuttling in and out of the water, waves speckled with surfers and picnic all on a wintery, brisk 80 degree day. I had a holy shit moment while slowly sinking in the sand as the waves washed in and out. Holy shit I'm living in Brazil, holy shit I'm living my dream, holy shit nothing else matters except all of this. The next 2 months will be all about reliving that moment and clinging tightly to that feeling.



 



 










22.7.11

Mythical Creature Love

So, I haven't posted in a while and I'm sure you're all DYING to know what I've been up to. Isac has been busy preparing his 81 pieces for an exhibition in September and seeing as Sao Paulo is the 10th most expensive city in the WORLD, I've been doing a lot of Rosetta Stone, baking and reading. Yea, you feel that? That's jealousy. Or maybe you just have gas. Either reaction would be appropriate. At any rate, I really am enjoying my time here. It's wonderful waking up every morning with an empty canvas knowing I can create whatever I want out of the day as long as it doesn't involve spending more than R$10. There are exciting things on the horizon though, which are also reasons for my not spending any money. A possible trip to Rio while Isac is in Buenos Aires for 5 days and the long awaited trip to the magical secluded island of Boipeba. Until then, this is what my evenings consist of. Watching my mad scientist at work. <3




 

6.7.11

America's Birthday in Brazil

If I were going to complain about being in Brazil on an amazing, once in a lifetime adventure America's birthday would be the appropriate time. The day started with dreams of getting tipsy (shmammered) on the national beverage, Caiparinha's, which is basically a sweet Gimlet made with sugar cane booze,  and eating at, in the true American spirit, the most delicious and expensive pizza joint in town. However, things took a turn, for the not so worse, and we ended up with a more modest celebration.

Isac has an older Polish gentleman friend, Jasinksi, that has a antique restoration space of sorts here in Sao Paulo. He called and invited us over for soup. A steaming hot bowl of soup and Jasinski's company turned out to be a perfect remedy for the wet 45 degree weather. The best part, beyond the soup, was taking a gander at all the paintings, statues and other knick-knacks waiting for their turn in the restoration line.

After our visit with Jasinski, we headed to Isac's friend Melina's house. She, as well as Isac, is here on a Fulbright scholarship and to much delight, has the same predilection for whiskey as I do. It was a tame evening spent with fellow American's, drinking cheap beer and whiskey. Which, really what more could you ask for when you're in another country on the 4th of July? We did go for a long walk with seeing a movie in mind but upon arriving at the theater and seeing the $16 price tag we decided that our money would be better spent on coxina's and more booze.

My photo's from the 4th of July aren't particularly interesting or great. I'm more posting them for all my friend's who spent the weekend obliterated, blowing things up for hours on end in the scorching summer heat. I hope you appreciate the fun you got to have you bastards. <3