To start, I walked into the first electronic store I could find. Every phone there was a minimum of $400Reais ($200USD). This was much more than my budget. Ideally, I wanted a basic smart phone so I could use whatsapp and a few other communication apps. Phones here tend to cost more than in the US. For example, an iPhone can go for $2500 Reais ($1250 USD). That kind of explains why my iPhone was stolen last year in Rio. Anyway, I had heard I could maybe get a basic smart phone for $250Reais, so I went onto the next store.
The next store was much bigger and had more basic phones so I thought I might be in luck. I looked around a bit and then busted out my English-Portuguese dictionary to get shopping. The girl I spoke with was nice enough, but I could tell she was a bit annoyed with my lack of language skills. I didn't understand anymore than 10% of what she said to me. Something about facebooki, no whatapp, wifi, 2 chips or 3. In hindsight, I should have asked a bit more about the phone system here before I went shopping. It is much different, as many phones are pre-paid and have chips with the credits imbedded in them. Many phones have several chips so you can take advantage of different offers. This also means you can have different cell phone numbers on the same phone. Anyway, after about 5 minutes of back and forth horrible dialogue and being confused until my head felt like it would explode, I was fed up to the point I was going to cave in and just get a $400R phone to get out of the conversation. This next part is embarrassing. I said in Portuguese that I wanted the phone, she walked me over the check out and when she went to get the chip or something and left me with her colleague, I said "Eu nao quero (I don't want) and ran out of the store. Ouch.
I am starting to realize when I get in uncomfortable situations, I tend to make them way worse in my own head and then I run. Whether it be from embarrassing language situations, relationships, or work situations. I am absolutely terrible at expressing my feelings in slightly uncomfortable situations. For those of you who know my recent work situation, there are several parallels. A good goal for me to have during my time hear is going to be improving my ability to express myself.
Anyway, finally, I found another store, managed to get by with a combination of Portuguese/Spanglish and purchased a $90R phone. This involved me having to leave the store once to go to the ATM to pull cash as my card did not work. After I had my new phone, I then went to the grocery store, bought some more fruit (and nuts this time too - another blog perhaps!) and started to walk home. I had walked for about 15 minutes and got about 80% home when I realized I left the box and charger for the phone at the electronic store. I walked back, while carrying all my groceries, got the charger and left the store (for the third time). I walked 3 minutes out of the store and saw my phone had a weird message saying something like "mechanica". I figured that meant it was broken, so I went back into the same store for the fourth time to have them fix it. All I had done was locked the phone. Oi!! It was a very mentally exhausting day.
Yesterday, I went to class and then to Praia Joaquina. Praia Joaquina is a great surfing beach. There I hung out with my Aussie classmate and some new friends we made while sipping on a few cervejas. I also managed to conquer the bus! I made it home in 30 minutes!!!
Today, I again went to class and then was off to the beach. This time, I went back to Praia Mole, my favorite beach so far. I ran into the same friends I had met yesterday and we went and hiked over to the more secluded beach next door, Praia Galheta. Getting there was a bit of a hike. We hiked over the beach, over some rocks and through an off beaten path/trail to get there. But when we arrived, it was absolutely worth it. The sand was very flat and smooth and the landscape with the lush jungle in the background was simply amazing. It was practically deserted except for a few other fellow beach bums.
I spent about an hour lounging in the sun, doing some basic exercises and yoga moves and then had my first surf lesson in Brazil!!! My new friend brought me out on his board and showed me some basics. It was very difficult to learn on this board as it was very very short and very very light. I still had a great time paddling around and attempting to ride some waves. Next time I will try and get a bigger board and hopefully actually ride one. Honestly though, being out in the water is the greatest thing ever. The sun on your back, the sea water spraying you every five seconds and the feel of the ocean rocking you back and forth is my version of paradise. After an hour of that, I was absolutely exhausted as I have no arm muscle endurance to save my life. I would like to mention here as well my friend complimented my strong swim skills. SAY WHAT? I thought I could barely swim. Being able to swim well is very necessary here. Just yesterday we saw lifeguards, a sea doo and a helicopter called to save someone.
We all relaxed on the beach for an hour and took the hike back. I then had an even more successful bus ride as a bus employee saw me reading the bus terminal time tables, informed me of a quicker bus and I understood what he was saying! I am getting much better at understanding the language; speaking is a whole other ball game.
Tomorrow, I again have class and then am going to a Brazilian Jiu Jit Su class. Should be fun!
Tchau!!
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