From Step 1 to Step 2

This has been a crazy week.  I finished up my classes at Step 1 and am now settled into Lagoa, a neighborhood much closer to the beach and nightlife in Florianópolis.  I hope I can improve on my surf skills and language skills by sipping on cocktails with Brazilians! 

Yesterday, I went to Berimar shopping to pick up some hiking socks for my upcoming trek to Macchu Piccu.  After finally finding socks and refusing to buy hiking pants as they are absolutely hideous, I treated myself to an iced latte.  I paid $5usd for 8ounces (MAYBE) of coffee.  I really miss Starbucks and large beverages in general (my 20oz Diet Cokes come to mind).  Apparently, they have Starbucks in Rio (20 days!!).  I have a feeling I will be making frequent visits to Starbucks while there.  But really, I should not complain.  I AM LIVING IN BRAZIL.  Look how happy I am!!!

What else happened this week?  Ah, yes I had several Jiu Jitsu classes that went much smoother.  Me, being the dedicated student that I am, made notecards with all the body parts and positions in Portuguese.  I think they look a but perverted(decide for yourself in the pic below!), but it got the job done and I understood much more that was being taught in class.   I am not sure what is harder, learning Jiu Jitsu or the Portuguese!

On Wednesday I think it was, I took a good hard look at my budget and a good hard look at my hair, and realized something had to be done.  The cost of highlights is a bed in a hostel for a week.  Week of heaven versus nice hair?  That coupled with I am not sure which was more terrifying to me, going to a salon and having to explain what I wanted or attempting to fix it myself by reading portuguese instructions in the box.  But for $10, I figured I would give "hair color in a box" a shot.  Let me just say I have no future as a hairstylist.  It's not awful to the point I need to cry and hide, but when I get to São Paulo, I will likely be getting it fixed.  It looks slightly better than before, but basically I threw $10 away.  

What else, what else?  This week hasn't been too crazy compared to last weekend.  I am excited though to make new friends at the hostel and be around a lot of organized activities.  Today, they have Brazilian BBQ for dinner for $22 reais (usd$11).  Tomorrow, I believe I am going to Campeche Island.  Well, Tchau Tchau!  

Beijos!!!!