Everyday I take in a little more of this beautiful country around me and I hope to leave more of myself at the same time.
I jumped in here with two feet at once, and now I have to take one step at a time to get back out. The first step is actually admitting to myself that I have a confirmed flight to leave the country at 8 in the morning of June 10th. My host family is reminding me everyday in saddened tones of the fact that I have to leave very soon. For them, the date comes sooner than me actually leaving the country.
I have confirmed flights to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo where I will be spending a week, but I have truly fallen in love with the beauty and the culture that is of the Northeast of Brazil. I really feel like I have related and built an identity to the customs and the way of life in Brazil. I really became close to my host family and have been, I think, the luckiest of all in the abroad experiences that I've heard of. I have a fantastic group of students doing the program with me, and an Assistant Director, Oélito who is beyond words. All of my experiences have been nothing but positive, exciting adventures one after another. From having a bus getting stuck in the mud in the middle of the interior on the way to an MST settlement in the pitch black of night having to walk 2km to get there in the mud, to having taken a trip to Morro Branco with 13 out of 19 students and completely taking over the pousada with our numbers.
Even the daily bus trip home is an adventure, never knowing whether you're going to be sandwiched between 10 people with no breathing and having to shove your way to the front screaming, "Com Liçença!!" or your going to have the bus all to yourself and have the bus drivers on the street race against one another while speeding down the highway.
No one knows when the tapioca man is going on the street corner, but everyone always knows when it's going to rain and when it's going to pour.
Regardless of the rain, everyday is a perfect day for the beach or just hanging out in front of the house with friends and family.
Whenever I'm bored, I can just go home and hang out with my family. There is never a dull moment.
Going to work is not a chore, but rather enjoyable. I'm always recieved by hugs and kisses and always get to eat lunch for free and play with the animals.
I've already been invited to stay at my academic directors house and I was also invited to go on the annual retreat that the organization has in the mountains.
Really, it just feels like partaking in a good time. No one here is ever really in a rush, and business or meetings never start on time.
Life here is very fluid, and it spills into so many other aspects of work, school, friends, family and pulses through the veins of Brazil, creating a culture so rich, so vibrant that it shows through it's many popular facets of dance, dress, mannerisms and natural beauty.
Forest and jungle in my backyard, the beach in my front yard, Brazil has captured my heart.

Short update:
I've started my intense research period.
The first week in there is a bus strike.
I'm being eaten alive by mosquitoes.
I'm out in the boonies always meeting new amazing people.
I talked with my family yesterday, it was AMAZING!
My mom is already counting down the days.
tchau,
love!
~Ana

Free Day!!

I've done so much stuff during my short stay in Salvador that I don't even know where to start, but here is a preview of what is to come in photos of what I've done here in Salvador da Bahia:
1. Architecture and social culture of Bahia and drumming lessons from Baguncaco
2. Small town of Cachoeira by the river and doing Samba da Roda with Candomble women.
3. Free day down by the beach with crystal clear waters
4. Visit to a candomble center followed by a beautiful view of the sunset at night.
5. Visit to Steve Biko Center for education and then a percussion workshop with the internationlly renowned Carnaval group Olodum and then walking around the historic center of Pelourinho
6. Free day to walk around the city going from cidade alta (ritzy) to cidade baixa (normal) and meeting a cool 21 year old, a man from spain who will let me know where to stay when I go visit, and then a Bahian that lives in Switzerland with his friend that lived in Europe for years, now he lives close by in Barra, is Brazilian and will show us around the city.

Tomorrow we have Afro dance class and visiting another ONG in the evening. We also might go to samba in Rio Vermelho which is really close by. Then after that the rest of the days are pretty much ours until tuesday when we fly out and on Wednesday we start our three week long Independant Study Project period.
It's going to be intense!

I'm not ready to go back yet or even think about it!

After going through such a long and hectic academic process and complaining and moping about it, I finally realized that I really am far ahead of many people in my group, which makes me feel better, but not any better that I'm going back to Fortaleza to to my ISP.
RECIFE is AMAZING!!! I can't get over how beautiful and historic it is. Recife has done an amazing job balancing the modern and the antiquated buildings of their city. Recife is actually divided up by a bunch of lakes and the main downtown is actually built on an island. It truly is stunning.
During our trip here we've visited so many NGO's. We went to Fé e Politica where we learned about faith and politics, and the next day we went on a three hour bus ride with them to the interior to see an city with indigenous roots. Race and identity is so different here in Brazil and it's interesting to see the cultural perspectives on it and to see that racism exists all over the world. We went to the small town of Aldeia do Povo Xukuro em Pesqueira built within the hills. Xukuru is the name of the indigenous tribe that used to inhabit the area. There has been a struggle for 500 years since the portuguese colonized the lands of the natives to reacquire all the lands that have been taken from there. Cacique led this revolution for the past 20 years and was assasinated in 1998. He left his children and his wife and one son that took up the lead of the struggle to win back these lands. While in Pesqueira we went to the burial site of cacique and it truly was a magical, mysterious and truly inspirational experience. We went with his widow as she led us to a pocket under the canopy where she got on her knees and wailed her lament in relgious hymn. It really sent shivers down my spine and I feel that everyone was moved by this moment. Shortly after we returned to her house where she gave us all a necklace as a lembrança and blessed us with the positive force of nature.
On the way back, everyone was amazingly rowdy and we had karaoke on the bus. We really have such a great group. Our repetoire ranged from Disney, gospel, german, Kenyan and to even portuguese versions of bob marley songs. After the karaoke ended, we popped in the Notebook and had relaxed the rest of the ride home, being awake for 17 hours is exhausting!
The next day we went to Darue Malunga where they teach traditional afro-brazilian dance classes to children of all ages and also provide an education for them. Working with keeping children off the streets through art and dance. They put on a show for us and it was breath taking!
I have found my passion.
I'm going to take a dance class at Oxy.
After lunch, we went to another organization called CERVAC. It was basically a treatment and rehabilitation center for the mentally and physically handicapped. They did some incredible work with swim therapy to help children with muscle problems and they even had a group of special students that even recorded a cd! They were so sweet, and it was pretty intense for me because it really reminded me of Chris and how I wish he had an opportunity to learn music or have an organziation like this. But we're so lucky because he's taken amazing strides advancing.
Today as our last full day in Recife we went back this morning to Darue Malungo to take a free afro-brazilian dance class. That was an intense workout, but absolutely amazing. We were taught by Ana Paula who has been dancing for 25 years and has travled to asia, france and south africa to learn and perform. She is amazing and so are all the people at the organization. (The other day when we were there they gave us tapioca. And if you don't know what it is, I will make you some when I get home.)
I feel so good after this morning and especially since I'm eating waaaay more vegetables than I would in fortaleza, but that's a different story.
I'm really glad to be going back home to my homestay family and I can't wait to cook them some Latino food. HOpefully I remember how to do it, otherwise it could become a little messy.
Tomorrow We're leaving at 11:30am to catch our flight to Salvador, Bahia where 70% is from African descent and they actually like spicy foods!! We spend two weekends in Salvador and I definitely plan to hit up the beaches there.
Did I mention that Recife has tons of Shark warning signs because they have such a high rate of shark attacks in their waters?
Yeah, I think I'll avoid Jaws.
Oh, and Dengue is realy a serious epidemic in Rio de Janeiro. If you can, please donate blood for the epideimic that is going on in all of Brazil. First yellow fever and now dengue. I have the yellow fever shot, but there is not shot for dengue. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for the best while living every experience here to the fullest.
I love and miss you all!!
Drop me a line and let me know how you're doing!

P.S. I didn't bring my computer to our excursion, nor do I have private internet access, so pictures will be uploaded once I return to Fortaleza, trust me I have tons!

Recife!!!

So much time has passed and I really haven't had time to update this blog with as much information as I wish I could. A really super long entry couldn't even begin to describe how much has gone on these past two weeks, but I'll really try to sum up as best as I can.
Last week was absolute mayhem as it was the week that our ISP proposals were due (stating what we wanted to do for our projects for three weeks) and also our book review which was to be a seven page masterpiece. (I hope!!) I was really making progress on my work affiliated with my project, and I could have been done on Thursday to take Friday off, however, for the past two weeks before that, I had heard no news from the organization I wanted to work with, and finally 3 days befoer Thursday, I found out that for a while they weren't accepting any more students for a while because they had bad experiences in the past. So things were really up in the air but they told me to keep working on the original idea. Thursday rolls in and I'm 98% done with my work and then they tell me that the organization decided not to take me in because of lack of resources. I was really crushed, stressed and really overwhelmed because all of the work that I was doing had been really for nothing. It was really the worst part of my experience in Brazil because I had to come up with a new project in one day. Luckily I had a back up plan and it was sort of related to my original idea, but it also wasn't in Salvador, where I really had my heart set on going. However, this way I get to stay with Homestay family for more time.
This week our group flied out to beautiful Recife. It is a huge change from Fortaleza and once I get back to my computer, I'll make sure to upload some pictures from here and Salvador because it is absolutely gorgeous. However, I do miss Fortaleza because I was starting to get to know it like the back of my hand. But soon I will be back working with this amazing NGO that I've already visited in the past MSMCBJ Movimento Saude Mental da Comunidade Bom Jardim. It's an amazing organization that has its doors open for literally everyone. I'm really happy that they're my backup organization and I know that it's going to be an amazing experience.
Time running out in internet cafe, need to go, more later with pictures, tchau!!

Pictures from Semana Santa: Morro Branco

Morro Branco

Long overdue

There is just too many things going on all at once all the time that I really don't find the time to write it all down, especially since my laptop stays at school and I really don't find the patience to sit down and write it all down. My mind works much faster than I can write...all the time.
So I guess last time I updated, I said that I was going to visit an MST settlement. It was an incredible experience, and although many people in Brazil don't believe in the movement, I still think it's crucial to move forward.
There are a lot of land issues here in Brazil, and MST (Movimento Sem Terras) is fighting to deconcentrate the huge land hold that only a handful of rich families own, and all of this land is unproductive. In better hands, this land could be farmed and feed thousands of families all over Brazil. It's ridiculous what these families have to go through, living in shacks made up of no more than black trashbags on the side of road for years just to get a piece of land to farm that would otherwise be lay to fallow.
Before we went to the city of Candide, which is sort of like a religious mecca for the surrounding area. They have this church where they pray for miracles, and if their wish or desire or dream comes true, they send in a photo which gets added to a huge wall composite of photos and a wooden carving of the body part that was healed is donated. It really is incredible and emotional to see the before and after photos of all of these people.
After Caninde, we rode on our bus to the MST settlement where the bus got stuck in the mud. We were in the middle of nowhere, 2 miles from the settlement in pitch black dark, where the final decision was to walk to the two miles in the mud, in the pitch black dark, and where we got our famous SIT quote from Jackie, "I did't sign up for the Amazon trip!" Luckily I and a few others had our flashlights. It was a very intense weekend, surrounded by intensely gorgeous landscapse and also a very important social movement that does not only affect Brazil, but many other Latin American Countries as well.
We got home and my legs looked diseased! I got bitten so much that it was unbelievable, and no one else got bitten my mosquitoes!! Like my mom says, I must have sweet blood. Ugh, why!!
Moving along, we came back for a few days of class and then we would be off for a few days for spring break. Technically semana santa, but it was our version of spring break. We were all working really hard to turn in our proposals for our research projects as its nearing crunch time. Oh no!! but we got through it and we were off to Morro Branco!
Morro Branco is a gorgeous almost pristine beach where we went away for 3 days and 2 nights. There were 13 of us that went out of 19 students total, it was an amazing experience to bond and share stories with each other. Basically everyone is crazy. The beaches here are marvelous as well because we had barracas on the beach and we could order food and just sit and then go for a dip in the ocean. (which by the way has warm water...it's really strange and odd and I really miss the icy cold waters of the pacific ocean) We stayed in MOrro Branco from Thursday to Saturday. ON Friday, we walked 4km to the next beach over Praia das Fontes where we were supposed to see some majestic waterfalls. When we finally made it to Praia das Fontes, we were told by a tour guide that the water falls were 2 hours away walking distance, so we gave in and rented a buggy to take us...except for the fact that the buggy ride was only five minutes, the water falls looked like mini faucets and we were not going to pay because we were lied to. So we used our awesome portuguese skills and negotiated with the drivers. We got away scott free! but we did have to walk all the way back.
All weekend we bought friuts, borrowed the blender from the restaurant and made our own tropical mixed drinks, and at night, when it was raining, we went to the beach for a late night dip. It was really paradise. and all for only about $70. The bus fare for a two hour ride was only $5!! I can deal with this. Oh, and did I mention that I'm getting used to drinking everything with a straw here?
I came back home 10 shades darker and with burnt shoulders. OUCH! but it was so worth it, and now my family says that I look like a true Brazilian! Haha, blending in = GREAT!
Today is easter and my family is preparing what looks like a feast. I have to go buy chocolate from my Grandma and eat lots of good food, ugh, what a life!
Aside from all the good things, there have been the bad. My friend Amanda's phone got stolen right out of her hand as she was waiting for the bus, there have been two murders in our neighborhood since we got here (drug and gang related) and a friend of ours almost got mugged by two 12 year olds with a gun. I try everything I can to remain safe, and that even means never going out by myself or without a brazilian, never carrying anything, and taking everyones suggestions to heart. One that has really worked for me has come from Jennifer: No matter where I'm walking, even if I'm lost, look like I'm walking somewhere with a purpose, even if it is to the next light post. I feel it has helped, and only talking in portuguese when I go out.
I really should go. I have a portuguese midterm tomorrow oral and written, and then Tuesday we start our community projects where we go there all week and bascially do a mock ISP project. This week looks like it'll be intense, but I feel will really help my portuguese skills.
I miss everyone so much, including vegetables and eating boiled yuca instead of fried. I also miss tortillas and mexican and nicaraguense food in general. I'm not going to say that I haven't been impressed by the food, but it is good though. The fruit drinks even more so.
tchau & beijos for everyone!!

No words

I really don't know how to describe my experience here as nothing but amazing. I really don't know how many times I can say that this has been one of the best, if not the best decisions/experiences of my life. I think it's noted in that I haven't been able to really update my blog as often as I imagined I would, but here is a short description of events that have passed, and some things might be repeated.
This past weekend Payson, Steph, Henry and Meejin. It was a two-hour busride outside of Fortaleza. I really wanted to sleep on the bus, but the scenery was just so beautiful and out of this world that I really couldn't miss it to sleep on the bus. I can get more sleep later. Also, the bus fare to go was only about $5, I really couldn't miss out.
We had never been there before, but thanks to our portuguese skills, we made it there safely. The bus driver was sooooo nice! We told him where we wanted to go and he let us stay on the bus after our last stop so that we could get dropped off very close to our destination.
We went to the little town of Baturite which is in the country surrounded by lush green hills and tons of fruit trees. We went to a jesuit monastary that was on top of this small hill. It was gorgeous and very much my cup of tea since I am crazy about old architectural designs. It was only $0.50 to get in. Sweet! We went fruit picking, had a picnic and smelled the most delicious mangos on the face of the planet.
After the monastary we did a five minute hike and saw for miles around nothing but beautiful amazon-like forests. It's amazingly gorgeous.
I finally got to go to the beach for the first time after being here for three weeks. The water is delicious. It's not cold and not hot, but nice and tropically warm. Really weird since the Pacific is always ice cold. But you can sit on the beach and drink and capirinhas or aqua de coco straight from the coconut. It's tropical paradise!
I'm really clicking with the group here as everyone makes me laugh. My family is amazing and I am getting along with them swimmingly. One thing that I really miss are vegetables, something I really don't get to eat enough of here, but my aunt makes french fries and gives them to me for free, so that kind of makes up for it I guess.
This weekend we're going to an MST settlement to learn about the movement that has been going on for years concerning the huge difference in the amount of people that hold rights to the land. We'll be sleeping in hammocks, not able to bring our own bottled water and doing the work that they do. I know it's only for two days, but I have heard that this part of the trip is one of the best and most difficult at the same time.
Today at lunch, the man at the sandwich store gave all of teh americans postcards of Brazil so that we could remember what it looks like.
This morning my portuguese teacher laughed at me because I took too long to do an art project, but I am his favorite student, so I guess that makes up for it.
and now I have to go to lecture class to learn about social movements in brazil.
love love love!!

Picture Point Summary

Here is my adventure so far in photos.

1. This is the compound, the first place that we arrived at and had orientation for four days. This was a good start for things to come. It is beautiful with a lake, hundreds of places to put your hammock (of which we all got free ones) and just a totally relaxed atmosphere.


2. We went to this community where they do community therapy practices for free. It's like a mini paradise in the scruffy looking neighborhood Boa Jardim. This guy is a priest from Italy that came to Fortaleza and opened this place. They get funded internationally and do everything for free.
And once again, I ran out of time. I'll update this post again with more photos later.

Ze

I <3 Brazil.

Random Fact Summary
1. I have not gotten a mosquito bite since I left the compound.
2. Rain is serious business here. Don´t be fooled by the false light sprinkle because everytime it rains, it will no doubt pour.
3. Food here is amazingly cheap!! We get R$10 Reais a day for food and today I only spen R$7, muito legal! Did I also mention that it is also insanely delicious?
4. Many conversations around here center around diarrhea or constipation.
5. It is constantly dreadfully, scorchingly, unbearably hot and humid.
6. I have been mistaken many times as a Brasileira.
7. My family is seriously the best family out of the whole group. I´m pretty sure about that.
8. I just learned how to play dominoes.
9. Evenings are spent hanging out on the stoop where without a doubt, someone you know will pass by.
10. I am starting to speak spanish with a portuguese accent.
11. I love you all and miss you all. Estou com saudade com voces!

All of the food around here is buffet style, it's kind of ridiculous. and instead of keeping in shape, I'm going to turn into a huge round ball of fatty brazilian food rolling around on the beach. Not a pretty site. Today we went to the Federal Police to register our visas, which when we pay pack SIT will cost about $100!!! Our books are also going to cost about an extra $200 which I think is pretty much overkill for what we get. (a bunch of photocopies nicely binded) but ...oh well, I'm finally oficially legally registered to be in the country. yay, they won't kick me out unless I do something illegal!!!
Well, but on a lighter note, today we're getting cellphones which will make it ten times easier to call each other to hang out. Not good for our portuguese skills, but good for our social skills.
I am in LOVE with Brazil! the Food is so good, the people are so nice...definitely much different than anywhere else I've visited. for example, on the bus, if all the seats are taken and there are people standing in the aisles, people that are sitting down will offer to hold their belongings instead of offering their seat. A little weird, and I don't think I'll be handing off my things to random strangers.
This saturday, a bunch of people from the group are going to Praia do Futuro to actually go swimming. I hope I can bring my camera so I can send lots of people pictures of the beautiful beaches and scenery around here. And also sometime this weekend, I'm going to shopping with Daniele for some better shampoo and conditioner, because the stuff I brought is terrible for my hair and I can't really look like a mess when everyone around here that is close to my age always looks very chic (sheekee). Which is why it bothers me that SIT tells us to dress down and dirty and no nice clothes while everyone around me looks really nice. I think I'll have to find a medium, but not at the cost of my family looking down upon me because I look so haggard.
Yesterday we had our first lecture and if it's any indication of what future lectures are going to be like, then count me out because I was falling asleep sooooo bad!
Another thing that I was really excited about is all the life and vibrant culture and vibe that we have over here at IBEU. There are lots of cool posters. One that found particularly interesting was one that had a photo of George Bush as Hitler and is name spelled with a swastika in place of an S. ONe that I loved is a poster of Phil Collins for the READ. campaign that they had when we were in elementary school. I'm kind of in love with it and want to take it home.
There is very much a lack of personal space and small town attitude that I am not accustomed to. Everyone here knows everyone else's business like, "Last night I saw the american and ***** go into a motel last night." And let me tell you that info like that spreads faster than a plague over here. The lack of privacy is noted by the fact that the bathroom for the entire house is located right next to the kitchen with everyone else being able to hear all of your business. (I also think they don't flush after every use of the toilet...but I think that is to conserve water.
So far, I think I've only spent $40 which is really good, but starting tomorrow I'm going to be living off of IBEU money, which is good because they give us R$10 a day for meals and tickets to use on the bus. I can get a meal for R$5 and pocket the extra which in the end can accumulate to a lot of money.
Everyone here is already starting to plan our trip to Rio at the end of the program. Which for me means that I won't be able to visit Iguacu or Sao Paulo, but there is always a next time. My visa is valid for one year for multiple entries...so I will definitely be back. but We'lll see how much the plane tickets cost for me to actually get there.
Either way, Fortaleza is amazing and soon we'll be visitin Salvador which I hear is even more beautiful.

IBEU

Sorry for the weird post last time, I literally had like a line of 5 people waiting to use the computer...internet access is not so great here and I haven´t been able to locate an internet cafe near my house.
I´m finally in my homestay family in the neighborhood of Christo Redentor. My family is amazing! When I first met my mom she gave me the biggest hug I´ve ever recieved and I instantl felt welcomed into the family. I have a younger sister named Ana-Natalia who is about 18 years old and Arquilau (Who they call Gou Gou) and another younger sister Ana-Lissa who is about 10 years old. I share a small room with my Tia Daniele who is about 24 and then there is the rest of the extended famiy that are in and out of the home millions of times of the day.
Everyone here loves to play practical jokes and love to give nicknames to EVERYONE. We have a family friend whose name is Popo and Julia who´s name is Julia, we call her Juju and my tio Sergio wanted to try to call me Ana Banana...although I told him that I really didn´t like the name and he just laughed at me.
On Sundays, my family just likes to sit outside and spend the day just chatting it up with friends that just pass by. And they do all the time. There are about 6 SIT students living in the neighborhood and so I see them often too.
Slang...no direct translation. Uh oh...in portuguese, the hip word to say is Ligao. To say that something is cool. So I tried to explain that to them that the equivalent would be cool, but they all started laughing at me again. later on I asked Daniele what it meant and she said that it sounded like the work Cu which in portuguese means "ass" definitely not cool.
Yesterday I went with Stephanie and my host brother and sister and their friends to Praia do futuro which is the popular and also very touristy beach of the city of Fortaleza. The buses here are a NIGHTMARE. However compared to the US they have a much better system and compared to Nicaragua, much better maintenance (no holes in the ground sort of deal) It only costs about 60 cents to ride the bus (american) which is super cheap! We went to go to a Swingera Festa which is like line-dancing...but brazilian style. (And yes, thong bikinis do exist and they told me that if I wear my swimsuit which is far from that, I will instantly be pointed out as american) I have had some luck as being able to pass as Brazilian, muito ligao, nao?
I also had my first taste of caiparinha the offical drink of Brazil which was more of a refresher rather than a drink. because the place was PACKED! Crushed like sardines and everyone trying to shake their booty. We finally went home and ate Pastel, a fried pastry with meat inside sooo good, but everyone noted that I was exhausted and so was everyone else.
I have so much more to write about, but not enough time as usual. These people really keep us on our feet.
In between taking four showers a day, eating, school, homework and spending time with friends and family...there is so little time for internet. More of an American thing I guess.
I will write more soon when my thoughts are composed. I need to drink some more water because the sun near the equator is killer.
Tchau bellas!!
Drop me a line, and as soon as I locate the nearest post office, I will be sure to send out letters.

I'm here!!

I'm finally here in beautiful Brasil and it is amazing. Short time to be online, but I have lots of great photos already that I'm dying to share. I understand much more portuguese than I thought I would. I'm having a blast and it's only the first day!
tchau!
(E agora falo um poquito)

Le Schedule

There's lots of fun goodies in store for four months worth of Brazilian adventures. Here is the madness that I'm so excited to get started on:
Brazil: Culture, Development & Social Justice
Spring 2008 Program Schedule

February 18-24 - Arrival and Orientation

Flight consists of LA - Miami - Manaus - Belem - Fortaleza for a total of 15 hours of flight time...yay!

February 25 - April 12 - Protuguese Language Study and Culture, Development & Social Justice Seminar, Field Study Seminar and concurrent homestay in Fortaleza
April 13-27 - Excursion to Bahia
April 28 - May 25 - Independent Study Project

During this time I may have limited internet connection since we'll all be on our own doing our own research projects.

May 26 - June 1 - ISP Oral Presentations and Evaluation
June 2 - End of Scheduled program
June 10 - Ana leaves Brasil and arrives in the USA!!

An extra week devoted to travel where I hope to get to go to Rio de Janeiro, Jericoacoara, Sao Paulo and other places in my travel guide. Also maybe an excursion to the Amazon or Iguacu Falls!

Praia do Jericoacoara



Rio de Janeiro



Iguacu Falls

I'm ready to go!

So I just recieved some of the best news on the planet! Not only do I have a summer job set for when I come home from Study Abroad...I am actually going to study abroad!! It's been a hectic past three weeks with my Visa emotionally and mentally draining, but know I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and I can finish my preparations for my Brazilian excursion. Now I need to make the loooong list of things that I still need to prepare. I'll get back to you on this.

Someone tell me I'm only dreaming...

Another obstacle just jumped right in front of me as I'm preparing for my departure to Brazil.

VISA

A four letter word that I never want to deal with ever again. Not only was the initial application for it absolutely painstaking, but now things seem even more up in the air about my voyage abroad since they issued me the wrong type of Visa. It looks like it would work just fine, except for the fact that the program has been harping at everyone to make sure that we get the exact right kind of Visa and now to recieve this is just horrible and just makes me want to puke. More updates later as the drama ensues.
I'm crossing my fingers for the best.

Yellow Fever

I've been doing tons of work in preparation for my departure for Brazil, the hardest being learning some portuguese, but also anxiously awaiting detailed e-mail instructions with the next steps. Yesterday, I recieved this "pleasant" e-mail:

To all Spring 2008 Brazil students,

I am writing to inform you of the following situation occurring in Brazil (see below). As this does not change any recommendations previously made, I wanted to share this information with you if you are planning on traveling before or after the program to other parts of Brazil. If you are a participant in the Brazil - Amazon program, it is still a requirement for you to have documentation of receiving this vaccination, as outlined in the Health Guidelines. For participants on the program in Salvador or Fortaleza, if you have chosen or plan to have the yellow fever vaccination, please be sure to bring your yellow World Health Organization (WHO) card in order to document the vaccination in order to carry that with you while traveling. For more information about yellow fever, please visit: http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yellowfever/

Please note, there is currently a shortage of the vaccine, so I would recommend checking the above website for more information and calling around your local clinics to check on availability. The above website has a clinic locater, where you can find your closest clinic that can provide yellow fever vaccination. Good luck.

Ben
_____________________

YELLOW FEVER - BRAZIL: ALERT
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An International advisory (from Shoreline Travax):
-- Brazil: yellow fever --
According to national health authorities, 2 cases of yellow fever have been reported from Brasilia, Brazil's capital. Both cases were infected outside the capital, but hospitalized in the city. Shoreland continues to recommend vaccination for all persons over 9 months of age for travel to all rural areas of all states, including Iguassu Falls tourist resorts, and for travel to Brasilia and Belo Horizonte. Cities in jungle areas are considered rural, not urban, in nature. Vaccination is not recommended for travel to major coastal cities from Fortaleza to the Uruguay border, including the major tourist/business destinations of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, and Fortaleza, as well as major cities of the industrial south. Note: entry requirements may apply.

Date: 9 Jan 2008
Source: Newspaper O Globo, Brazil [in Portuguese, trans. & summ. by
Mod.JW, edited].


Brazil will today issue an international alert about yellow fever in the light of the 2nd death of a Brazilian from YF in Brasilia, the capital. Both cases were infected outside the capital, but hospitalized in the city in the acute phase, potentially able to infect the urban vector mosquito, _Aedes aegypti_, which is abundant there.

Yesterday the Brazilian Ministry of Health asked the Ministries of Tourism & of External Relations to advise all its embassies worldwide, and international organizations, about the threat. Diplomats and staff should be vaccinated.

Tourist agencies will be warned, and leaflets distributed at Brazil's airports and bus stations, advising all tourists, international and national, to get vaccinated. The Ministry of Tourism emphasizes that coastal Brazil, the part most visited by tourists, is "practically free" of YF.

[However, it should be remembered that in January 2000, an ecotourist who had spent the New Year holiday in the interior of Goais state was hospitalized with YF on her return to Rio de Janeiro, which was suffering a dengue epidemic at the time. More than 22 000 cases of dengue were recorded in the city of Rio de Janeiro last year (2007), and the epidemic is continuing. Since the mosquito vector of dengue is the same as that of urban YF, if YF patients start to arrive in
Rio hospitals, the potential for spread will be there.

Travelers should be vaccinated at least 10 days before entering Brazil, to allow the vaccine to take full effect. The Brazilian government is to be highly commended on issuing this international alert, in spite of the possible negative impact on its tourist industry. - Mod.JW]

Some more research into this on CDC shows that:

Yellow fever virus, a flavivirus, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Illness ranges in severity from a self-limited febrile illness to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever. Yellow fever disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings, laboratory testing, and the possibility of exposure to infected mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever; care is based on symptoms. Steps to prevent yellow fever include use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and vaccination. Yellow fever occurs in tropical regions of Africa and in parts of South America. Yellow fever is a very rare cause of illness in U.S. travelers. The last epidemic of yellow fever in North America occurred in New Orleans in 1905.

Yeah, this trip is going to be full of lots of excitement!