able to keep up the motivation lately to keep the onda moving. Usually, I publish longer posts with pictures--random events and thoughts that I plan out before hand. Well, the time just isn't there for me right now, and I figure it's better to start submitting small posts than no posts at all.
***
In that vain, I'm going to try and hop on at work when there's time, to throw a little blog tid bit your way. Think of it less like a full course meal and more like a twinkie (minus the cream filling).
So....hmmm....what's happening right now. Well, I'm at work. Things are bad here. I work in tourism and we arn't selling anything. That said, I have a habit of meditating for 10 min every day before lunch, to calm my nerves, to balance myself, to feel spiritual. I meditate in this little veranda like room out in the hall, on the 21st floor of my building. It is a public space that most people don't use, if only to occassionally smoke a cigarette. As I was meditating today, some lady came in a lit one up. Usually people freak out and run away when they see some random guy sitting there, with a bandana over his eyes, meditating. It is a little weird, I admit it. Anyway, the women continued smoking and clearly had no problem interrupting my session. I resolved to ignore her, but broke down when she decided to open up her cell and start chatting.
Kind of pissed, I got up and started to leave. I looked in her eyes and said "oi".
She said, "Eu te atrapalhou?", which means, did I disturb/bother you.
I thought, jesus, um yeah, your rude and I'm going away now, but I just said "no" and left.
I dunno, maybe the meditating is helping.
Thank you....ahem....that's your twinkie for the day.
7 comments:
Leo,
Twinkies are good!
Hahahah. Indeed they are.
ah.... the problem with the Brazilian "oi" is that it just means "hello".
The British "oi" means "you're doing something that's pissing me off!"
Much more effective!
Hi Leo, I just finished reading through every post! I'm from Portland, OR, and lived in Salvador from 1991-2000 (mostly in Boca do Rio) and your blog takes me right back to the crazy highs and lows of living in Brazil as a foreigner. Thanks so much for capturing the real essence of what it's like to live there. Best of luck and congrats on your citizenship!
Lisa S
Hi Lisa!
Thanks for reading!
Eeecch 9 years in Salvador. You have me beat. Just out of curiosity, why did you end up going home.
Bjs
I love Bahia, and I had a good life there, but I felt like I had learned what I needed to and it was time to move on. I didn't want to teach ESL for the rest of my life, started to freak out about financial security, was tired of dating Brazilian men, etc. Also, I didn't like that poverty and extreme disparities were no longer shocking to me-I didn't want to be "used to" some things, if that makes any sense. I spent all of my 20s there though, and it shaped who I am now-I never sweat the small stuff and am very easygoing. I can sleep through any noise level, after living for years around crowing roosters, firecrackers and general mayhem-I'm sure you know what I mean. Brazilians by example taught me to value relationships more, to be truly present in the moment, to know how to really have fun, and to be more grateful and less narcissistic or entitled than the typical American. How have you changed since moving there?
Ola Leo. I'm just back from 4 weeks in Salvador. Third visit in 15 months. Was staying not far from your place. Am interested to read your comment re lack of clients. Is this the normal post carnaval drop off in activity or is it the result of A Crise! Here in Spain things are dire. I have a small pousada and business is non-existent. Guess I'll need to take up the brazilian jeito of living for today and hang tomorrow :-)!
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