Tag: Marissa Fretes

By mfretes93

To most Americans, the word "gringo" is an attack on everything that our country stands for, from eagles to apple pies to making sure that there's a McDonald's on every corner of the earth. We hear the word in movies and on television, when dim-witted Americans encounter Latin Americans, usually in or around Mexico, generally being unaware of cultural norms outside of the U.S. And so what's what we think when we hear the word--"stupid, stupid Americans." ...continue reading "Proud to Be a Gringo"

By mfretes93

After 10 hours on a plane, not including the 2 hours spent idle on the tarmac, I finally reached Rio de Janeiro and now, I'm almost done with my first week. And while I still have a lot to see, do, and understand (namely, how not to get lost, everyday), I feel as though I have a pretty good grasp on how things work around here: nothing ever starts on time, coffee is drank like water, and the beach is a way of life. I think I can do this for four more months.

But while this might seem like a dream come true, the initial adjustment period was difficult, and still is. Namely, the language barrier. So, of all the lessons I've learned so far (more on that in the coming weeks), the most important takeaway from my first week is this: speak, speak, speak. ...continue reading "The First Few Days"

By mfretes93

How much of your life do you live on the go?

It's been one of the most difficult adjustments I've had to make while I've been here in Rio. But before coming here, I never realized how much of my life I spend multitasking, especially when it comes to meals. Back in the States, breakfast before class usually involves me frantically making coffee after oversleeping by at least 10 or 15 minutes, pouring the coffee into a travel mug, grabbing a cereal bar, and briskly walking to class, mouth half-full with granola.

And of course, I never thought that this sort of lifestyle would be perceived strangely in other parts of the world. ...continue reading "Saying Tchau to Multi-tasking and Travel Mugs"