Tag: mfretes93

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"