Back where it all began

Rio de Janeiro!


Lívia, Aaron and Alessandra


Milla, Aaron and Alessandra

It seems hard to believe, but it's almost a year since I came here to Rio de Janeiro. It was on Satuday 29th August 2009 that I came here with my good friends Max and Monique. That was for a trip just short of three weeks. On now on my second visit to Brazil and have been here five months this time, and yes I'm now back in Rio de Janeiro!

Last time I was here, as much as I enjoyed it, I wasn't really "allowed" to go anywhere by myself because I was told everything was dangerous for a gringo such as myself. This time around, I've made a point of getting familiar with the public transport - particularly the subway system - so that I can have a bit of a look around myself.

I've caught up with some good friends, particularly Livia and Milla - friend's of Monique - who I met here last time. But this time around they're pretty busy during the week so I've been keep myself occupied. During my first week, I caught up with a friend Eirik who I met back in Floripa. He's from Norway and was here for a holiday. So I did some of the touristy things that I did last time but are well worth doing again such as visiting the Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer statue which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (although there seem to be a way to many "seven wonders of the world" variations these days).


This is my first extended stay at a place where I'm not doing any official Portuguese study. But apart from talking with people - which is probably the best way to practise - I've found some other ways. I bought some 'classic' books, kids version (probably designed for 8-10 years old), about 70 pages each - all in Portuguese. The kind of stories I liked when I was a kid and still do now. I've nearly finished Robin Hood and plan to read King Arthur next! I don't understand everything, but enough to follow what's going on. Likewise I bought myself a Portuguese "modern language" Bible. I've been reading about Joseph in the book of Genesis. I was happy because I understood more than I thought I would. Being already familiar with what happens does help.

I've also been looking to do some volunteer work while I'm here. I might be able to help in one of the favelas. I intend to write more about this in my next blog.