New Developments

I've had a very busy few weeks since my last post, with lots of social engagements, lots of arrangements to be made for future plans, as well as other things happening with me. As for social engagements, there was a Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band concert that I went to a few weeks ago, which was a great time. It was a 16 and up night at the club, which if I had brought the right documents, would have made getting nice and smooth. Unfortunately, the bouncer wanted an original passport. It took my friends and I a very long time to convince him that this was crazy, and that my 4 other forms of I.D. in my pocket should prove I am who I am. After this little disruption, we got in, and after a bit of techno in beforehand, the band came on. The musicians themselves were about as good as you expect a Brazilian Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band to be, but seeing as I grew up with the music, I had a great time. Most of the other social events were not quite as noteworthy, just the usual fare of going to people's houses, talking, eating dinner, as well as a second churasco the other day.

This was about the same time I started to notice there was something wrong with my knee. Since about my last blog post my knee has been swollen, along with some pain and difficulty extending it. All of the symptoms seem to line up with a tear to my meniscus, which my father had as well at one point, making it seem very likely. Whatever it is, I'm going to an orthopedist next week to find out. I doubt it's anything too serious.

Anyway, last night I also made my reservation for my trip to the Northeast, which is sure to be one of the most amazing months of my life. In a nutshell, it's a tour of the best equatorial beaches in Brazil: Bahia, Natal, etc., followed by a stay in Rio. I'm beyond excited for this opportunity, and so grateful that I'm able to go on it. It will last for a month, which should be a great way to break up my routines here.  The full itinerary, with places, things, activities, can be found here (in English). http://www.terrabrasil.com/inter_programa.php?lang=ZW4=&id=NA==

So, with my concerns about my knee, reservation and money taken care of, I don't have very much to worry about, as it should always be when living in Brazil.