Day Five, Six, Seven: Tudo Bem!

Our first full day in BH was great. There's a man-made lake in our area that we walked around. At a roadside stand we had "coco verde" (green coconuts) where they core a hole into them for us to drink the juice. So good!

After a couple of hours of walking we found a grill house (grilled meats are VERY popular in this area). Nine caipirinhas and caipirissimas later (similar to alocoholic lemonade with a tangy bite mixed with cachacas, rum, or vodka) I found myself totally relaxed and dancing the samba with a handsome Brazilian stranger named "Romulo". We made some friends--a really nice couple and Romulo and his friends. Quite a few folks speak some English and with our combined knowledge (or lack of) Portuguese we're able to communicate enough to laugh and have a good time.

We've met with the UFMG folks (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais) and ran into the undergraduates we know from Wayne State! There are three of them studying at UFMG for a semester--we had all taken Portuguese together. It was a great reunion and we're planning some short trips to local areas pretty soon. There's a conservation area near BH that promises waterfalls, kayaking, and hiking--I MUST go.

So far (knock on wood) we haven't been sick. While Cara and I are being pretty careful with what we eat (little to no raw foods, not drinking the tap water, etc) Renuka's been enjoying almost everything--her Indian iron stomach seems to be doing well.

As I sit in the lounge of the pousada I'm relishing the calm weather--sunny, mild, and relaxing. Many places have open-air sections to them where you can see trees of poinsettias (yes, trees!) and some really stunning flowers that are brighter than anything I've ever seen. It's a beautiful place but the air quality isn't the best. Considering that Cara and I polished off a pack of cigarettes at the grill house (and neither of us smokes!) I s'pose the outside air is the least of my concerns.

Brazil is doing wonders for my mindset... ENJOY ENJOY ENJOY and don't worry about responsibility too much. I'm riding this wave as it comes and loving every second of it!