tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15926975859159160712024-03-16T00:49:50.443-05:00Go GoianoGoing to visit Brazil?
Get to know the ground rules, and hit the ground running.Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-70063572822285574572016-09-01T20:54:00.000-05:002019-04-20T20:20:13.364-05:00Thinking of You<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember when you were alive with such hope & promise!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The giant awoke... but I can't help thinking it may as well have been in Lilliput, captured and forced to do the bidding of a few self-serving elitists who, though small in number, possessed the means to completely ruin the dream for everyone else ...running the whole country into the ground (or the sea: "<a href="http://www.bbc.com/portuguese/noticias/2016/01/160112_petrobras_petroleo_ru" target="_blank">Pré-Sal</a>," as it is known).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My heart aches for you.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-55999556749868842032014-02-27T14:27:00.000-06:002016-07-04T00:37:02.491-05:00Dillo - The Other White Meat<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know. It just <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2014/01/armadillos-or-tattoos.html" target="_blank">keeps coming up</a>.
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On Tuesday afternoon I had the opportunity to explore <a href="http://www.austingiftcompany.com/" target="_blank">Austin's coolest store</a>. If you find yourself in <a href="http://www.forbes.com/pictures/emeg45iikm/1-austin-texas/" target="_blank">the capital city</a>, do yourself a favor and set aside about 5 hours to peruse <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/austin-gift-company-austin?select=balwIDIBxbQJHMoKbo22XQ#wKIKxdGdA4xmAPEzFT0c3w" target="_blank">Austin Gift Company</a>.
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Over the years, I have been able to find the perfect gifts for people near & dear to me in this wonderland of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Nelson" target="_blank">Willie</a>, wacky and way cool. There's a little bit of everything, and something for everyone. Guaranteed. I only wish I'd have had my camera with me, to show you all of the amazing art.
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<b>Note to comic book fans:</b> There are phenomenal sketched fan art coasters that you should check out. I'll be back for some of the Batman, X-men & Wonder Woman pieces.
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Sans camera, I asked a buddy to get a snapshot of this awesomeness.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-vMFVLyG9A/Uw-XPotRJXI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/YWTZJvUj91M/s1600/DILLO+-The+Other+White+Meat_Go-Goiano-%6014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-vMFVLyG9A/Uw-XPotRJXI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/YWTZJvUj91M/s320/DILLO+-The+Other+White+Meat_Go-Goiano-%6014.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: <b>Johnny Bonez</b></span></div>
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I recently spoke with a Texas gentleman who shared some of the old stories. He told me that people used to eat armadillos here, too. I had no idea!
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Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-33947198964974854532014-02-19T11:23:00.000-06:002016-07-17T19:38:08.877-05:00Late Bloomer<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am a late bloomer, it seems, when it comes to bloomin' buds (and I'm not talking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horticulture" target="_blank">horticulture</a> or <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=CbATAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA244&lpg=PA244&dq=%22blooming%22+expletive+origin&source=bl&ots=D2HPCXv8Gn&sig=wnhFCnPMQmb6cg2EhTHl5kaMse8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjApZim4vvNAhWG4yYKHeL6BpEQ6AEIZTAP#v=onepage&q=%22blooming%22%20expletive%20origin&f=false">British expletives</a>). I'm talking about taste buds. Being an expat changed my palette, and not in the way you'd think.
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I've always enjoyed trying new foods. I grew up in <a href="http://www.today.com/food/austins-weird-wonderful-food-scene-gets-sxsw-boost-383240" target="_blank">Austin</a>, a city where well over a third of my meals were <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tex-Mex" target="_blank">Tex-Mex</a> punctuated by <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/pho-hong-austin" target="_blank">Vietnamese</a>, Italian, and <a href="http://www.blacksbbq.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">Texas Bar-B-Que</a>, and peppered with Mexican, <a href="http://buffetpalace.net/" target="_blank">Chinese, Japanese</a>, Cajun, Brazilian and "Southern" foods.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDfwknuxthLcgO2XH2uPrciUbf3jHKIRtjdqC5ofwkiRgtzPuy_iCWEjVfie0ss5UzAwo7iuQ0uEctEL-fhSWiphQBWCOksDYIHtj4kHO6D6mj8YFdOEVI-h8Uwq9sAIgM4ayjKzELfHY/s1600/My+Typical+Diet+in+ATX+-+Pie+Chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDfwknuxthLcgO2XH2uPrciUbf3jHKIRtjdqC5ofwkiRgtzPuy_iCWEjVfie0ss5UzAwo7iuQ0uEctEL-fhSWiphQBWCOksDYIHtj4kHO6D6mj8YFdOEVI-h8Uwq9sAIgM4ayjKzELfHY/s1600/My+Typical+Diet+in+ATX+-+Pie+Chart.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://mrnussbaum.com/smartpoll3/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pie Chart Coolness</span></a></div>
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I'd say that my tastes are well-rounded, though <i>some people</i> would beg to differ. People who seem to think that <b><i>not liking</i></b> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBJ_sandwich" target="_blank">PBJ</a>s ...and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayonnaise" target="_blank">mayo</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coleslaw" target="_blank">coleslaw</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stove_Top_stuffing" target="_blank">stuffing</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candied_yams#North_America" target="_blank">candied yams</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin_pie" target="_blank">pumpkin pie</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranberry_sauce" target="_blank">cranberry sauce</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar_salad" target="_blank">Caesar salad</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_split" target="_blank">banana splits</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_fried_steak" target="_blank">chicken fried steak</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakfast_sandwich" target="_blank">breakfast sandwiches</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reese%27s_Peanut_Butter_Cups#Marketing_and_advertising" target="_blank">anything chocolaty with peanut butter</a> is downright <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/302009-redneck-randal" target="_blank">Un-American</a>.
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I understand that I <i>may</i> seem to be building a case against myself (<i>and am probably setting myself up for a round of hate mail</i>), but I also don't like corned beef, meatloaf, dinner rolls, dumplings or gravy, so it's not only "traditional American dishes" that are on my <i><b>Try Another Day</b></i> list.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29Lzr43un4hzmdMZdbcKMmQ-2zYosGtJuOOygD8VeDukLAdwiDCd-oMn34CBmaQ9JbezORCzcVrb855NeofQ-tWd2TXI9ih_zQVsdrY9D0556fseSaBkEY22r8uMle_yCRQGOd7Y1U1ja/s1600/Far+Side_Gary+Larson_Alien-Family-Dinners.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29Lzr43un4hzmdMZdbcKMmQ-2zYosGtJuOOygD8VeDukLAdwiDCd-oMn34CBmaQ9JbezORCzcVrb855NeofQ-tWd2TXI9ih_zQVsdrY9D0556fseSaBkEY22r8uMle_yCRQGOd7Y1U1ja/s320/Far+Side_Gary+Larson_Alien-Family-Dinners.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thefarside.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Far Side</span></a></div>
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True, Thanksgiving Day meals have always been a challenge, but it isn't like I didn't give these things a try for a good decade or so. I think I was about 19 when I started having a taste [teaspoon] of peanut butter, every now and then (which was promptly followed by a tall glass of milk). I only ate mayo with tuna, egg, or potato salads, and opted for mustard when possible.
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Then I moved to <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2011/11/good-lookin-capital-city-of-goias.html" target="_blank">Goiânia</a>.
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We all know the old adage, "<b>Absence makes the <i>heart</i> grow fonder</b>," but it appears to apply to taste buds, as well.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4sVGAH1O-q4Sd1IDomYLLLz4mTdmpfyztP6ETcntiyySwOQbN7bJqacwuWFDVPWx8sDsrQ2jGdTZKRaYGTujRE0Lr8DJQ9RE4inv5pMAoVlHNJQuGPKvo69O45E0oA6IlPTi1wjtCXYM/s1600/Typical+Diet+in+Goiania-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4sVGAH1O-q4Sd1IDomYLLLz4mTdmpfyztP6ETcntiyySwOQbN7bJqacwuWFDVPWx8sDsrQ2jGdTZKRaYGTujRE0Lr8DJQ9RE4inv5pMAoVlHNJQuGPKvo69O45E0oA6IlPTi1wjtCXYM/s1600/Typical+Diet+in+Goiania-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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It wasn't until I was living in a particular part of the country where everything is pretty much same-same (whether you happen to be at a cookout, restaurant, or relative's house), and things like peanut butter are hard to come by, that I suddenly decided that I really couldn't stand another day without it. <i>And that I inexplicably missed it so badly that I'd eat an entire jar (in a matter of weeks) when I found it.</i>
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Then came the mayo urges.
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<b>I didn't even know who I was anymore.</b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHMAz7_fQfQt-sqW6YtlnQfYqwRi_G821SCrwVHzkEfx0vwni7bqr6gd2YRqxEgrYAGvSqzQmuilvG3Ks9HtbSHkw5eRKAQ-5wjoIHVDH0AKx1bg2_5YY49j4SfwxPyHcm9EYFQKuiWOj/s1600/Eye+Yam+What+I+Yam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHMAz7_fQfQt-sqW6YtlnQfYqwRi_G821SCrwVHzkEfx0vwni7bqr6gd2YRqxEgrYAGvSqzQmuilvG3Ks9HtbSHkw5eRKAQ-5wjoIHVDH0AKx1bg2_5YY49j4SfwxPyHcm9EYFQKuiWOj/s1600/Eye+Yam+What+I+Yam.jpg" /></a></div>
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Finally, I found myself turning into more of a mad scientist than cook, concocting strange food mixtures born out of desperation (things that would make any decent cook or food lover cringe).
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<i>The horror... the horror...</i>
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I don't want you to be naive regarding the culinary purgatory that awaits expats who are not headed to major cultural hubs. Those of you bound for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_city" target="_blank">global cities</a> can file this away under, "Whew! Dodged that one."
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Those of you moving into the middle of nowhere, or worse, somewhere that <strike>for <b>no logical <i>or</i> logistical reason, curiously <i>and</i> unnecessarily</b></strike> <b>resists change</b> like a cat resists bath time, take heed:
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There will come a day when you try, against all odds, to recreate a particularly elusive taste from home. Your desperation will be directly linked — <i>not unlike your threshold for weird combos</i> — to just how bland the local stuff is, or how homogeneous the condiment and spice aisles are at local stores.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7Br_rx-RP9tFRs9QAnNQM4MnMFsYJeZ72lpZOwm7k7OF_yWkUwq2sI0totX2vW6CPDQPQhSyBJ_gUejMvccQUN6sNYTG4bZCFgeqfvjruoS2wCpl808XJPmPTj2kgmNoCe3dHpVFfCRA/s1600/Kiss+the+Cook+ANYWAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7Br_rx-RP9tFRs9QAnNQM4MnMFsYJeZ72lpZOwm7k7OF_yWkUwq2sI0totX2vW6CPDQPQhSyBJ_gUejMvccQUN6sNYTG4bZCFgeqfvjruoS2wCpl808XJPmPTj2kgmNoCe3dHpVFfCRA/s1600/Kiss+the+Cook+ANYWAY.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=food&ex=1" target="_blank">Image</a></span></div>
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While I will neither confirm nor deny certain attempts at recreating gumbo, enchiladas, and/or queso without the aid of anything remotely resembling what was needed, I <i>can</i> tell you that through shared expat stories & recipes, I was able to successfully make sour cream (or as we labeled that kitchen experiment: "Cloud Nine").
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Just watch yourself. No one back home needs to know the frightening depths to which you were willing to sink in order to appease your <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taste" target="_blank">sense of taste</a>. <b>Don't</b> get caught tweaking a bowl of already-prepared salsa with a squirt of ketchup <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_culture_shock#Reverse_culture_shock" target="_blank">once you are back</a> where these things are not only unheard of, but <a href="http://youtu.be/L-PmIueff8I" target="_blank">a crime</a>.
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Of course, other things might be tip-offs that you've been shaken to the core. Things like a 180 in your stance on mayo & peanut butter.
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Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-86652299408710342842014-02-13T02:13:00.001-06:002021-04-20T18:18:22.021-05:00Emerging<div style="text-align: justify;">
While speaking with a loved one recently, she reminded me of a Brazilian Portuguese idiom that put some things in perspective. She told me not to look back, because there's nothing that can be done about the decisions we've made in the past, and not to give up because there are so many things worth fighting for in the future. <i>While hindsight is 20/20, it's a waste to mull over the details (unless you are writing a biography, or it's in your job description).</i>
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The saying goes like this:
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"<b><i>Quem anda para trás é caranguejo. Quem fica parado é poste. Quem evolui é ser humano.</i></b>"
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<i>Crabs walk backwards. Posts are stationary. Humans evolve.</i>
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I immediately thought of <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2012/02/newfound-friend-in-fortaleza.html" target="_blank">this little guy</a> that I met on a beach in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortaleza" target="_blank">Fortaleza</a>. It was the first crab that I've come across that <i>not only</i> <b>didn't scurry away</b>, but hunkered down and observed... <i>me</i>? (Cutest thing ever!)
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This expression also brought to mind that thing that I like to do on the beach, where I get <i>just within reach</i> of the retreating waves as they are pulled back to sea. I like to stand there in the shifting sand, seeing how far I can burrow down with each wave, becoming a human post. It's pretty easy to keep your balance until you're about mid-calf down, and a really big wave comes in. That's usually when I realize I'm stuck, <i>and hope an even bigger one isn't right behind</i>. Risky business. I suppose I've been guilty of this type of behavior in other arenas, as well. Hmm...<br />
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Then I remembered this commercial by Fiat. I guess the beach brings out the philosopher in all of us (or it's just a really good backdrop for marketing), or something.
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uBoHZvQy3SY?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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The commercial shows a dog walker who tells himself that he <i>should have been an executive</i>, looking at an exec, who is at what appears to be an impressive lunch meeting. The executive, catching a glimpse of the seemingly glamorous life of a famous band, sighs and laments that he <i>should have been a rock star</i>. Later, in his tour bus, the rock star passes a beach and <i>yearns for the more laid-back lifestyle of a lifeguard</i>. The lifeguard, feeling overwhelmed, <i>wishes that he had been born a crab</i>. The crab just laughs, and says that he <i>can't stand walking sideways anymore</i>. The announcer says, "Sometimes we just want to leave it all behind."<br />
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<b>The grass is <i>always</i> greener on the other side</b> even on the beach. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVZKibZFbWDRZakV7VmZIJ3iGV6Gpe7cpf8kwLLvmMcBqJsU2xeZr7ft07dfBPI_bUfdgLiKD38XrF5shQ57iPpuuP2pVE89BaVyuXyrUUYIvE9_W5nZIckAgmIKF3L-FLomhomPvvAR5/s1600/Ceara_Day+Trip_AiW%6011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVZKibZFbWDRZakV7VmZIJ3iGV6Gpe7cpf8kwLLvmMcBqJsU2xeZr7ft07dfBPI_bUfdgLiKD38XrF5shQ57iPpuuP2pVE89BaVyuXyrUUYIvE9_W5nZIckAgmIKF3L-FLomhomPvvAR5/s320/Ceara_Day+Trip_AiW%6011.jpg" /></a></div>
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(...or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Envy#Cultural_references" target="_blank">maybe that's just us</a>.)
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<br /></div>Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-24254033802605831192014-02-10T22:02:00.008-06:002021-04-19T23:45:34.895-05:00OFL - Onomatopoeia as a Foreign Language<div style="text-align: justify;">
As an adult, I came to realize that not everyone grew up in an onomatopoeically and ideophonically inclined household. It was only after the 20th comment, or so, by a random stranger that I noticed not everyone's O.I. vocabulary is quite as, um, "developed."
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<i>Okay, okay... I use weird sound effects in place of regular words sometimes.</i>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onomatopoeia" target="_blank">Onomatopoeias</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideophone" target="_blank">ideophones</a> are words that phonetically imitate the sound of something that we otherwise wouldn't have a word for. They may eventually reach the point that they're officially recognized words which is how <b>oink</b>, <i>swoosh</i>, <b>bam</b>, and <i><b>meow</b></i> came into being. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onomatopoeia#Comics_and_advertising" target="_blank">These kinds of words are vital to the comic book industry.</a>
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The need for onomatopoeic and ideophonic words is universal, as most languages incorporate a handful into the language. There are those that argue this is how some languages developed at a base level.
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One might think that this shared phenomenon <i><b>could</b></i> be used as a bridge to cross language barriers, but strangely enough, that is most often <b>not</b> the case. Whatever language we speak and whatever sounds we are accustomed to hearing, directly influences our perception of other sounds.
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To see some interesting differences in how we hear animal sounds in different languages, check out this video. I found it intriguing that every language featured, with the exception of Japanese, does hear a version of "Meow."
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/25215616" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://vimeo.com/25215616">Bow Wow Meow - Animal Sounds in Different Languages</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/properniceinnit">properniceinnit</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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<i>The differing perceptions of everyday sounds is why I feel so strongly that the absolute first step to getting a grasp on any language is to <b>learn the sounds of the language</b></i>.
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For example:<br />
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I used to be unable to correctly hear the name of one of the doormen at my apartment in Goiânia — a guy that I depended on for my safety & security. Not only did I need to get to know him, but I needed him to get to know me <i>(which isn't always easy when there's a language barrier).</i> ...but I couldn't even understand his name, much less say it.
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So I tried.
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...and tried.
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I must have asked him to repeat his name about <i>a dozen times</i>, before I finally asked him how to spell it. <b><i>And after this experience, I no longer hesitate to ask how to spell anything.</i></b>
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Why didn't I ask him in the first place?
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Someone (giver of <b>unending bad adaptation/assimilation advice</b>) had told me that I <i>"shouldn't ask people how to spell their names because they'd think it was weird."</i>
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I think that meeting someone regularly, <b><i>and never being able to say their name</i></b> is more weird, personally.
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I also think that they only said that because they thought it was embarrassing, for some reason. <i>Or maybe I seemed too nerdy with my pen & mini spiral that I could whip out at a moment's notice.</i> Whatever the reasoning, it was bad advice, and as soon as I ignored it the doors to understanding opened up.<br />
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Prior to getting the correct spelling so that I could sound it out, it went something like:
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<b>Me:</b> "I'm sorry, what is your name, again?"<br />
<b>Him:</b> "Jblblbz%tuiblblblblϟgkblblblo@iwblblblber." (<i>...or something?</i>)<br />
<b>Me:</b> "Oh... Okay. Thanks!" (<i>not getting it, at all</i>)
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So when I finally asked him to spell it, it went like this:
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<b>Me:</b> "I'm sorry, but could you spell your name for me? It's hard for me to understand because Portuguese is my second language."<br />
<b>Him:</b> "Sure. It's J-U-R-A-N-D-I-R."<br />
<b>Me:</b> "Oh, 'Zhuuur-rdahhhhn-zheer'"<br />
<b>Him:</b> "Yes. That's it." (<i>probably thinking, "Finally!"</i>)<br />
<b>Me:</b> "Okay, great, Jurandir! Thank you!" (<i>thinking, "Wow, that was easy ...and I'll never have to ask again!"</i>)
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Although knowing the sounds of a language makes it easier to understand how another culture hears the world, homegrown sounds that you may have taken for granted to fall back on (if your language isn't up to par) may <i>not</i> help you out as much as you think they will.
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For instance, there is very basic and simple onomatopoeic sound that is identical in both English & Portuguese, that is <b>in no way related</b> to the other.
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The same <a href="http://www.writtensound.com/index.php?term=chirrup" target="_blank">clicking sound made with the tongue, </a>used for getting a horse to "<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giddyap" target="_blank">giddyap</a>" in the United States, is used in Brazil as a big fat "<a href="http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/negatory" target="_blank">negatory</a>," or "<b>não</b>." They are not telling you to <i>get along, little <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/dogie" target="_blank">dogie</a></i>, they are just saying <b>no</b>, without an actual word.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsfYiOWHnxx5Vzx7ybRiwksMTqAOhR6zd8kOWMpfnDpO_nxRsh1UV8Jozu9w-zRDT_nXxzuCLlKNehaVGcZWeHM6kydTBfJFIi6cqEmh-FBHqUEFeO4TxykhYnowmS24EIa1e3phQqkQL/s1600/A+Sweet+Time+Horsin'+Around_AinW%6010_GoGoiano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsfYiOWHnxx5Vzx7ybRiwksMTqAOhR6zd8kOWMpfnDpO_nxRsh1UV8Jozu9w-zRDT_nXxzuCLlKNehaVGcZWeHM6kydTBfJFIi6cqEmh-FBHqUEFeO4TxykhYnowmS24EIa1e3phQqkQL/s320/A+Sweet+Time+Horsin'+Around_AinW%6010_GoGoiano.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">(To enlarge, right-click and open in a new window.)</span></div>
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Then there's this classic.
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The first time you're in a place where you are supposed to be quiet, but are needing to get the attention of someone, you might think that the good ol' fashioned, "<i>Psssssssst!</i>" will suffice in getting someone's attention.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-_HZjiUUtTNbXwfEVcpYKYzG-ugD5_DLu86dm1gLeYd7MQDM0x2LOIwvoFzumip2JAqdb_A77kvt98LIyUlKhctCOChsOdJ1_ckajEha_bF6RjYCdEeG44PRdKp921PaRFGTHWLq4Flm/s1600/Pssst_AiW%6007_GoGoiano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-_HZjiUUtTNbXwfEVcpYKYzG-ugD5_DLu86dm1gLeYd7MQDM0x2LOIwvoFzumip2JAqdb_A77kvt98LIyUlKhctCOChsOdJ1_ckajEha_bF6RjYCdEeG44PRdKp921PaRFGTHWLq4Flm/s320/Pssst_AiW%6007_GoGoiano.jpg" /></a></div>
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Uh, not in Brazil.
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It honestly perplexed me when I found out <b>how similar</b> (to me, anyway) <b>the Brazilian Portuguese version is</b> to the "<i>Psssssst</i>" I was using (<i>because I didn't know how the other one went, yet</i>).
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<b>It was like everyone had on <i>Pssssst</i>-cancelling headphones.
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When I later discovered that the way to do it in Brazil is "<b>Psiu</b>" (pronounced: "<i>P</i>-<i>see</i>-<i>you</i>") I just couldn't believe that <i>no one</i> got my American English version.
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Really?!? No one thought that I <i><b>might</b></i> be <i>discreetly</i> trying to get their attention? Huh.
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Speaking of classics, it reminded me of this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Far_Side" target="_blank">comic by Gary Larson, creator of The Far Side</a>.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v3Ds-xJQIZHPrU-WtfAh_2m-MtNFwProlwyPwj89mbb0BrdOSDFxKJtdWNQvUUvBpx5FEKfV6yB3caBgQy-85Pc55aEe_DCb_T4bpbEo88Jk-YS9qvekKuKW6KroNTtrvk1R_qe6vOWD/s1600/Far+Side_Gary+Larson_CATS-what-they-hear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v3Ds-xJQIZHPrU-WtfAh_2m-MtNFwProlwyPwj89mbb0BrdOSDFxKJtdWNQvUUvBpx5FEKfV6yB3caBgQy-85Pc55aEe_DCb_T4bpbEo88Jk-YS9qvekKuKW6KroNTtrvk1R_qe6vOWD/s320/Far+Side_Gary+Larson_CATS-what-they-hear.jpg" /></a></div>
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So now ya know, and we all know <a href="http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/s7x099/all-gi-joe-psas" target="_blank">that is half the battle</a>.
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<b>Psiu!<i></i></b> Pass it on!
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Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-31358098967626991242014-01-28T23:28:00.000-06:002014-01-29T13:32:14.293-06:00Fireflies<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goias" target="_blank">Goiás</a> for any amount of time, you will become familiar with a style of music called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BAsica_sertaneja" target="_blank"><b>Sertanejo</b></a> (pronounced: "<i>sehr</i>-<i>tah</i>-<i>nay</i>-<i>zhoh</i>"), which is the Brazilian cousin of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_music" target="_blank">Country</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tejano_music" target="_blank">Tejano</a> genres.
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Fernandes" target="_blank">Paula Fernandes</a> is the reigning queen of Sertanejo. Her voice is as amazing as she is beautiful. Her song <b><i>Vagalumes</i></b> (pronounced: "<i>vah</i>-<i>gah</i>-<i>loo</i>-<i>meez</i>") from her 2005 cd <b>Canções do Vento Su</b>l <i>(Songs of the South Wind)</i> is a magical song about fireflies... the night sky... and love of the woodlands under the stars.
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Or something.
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As a nature lover, night owl, and reluctant romantic, I find it intoxicating.
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Below are the translated lyrics. Keep in mind that some things just don't translate directly, which can make for some pretty disjointed sentences. (<i>...but then again, so do most of my blog posts.</i>) Regardless, I'm sure you'll find this song enchanting. Youtube user <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yG6PXP0OXY" target="_blank">Vlad Rio</a> did such a great job on this video, how can you not?
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4yG6PXP0OXY?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Vagalumes brilhavam nas estrelas</b><br />
<b>tentavam como vê-las, </b><br />
<b>apaixonadamente</b><br />
<b>essa história começa quando um dia </b><br />
<b>sentir sua magia</b><br />
<b>pulsando em minha frente</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>alegria e medo se juntaram</b><br />
<b>dentro do meu peito </b><br />
<b>onde um coração</b><br />
<b>não sabia o que havia acontecido,</b><br />
<b>mas aquilo só podia ser paixão</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>amores que se acendem</b><br />
<b>ao céu azul se rendem </b><br />
<b>mistérios e perfumes</b><br />
<b>dos seres vagalumes </b><br />
<b>que fazem da noite</b><br />
<b>o seu sertão cercado de beleza e luzes...</b><br />
<b>hummm...</b><br />
<b>hummm...</b><br />
<b>hummm...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>alegria e medo se juntaram</b><br />
<b>dentro do meu peito</b><br />
<b>onde um coração </b><br />
<b>não sabia o que havia acontecido,</b><br />
<b>mas, aquilo só podia ser paixão</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>amores que se acendem</b><br />
<b>ao céu azul se rendem</b><br />
<b>mistérios e perfumes </b><br />
<b>dos seres vagalumes </b><br />
<b>que fazem da noite </b><br />
<b>o seu sertão cercado de beleza e luzes... </b><br />
<b>hummm...</b><br />
<b>hummm...</b><br />
<b>hummm...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>amores que se acendem</b><br />
<b>ao céu azul se rendem</b><br />
<b>mistérios e perfumes </b><br />
<b>dos seres vagalumes </b><br />
<b>que fazem da noite </b><br />
<b>o seu sertão cercado de beleza e luzes... </b><br />
<b>hummm...</b><br />
<b>hummm...</b><br />
<b>hummm...</b><br />
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<i>Fireflies glowed among the stars</i><br />
<i>tried to see them,</i><br />
<i>passionately...</i><br />
<i>This story begins when one day</i><br />
<i>I felt their magic</i><br />
<i>pulsating in front of me...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Joy and fear joined together</i><br />
<i>inside my chest</i><br />
<i>wherein the heart</i><br />
<i>not knowing what had happened,</i><br />
<i>...but this could only be passion.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Lovers that light up</i><br />
<i>the blue sky surrender</i><br />
<i>mysteries and perfumes</i><br />
<i>of firefly beings...</i><br />
<i>They make the night,</i><br />
<i>their woodlands, surrounded by beauty and lights...</i><br />
<i>ooooo...</i><br />
<i>ooooo...</i><br />
<i>ooooo...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Joy and fear joined together</i><br />
<i>inside my chest</i><br />
<i>wherein the heart</i><br />
<i>not knowing what had happened,</i><br />
<i>...but this could only be passion.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Lovers that light up</i><br />
<i>the blue sky surrender</i><br />
<i>mysteries and perfumes</i><br />
<i>of firefly beings...</i><br />
<i>They make the night,</i><br />
<i>their woodlands, surrounded by beauty and lights ...</i><br />
<i>ooooo...</i><br />
<i>ooooo...</i><br />
<i>ooooo...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Lovers that light up</i><br />
<i>the blue sky surrender</i><br />
<i>mysteries and perfumes</i><br />
<i>of firefly beings...</i><br />
<i>They make the night,</i><br />
<i>their woodlands, surrounded by beauty and lights...</i><br />
<i>ooooo...</i><br />
<i>ooooo...</i><br />
<i>ooooo...</i></div>
<br /></div>
Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-25142014814622107142014-01-26T18:00:00.000-06:002014-01-28T21:38:28.316-06:00Hanseníase (vs Leprosy) in Brazil<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today is <a href="http://www.leprosy.org/world-leprosy-day/" target="_blank">World Leprosy Day</a>, observed on the last Sunday in January. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> is featuring a must-see 7-minute video special on <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/video/2014/jan/26/leprosy-brazil-hidden-disease-video" target="_blank">Leprosy in Brazil</a></b>.
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I found this particularly interesting, since I just recently noted the possibility of <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2014/01/armadillos-or-tattoos.html" target="_blank">contracting leprosy from armadillo meat</a>.
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I remember thinking that I had never heard of the term "leper" aka <b>leproso<i></i></b> (pronounced: "<i>leh</i>-<i>PRDOH</i>-<i>zoh</i>) or "leprosy" anytime in the past 7 years, in a city that is the hub for most major medical treatment in the state. <i>Although, when I had looked it up on Wikipedia and saw the photo of a man with leprosy, I recalled seeing people with this "skin condition" a few times in Goiania</i> ...so I thought that perhaps it's a nonissue (possibly all but eradicated), and I'd just happened to come across a rare case or two.
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Wrong.
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Apparently, "<i>leprosy</i>" aka <b>lepra <i></i></b>(pronounced: "<i>leh</i>-<i>prduh</i>") is a term that most people don't find all that endearing or attractive, so in the 1970s Brazil started to call it by another name, officially changing the term in the '90s to "<b>hanseníase</b>" (pronounced: "<i>hahn</i>-<i>sah</i>-<i>NEE</i>-<i>uhz</i>[<i>ee</i>]").
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Hmm... <i><b>That</b></i> I've heard before.
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According to Marco Collovati, one of the experts in this report who weighed in on this issue, Brazil is #2 in the world behind India, in the number of new cases per year (30,000), but #1 in the number of new cases with permanent (life-altering) damage.
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This is attributed to the fact that doctors don't call it by what it is, there is little to no awareness, and it is treated as a minor skin condition, as opposed to a treatable disease that can be cured. Like any serious disease with a cure, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome will be.
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Marco Collovati is the director of <a href="http://www.orangelife.com.br/site-da-empresa-orangelife-home.html" target="_blank">Orangelife</a>, a company that produces rapid medical tests to diagnose illnesses, that is working hard to turn the tide in Brazil, advocating for awareness alongside the other featured authority on the subject, Artur Custodio, the national coordinator for <a href="http://www.morhan.org.br/" target="_blank">MORHAN</a> (The Movement for Reintegration of People Affected by Hanseníase).
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As they point out, leprosy remains a taboo subject because no one wants to acknowledge the issue. There is no political, social or economic benefit for the powers that be to address it, so people suffering from the disease are usually so far advanced that they are then forced to live in leper colonies: a 3,000-year-old custom being practiced in modern-day Brazil.
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Please visit the link to the video for an informative and heartbreaking look at this hidden tragedy.
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Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-47776180207236147952014-01-22T17:16:00.000-06:002014-01-22T17:16:47.505-06:00Sunset ~ Serra da Mesa<br />
It's been too long...
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<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXMF5KfIvQYlkZK9K-prtnXjLXp8hk28F9BnI5WL-50AQ4hNufIL-dPplyF9Eh7J_VhvdR-5ZDS1vOAkehDu1-hbMbqpgXtofkAJT8dtxX2K6-PDRMSBVk5SUrmdGd0_6VY_pR1aNnvFD/s1600/Lago+de+Serra+da+Mesa_032108-WW.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXMF5KfIvQYlkZK9K-prtnXjLXp8hk28F9BnI5WL-50AQ4hNufIL-dPplyF9Eh7J_VhvdR-5ZDS1vOAkehDu1-hbMbqpgXtofkAJT8dtxX2K6-PDRMSBVk5SUrmdGd0_6VY_pR1aNnvFD/s400/Lago+de+Serra+da+Mesa_032108-WW.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622393777244607458" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 264px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;">(To enlarge, right-click and open in a new window.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serra_da_Mesa_Dam" target="_blank">Serra da Mesa</a></span></div>
Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-51985577750244991762014-01-13T18:30:00.000-06:002014-01-15T01:14:55.288-06:00Hoatzin: Here's A 'Do<div align="justify">
The <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoatzin">Hoatzin</a></b> aka <strong><em>Jacu-cigano</em></strong> (pronounced “<i>Zhah</i>-<i>koo</i> <i>See</i>-<i>GAHN</i>-<i>oh</i>) [literally translated "Gypsy <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guan">Guan</a>"] is one of the most interesting birds that I've had the pleasure of encountering in my adventures around Goiás.
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<a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2012/06/heres-glimpse-of-where-well-be.html">July means following the tradition of camping on an island</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araguaia_River">Araguaia River</a> Basin. When I had the opportunity to explore the more secluded areas of the surrounding waterways, I repeatedly heard what sounded like a group of angry monkeys within the forest. Turns out, it wasn't anything of the sort. It was the very vocal Hoatzin.
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As we puttered down the winding canals through low-hanging branches of native plants and overgrown foliage, we were almost always ambushed at some point, by a group of Hoatzins fleeing from... us.<br />
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It was funny, because we wouldn't even be aware of their presence until they burst out of the brush, right over the boat. They would strategically wait until we were about two <a href="http://www.metric-conversions.org/length/yards-to-meters.htm">yards (or meters)</a> away from wherever they were hiding, and about a dozen would burst out of the trees, <b>screaming</b> and flapping like crazy.<br />
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They could have just as easily remained hidden in their natural camouflage, and we never would've known they were there. Fellow campers noted that we were lucky that they weren't a <i>bigger, fuzzier, fangier creature</i> such as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar">Jaguar aka <b>Onça</b></a> (pronounced: <i>OWN</i>-<i>suh</i>). True, but that would have made a far more awesome set of pics.<br />
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I suspect that all the screaming is to momentarily catch a predator off-guard so there's no time to pursue them. (It's kinda hard to give chase mid-heart attack.) The Hoatzin is said to be a distant <a href="http://www.lynxeds.com/family-text/hbw-3-family-text-opisthocomidae-hoatzin">relative of the cuckoo</a> which seems fitting, since they seem to be a little on the crazy side.<br />
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Hoatzins are hands down the kookiest birds I've been around, and from what I understand, they have a certain odor that has earned them the nickname "<b>Stinkbird</b>" in English. I'm assuming I was always upwind, so I cannot attest to their fragrance.
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I <i><b>can</b></i> confirm their strange beauty, though. They have a periwinkle blue face, maroon eyes, wings of alternating earth tones, and a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohawk_hairstyle">'Do</a> that reminds me of a certain famous Brazilian soccer star, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neymar"><b>Neymar</b></a> (pronounced: "<i>NAY</i>-<i>mar</i>"). We affectionately nicknamed the birds as such.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpY2aSUd7u9RTrW1A0aSxHvpRvvGp0kAJwMBdgpe9so8gsv0BzoHzL7t5VGA5HaIoRCt2_mkCMvFamICSA8Rycj6U-tGl8jK7i44cdpWGK_rUM9Omx_DUdFAkaOhFe5q1m545vOasqW8u/s1600/Neymar.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638489736475938306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpY2aSUd7u9RTrW1A0aSxHvpRvvGp0kAJwMBdgpe9so8gsv0BzoHzL7t5VGA5HaIoRCt2_mkCMvFamICSA8Rycj6U-tGl8jK7i44cdpWGK_rUM9Omx_DUdFAkaOhFe5q1m545vOasqW8u/s400/Neymar.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 334px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">All photos of Neymar found on Google</span> </div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
Regrettably, I was unable to get any clear shots due to the settings of my camera, <i>and the effective evasive maneuvers (rapid retreat) by the subjects</i>. Below are the precious few glimpses I did manage to catch of these fantastic feathered fugitives.<br />
<br />
This is one of the many species <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hoatzin_(Opisthocornus_hoazin)_world.png">allegedly found only</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Amazonriverbasin_basemap.png">Amazonian Basin further north</a>, according to Wikipedia sources. However, I've personally been able to document several species of creatures that are "officially" off the Grid, and call the Araguaia River home. I guess we could call it the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Incognito-Mosquito-Private-Insective-Bullseye/dp/0394828917">Incognito Cigano</a>. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrOAhLP5w7OCVsFz5dK32i9A6SZeJ0dkL0SYuL-TTD0rW-mwm7if3FuNdm_mx7Oz93ONhJQQo-85mfUaNf1g45_CD9rsWpk11mXUFFujfnyPnNJWEYJKjg6BNNoLq1zNGLjVpoyZyW3P_/s1600/Araguaia+2011+-+July+11th+%2528236%2529small-WW.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638489481414348146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrOAhLP5w7OCVsFz5dK32i9A6SZeJ0dkL0SYuL-TTD0rW-mwm7if3FuNdm_mx7Oz93ONhJQQo-85mfUaNf1g45_CD9rsWpk11mXUFFujfnyPnNJWEYJKjg6BNNoLq1zNGLjVpoyZyW3P_/s400/Araguaia+2011+-+July+11th+%2528236%2529small-WW.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_2fiHDj5jeQxW5b1ivql3vYw6zYZV2MOASyC9Z-IIz7FztBVqfYS87kbOKdsF70GLp9_Y_yRDrruQYAO7oZK5duktOXuJTXMIQA33v0OjzvWN4lNwEBhttDYLDwI_Ga9hKnBeAwVCRqI/s1600/Araguaia+2011+-+July+11th+%2528234%2529small-WW.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638489480265186930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_2fiHDj5jeQxW5b1ivql3vYw6zYZV2MOASyC9Z-IIz7FztBVqfYS87kbOKdsF70GLp9_Y_yRDrruQYAO7oZK5duktOXuJTXMIQA33v0OjzvWN4lNwEBhttDYLDwI_Ga9hKnBeAwVCRqI/s400/Araguaia+2011+-+July+11th+%2528234%2529small-WW.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivZ5S7eSVKUxze_yHz_V0CwiGcFTqGm_Z1ff7IowNemX9BiJYR1zOjLul2E3OdzWT-wQiJj4MscKkjQD0EEV2M6YQGXw3Cw_NnPXzNTk4dPjcwxyO3SGibpSoKVp24mDWTwgtHgYmjNnq/s1600/Araguaia+2011+-+July+12th+%252839%2529small-WW.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638489487795548690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivZ5S7eSVKUxze_yHz_V0CwiGcFTqGm_Z1ff7IowNemX9BiJYR1zOjLul2E3OdzWT-wQiJj4MscKkjQD0EEV2M6YQGXw3Cw_NnPXzNTk4dPjcwxyO3SGibpSoKVp24mDWTwgtHgYmjNnq/s400/Araguaia+2011+-+July+12th+%252839%2529small-WW.jpg" style="display: block; height: 270px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNfy6owbTj0amIZH3_0FgJMCOtMGR6DyZJwYFEtZn4-4OTxmCBI0NIHnayKLzH897jRd9OQN5OvhrqO2d_bjwncZ9yuoN7yptdG4waGg3Zmk1QW_pbFPkIvo9SPDOf4GZwyduOSmYXzWV/s1600/Araguaia+2011+-+July+12th+%252837%2529small-WW.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638489481373530498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNfy6owbTj0amIZH3_0FgJMCOtMGR6DyZJwYFEtZn4-4OTxmCBI0NIHnayKLzH897jRd9OQN5OvhrqO2d_bjwncZ9yuoN7yptdG4waGg3Zmk1QW_pbFPkIvo9SPDOf4GZwyduOSmYXzWV/s400/Araguaia+2011+-+July+12th+%252837%2529small-WW.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkbki2y9IdERZtePZmGHwU5bW0xdsi4uqj20p8fsTVmAhtISY2rwrGF6x8haQx3HLbQ8AKwe7KOh7P7BSCYeo3_3JBNdx0JDk7kCSEutzaK26GOYcse3zFEdXQ_zpXI5LknD90XGwrxxO/s1600/Araguaia+2011+-+July+12th+%252850%2529small-WW.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638489492534012018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkbki2y9IdERZtePZmGHwU5bW0xdsi4uqj20p8fsTVmAhtISY2rwrGF6x8haQx3HLbQ8AKwe7KOh7P7BSCYeo3_3JBNdx0JDk7kCSEutzaK26GOYcse3zFEdXQ_zpXI5LknD90XGwrxxO/s400/Araguaia+2011+-+July+12th+%252850%2529small-WW.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
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<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">(To enlarge pictures, right-click and open in a new window.)</span> </div>
<br />Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-64124699140804760952014-01-09T20:00:00.002-06:002021-04-20T18:29:36.021-05:00Something Strange This Way Brews<div style="text-align: justify;">
Did I ever tell you about that time we ate psychotropic soup?<br />
<br />
There is an Amazonian soup that is known as <b>Tacacá </b>(pronounced: "<i>tah</i>-<i>kah</i>-<i>KAH</i>") that is made with broth of a fermented <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1650055">poisonous root base</a>, known as <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tucupi">Tucupi</a> </b>(pronounced: <i>too</i>-<i>koo</i>-<i>pee</i>), and incorporates the leaves of a plant called <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acmella_oleracea" target="_blank">Jambú</a> </b>(pronounced: "<i>zhahm</i>-<i>boo</i>"), which is known (among other things) for medicinal uses and, um, biological pest control applications.<br />
<br />
<b>Congratulations! You now know 100% more than we did before we ingested it.</b><br />
<br />
"...yes, some people don't like it."<br />
<br />
"Some people say it makes their mouth numb."<br />
<br />
"Some people have become a little '<i>excited</i>' due to the strength of the taste."<br />
<br />
"Some people start to scratch their entire bodies, and get agitated."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
To which I asked (each time), <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"<strong><em>The plant?</em></strong>"</span></div>
<br />
The hostess <strike>ignored me</strike> explained that it is a traditional plant used in many dishes in the northern region of Brazil, in the Amazonias. My friend noted that I might be "allergic" since she had been "allergic" when she tried a dish made with this plant before.<br />
<br />
Although this may seem like an overabundance of information for someone about to partake in a Gargamel-style special, <i>because no one came out and said the words</i>,<br />
<br />
"There have been <b>known </b>psychoactive effects, when the medicinal plant is combined with the fermented poisonous root broth"<br />
<br />
I was still unclear as to what would unfold.<br />
<br />
They didn't mention the fermented poisonous root broth? Nope. Neither the hostess, <em>nor my friend</em> (who is now suspect in my book) thought it would behoove me to have the full picture.
<br />
<br />
Experimentation is always more fun that way!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbncvCGjsDaRTGlo1QfJiWJLb0fDScTjeVxdTRNPqkET4OJowc_sRQC83q8OPnC0ahUN-_j3JZoXOXaMXSzWf0CMrVim5n35qtqCrc_vTFQRW_qlOESHY7-xq4iJsln_9nSlj14iApCrPr/s1600-h/Thaves+0401.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbncvCGjsDaRTGlo1QfJiWJLb0fDScTjeVxdTRNPqkET4OJowc_sRQC83q8OPnC0ahUN-_j3JZoXOXaMXSzWf0CMrVim5n35qtqCrc_vTFQRW_qlOESHY7-xq4iJsln_9nSlj14iApCrPr/s400/Thaves+0401.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383066765176751522" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 129px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
We were trying out a new restaurant that had popped up in our neighborhood, in recent months. It seemed like we were always going to eat <i>elsewhere</i> when we saw it, so just days before, we'd made the decision to go try it out the next time we decided to grab a bite.<br />
<br />
We did note the curious absence of any kind of <i>hint</i> as to what <i>type </i>of restaurant it was.<br />
<br />
You know:<br />
<em><strong><br /></strong></em>
<em><strong>NAME</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Culinary Description</strong> (Bar-B-Que, Sushi, Vegan, etc.)</em><br />
<em><strong>Kind of Scene</strong> (Restaurant, Grill, Bar & Grill, etc.) </em><br />
<br />
This restaurant simply had a one-word name, which appeared to be a play on the word "rare."<br />
<br />
Our friends called, and mentioned that they were just a few blocks away, so we thought it was a perfect opportunity to go check it out. My husband kept saying, "you know, that <em>new</em> restaurant..."<br />
<br />
They said they'd meet us there, so it was a date. I was very excited to go. <br />
<br />
It was a beautiful restaurant! It was chic, upscale, and romantic, with strategically placed low-lit luminaires that cast a certain glow. By the time we arrived, our friends were already deep in conversation with the owner. We learned that she uses the recipes and ingredients of the Amazonian people of northern Brazil. My friend noted that I might be allergic to a few of the plants that she uses in her dishes.<br />
<br />
<i>One drawback in moving to a new country or region, is that one may discover "new allergies" while living there.</i> A <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2012/05/allergies-abroad.html" target="_blank">pepper</a> that is used, "just for the smell," and a <a href="http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Nasturtium_lvs.jpg" target="_blank">leafy plant</a> that is similar to lettuce (that I'm sure is a distant cousin of the radish) are the two main culprits to which I am allergic; and they use them in <i><b>almost everything</b></i> in this region of the country. <br />
<br />
There was, however, a hitch to this particular restaurant, in that even <em>after</em> I told her which items I was allergic to... she just <strike>ignored me again</strike> said that she puts them in all the dishes. That was that. Not only rude, but weird: any other restaurant that I've been to here in Goiânia has offered to withhold the items to which I'm allergic, from their dish.<br />
<br />
The much-discussed mystery plant was in the entree that we selected, along with 3 jumbo shrimp in a native broth. To be honest, I just wanted the shrimp. We are [way] inland, so shrimp is a rarity for us.<br />
<br />
When the entree arrived, I noticed the strange little tripod cauldron with ornate handles, in which it was ceremoniously served. She explained that this is a "traditional" serving dish, and she would instruct us as to how to proceed.
<br />
<br />
It was at this point, that I began to wonder about the whole "ritual" of the experience. I also considered that she could just be "show-boatin'," as we say back home.<br />
<br />
My husband took the first sip from the urn. He said it was delicious. My friend issued another warning that I should avoid the leaves, and start with the broth to see if there would be any adverse effects. I tried it. It was awesome, and not unlike watered down steak sauce - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A1_Steak_Sauce">A.1.</a>, to be precise.<br />
<br />
My friend wasn't having any, since she's allergic to shrimp. They said that last time her husband ate shrimp and then kissed her on the lips, (in her husband's words) "<i>she swoll up like Angelina Jolie for the rest of the evening.</i>" Ha-ha!<br />
<br />
After drinking quite a bit, with <em>seemingly</em> no ill effects (I really couldn't get enough of the broth) I decided to try one of the leaves. I chose one of the smallest, just in case.<br />
<br />
The initial reaction was of my tongue and mouth going numb, followed by my throat... and about five minutes later, I recognized the psychotropic effects. It was freaky-deaky (and not in a good way), but still low on the freaky scale <b>compared to the no disclaimer policy, prior to being served this far-out fare</b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmu_Th7wRqgpTlz8UxXnlE0pehK5YILfDrSC92tfNeLEHAMnUMbVsPhLaIoJX6RWps_gansXto6xRtt9WZCatpWubNig_35m4uTYjE3qC9jJD6sl9RXAFhSri09TBZ42sVqqfC9UdfGro/s1600-h/IMG_2696psych_small.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmu_Th7wRqgpTlz8UxXnlE0pehK5YILfDrSC92tfNeLEHAMnUMbVsPhLaIoJX6RWps_gansXto6xRtt9WZCatpWubNig_35m4uTYjE3qC9jJD6sl9RXAFhSri09TBZ42sVqqfC9UdfGro/s320/IMG_2696psych_small.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383055869775892930" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Everyone started talking excitedly at the same time (or maybe it just seemed that way because I was high), all trying to explain the effects of this entree. This includes my friend, who wasn't partaking: she's just naturally caffeinated.<br />
<br />
I sat straight up — almost convulsed to attention — and it felt like the bones of my cranium were being expanded. Within minutes, I had a migraine that lasted for about 24 hours. My husband was mildly freaking out, stating that he had "never experimented with drugs, but [was] quite sure this is what mushroom tea must feel like."
<br />
<blockquote>
Apparently, the more leaves are ingested <em>with</em> the broth, the more intense the chemical reaction. (Read: psychoactive!) It was later that I found out that the leaves are used for their medicinal properties <strong>of anesthesia</strong> in other areas in the country. I was fortunate, in that I only ate 3 small leaves before I recognized weirdness. My husband, on the other hand, had eaten the equivalent of half a can of cooked spinach. However, I drank <em>a whole lot</em> more broth than he did.</blockquote>
At the point where it felt like my brain was going to explode, we asked for the check and my friend says, "I told you, you might have an allergic reaction." I told her it most definitely wasn't an <i>allergy</i>, so much as it was a psychotropic effect. <br />
<br />
Then she says, "<i>Oh... maybe that's why that time I had some, I freaked out and ran out of the restaurant, all the way to my mom's house in the next neighborhood. I thought it was the shrimp.</i>"<br />
<br />
I wanted to strangle her.<br />
<br />
The final results were that the anesthetic properties of the leaves caused my husband to pass out directly, after the short drive home. Four blocks, and he face-planted on our bed, fully clothed: shoes and all.
<br />
<br />
In my case, however, the stimulating properties of the broth (that happens to contain lethal amounts of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_cyanide#Occurrence">hydrogen cyanide</a>, prior to fermenting) caused my heart to nearly beat out of my chest. I went through the motions of jogging, doing flips, possibly the running man, and jumping jacks from a lying position on my bed, for the next 2 hours. This was accentuated with occasional muscle spasms, shouts, and groans for help. That was <i>in addition to</i> the migraine that wouldn't let go - even the next day.<br />
<br />
The thing that bugged us was not only the outrageous prices of this restaurant (they charged us 40 bucks for a 16oz soup), but the lack of warning from our <strong><em>friends</em></strong> who had apparently been there, done that.
<br />
<br />
The restaurant wasn't new. It had just been remodeled.<br />
<br />
It was empty, I'm assuming, because others had heard of the curious chow served to the unaware, and steered clear.<br />
<br />
All in all, we would like to have been privy to the big picture, so that we could PASS... but, as my friend would concur, where's the fun in that?<br />
<br />
At the very least, this event was yet another a testament to the validity of my screen name.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SxUaGKo2ow/SrPaUSZN6AI/AAAAAAAAA7A/0jfpQt3Hz4g/s1600-h/Anime_Alice_in_Wonderland1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SxUaGKo2ow/SrPaUSZN6AI/AAAAAAAAA7A/0jfpQt3Hz4g/s320/Anime_Alice_in_Wonderland1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382886021707720706" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 224px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="http://www.animegalleries.net/img/411481">here</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-19677028554268688062014-01-07T19:00:00.000-06:002019-04-26T21:10:17.391-05:00Five Facts for Foreigners - Vol. XII<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5 Kinds of Films Your Life Does and Does Not Resemble as an Expat
</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I remember that in the weeks leading up to my first visit to Brazil, many people asked me what I thought it was going to be like.
<br />
<br />
I honestly had no idea, and didn't want to.
<br />
<br />
I even asked my husband not to tell me too much so that I wouldn't have some preconceived notion. I knew that no matter how many books I read, movies I watched, or stories I heard... it wouldn't be anything like my own personal experience.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jnmv6C1Wmdg258KHv-UIsyhH4ecFdIQjGRnPNsY_WyMMKSSimXZrT3c7p4aCEf_d56LUVTOZSxYglL7DJu4nFqPn0a0cEQHrbwDAblmF_IdqkLxfLTDJWQgXyBFe5dGiYjc4tUbOPXpm/s1600/brazil+map+by+nara_oliveira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jnmv6C1Wmdg258KHv-UIsyhH4ecFdIQjGRnPNsY_WyMMKSSimXZrT3c7p4aCEf_d56LUVTOZSxYglL7DJu4nFqPn0a0cEQHrbwDAblmF_IdqkLxfLTDJWQgXyBFe5dGiYjc4tUbOPXpm/s320/brazil+map+by+nara_oliveira.jpg"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="https://openclipart.org/detail/132703/brasil-by-nara_oliveira">here</a>.</span></div>
<br />
I didn't want to have any expectations, good or bad. Some of my Brazilian friends in the U.S. (unnecessarily) worried that I wouldn't be able to adjust to the pace, aesthetics, or lack of availability of certain things.
<br />
<br />
I assured them it would be fine... and it was (with the exception of a few ill-fated incidents — including a wax session gone awry & going a few rounds with a sadistic acupuncturist). Good times!
<br />
<br />
While we were making the preparations to move, everyone was once again asking me what it would be like. Still, I didn't really have an answer.
<br />
<br />
My first visit I hadn't spoken the language, had only stayed for a few weeks, and had only seen a certain side of the city where I would eventually live, due to the <strike>clandestine</strike> nature of my first trip.
<br />
<br />
<i>What side? The <i>in</i>side of about 20 doctors' offices, the medical tourism side — a subject that needs a couple of posts, in & of itself. More on that some other time.</i>
<br />
<br />
I couldn't even begin to imagine what day-to-day life would be like once I wasn't earning dollars (so the money wouldn't stretch as far), once I knew the language (so I could catch all of the inferences in a seemingly normal conversation), once I didn't stand out as a "tourist" (so I wouldn't automatically be exploited financially or service-wise, <i>a phenomenon commonly known as paying the "Gringo Tax"</i>), or once I was left to explore this thing on my own terms (without someone to usher me here or there).
<br />
<br />
After living in central Brazil for awhile, I began to see a stark difference in what some tourists thought they were coming to experience, and the reality of how it is living as an expat somewhere.
<br />
<br />
As I've reiterated <i>a ridiculous number of times</i>, this is purely based on my personal experience, and while unique, I feel I've discovered a few universal truths in the general expat experience.
<br />
<br />
One day it hit me that these particulars are most easily seen & best contrasted through a few movies.
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Top 5 Films You Thought You Might Be Able To Relate To As An Expat:</u></b>
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_the_Tuscan_Sun_(film)"><b>Under the Tuscan Sun</b></a><br />
<i>Maybe 3% of expats will be able to create and live a fairy tale life abroad, on their own. Of course, money helps. ...and keep in mind that about 97.5% of statistics are made up on the spot.</i></li>
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<li> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Translation_(film)"><b>Lost in Translation</b></a><br />
<i>Loneliness, insomnia, & <a href="http://moving.about.com/od/internationalmoves/a/culture_shock.htm">culture shock</a> - <b>Check!</b> Finding someone to share it with or relate to you... Mmmmaybe. Seriously, though, good luck with that!</i> </li>
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<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ramen_Girl"><b>The Ramen Girl</b></a><br />
<i>While you may find yourself periodically shedding tears in your bowl of whatever, this will probably only raise your blood pressure, not your general standing with those around you.</i> </li>
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<li> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Years_in_Tibet_(1997_film)"><b>Seven Years in Tibet</b></a> <br />
<i>Captivating, sure, but life is rigged so that things are more likely to end up somewhere along the lines of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_Pretty_Horses_(film)">All the Pretty Horses</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brokedown_Palace">Brokedown Palace</a>.</i></li>
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<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romancing_the_stone"><b>Romancing the Stone</b></a> <br />
<i>What? I had to throw that one in here for all the adventure-loving girls that are not averse to an unlikely romance.</i></li>
</ol>
<br />
<b><u>Top 5 Film Themes You Can Actually Relate To As An Expat:</u></b>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Post-apocalyptic survivor movies like <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Eli">The Book of Eli</a></b> or <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterworld">Waterworld</a></b> may resonate with you on a certain level, as you <b>totally</b> relate to the people willing to trade a portion of their pinky finger or their favorite _________ for certain unattainable food items, beauty products, or other creature comforts. <i>In my case, for example, some foods gradually became available over the years, so some of my fellow expat friends will never have to know the pain of gorging oneself on a bag of corn tortilla chips, or the resulting despair and regret that you could not control yourself enough to make it stretch until the next care package arrives.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8AxUzTgvpw/UsukwqoSfhI/AAAAAAAADyo/OWWnAZfqOfY/s1600/Movies+Expats+Can+Relate+To+-+Post-apolyptic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8AxUzTgvpw/UsukwqoSfhI/AAAAAAAADyo/OWWnAZfqOfY/s320/Movies+Expats+Can+Relate+To+-+Post-apolyptic.jpg"></a></div>
</i></li>
<br />
<li>Alien (or Fantasy Other) films like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.T._the_Extra-Terrestrial"><b>E.T.</b></a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splash_(film)"><b>Splash</b></a> might not seem that far out there. Everything is new-to-you, as an alien of sorts. Feeling like a fish out of water is not uncommon, while you try to find your sea legs. <i>Consider me your siren (as in warning bells, not femme fatale) and this Five Facts Series to be a treasure map of sorts. All manner of gems can be dredged up from my past mistakes, so that you can just <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2008/nov/14/monopoly-ridley-scott-board-games" target="_blank">pass go</a> and collect accolades.<br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQynThUBTFj26XFwnIFLEKwwcOgKcayOAF8yH8npgzNqsWePx2ncVdEmMg72PT2VEgxW857yxbgbTVFtQjr_hZ3_cdQWSqLFyn91Xt6oImoaqswaXOfD-apA6byk2qFCHHoVMMWfA_OSQ/s1600/Movies+Expats+Can+Relate+To+-+Alien+or+Other.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQynThUBTFj26XFwnIFLEKwwcOgKcayOAF8yH8npgzNqsWePx2ncVdEmMg72PT2VEgxW857yxbgbTVFtQjr_hZ3_cdQWSqLFyn91Xt6oImoaqswaXOfD-apA6byk2qFCHHoVMMWfA_OSQ/s320/Movies+Expats+Can+Relate+To+-+Alien+or+Other.jpg"></a></div>
</i> </li>
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<li>Fantasy adventure movies such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_in_Wonderland_(2010_film)"><b>Alice in Wonderland</b></a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wizard_of_Oz_(1939_film)"><b>The Wizard of Oz</b></a> may seem like an uncanny parallel with your new reality (life imitating far-out art) as you try to regain your footing, and get with the program, in a strange new world replete with undiscovered <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2011/11/cultural-quirks-and-perks-vol-i.html" target="_blank">cultural quirks</a>. A stint with the in-laws in close quarters will drive this point home very quickly. <i>(How do you think I got my screen name?) Here's hoping you are able to land on your feet gracefully.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawYfxl0F9y-ZT0UeSaZB0P5CuHbBXLXMk1qvz5sRy3Iy3L8Q1_cHC4gM-xpDzvTuzQAvnqJQMtPS7EW9m5ZB42bvLJ8VMFkUyiLRRptaikp68Wkh_9qZPE6Cbmk2PI8WseAbACLAqVsVh/s1600/Movies+Expats+Can+Relate+To+--+Fantasy+Adventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawYfxl0F9y-ZT0UeSaZB0P5CuHbBXLXMk1qvz5sRy3Iy3L8Q1_cHC4gM-xpDzvTuzQAvnqJQMtPS7EW9m5ZB42bvLJ8VMFkUyiLRRptaikp68Wkh_9qZPE6Cbmk2PI8WseAbACLAqVsVh/s320/Movies+Expats+Can+Relate+To+--+Fantasy+Adventure.jpg"></a></div>
</i></li>
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<li>Bumbling detective/spy comedies like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pink_Panther_(2006_film)"><b>The Pink Panther</b></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Smart_(film)"><b>Get Smart</b></a> will hopefully only ring true with ridiculous dialogue and hilariously mixed signals, as you run down leads on just about everything that used to be a normal aspect of your day. Simple tasks may, more often than not, seem like your very own Mission Impossible until your decoder ring is synced. The physical mishaps & pitfalls are just icing on the cake. <i>I think it took me about 2 years to stop <b>pushing</b> against the door that clearly said <b>PULL</b> in Portuguese: <b>puxe</b> (pronounced: "poo-shee") ...which never failed to give me pause, or generate snickers from onlookers</i>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8sbStBQM4U/UsulRSQAieI/AAAAAAAADy4/KtC7L_9INMs/s1600/Movies+Expats+Can+Relate+To+-+Bumbling+Detective-Spy+Comedies+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8sbStBQM4U/UsulRSQAieI/AAAAAAAADy4/KtC7L_9INMs/s320/Movies+Expats+Can+Relate+To+-+Bumbling+Detective-Spy+Comedies+.jpg"></a></div>
</li>
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<li>Funny and inspiring, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day_(film)"><b>Groundhog Day</b></a> may well be the key to not just "surviving" what may seem like a daily do-over. Endeavoring to make a difference with the time you have, right where you are, and being patient (with yourself first, and then others) will help you find your happy place, while becoming a productive, <i>if not endearing</i>, member of your community.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYBh7JIc31e3Z1QJmEluwJ1iGcb8lNLDCuV5_uWPdObRY8k6YJXj8CMD4zpAsr1ySF8Val1QEY6PxM9wiN_6_H3Os4cOjKyxA3jWfTSLYikMSPek5Z4PI_T-pCFaMcqvt3deD60qiz1l8/s1600/Groundhog+Day+1993+Movie+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYBh7JIc31e3Z1QJmEluwJ1iGcb8lNLDCuV5_uWPdObRY8k6YJXj8CMD4zpAsr1ySF8Val1QEY6PxM9wiN_6_H3Os4cOjKyxA3jWfTSLYikMSPek5Z4PI_T-pCFaMcqvt3deD60qiz1l8/s320/Groundhog+Day+1993+Movie+Poster.jpg"></a></div>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
Speaking of expat movies, I highly recommend the film <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Ghosts">City of Ghosts</a>. There are some things that are better learned in the classroom, as opposed to a field trip. This movie is very well done, and accurately portrays some of seedier expats that we <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com.br/2012/04/five-facts-for-foreigners-vol-ixa.html">may</a> or <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com.br/2012/04/five-facts-for-foreigners-vol-ixb.html">may not</a> have run across out there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span title="Awesome film, sir. (Matt Dillon!)"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMLPD4Mtw8A/UsyZ52VOMxI/AAAAAAAADzo/2vbxn8obLI8/s1600/City+of+Ghosts+2002+Movie+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMLPD4Mtw8A/UsyZ52VOMxI/AAAAAAAADzo/2vbxn8obLI8/s320/City+of+Ghosts+2002+Movie+Poster.jpg"></a></span></div>
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<br />
Do you have a favorite expat movie? What are some of the worst expat movies you have seen? Recommendations and warnings are welcome in the comment section below.</div>
Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-42773987929815862082014-01-03T00:30:00.000-06:002014-01-03T03:12:49.666-06:00Armadillos or Tattoos<div style="text-align: justify;">
By the title, you might think I'm deciding on a hobby... or whittling down some strange list of New Year's Resolutions...
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<br />
Not quite.
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<br />
For anyone unfamiliar with the creature that is the official mascot for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, you might be surprised to learn that it is an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armadillo">armadillo</a>, or <b><i>tatu</i></b> (pronounced: "<i>tattoo</i>"), as it is known in Portuguese.
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<br />
Up until now, most people didn't associate Brazil with armadillos — parrots or jaguars, sure. <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2012/03/five-facts-for-foreigners-volume-viii.html">Amazon river dolphins</a> and <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2012/06/heres-idea-of-who-well-see.html">stinkbirds</a>, maybe. I don't recall seeing an armadillo in the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1436562/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Rio</a>, either.
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<br />
This energetic mascot needed a campaign all his own, I guess.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/CtEs1aYh53I?hl=en_US&version=3"></param>
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"<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuleco">Fuleco</a></b>," (pronounced: "<i>fool</i>-<i>ay</i>-<i>koh</i>") is a colorful, playful rendition of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_three-banded_armadillo">Brazilian three-banded armadillo</a> that is one of the two species of armadillo that can roll into a ball. What better mascot for soccer?
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<br />
As a Texan, I must say that <b>Fuleco</b> is one of the two <a href="http://www.bluebison.net/content/">cutest renditions of an armadillo</a> that I've seen.
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<br />
When I first moved to central Brazil, I was surprised to hear that Texas didn't have the market cornered on these armored creatures. A fellow Texan was <i>even more surprised</i> when he learned that some armadillos are actually eaten in certain regions of the country.
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<br />
That came with a disclaimer:
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"...but [they] <i>don't</i> eat the ones that eat dead people, though."</div>
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Whew! That's a relief!
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<i>I suppose?</i>
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<br />
You know, that statement sounds like a line straight out of a <a href="http://youtu.be/eZXg6Uaxd2k">Scooby Doo</a> episode. Perhaps it's the <b>Mystery Meat</b> factor.
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<br />
<a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2012/06/pantanal-my-husbands-other-love.html">Mystery Meat</a> is best experienced vicariously, in my opinion. (Especially if it's the kind that can give you, say, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armadillo#In_science">leprosy</a>.)
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<br />
Tourists need not worry that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shish_kebab#Shish">kebab</a>, or <b><a href="http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Kebab.jpg">espetinho</a></b> (pronounced: "<i>eh</i>-<i>speh</i>-<i>cheen</i>-<i>yo</i>") stand on the corner will be serving <i><b>mascot</b></i>, since the hunting and consumption of this creature is discouraged due to its endangered status. (That, and it's hard to come by in the big city. <i>Kidding!</i>)
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Appropriately, <b>Fuleco</b>'s very name reminds us to be <i>eco-minded</i>. On a related note, in <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com/2011/11/good-lookin-capital-city-of-goias.html">Goiânia</a> there is a slang term pronounced like the English word "<i>echo</i>" that is used in place of "<b>ew, gross.</b>"
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<br /></div>Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-87626845771531058642013-11-26T03:00:00.000-06:002013-12-29T20:39:02.355-06:00Teaser Post<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope you find this post sufficiently <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teaser_campaign" target="_blank">cryptic</a>.
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<br />
The blog isn't dead... merely <i><strong>hibernating</strong></i>... while I get my ducks in a row, my eyes (un)crossed, and my tease dotted — or something to that effect.
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<i>It is, after all, important to have as many backlinks to your site, as possible, in the "dot-com age." I have dubbed that action a <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backlink">Tease Dotted</a></b>.</i> <br />
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Rejoining e-civilization, I know I owe you an explanation. I present my duct-taped babies.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1ZQtx5lRYM/UpRYLlpp1-I/AAAAAAAADx4/ZyccFNNk61M/s1600/The+Move+-+Stage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1ZQtx5lRYM/UpRYLlpp1-I/AAAAAAAADx4/ZyccFNNk61M/s1600/The+Move+-+Stage+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
I hope that by now, my "<a href="http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/about/faqs/animals/names.htm"><b>brace</b></a>" of little duckies has started its way up to a certain Texas port, though they could still very well be sitting on the Brazilian shore. It's a triathlon, of sorts, that anyone who has moved internationally is familiar with: they are all taped, numbered, weighed, and fit to [hopefully] complete the different legs of the journey.
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<br />
In my duckies' case, they had an 9-story hustle to the moving truck, and (an alleged) one-day drive to São Paulo. Eventually, they will cross oceans and arrive in Houston, at which point they will be checked in ...and sent on their 3-hour journey by land to their resting/nesting place here with me.
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<br />
How did I get here?
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<br />
Well, that is as much of a <em>long & winding</em> tale, as it is a <em>bobbing & weaving</em> sort of thing, and will <i>more</i> than fill in the rest of the gaps, thus far, in this blog.
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<br />
I have almost 7 years' worth of <b>When in</b> <b>—ão</b> (<i>pronounced like the word</i> "<i><b>own</b></i>") tips to pass on, <em>and just in time for the <strong><a href="http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/">World Cup</a></strong> & <strong><a href="http://www.rio2016.com/en">Olympics</a></strong></em>.
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I won't leave you hanging.
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<br /></div>
Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-28772027153725321922012-11-06T11:30:00.000-06:002013-11-18T13:45:53.120-06:00Lonely<div style="text-align: justify;">
Check out this beautiful song by <strong><em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bebel_Gilberto" target="_blank">Bebel Gilberto</a></em></strong>, a Brazilian American singer. Music runs in her family. Bebel is the daughter of two famous Brazilian singers, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo%C3%A3o_Gilberto" target="_blank">João Gilberto</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mi%C3%BAcha" target="_blank">Miúcha</a>, and is the niece of famous Brazilian singer, guitarist, composer, writer, and poet, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chico_Buarque" target="_blank">Chico Buarque</a>. <br />
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<strong><em>Lonely</em></strong> is one of many great songs from her 2000 electronic bossa nova album, <strong><em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanto_Tempo" target="_blank">Tanto Tempo</a></em></strong>. Although she has been singing since she was 11 years old (performing with her mother at Carnegie Hall when she was only 13) she was 20 at her professional solo debut in 1986.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iq5qYdDN9BsVOGUSFcR4k2d2YFVXN7tq4mHs7YejlH7eXuphyzG4LFyYmQ4lsWgheHnbaEQS1eL2fE1hBAutyPWw-t7lizz-0P71EDqDbzAJAQ4myYbLPSU41A9LRF3T5bdKcxBb4BAy/s1600/Brazilian+American+Singer+Bebel+Gilberto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iq5qYdDN9BsVOGUSFcR4k2d2YFVXN7tq4mHs7YejlH7eXuphyzG4LFyYmQ4lsWgheHnbaEQS1eL2fE1hBAutyPWw-t7lizz-0P71EDqDbzAJAQ4myYbLPSU41A9LRF3T5bdKcxBb4BAy/s320/Brazilian+American+Singer+Bebel+Gilberto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shure.eu/artists/cdf_en_artist_bebel_gilberto" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></div>
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If you like this song, you will enjoy the other gorgeous melodies on the rest of her <strong><em>Tanto Tempo</em></strong> cd, such as <a href="http://youtu.be/XSKgrRLPRT0" target="_blank">August Day Song</a> and <a href="http://youtu.be/xg5yKpz2Gzo" target="_blank">Mais Feliz</a>, as well as her <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bebel_Gilberto_(album)" target="_blank">2004 self-titled album</a> which features songs like <a href="http://youtu.be/f7lj-t-hx3o" target="_blank">Simplesmente</a> and <a href="http://youtu.be/9jxKycYuhhc" target="_blank">Cada Beijo</a>.</div>
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Enjoy...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/YwVyAGo93c8?rel=0" width="480"></iframe>
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<br />
Foi você quem me ensinou<br />
A ouvir <br />
Foi você que soube achar isso em mim<br />
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Sem te ver<br />
Não sei mais o que sentir<br />
Só ouvindo aquele espaço ali<br />
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Lonely, Lonely<br />
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Todo dia te sinto<br />
E fico pensando que você pode até me ouvir (2)<br />
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Lonely, Lonely, Lonely, Lonely.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
_______________</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It was you who taught me<br />
To listen <br />
It was you who knew how to find this in me<br />
<br />
Without seeing you<br />
I don't know what to feel anymore<br />
Just listening to that space out there<br />
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Lonely, Lonely<br />
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Everyday I feel you<br />
And keep thinking that you can even hear me, too (2)<br />
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Lonely, Lonely, Lonely, Lonely</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://i.polldaddy.com/ratings/rating.js"></script>Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-70079305142772993852012-11-05T13:55:00.000-06:002016-07-05T22:55:01.822-05:00Fastest Way to Learn Brazilian Portuguese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDvt85lgSSDdASE6gAaL6CqfXrEKQkAYw648pvsdDKyv21USuWuoCHCnTrKMtZs1pyvmWvmCz57uxIAzivCWL-8vKb1bbkHoRnDZrjJc9vjy_qdpcDklt-DR7plq47ygKD77mE5uC6SZB/s1600/Famous+Brazilian+Landmarks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDvt85lgSSDdASE6gAaL6CqfXrEKQkAYw648pvsdDKyv21USuWuoCHCnTrKMtZs1pyvmWvmCz57uxIAzivCWL-8vKb1bbkHoRnDZrjJc9vjy_qdpcDklt-DR7plq47ygKD77mE5uC6SZB/s400/Famous+Brazilian+Landmarks.jpg" width="363"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=Brazil&ex=1#ai:MC900414882|" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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Here are <strong>5 steps</strong> to put you on the fast track to speaking Brazilian Portuguese.</div>
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<strong><u>Step 1</u>:</strong> Learn the alphabet and sounds of the language.
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<li><strong><u>Step 2</u>:</strong> Learn vocabulary and basic phrases.</li>
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<strong><u>Step 3</u>:</strong> Learn one past, two present, and one future form of the 17 different forms of verbs.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hint: Go for the simple forms. <i>They aren't called <b>simple</b> for nothing.</i></span></div>
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<strong><u>Step 4</u>:</strong> Get a Brazilian Portuguese dictionary that shows the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_(linguistics)" target="_blank">stressed syllable</a> in the pronunciation of a word.</div>
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<strong><u>Step 5</u>:</strong> Get a handle on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_cognate" target="_blank">false cognates</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_friend">false friends</a>. The misuse of a word can make for a really bizarre conversation, and the mistaken assumption that you are not only a foreigner, but a total weirdo.</div>
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What are the best resources to accomplish this quickly and easily?</div>
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For those whose native language is American English, I recommend <a href="https://www.google.com/shopping/product/7260048771114683059?q=Portuguese%20in%2010%20minutes%20a%20day%20by%20Kristine%20Kershul&hl=en&prmd=imvnso&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=3c91e33b331408ec&bpcl=37189454&biw=1366&bih=673&tch=3&ech=3&psi=FQqYULHwL5TigQeMvoGACg.1352141335797.1&wrapid=tlif135214133579710&sa=X&ei=LgqYUK7ZAYjW0gGzr4CIDA&ved=0CFEQ8wIwAQ" target="_blank"><strong>Portuguese in 10 minutes a day</strong> <em><strong>by Kristine Kershul</strong></em></a>. You can learn the sounds of the language, some basic phrases, and vocabulary. It is written in a <em>Carioca</em> accent, so just change the "sh" to "s" for other regions. Using this book, I caught up to a local Portuguese class for <strong><em>estrangeiros</em></strong> that had been in session for <em>two and a half months</em> ...in a mere <strong>2 weeks</strong>! Everyone was amazed (and a wee bit jealous).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xSq-CiekR6UfkDd-Yl_SI3v8IzFAbglr3j8r_DiRmWz0zgxaWdOeFxTkv5hpgW0L1hxEO1XVmmSiCjJ8k6d1M2019mh6D2Z2Fh5yMSl-G6D0k3VgDwQCfrlUNTSeZ4_hIlllPP2dvoZ5/s1600/Portuguese+in+10+Minutes+A+Day+by+Kristine+Kershul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xSq-CiekR6UfkDd-Yl_SI3v8IzFAbglr3j8r_DiRmWz0zgxaWdOeFxTkv5hpgW0L1hxEO1XVmmSiCjJ8k6d1M2019mh6D2Z2Fh5yMSl-G6D0k3VgDwQCfrlUNTSeZ4_hIlllPP2dvoZ5/s400/Portuguese+in+10+Minutes+A+Day+by+Kristine+Kershul.jpg" width="243"></a></div>
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The most comprehensive vocabulary resource I have found is the <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Dictionary-English-Brazilian-Portuguese/dp/0131916335/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352141518&sr=1-2&keywords=Word+by+Word+Picture+Dictionary+Second+Edition+Portuguese" target="_blank">Word by Word Illustrated Dictionary English/Brazilian Portuguese - Second Edition <em>by Steven J. Molinsky & Bill Bliss</em></a></strong>. It is important to get the 2nd edition because they added common phrases and additional vocabulary words. Although there is no pocket edition, I carried this thing around everywhere during the first year that I was here. Don't be shy! Embrace your inner nerd.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PzM1SSex275HNjunnA6kzCY2GtUFUrxBI4HMZdhbV3XMC6IROlmu37CgY3b7ItRSokMYeooIJRXTFiFVEMWFFcjngEuUhoPCFAjJiga8Fl65UHHO5d3hpLYiZTmNPg4fdWJun302rEDR/s1600/Word+by+Word+English-Portuguese+Illustrated+Dictionary+--+Second+Edition+by+Steven+J+Molinsky+and+Bill+Bliss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PzM1SSex275HNjunnA6kzCY2GtUFUrxBI4HMZdhbV3XMC6IROlmu37CgY3b7ItRSokMYeooIJRXTFiFVEMWFFcjngEuUhoPCFAjJiga8Fl65UHHO5d3hpLYiZTmNPg4fdWJun302rEDR/s400/Word+by+Word+English-Portuguese+Illustrated+Dictionary+--+Second+Edition+by+Steven+J+Molinsky+and+Bill+Bliss.jpg" width="191"></a></div>
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As for the verbs, I recommend that you scour the internet for conjugation tables in <a href="http://www.the-conjugation.com/english/verb/like.php" target="_blank">English</a> and <a href="http://www.conjugacao.com.br/verbo-gostar/" target="_blank">Portuguese</a>. You can also find conjugation tables in the dictionaries listed below. Verbs end in —<a href="http://www.conjuga-me.net/verbo-gostar" target="_blank">ar</a>, —<a href="http://www.conjuga-me.net/verbo-aprender" target="_blank">er</a>, or —<a href="http://www.conjuga-me.net/verbo-definir" target="_blank">ir</a>, in the <a href="http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/verbs/infinitive-verb.html" target="_blank">base and infinitive forms</a>. Compare them, and focus on the following <em>four</em> forms of the verbs until you are more fluent. If, at that point, you feel that you can tackle the other 13 forms of the verbs, then more power to you! :)<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>The <em>Present Continuous</em> tense:</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.englishleap.com/grammar/present-continuous-tense" target="_blank">I am writing.</a> = <a href="http://www.infoescola.com/ingles/presente-continuo-present-continuous/" target="_blank">Eu estou escrevendo.</a><br />
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(English —<a href="http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/ask-teacher/77-gerund-present-participle-present-prog-arghh.html" target="_blank"><em>ing</em></a> <strong>=</strong> —<strong><em>ando</em></strong>, —<strong><em>endo</em></strong> or —<strong><em>indo</em></strong> in Portuguese.)<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>The <em>Simple Present</em> tense:</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.englishleap.com/grammar/simple-present-tense" target="_blank">Do you like vegetables?</a> = <a href="http://www.infoescola.com/ingles/presente-simples-simple-present/" target="_blank">Você gosta de verduras?</a><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>The <em>Simple Past</em> tense:</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.englishleap.com/grammar/simple-past-tense" target="_blank">She wrote an informative book.</a> = <a href="http://www.infoescola.com/ingles/passado-simples-simple-past/" target="_blank">Ela escreveu um livro informativo.</a><br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The <em>Simple Future</em> or </span></strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_tense#Portuguese" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Futuro do Presente</span></strong></em></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> tense:</span></strong></span><br />
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We can do this the <em>easy</em> way, or the <strong>hard</strong> way. <a href="http://spongebob.nick.com/videos/clip/gary-takes-a-bath-clip.html" target="_blank">Or the medium way. Or the semi-medium-easy-hard way. Or the sort of hard, with a touch of awkward, easy-difficult-challenging way.</a> <em><strong><br />
<br />So that's how you want to play it, huh?</strong></em><br />
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Me, too. <br />
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The <em>easy way</em> is a form of the future (<b><i>futuro composto</i></b>), which is closest to how we speak in English. <br />
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<a href="http://www.englishleap.com/grammar/simple-future-tense" target="_blank">He is <strong><em>going to work</em></strong> tomorrow.</a> = <a href="http://www.infoescola.com/ingles/futuro-simples-simple-future/" target="_blank">Ele <em><strong>vai trabalhar</strong></em> amanhã.</a><br />
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The harder version of the same thing means changing the end of the verb. That involves more memorization, which you could focus elsewhere... Here's an example of the same sentence in a <strong>more difficult</strong> version of the simple future form (<strong><em>Futuro do Presente do Indicativo</em></strong>):<br />
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<strong><em>Ele <a href="http://www.conjugacao.com.br/verbo-trabalhar/" target="_blank">trabalhará</a> amanha.</em></strong></div>
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Just remember that everything <a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com.br/2011/12/five-facts-for-foreigners-vol-iii.html" target="_blank">begins and ends</a> with <em>a KISS</em> ("<em><strong><a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com.br/2011/12/five-facts-for-foreigners-vol-i.html" target="_blank">um beijo</a></strong></em>") in Brazil, so...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">K</span>eep <span style="color: red;">I</span>t <span style="color: red;">S</span>imple, <span style="color: red;">S</span>uperstar!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nvG7lIpckjbE6oYcmp8ADtJv36EGrJeKeOWCL6GT8iJNqLXYJv5hiF7Zdajx6roR44maky7aoCOMb9ykMTTX2hFHFOTDwCY5TSZjuiFyutJb7718xBAZeMN2JqIzkyLxH1SYuNsvTre0/s1600/Emoticon+blowing+kisses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nvG7lIpckjbE6oYcmp8ADtJv36EGrJeKeOWCL6GT8iJNqLXYJv5hiF7Zdajx6roR44maky7aoCOMb9ykMTTX2hFHFOTDwCY5TSZjuiFyutJb7718xBAZeMN2JqIzkyLxH1SYuNsvTre0/s400/Emoticon+blowing+kisses.jpg" width="257"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=kiss&ex=2#ai:MC900434373|" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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It's your lucky day. <a href="http://www.edicoessm.com.br//dicionarios" target="_blank"><strong>The Dicionário Didático Básico</strong> <em><strong>by Edições SM</strong></em></a> is perfect for beginners. The best feature is the way the (7,000+) words are broken down phonetically in Brazilian Portuguese, with emphasis on the stressed syllable. The definitions are as simplified as they can get in the Portuguese language. (It's for kids.) As you progress to a more thorough understanding of basic Portuguese, graduate to the <strong>Dicionário Didático</strong> that has fewer pics, but over 43,000 additional definitions to add to your vocabulary.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXCBtesu0asaJaEJws1kf4ngkqcMpmKngWwyts7s5P9qwUKKAB4OD5nhKgHtE4-LQNMZQS1vuvP8aexLzuHnR81kaKqM-RiKgSUNoBTVDhIHfU4o7HTOhdfVbotazuZRGXUY8xVUlDcbM/s1600/Dicionario+Didatico+Basico+and+Dicionario+Didatico+-+by+SM+Editions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXCBtesu0asaJaEJws1kf4ngkqcMpmKngWwyts7s5P9qwUKKAB4OD5nhKgHtE4-LQNMZQS1vuvP8aexLzuHnR81kaKqM-RiKgSUNoBTVDhIHfU4o7HTOhdfVbotazuZRGXUY8xVUlDcbM/s400/Dicionario+Didatico+Basico+and+Dicionario+Didatico+-+by+SM+Editions.jpg" width="270"></a></div>
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False cognates and false friends (linguistically and personally speaking) are the bane of my existence. Yours, too. You'll be trying to tell people that you <em>intend</em> to do something, while you're really saying that you understand (<strong><em><a href="http://get-to-know-goias-brazil.blogspot.com.br/2011/11/note-on-translating.html" target="_blank">entender</a></em></strong>) something... that makes absolutely no sense. Someone will tell you that they intend (<strong><em><a href="http://translate.google.com/" target="_blank">pretender</a></em></strong>) to do something, and you'll wonder why they are planning on <em>pretending</em> to do something. <br />
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For this reason, it is <em>so very worth it</em> to pick up a copy of <strong><a href="http://compare.buscape.com.br/ingles-urgente-para-brasileiros-cristina-schumacher-8535205012.html" target="_blank">Inglês Urgente! Para Brasileiros<em> by Cristina Schumacher</em></a></strong>. It has the most complete list of false cognates (in English and Portuguese) that I've seen, yet, and is a great addition to your arsenal of books to help you conquer Brazilian Portuguese as a second language.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWXSyWCg-wto-8AKyeksNk6UM8IuIktGHTUr3s0HMJir7ApTwcMPjwSI_5YhoGQWwlFTYp8r9Beg4zHqHErgHbQjfKIzBn4H6hL-5xIK4zdkUfcOA7VOLDDxLFb0a6QH0BapIJEipNUJo/s1600/Ingles+Urgente+para+Brasileiros+by+Cristina+Schumacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWXSyWCg-wto-8AKyeksNk6UM8IuIktGHTUr3s0HMJir7ApTwcMPjwSI_5YhoGQWwlFTYp8r9Beg4zHqHErgHbQjfKIzBn4H6hL-5xIK4zdkUfcOA7VOLDDxLFb0a6QH0BapIJEipNUJo/s400/Ingles+Urgente+para+Brasileiros+by+Cristina+Schumacher.jpg" width="221"></a></div>
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Again, I'll reiterate that <strong>Portuguese in 10 minutes a day</strong> is the best solution for those that speak American English. If you speak British English, then the book <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yourself-Brazilian-Portuguese-Complete-Package/dp/0071413782/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352141753&sr=1-2&keywords=Teach+Yourself+Brazilian+Portuguese+by+Sue+Tyson-Ward" target="_blank">Brazilian Portuguese<em> by Sue Tyson-Ward</em></a></strong>, from the <strong>Teach Yourself</strong> series is a great resource. The phonetic base of any foreign language is key, and like Kristine Kershul, Ms. Tyson-Ward does it up right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLBKTukl4iYBj8bqs6NGtDFO3A_R3aCbniaJMtIeOt3x5YbORX5xbk9QnHipmV4tQtkh7SCLRHdTWIbM2sBxwRw6ELDmCprR1OAvHg-riICfBE2b-iUFyaL3913moAAShcF_bX3tajJDz/s1600/Teach+Yourself+Brazilian+Portuguese+by+Sue+Tyson-Ward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLBKTukl4iYBj8bqs6NGtDFO3A_R3aCbniaJMtIeOt3x5YbORX5xbk9QnHipmV4tQtkh7SCLRHdTWIbM2sBxwRw6ELDmCprR1OAvHg-riICfBE2b-iUFyaL3913moAAShcF_bX3tajJDz/s400/Teach+Yourself+Brazilian+Portuguese+by+Sue+Tyson-Ward.jpg" width="200"></a></div>
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Just so you know, I am not being paid by any of these book publishers to promote their products. I simply hate to see anyone waste their time, money, and efforts in methods that do not work.</div>
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<strong><em>Boa sorte</em></strong> in your studies!
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Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-59430331278728727992012-11-02T14:00:00.000-05:002012-11-12T09:30:36.125-06:00Five Facts for Foreigners - Vol. XI<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza" target="_blank">Pizza</a>. Everybody seems to love it.</div>
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Preference is definitely a regional, as well as a very personal thing. Most people have a craving for a certain place when they hear the word. Folks in the U.S. are familiar with terms like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York-style_pizza" target="_blank">New York-style pizza</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago-style_pizza" target="_blank">Chicago-style 'deep-dish' pizza</a>, or in Austin: <a href="http://mangiapizza.com/" target="_blank">Mangia Pizza</a> and <a href="http://conanspizza.com/" target="_blank">Conan's</a>. <em>(...and apparently </em><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/east-side-pies-austin#query:thin%20crust%20pizza" target="_blank"><em>East Side Pies</em></a><em>. I'll have to try them when I go home to visit.)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6fUw_ji_YRlz5aXe1zveyTf3lC6UvKwKr2Xzfinybj1P0HBm7oIT-Q5hFfHBmKoQLeVKgVZK5NBtYcYxmHY96dho-Abxbam-oIFLYGykqv-LDZ6HrRuoTe42akDwu56fbyZ7LNZb7LmR/s1600/Pizzeria+-+Portuguese+-+Brick+Oven+Pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6fUw_ji_YRlz5aXe1zveyTf3lC6UvKwKr2Xzfinybj1P0HBm7oIT-Q5hFfHBmKoQLeVKgVZK5NBtYcYxmHY96dho-Abxbam-oIFLYGykqv-LDZ6HrRuoTe42akDwu56fbyZ7LNZb7LmR/s320/Pizzeria+-+Portuguese+-+Brick+Oven+Pizza.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found </span><a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=pizza&ex=2#ai:MC900431913|" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div>
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Within the pizza-loving community there are die-hard deep dish devotees, staunch thin crust connoisseurs, and avid hand-tossed aficionados. There are the extra sauce enthusiasts, and those who lean toward light sauce. Deciding on extra cheese or light cheese can make or break personal pizza nirvana. Then there are the toppings... on the top, light, or on the side?</div>
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Finding the perfect pie is as much a challenge today as finding a faster trade route to the East Indies was when <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Columbus" target="_blank">Columbus</a> sailed the high seas. Pizza lovers are all seeking a rewarding find, and are sometimes even willing to go to great lengths to achieve their personal treasured trifecta: perfect crust, balanced flavor, & some kind of decent price. And once in a while... when we think that we've almost nailed it, we might just let price fly out the window. That's usually a regrettable mistake. Desperation rarely yields anything worth savoring.</div>
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After searching high and low, I can tell you that the pizza you seek in Brazil is found in precious few places. I say this as a THESLC (thin crust, extra sauce, light cheese) kind of girl. On a recent vacation, we happened across one of the most divine pizza places ever. After regular disappointment over the past 6 years, I honestly didn't get my hopes up. <br />
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We were blown away. The pizza was so amazing, that we each ate a medium—at least three nights that week. It was <em>that</em> good. I must note, that as an extra sauce chick, I didn't even miss it. Would it be possible to improve on perfection? I only entertained the thought for a second.<br />
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We seriously considered taking one to go... (on the plane home) but the trip would be too long, and it would get soggy (it's that thin!) so we went home brokenhearted, with bittersweet memories of the best pizza we have tasted in Brazil.<br />
<br />
If you are ever in Fortaleza, Teresina, São Luís, or Salvador then you must make it a point to visit <a href="http://vejabrasil.abril.com.br/fortaleza/restaurantes/vignoli-28469" target="_blank">Vignoli's</a>. If you live there, we are jealous: BEST. Pizza. <em>Ever</em>.<br />
<br />
The topic of toppings could take a year or more to pick through, so I'll focus on the top 5 major differences in pizza toppings here versus national U.S. pizza chains. That should be easy enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll call this list <strong>Top 5 Surprising Finds Listed Under Toppings in Brazil <em>Pizzarias</em></strong>...</div>
<ol>
<li><strong>Corn </strong>– Corn! Apparently this is also available on veggie pizzas in local joints around the U.S.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRxpt4q1pTuXxrik1MdpAFqOYMlzNR1iKu7OsCO1qK4HHl7yrdgp73zUq-Zbsq6gZbdJqIQVC6YYvezhnEkBIxo33PbLnvyGcFt1rBLsqDKts02BKxu-Ohntl8Sjiy1CU06Tke1z5t1SN/s1600/Corn+Kernels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRxpt4q1pTuXxrik1MdpAFqOYMlzNR1iKu7OsCO1qK4HHl7yrdgp73zUq-Zbsq6gZbdJqIQVC6YYvezhnEkBIxo33PbLnvyGcFt1rBLsqDKts02BKxu-Ohntl8Sjiy1CU06Tke1z5t1SN/s320/Corn+Kernels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found </span><a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=corn&ex=2#ai:MP900289815|" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Peas</strong> – The distant cousins of spinach heard that there was an opening in the pizza biz, and decided to try it out. They are bona fide rock stars in pizza places across Brazil.</div>
</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoEdBSfzOW9dcSQaI0QKjqXeTFJ5qnMZXqXR__3Z-SONXNFT1xKiktTvu68WbUHtRYiWYMjIeJEm4ifyluSgcQfzvKBJjelmOubV8eTw575KJaijNwKI57qr_-XsVm4h0h8QGgRdCs9JR/s1600/Peas+in+A+Pod+Metaphor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoEdBSfzOW9dcSQaI0QKjqXeTFJ5qnMZXqXR__3Z-SONXNFT1xKiktTvu68WbUHtRYiWYMjIeJEm4ifyluSgcQfzvKBJjelmOubV8eTw575KJaijNwKI57qr_-XsVm4h0h8QGgRdCs9JR/s320/Peas+in+A+Pod+Metaphor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found </span><a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=peas&ex=1#ai:MC900384342|" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Prunes (or Peaches)</strong> – What is probably the most surprising pizza on the menu is the "Californian," which is comprised of canadian bacon (or smoked turkey), prunes, peaches, pineapple, figs, and/or raisins. I have been waiting for a Californian to weigh in on this. Is this pizza really representative of Cali? (I'm guessing "no" on the prunes part.)</div>
</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbCMG4mxSkFo5tmAWsgfMnVyFBPkea0nkPhgARuJvzCIMhxJl9eM3YnOUC_E-4MX_cRArvw7q8BGm-1Tsms4GUv2LQUHoyOXxay6MYolzNdHFLsweLfzVgmJVFd_tWxf6eWIz_p-w5GX3/s1600/Prunes+and+Peaches+as+Pizza+Toppings+in+Brazil_Go+Goiano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbCMG4mxSkFo5tmAWsgfMnVyFBPkea0nkPhgARuJvzCIMhxJl9eM3YnOUC_E-4MX_cRArvw7q8BGm-1Tsms4GUv2LQUHoyOXxay6MYolzNdHFLsweLfzVgmJVFd_tWxf6eWIz_p-w5GX3/s400/Prunes+and+Peaches+as+Pizza+Toppings+in+Brazil_Go+Goiano.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images found on Google.</span></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Sliced, Hard-Boiled Eggs</strong> – {insert exclamation of surprise here} I'm sticking to my guns, and still maintain that this is just <em>weird</em>... and stinky... and weird.</div>
</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOWsVFyCoxgMLKyS-NEshKzDG6muWAF6qeIVRGQehyQFItsK4OGB8VpsIpcRCTDvCjkjQpXzCM-d2AHd00-bAnD7nzMNvLzo5G_vyggA-pcerHDvgUiRwddpD33BdjRLkeWj2DaNQvaVl/s1600/Eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOWsVFyCoxgMLKyS-NEshKzDG6muWAF6qeIVRGQehyQFItsK4OGB8VpsIpcRCTDvCjkjQpXzCM-d2AHd00-bAnD7nzMNvLzo5G_vyggA-pcerHDvgUiRwddpD33BdjRLkeWj2DaNQvaVl/s320/Eggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found </span><a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=egg&ex=1#ai:MP900177947|" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span>
</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Tuna</strong> – Don't knock it 'til you try it. I'd recommend that you make it at home with lots of minced garlic & <a href="http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/blends/zaat.html" target="_blank">za'atar </a>on top, for good measure.</div>
</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWuTqvAYY6PG_NoslgOH6tprvBu8z44xvzaIWKCvFqVXX-p85G6prXwc4iiRaIIASWD0C0v9xWq9vQ2uYaRU6u8KWUZk459xoudl2xTnLYBxceO9XTjGTlMzzURDUkiTpuLEcJgew5IOC/s1600/Tuna+Can+-+You+Can+Too_Go+Goiano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWuTqvAYY6PG_NoslgOH6tprvBu8z44xvzaIWKCvFqVXX-p85G6prXwc4iiRaIIASWD0C0v9xWq9vQ2uYaRU6u8KWUZk459xoudl2xTnLYBxceO9XTjGTlMzzURDUkiTpuLEcJgew5IOC/s400/Tuna+Can+-+You+Can+Too_Go+Goiano.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=tuna&ex=2#ai:MC900305073|" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></ol>
The top 5 pizzas that you will find at <strong><em>pizzarias</em></strong> around Brazil are...<br />
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
The <strong><em>Portuguesa</em></strong> – ham, hard-boiled eggs, tomato, black or green olives, and oregano</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
The <strong><em>Margherita</em></strong> – fresh basil, oregano, tomato, and black olives</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
The <strong><em>Mussarela </em></strong>– Although dictionaries don't recognize this spelling, 95% of pizzerias use it. Variations are <strong><em>mozarela</em></strong>, <strong><em>muçarela</em></strong>, <strong><em>muzarela</em></strong>, or the traditional Italian spelling: <em>mozzarella</em>.</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
The <strong><em>Napolitana</em></strong> – palm hearts, tomato, black or green olives, and oregano</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
The <strong><em>Calabresa</em></strong> – salami, onions, and black olives</div>
</li>
</ul>
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Below is a sample menu from a local <b><i>pizzaria</i></b>.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPZNm8BpBSssBnRHmX9Dw6ULGo30UTW2IqwnefD3GkDtudzCLW3qrC_3OspN60Vt1agN0qSp_T8Pv8O4KfRTA2oLb6o1xe6AvMBKKW8EqwSVtr8G6Ai1bShspm8_P1bmhDpcGI1BN9eth/s1600/Top+5+Pizza+Differences_Go+Goiano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPZNm8BpBSssBnRHmX9Dw6ULGo30UTW2IqwnefD3GkDtudzCLW3qrC_3OspN60Vt1agN0qSp_T8Pv8O4KfRTA2oLb6o1xe6AvMBKKW8EqwSVtr8G6Ai1bShspm8_P1bmhDpcGI1BN9eth/s400/Top+5+Pizza+Differences_Go+Goiano.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">To enlarge, right-click and open in a new window.</span>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://i.polldaddy.com/ratings/rating.js"></script>Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-30331161503245220012012-11-01T07:11:00.000-05:002012-11-16T20:39:14.605-06:00October Rain?<div style="text-align: justify;">
This region really only has two seasons, although each of these seasons has a hot and a cool side to it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35dQNehZpNQetC_wvNBLgP-8ix0QmRg4tisTuNaPNl_5r3AJGKkAqw6lBUbnQr7bxoYjhM4SOaXUk6eXJwELJ4ohGn87hGU3IftkrGOvZzDj9xOUvksRHGIzwVG18BqL5omFOmS5ZhtwV/s1600/Clear+Skies+in+July_Go+Goiano_AinW%6011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35dQNehZpNQetC_wvNBLgP-8ix0QmRg4tisTuNaPNl_5r3AJGKkAqw6lBUbnQr7bxoYjhM4SOaXUk6eXJwELJ4ohGn87hGU3IftkrGOvZzDj9xOUvksRHGIzwVG18BqL5omFOmS5ZhtwV/s320/Clear+Skies+in+July_Go+Goiano_AinW%6011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Clear Skies in July Along the Araguaia River</span></div>
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<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The dry season typically runs from April through October, though it can come early and/or stay late. Without the buffer of rain clouds, temperatures usually soar to about <a href="http://www.onlineconversion.com/temperature.htm" target="_blank">100<span style="font-size: 125%;">°</span>F</a>, with a short respite in May and/or June. These cooler months bring welcomed temperatures that can get as low as 50<span style="font-size: 125%;">°</span>F at night, with highs in the 70s during the day.</div>
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Within a month or two of the rainy season coming to an end, the region is a veritable dust bowl. Even if there is a cool breeze at some point during the day, people think twice about opening their windows (in a place where few homes have air conditioning). The fertile earth here is a fine red clay that travels easily on the wind, and coats everything in a powdery film. During these months, a very definite red haze hangs over the skyline.</div>
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The rainy season is sweet relief for housekeepers who have battled against the seemingly never-ending layer of red dust, as well as for those suffering from cracked and bleeding sinuses. Of course, the next few months of steady rain produce another irritant: mold. Aside from the mold, the rain is welcomed with open umbrellas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-5V64tMsI7-7JQEVvfBarymPXX90zjNSO-tcztjeYp_KZPLQRyXUsIHDMIdZ7R_F_sYBRWvcJU0DsAjwzp10dsXa6UVDChpIK79W2Q2tBIhw3X0T9vvDTEeul5A-9TnFYOBNh2TDSVBB/s1600/October+Rain+-+Goias+Countryside_AinW%6010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-5V64tMsI7-7JQEVvfBarymPXX90zjNSO-tcztjeYp_KZPLQRyXUsIHDMIdZ7R_F_sYBRWvcJU0DsAjwzp10dsXa6UVDChpIK79W2Q2tBIhw3X0T9vvDTEeul5A-9TnFYOBNh2TDSVBB/s320/October+Rain+-+Goias+Countryside_AinW%6010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">October Rains in the Goiás Countryside</span></div><br />
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The rainy season can start as early as October, or as late as December, and normally continues through mid March. In the first month or so, temperatures dip slightly and last only for the duration of the showers, climbing back up to <strong>Sweltering</strong> in the humid aftermath. Depending on how heavy the rains are, and how much rainfall there is during the next few months, the rains start to have a cooling effect. The more rain received, the cooler it gets. </div>
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For personal optimum cooling effect, I have renounced umbrellas. I stay cool and... damp. While that is generally considered uncivilized for a woman [around these parts, especially, since most women get a weekly <a href="http://beauty.about.com/od/hairbasics/ht/blowout.htm" target="_blank">blowout</a> that would be ruined if exposed to water], I'm willing to go to great lengths <em>(such as "window shopping" inside high-end shops where I won't actually buy anything since I'm really only there for the AC)</em> and resort to "lazy" practices <em>(like "ignoring" — not <strong>hiding</strong> from the rain)</em> to lower my body temperature. It's an ongoing battle in a place where air conditioning is a privilege. I've even considered buying a <a href="http://www.arcticheatusa.com/" target="_blank">cooling vest</a>, but that would probably make me stand out even more than walking in the rain.</div>
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"Hiding" from rain seems to be a cultural thing. I've received countless strange looks, been the subject of mumbling observations, and even audibly chided when I walk <em>and don't run</em> for cover, as it starts to rain. I usually laugh and tell people that while I may be sweet, I'm not made of sugar, so I won't melt. No one <em>ever</em> thinks this is funny. <em><strong>This is serious!</strong></em> There are various <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_wives'_tale" target="_blank">old wives' tales</a> that allude to <strong>Death by Damp Hair</strong> — and this doesn't only apply to the women. Sometimes, we Americans are really surprised at how things can grind to a halt if it starts to sprinkle.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A fellow Texan and friend of mine was working on a construction project near the end of the dry season. It was hotter than Hades. While on a delivery of supplies to the site one day, it started sprinkling. The workers couldn't be coaxed out to finish unloading the truck until it stopped. We thought this would have been a relished opportunity for the hot and dusty workers to cool off, but they claimed that they would risk their health (in the warm drops of rain) if their heads were to get wet. My friend ended up unloading the rest of the supplies by himself. To us, this seemed quite bizarre. To the workers, my friend was a reckless risk taker. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrTTqh19YAjipBW1PqnXQ_2IVlxal5kWbfTNLMiGAy1Nv9hEpEYYgGfUf-5Eis5vbOXQzksg6n73-782AmG3OMzwRIo9E8wS6Qk6JhCvx-mD-5kBdOfooj0quXLISUYZDdYd2DHkjUkdD/s1600/Water+-+Drops+-+Splash+-+Puddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrTTqh19YAjipBW1PqnXQ_2IVlxal5kWbfTNLMiGAy1Nv9hEpEYYgGfUf-5Eis5vbOXQzksg6n73-782AmG3OMzwRIo9E8wS6Qk6JhCvx-mD-5kBdOfooj0quXLISUYZDdYd2DHkjUkdD/s320/Water+-+Drops+-+Splash+-+Puddle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found </span><a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=raining&ex=1#ai:MC900446340|" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I suspect this fear of rain stems from the heavy dew or <strong><em>sereno</em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>seh</em>-<em><u>rdeh</u></em>-<em>no</em>"] that falls at night in the countryside, where it tends to be cooler. I thought that this was all hype, like the rain superstitions, but the amount of dew that falls in this tropical region is impressive by any standard. Any uncovered surface will have small pools of standing water, within a matter of hours. If you are breathing it in, or if you get a wet head and it is cool outside, then it can cause a cold. Here, stargazing requires a hat... and some sleeves.</div>
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What about your region of the world? Are there any old wives' tales about rain? Do tell.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">To enlarge pics, right-click and open in a new window.</span></div>
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Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-29002235531292852702012-10-29T16:00:00.000-05:002016-07-05T23:01:39.941-05:00Meu Destino - My Destiny<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my favorite songs in Portuguese is actually by a group from Washington, D.C. You may have heard of them. Two DJs... Awesome sounds... They collaborate with artists from all over the world, resulting in songs with lyrics in varying languages... <br />
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Did I mention their <a href="http://youtu.be/QfwPJhwh0Ew" target="_blank">mega awesomeness</a>?</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thievery_corporation" target="_blank">Thievery Corporation</a> is the name. An ethereal beat (<a href="http://www.thieverycorporation.com/albums/">or 99</a>) is the game. In this case, the vocals are provided by one Patrick dos Santos. <strong><em>Meu Destino</em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>May</em>-<em>yo</em> <em>Des</em>-<em>chee</em>-<em>no</em>"] is from their third album, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Richest_Man_in_Babylon_(album)" target="_blank">The Richest Man in Babylon</a>, which features several other personal favorites: <strong><a href="http://youtu.be/NCnQEA-eI30" target="_blank">Omid (Hope)</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://youtu.be/VHcJfUpnEMI" target="_blank">Facing East</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://youtu.be/5IZ9L5Z2e1U" target="_blank">From Creation</a></strong>, and<strong> Exilio (Exile) -</strong> <em>though I prefer the <a href="http://youtu.be/aiO5mxZfajY" target="_blank">version from <strong>Babylon Rewound</strong></a></em>.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
This video provides the lyrics in both Portuguese and English. Enjoy...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/86NpCLpJXmc?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
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<br />Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-91959736103426542882012-10-27T10:55:00.000-05:002012-11-10T09:27:17.441-06:00Misdemeanin'<div style="text-align: justify;">
When learning Portuguese, you may be surprised to hear a few English words peppering conversations here and there. A handful of English words have entered Brazilian Portuguese. Most are Brazilianized forms of an English term, and are spelled according to Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation, such as "<strong><em>blogue</em></strong>" for "<em>blog</em>." However, there are other seemingly random English words that appear in everyday conversation that don't actually hold true to the original English meaning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQqwDEXHUAj_zg7lxhdbIlDF9XKBDUrjY2N7zdzgUjdRjs9dd2f11iHsVqNBQvAQl5rh0xoIru-14Vf7OI6Yo8cu9N5Yd0ZjwdSjEXKDs-8BkBGuTUr1VIO5VyKgktdHX7vQBnyYLlrwQ/s1600/Communication+Definition+in+Dictionary+-+Negative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQqwDEXHUAj_zg7lxhdbIlDF9XKBDUrjY2N7zdzgUjdRjs9dd2f11iHsVqNBQvAQl5rh0xoIru-14Vf7OI6Yo8cu9N5Yd0ZjwdSjEXKDs-8BkBGuTUr1VIO5VyKgktdHX7vQBnyYLlrwQ/s320/Communication+Definition+in+Dictionary+-+Negative.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=dictionary&ex=1#ai:MP900309615|" target="_blank">source</a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Depending on just how well you speak Portuguese <em>and which English word it is</em>, this could make for some major confusion. You see, there are some English terms or phrases that only <em>halfway</em> entered Brazilian Portuguese. These English words might be connected somehow through a <a href="http://www.visualthesaurus.com/landing/?ad=ddc.large&utm_medium=large&utm_campaign=VT&utm_source=ddc&word=word&lang=en" target="_blank">word map</a>, but then again, it could just be something that someone heard somewhere and brought back here, with a misunderstood or slightly different meaning.<br />
<br />
Though some of these words may have started out as slang here, they are now full-fledged proper terms. As a foreigner trying to make the transition, you will need to learn the Brazilian Portuguese meaning of some originally English words.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are the top 5 English words that <em>mostly</em> made it into Brazilian Portuguese. They are pronounced the same as in English, unless otherwise noted.</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Shopping</em></strong></span> = We know this as a <em>shopping mall</em> or <em>mall</em>.</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Smoking</span></em></strong> = We know this as a <em>tuxedo</em>.<br />
<br />
I have four theories on that one. It is either derived from...</div>
<ul><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
a "<a href="http://www.learnersdictionary.com/search/smoking%20jacket" target="_blank">smoking jacket</a>" </div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
from the phrase "<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=smokin%27+hot" target="_blank">smoking hot</a>" </div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
someone heard someone else say, "You're smokin'!" and misunderstood it as, "Your Smoking[, Sir]."</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
or someone heard the phrase, "a <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/smoking_gun" target="_blank">smoking gun</a>," and got a mental image of James Bond. Hence, <strong><em>um smoking</em></strong> turned into a tuxedo.</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<br />
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Personal</span></em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>pear</em>-<em>sown</em>-<em>all</em>"] = We know this as a <em>personal trainer</em> or <em>trainer</em>.</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Outdoor</span></em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>ouch</em>-<em>door</em>"] = We know this as a <em>billboard</em> or a large panel for outdoor advertising.</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Face</span></em></strong> = This is what all the kids in Brazil are calling <em>facebook</em>, these days.</div>
</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxLr3AvkKVbd0R7fUDqkAvNMTzkVaVnFW2bBn9dIpUxNcj2RKtODI5tHasZ_FX1Mzrl3mkOi3tYzoKuYFmgF5l75sdew7T5swcG9zlqkXZMnmescQTyeT2QpkaqDI1orWUZPNeC_iPYwQ/s1600/Billboard+-+YOUR+SLANG+HERE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxLr3AvkKVbd0R7fUDqkAvNMTzkVaVnFW2bBn9dIpUxNcj2RKtODI5tHasZ_FX1Mzrl3mkOi3tYzoKuYFmgF5l75sdew7T5swcG9zlqkXZMnmescQTyeT2QpkaqDI1orWUZPNeC_iPYwQ/s320/Billboard+-+YOUR+SLANG+HERE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=billboard&ex=2#ai:MP900442313|" target="_blank">source</a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not knowing the Brazilian Portuguese definition of these English terms can cause major confusion. Here is a conversation that took place between my husband and me when we first arrived.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong>Him:</strong>
"I'm thinking of working with my brother in the <strong><em>outdoors</em></strong>."<br />
<strong>Me:</strong> "Oh, really? What does he do?"<br />
<strong>Him:</strong> "<em><strong>Outdoors</strong></em>."<br />
<strong>Me:</strong> "...but what does he <em>do</em> outdoors?"<br />
<strong>Him:</strong> (frustrated) "He works with the <strong><em>outdoors</em></strong>."<br />
<strong>Me:</strong> (wondering where the miscommunication is) "Okay, but out... <em>in</em> the great outdoors... what does he <em>do</em>?"<br />
<strong>Him:</strong> @#$%^&*!</blockquote>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...and now you know. Be sure to jot down these English words (and new meanings) inside the back cover of your English to Portuguese dictionary.
<br />
<br />
I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of the <em><strong>Dicionário Didático </strong>(Guided Dictionary)</em> by <a href="http://www.edicoessm.com.br/" target="_blank">Edições SM</a>. It has over 50,000 definitions
that include the latest generation's slang terms, newly coined words, acronyms, and abbreviations. It truly gives you the best glimpse into modern Brazilian Portuguese.<br />
<br />
They also have the <strong><em>Dicionário Didático Básico</em></strong>, which is a kids' edition. It has 7,000 words, more illustrations and pictures, and the definitions are explained simply & clearly. If you are just starting to learn Portuguese, it will be a great addition to your study materials.<br />
<br />
Contact info for this book dealer is on the last page of the pdf for the <a href="http://www.edicoessm.com.br/backend/public/pdfs/FolderDicionarioDidatico_2011.pdf" target="_blank">Dicionário Didático & Dicionário Didático Básico</a>. I was fortunate to find a location nearby, here in Goiânia. <em>I only wish that I had run across these resources during the first few years!</em> It would have made life so much easier. Then again, I'd have fewer ridiculous stories to tell... </div>
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<br />Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-1500340143130124512012-10-25T13:13:00.001-05:002023-08-28T16:56:39.126-05:00Somewhere Along the Grain<div style="text-align: justify;">
Something that literally threw me for a loop when I got here, was how the city is built in an ever-expanding circle. More than half of the main streets are one-way, which can really trip someone up if they aren't from around here. Due to the ever-winding one-way roads and <em>very rare</em> lights where you can make a left, it's not as simple as going "around the block" to get you where you need to go <em>(say, if you just accidentally passed it up)</em>. It could take you at least four rights to get you back to Point A.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although this was the direct cause of my tardiness for most of my appointments the first year, it also helped me to become familiar with my new city in record time. Several people that have lived here all their lives, tell me that I now know <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goi%C3%A2nia" target="_blank">Goiânia</a> better than they do!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYItmgEbXy8e_RTAbUoTUzXzh2auu1lpK6NrOjCgE0sQSccoQHaf8i9baeMvqTM_QI4vKZ1pMCeK1XvWva6DlKua7MwhTEekSrZHjR0FuVTzFlFdpKBcB6ibGIzVxH_EeXVwRF6tp7SBMk/s1600/Traffic+Roundabout+in+Mexico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYItmgEbXy8e_RTAbUoTUzXzh2auu1lpK6NrOjCgE0sQSccoQHaf8i9baeMvqTM_QI4vKZ1pMCeK1XvWva6DlKua7MwhTEekSrZHjR0FuVTzFlFdpKBcB6ibGIzVxH_EeXVwRF6tp7SBMk/s320/Traffic+Roundabout+in+Mexico.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=roundabouts#ai:MP900442748|" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To compound the issue of trying to find a place for the first time, the way directions given here are quite different than what I'm accustomed to back home. I am used to hearing things like, </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Go north on I-35, until you reach the 290 East exit. Take a right, and go down two lights. Take a left at the light. We are located in the shopping center on the northwest corner of the intersection."</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If someone tells me to go "<em>up the street</em>," then I follow the ascending street numbers. I can find new places in a heartbeat. Even if there is someone on the line who may not be good with directions, they typically know which side of the road they are on (N,S,E,W) or in which corner you will find them (NW, SW, SE, NE) — or <em>someone</em> in the office will. That's just how we do things in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin,_Texas" target="_blank">Austin</a>.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here, there are a few different challenges to getting directions. One major factor is that not everyone drives, and a good portion of the population buses it to work so they don't really pay attention to the streets, or may only be familiar with the roundabout route that their particular bus takes. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another issue is that some directions tend to work <em>only</em> if you are [already] somewhat familiar with the area in question. For example, when you hear someone tell you to go <em>up</em> or <em>down</em> the street, they are saying this <i>literally</i>. Physically. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topography" target="_blank">Topographically-speaking</a>. If there's a hill, then you apply directions accordingly. Here, Jack & Jill went <em>up the</em> <em>street</em>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mEjGr7ZV2tiTTLZLrti0g5BHHgVLAuaebRjn5q9tMctvLRWRkoJCsQqaS0GyteFsyzfykEtNS9uFUpoOLJOGQG1VATIuErDsuLFzUyYxrFAyDKTjexCwWVECNMkpsxeLV6r-4lOm9c_A/s1600/Arrows+on+City+Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mEjGr7ZV2tiTTLZLrti0g5BHHgVLAuaebRjn5q9tMctvLRWRkoJCsQqaS0GyteFsyzfykEtNS9uFUpoOLJOGQG1VATIuErDsuLFzUyYxrFAyDKTjexCwWVECNMkpsxeLV6r-4lOm9c_A/s320/Arrows+on+City+Street.jpg" height="168" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found </span><a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=city%20streets#ai:MP900443266|" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll be honest. This confuses the heck out of me. Where I'm from hills have two (or more) easily distinguishable sides, not to mention that <em>to me (with my obviously untrained eye)</em>, most streets in Goiania appear to be flat ...and even if there<em> is</em> an incline, it's never just one. Of the roads that are alleged hills here, they seem more wavy than hilly... no definite beginning or end ...or top ...or bottom.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But there was something else about the [disproportionate — <em>as in verging on conspiracy theories</em>] degree of difficulty in getting directions that I wasn't quite able to put my finger on, until it hit me the other night, while watching<strong> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343818/" target="_blank">I, Robot</a></strong>. Dr. Lanning's hologram said perfectly in English, what various secretaries are relaying in Portuguese (more or less). </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not asking <a href="http://youtu.be/OXLTM4t5TeM?t=6m3s" target="_blank">the right question</a>. Their responses are limited. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I recently played 20 questions with a secretary at a major medical clinic downtown (that's where the really curved & looping one-way roads are found). I tried asking for directions using various landmarks until I found one that she was familiar with. She still didn't answer my question, but I was able to narrow it down to the correct part of town.
<br />
<br />
{insert maniacal laughter} <br />
<br />
<em>Silly tourist!</em> <em>You think a simple <strong>street name</strong> helps with that?</em></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Due to being built in an ever-expanding circle, the city has several different groups of streets that are split by the main circle ...and pick up on <strong>the other side of town</strong>. <em> <br>
<br />It's funny how no one seems to mention that fact until you've made this discovery all on your own.</em> <br>
<br />(You're welcome.)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My best advice is to buy a map to carry with you, study Google maps at home, and leave about 45 minutes early, until you feel comfortable enough within the maze known as Goiânia. On the upside, it's a good lookin' city, so the view isn't bad <em><strong>no matter where you end up</strong></em>.</div>
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<strong><em> </em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmTa9h2ZfNolvz37qZppU9aS8gsLxw6qkd2Utsx-VqBk8ZAuD9eyRPyY3e-3Jp8aahUv3gV5a0KOKeq7Ob1sKxh9XOg-9O12krJs_-XCRBQrcKIvxipLSQKLpzAHzNZugplQbZtSGYMZ5/s1600/Alice+in+Wonderland+Maze+by+Srulink+-+April+2010_CGC+Matte+Painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmTa9h2ZfNolvz37qZppU9aS8gsLxw6qkd2Utsx-VqBk8ZAuD9eyRPyY3e-3Jp8aahUv3gV5a0KOKeq7Ob1sKxh9XOg-9O12krJs_-XCRBQrcKIvxipLSQKLpzAHzNZugplQbZtSGYMZ5/s320/Alice+in+Wonderland+Maze+by+Srulink+-+April+2010_CGC+Matte+Painting.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Alice in Wonderland Maze by Srulink | </span><a href="http://www.cgchannel.com/2010/05/matte-painting-april/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+cgchannel%2FnHpU+(CG+Channel)" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></em></strong></div>
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<br />
Happy trails!
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<br />Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-38005856233166227632012-10-24T19:24:00.000-05:002013-11-18T13:42:24.362-06:00Wacky Haiku Wednesday IV<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today is a special occasion!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Tis a holiday in Goiânia, and all over the city...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...everyone is resting. No one is busy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now you see why I stick to haiku. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I guess I'm giving you a <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twofer" target="_blank">twofer</a> today: one really bad line of poetry and one <strike>pretty bad</strike> wacky haiku.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The city hasn't been this quiet in quite awhile. For those who live in Goiânia, and work in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goi%C3%A2nia_Microregion" target="_blank">nearby towns</a>, their only comfort is that each town will soon have its own <em>birthday</em>, er, holiday. That's right. Cities have birthdays here, and Goiânia is officially 79 years old. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I got to thinking that they should really implement city birthdays back home. Americans could certainly use an additional day off. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin,_texas" target="_blank">Austin</a>'s birthday would be December 27th. It would guarantee an extra long Christmas holiday weekend for us Austinites. Of course, places like <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/14/nyregion/14seal.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" target="_blank">New York</a> that don't have a definitive date, but more of a general year (or period of years), might have to just vote on a day that seems good to New Yorkers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To honor this day appropriately, I composed a birthday haiku for the pretty city. Hold on to your party hats.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXLhUS8pNWjABWj9I2FfEWMKnz3zXlpK8kWLFIH6QnRubc5KvyqiXZ5gN4nK66NRRQGgkt7MpGMZK5xO6is0azotyG73ZXSNK6JRSS2OploCDNpYhOSg0hbw0qRWHJMuWjDk0Q3K_tnFN/s1600/Bulldog+wearing+party+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXLhUS8pNWjABWj9I2FfEWMKnz3zXlpK8kWLFIH6QnRubc5KvyqiXZ5gN4nK66NRRQGgkt7MpGMZK5xO6is0azotyG73ZXSNK6JRSS2OploCDNpYhOSg0hbw0qRWHJMuWjDk0Q3K_tnFN/s320/Bulldog+wearing+party+hat.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=birthday&ex=2#ai:MP900448558|" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here in <strong><em>Goiânia</em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>é um feriado, viu?</em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday, G!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Goiânia</strong></span> is pronounced "<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Goy</span></em>-<span style="color: #0b5394;"><em><u>ahn</u></em></span><span style="color: black;">-</span><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">nyuh</span></em>."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>É um feriado, viu?</strong></span> = <span style="color: #0b5394;">It's a holiday, see?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<ul>
<li><strong>é</strong> [pronounced: "<em>eh</em>"] means <em>it's</em>.</li>
<br />
<li><strong>um</strong> [pronounced: "<em>oom</em>" as in zoom] means <em>a</em>.</li>
<br />
<li><strong>feriado</strong> [pronounced: "<em>feh</em>-<em>rdee</em>-<em><u>ah</u></em>-<em>doh</em>"] means <em>holiday</em>.</li>
<br />
<li><strong>viu</strong> [pronounced: similar to <em>view</em> (one syllable), but "<em>vee</em>-<em>oo</em>"] means <em>see</em> (<em>got it </em><strong>/ </strong><em>understand</em>, etc.).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em>É</em></strong> is a form of the verb "<strong><em>ser</em></strong>" which means "<em>to be</em>," and is used for permanent conditions or characteristics. "<strong><em>Estar</em></strong>" also means "<em>to be</em>," but is used for transitory or passing states of things (nonpermanent characteristics).<br />
<br />
See a quick explanation & chart <a href="http://www.easyportuguese.com/Portuguese-Lessons/To-Be.html" target="_blank">here</a>.
<br />
<br />
For example:<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Eu sou uma mulher. Ele é um homem. Nós somos pessoas.</em></strong><br />
<em>I am a woman. He is a man. We are people.</em><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Those are <span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">permanent</span> facts. Right?</div>
<em><strong></strong></em><br />
<em><strong></strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Eu estou com fome. Ela está com sede. Nós estamos felizes.</strong></em><br />
<em>I am hungry. She is thirsty. We are happy.</em><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
These things <span style="color: purple;">can change</span> from moment to moment.</div>
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<br />
<em>More on the pronunciations for these sentences later...</em> Right now, I need to congratulate someone on looking so good for "her" age.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Parabéns, Goiânia!</span></em></strong></div>
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Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-76359273070408750312012-10-22T15:30:00.000-05:002014-01-22T14:45:28.992-06:00Some Things Don't Translate<div style="text-align: justify;">
...in this case I'm referring to good prices, and a certain slogan that assures me I <i><b>can have things my way</b></i>. Perhaps that is old school. Have things changed that much in six years? Then again, it could just be good ol' fashioned highway robbery. You be the judge.
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<br />
Living in a place where you are hard-pressed to find home flavors can drive people to certain lengths (as I alluded to in my previous post). In my case, it drives me to <em>occasionally</em> eating fast food — fast food that is considered <strong><em>chic</em></strong> in a place where it isn't all that common. This can come with a hefty price tag, depending on where you go. On those days where I'd give a portion of my left pinky to taste something reminiscent of home, I think it's worth it.<br />
<br />
On those days where I see <b>a blatant disregard for the fact that the minimum monthly wage here is R$600</b>, and someone is trying to charge people R$8.50 for less than (when you factor in ice — <i>I measured it</i>) a 10 oz cup of <i>watered down soda</i> [when you can by a 2.5 liter of coke for R$5-6 at any convenience store] ...I get peeved.<br />
<br />
At first, I attributed it to some foreign company that doesn't have a clue about the cost of living here. ...but that can't be right, can it? Of course, how could anyone living here also <em>live with their conscience</em>, if they know that this is grossly overcharging people for a drink [thereby excluding a large portion of the population]? I know I couldn't do it.</div>
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All I know is that THIS is not right:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97nIrFliKEBAX78yrJiYYz7KfmiZHHmQZzgW8LxnOzxDzGMeGmewP0yGdr_Ff7NizHCF9uMQvHe5tMoe3_F8DcKDIFzv84ovpUz_lAnJdR0qkApV24fIpaeAFdAXKXeJv_StwxbONzoaq/s1600/Way+to+Rip+People+Off2_AinW%6012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97nIrFliKEBAX78yrJiYYz7KfmiZHHmQZzgW8LxnOzxDzGMeGmewP0yGdr_Ff7NizHCF9uMQvHe5tMoe3_F8DcKDIFzv84ovpUz_lAnJdR0qkApV24fIpaeAFdAXKXeJv_StwxbONzoaq/s320/Way+to+Rip+People+Off2_AinW%6012.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
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What's wrong with this picture? (<i>Other than the gum that I wadded into this receipt out of disgust before deciding to rant online about it.</i> <em><strong>Sorry about that!</strong></em>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3fQxj0gYgPGVnCd-ugahsxmpdKDsmE8rSz9pxW-vju3M21RJCXvy3Asfw5nn7YCXF0jvggyX3eaRc7DfOe0vMekojeCzrUlhy43OClLYwqXsfvajRKMr9Q9U2HOhetolMkd3okZgPcsm/s1600/Way+to+Rip+People+Off1_AinW%6012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3fQxj0gYgPGVnCd-ugahsxmpdKDsmE8rSz9pxW-vju3M21RJCXvy3Asfw5nn7YCXF0jvggyX3eaRc7DfOe0vMekojeCzrUlhy43OClLYwqXsfvajRKMr9Q9U2HOhetolMkd3okZgPcsm/s320/Way+to+Rip+People+Off1_AinW%6012.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Please right-click and open in a new window to enlarge.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp18z8jDEpGgfENDh5RXh_aakctfQB-E1h3Ok1ej4zcWDWKU-xAjFfBu5V3RzIm_TmZxWOgV533WjrKgvXHwGrVgOKMEe0dIaymQ5VD67SENv7ycrMFYWNK-n0jI-J6tZb1xMmixkqdCr/s1600/Way+to+Rip+People+Off3_AinW%6012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp18z8jDEpGgfENDh5RXh_aakctfQB-E1h3Ok1ej4zcWDWKU-xAjFfBu5V3RzIm_TmZxWOgV533WjrKgvXHwGrVgOKMEe0dIaymQ5VD67SENv7ycrMFYWNK-n0jI-J6tZb1xMmixkqdCr/s320/Way+to+Rip+People+Off3_AinW%6012.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So if it was that expensive... why did I pay for it, and not stop by a convenience store?</span>
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Three reasons:
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<ol>
<li>
I mistakenly heard a different total (trusty drive-thru intercoms), otherwise I would have amended it before I rounded the building, where my drink was already sticking out of the window. You see, they weren't finished making my burger, and I didn't want any extra "secret" ingredient.
</li>
<br />
<li>
Unlike my hometown, convenience stores aren't all that easy to find, and with all of the one way streets in this town, it is actually <em>anything but</em> convenient. I thought about calling them not-quite-convenience stores, but that has a somewhat negative ring to it.
</li>
<br />
<li>
I was starving, thirsty, and exhausted enough to not want to walk any extra step that I <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Absosmurfly" target="_blank">absosmurfly</a> did not have to.</li>
</ol>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although flagrant price gouging <em>could be</em> the norm for the other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligopoly" target="_blank">international fast food chains</a> that are starting to pop up here, the prices are typically much, much less. <em><strong>I'm assuming that's because they want to achieve some measure of succe$$ with the population as a whole.</strong></em>
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<br />
This is by far the worst case I've seen, yet.
Other competitors such as McDonald's and Subway charge <em>less than half</em> of what was charged here (for the same size drink) making it a more affordable option for the masses.<br />
<br />
I hope that <strong>the powers that be</strong> somewhere see this, and reign in their overcharging minions. I suspect they will see an increase in revenue, as more of the everyday people will be able to afford it.
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I <i>also</i> suspect that they will need to invest in marketing that informs people that the idea of having a meal here is now more realistic for the average <strong><em>João</em></strong>.
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<br /></div>
Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-2110787463561392942012-10-19T17:00:00.000-05:002015-06-13T01:29:56.289-05:00Desperately Seeking...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Living in a place (far from home) where you don't get much of the food you were raised on can be trying, at times. It can be an added stressor, if you are going through a "missing home" phase.<br />
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There are three main challenges to finding particular foods or spices. Some can be overcome with time, and some you may just have to work around. (Get creative: think bribery, extreme lengths, etc. <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Okay. I'm kidding! Kinda...</span></em>)
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<br />
The main challenge is <b>availability</b>. Depending on just how far you are from an international hub or port, you might be delightfully surprised with a treasured find, or begin to feel a bit like Coronado in his fruitless search for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Cities_of_Gold_(myth)">Seven Cities of Gold</a>.
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I don't remember <i>exactly</i> when I stopped counting how many stores I'd perused in search of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chili_powder" target="_blank">chili powder</a>, but I did... It just became a habit of checking the spice aisle, no matter why I was there, or how quick a shopping trip it was supposed to be. I was on chili-powder-seeking-autopilot.<br />
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About a year later, it paid off.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EL9RFRvdgvQnkDdxdE7HXa50ajq9r187iVSx3-cSqnjeaUhKC7MkL7908BOUkiwhZ3nuUOxYdxU1olM77NMn-PNYa28SggRlXmqhyphenhyphen2aZBAOj9Rza_DLvRQbLwJ-vTOxjEbYKBDtkGNvR/s1600/Smeagol+-+My+Precious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EL9RFRvdgvQnkDdxdE7HXa50ajq9r187iVSx3-cSqnjeaUhKC7MkL7908BOUkiwhZ3nuUOxYdxU1olM77NMn-PNYa28SggRlXmqhyphenhyphen2aZBAOj9Rza_DLvRQbLwJ-vTOxjEbYKBDtkGNvR/s320/Smeagol+-+My+Precious.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="http://memegenerator.net/instance/28693067" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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The second challenge is the <b>language barrier</b>. This is key, since some spices or foods may sound deceptively similar in two different languages, when they aren't at all. <strong><em>Manjericão</em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>mahn</em>-<em>zheh</em>-<em><u>rdee</u></em>-<em>cone</em>"] sounds like a shoo–in for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjoram" target="_blank">marjoram</a>, not to mention I never even saw <strong><em>manjerona</em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>mahn</em>-<em>zheh</em>-<em><u>rdoh</u></em>-<em>nuh</em>"] as it is much harder to find.</div>
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...but <strong><em><span dir="auto">manjericão</span></em></strong> is actually <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil" target="_blank"><em>basil</em></a><em>!</em> I went months without having any basil at home, because I had used it up and "couldn't find any." It was only later that I found out that I had passed on it a hundred times (not knowing it was <em>basil)</em> because I still had <em>marjoram</em> at home. <em><strong>Doh!</strong></em></div>
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Then again, <strong><em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregano" target="_blank">o<span dir="auto">régano</span></a></em></strong> is a direct translation. I love it when that happens! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgOmF2EG0O-wsZOvLfmDl88REqLM2t3LA0qnItQCKBTgq-whxEc7R2Apn4aWz-cuw-Kwc__0oVWRObM4YEVMSTeN0yOCWzWyh_71v9mGa28-sXIJaTB4dwQQt-uWHV6eB6H6foh1ihybf/s1600/Spices+for+Sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgOmF2EG0O-wsZOvLfmDl88REqLM2t3LA0qnItQCKBTgq-whxEc7R2Apn4aWz-cuw-Kwc__0oVWRObM4YEVMSTeN0yOCWzWyh_71v9mGa28-sXIJaTB4dwQQt-uWHV6eB6H6foh1ihybf/s320/Spices+for+Sale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=spices&ex=1&AxInstalled=copy&Download=MP910218769&ext=JPG&c=0#ai:MP910218769|" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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The remaining challenge in finding flavors from home depends not only on where you are, but the scruples of the people from whom you are buying. Some opportunistic people see an accent as a sort of <b>added tax</b> on your purchase. It may or may not happen to you, but be aware that you run the risk of being ripped off until you <em>get your <a href="http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/get+sea+legs" target="_blank">sea legs</a></em> and figure out how to barter (or inform them that you aren't a tourist, but a neighbor).
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"<strong><em>Eu não sou uma turista, viu?! Eu moro aqui.</em></strong>"<br />
<em>I'm not a tourist, got it [see]?! I live here.</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...and sometimes, in our search for fabled golden whatevers, we encounter things that are <strong>way more cool</strong> than things we've previously known.</span> <br />
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...and although it may take years <em>or maybe never even happen</em> that we reach our original goal, the unexpected pleasant surprises along the way take the sting out what is "missing," and we learn to not only "live with it," but revel in the bountiful blessings of our new reality.<br />
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<em>Yes. I'm still talking food, but apply it as you see fit.</em></div>
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I'm specifically referring to the amazing, out of this world (but not <em>really</em>, since they are <b>the norm</b> in Brazil), delicious giant avocados that regularly rock my world these days. <br />
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The typical avocado that is available at any grocery store or farmers' market here in Brazil is about 3-5 times bigger than the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hass_avocado" target="_blank">Hass</a> avocados that I was accustomed to eating back home. Some local farmers' markets have access to even bigger breeds, and being an avocado lover, I'm on cloud nine.<br />
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Sure, I miss Dr Pepper, Big Red gum, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jicama" target="_blank">jicama</a>, fresh jalapeños, and coffee creamer... but if I left now, I would go crazy missing the humongous avocados that are now a [huge] part of my cuisine.<br />
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Here are a few photos of some avocados that my husband brought home from work one day. They were from a tree on a nearby lot. These are the biggest I've seen, yet. I staged them with a few common items for comparison. <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sorry for the quality! I still haven't had access to my backed up photos. I grabbed these from my [presently retired] personal blog.</span></em> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMlT3YTHjgnTi4vkdNYs5hP5-QMwIHoyKEfCTS8ScJOCmW36-SRnTXN-o3G1AazpBW-DYehJX60e8sRT_UvFwpSyjhcE-gDUpvA8RF9RvkX6m6p0czsoI1LxgIqTrWSTTokmbr02H6QlZ/s1600/Brazilian+Avocados-view1_Go+Goiano-AinW%256010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMlT3YTHjgnTi4vkdNYs5hP5-QMwIHoyKEfCTS8ScJOCmW36-SRnTXN-o3G1AazpBW-DYehJX60e8sRT_UvFwpSyjhcE-gDUpvA8RF9RvkX6m6p0czsoI1LxgIqTrWSTTokmbr02H6QlZ/s400/Brazilian+Avocados-view1_Go+Goiano-AinW%256010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Different angles with a standard measuring tape...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjEkY2rfI8e5uQ6nCpA1ldjIF24aZWPzqCWSW5gOpfOorwa11XaCbso5TYuP8-W22WrIMrP_adzhNP4Bw0ai3GZVKoE7zhmwhuH1YkHN9ae38Tck6F78EbnUJNaCKov9ieXdMwBwJMu10/s1600/Brazilian+Avocados-view2_Go+Goiano-AinW%256010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjEkY2rfI8e5uQ6nCpA1ldjIF24aZWPzqCWSW5gOpfOorwa11XaCbso5TYuP8-W22WrIMrP_adzhNP4Bw0ai3GZVKoE7zhmwhuH1YkHN9ae38Tck6F78EbnUJNaCKov9ieXdMwBwJMu10/s400/Brazilian+Avocados-view2_Go+Goiano-AinW%256010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">To enlarge pics, right-click and open in a new window</span>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JD21uM8id4/UINATNV5SsI/AAAAAAAADfA/VpqyqktGqd8/s1600/Brazilian%2BAvocados-view3_Go%2BGoiano-AinW%256010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JD21uM8id4/UINATNV5SsI/AAAAAAAADfA/VpqyqktGqd8/s400/Brazilian%2BAvocados-view3_Go%2BGoiano-AinW%256010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I know, right!?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF5qMa-LW4Xirf-oo4nmRpspR5ZDOQuOBytzWRCqh4TnuAmsXTLvN5eoWqfaZfu9duBvmZkwpI9L2nZ87_zQCsG5LqVJrutBybHThze8FQ145zKa95-pN4rhImT-nEcTgRI6eO198VB4g/s1600/Brazilian+Avocados-view4_Go+Goiano-AinW%256010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF5qMa-LW4Xirf-oo4nmRpspR5ZDOQuOBytzWRCqh4TnuAmsXTLvN5eoWqfaZfu9duBvmZkwpI9L2nZ87_zQCsG5LqVJrutBybHThze8FQ145zKa95-pN4rhImT-nEcTgRI6eO198VB4g/s400/Brazilian+Avocados-view4_Go+Goiano-AinW%256010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'd wager that these things are so big, that I can list eating them as a legitimate hobby. One thing I haven't seen is an avocado eating contest, but I would love to <a href="http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/represent" target="_blank">represent</a>. I'll have to look into that.</div>
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Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-32087553430250802012-10-15T20:55:00.000-05:002014-01-03T00:52:55.221-06:00Olha Pamonha<br />
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This is one of my favorite commercials here. Cracks me up every time. It's for a headache medicine called Neosaldina [pronounced: "<em>nay</em>-<em>yo</em>-<em>sahl</em>-<em>jeen</em>-<em>yuh</em>"], and showcases a colorful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamonha" target="_blank"><strong><em>pamonha</em></strong></a> [pronounced: "<em>puh</em>-<em>moin</em>-<em>yuh</em>"] vendor. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/KR45KOQvF6Y?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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The lady buying "Neosa" doesn't quite appreciate Paulo Pamonha's flair (hence the headache medicine), but I love it. I wish our local neighborhood vendors <strong>with massive speakers on their vehicles</strong> had this much rhythm. <em>I also wish they didn't come by at 8 a.m. on Saturdays.</em><br />
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The most common phrase heard booming from a <strong><em>pamonha</em></strong> vendor's speakers is, "<em><strong>Olha pamonha!</strong></em>" on a loop, as they slo-o-o-owly make their way up & down the streets. <em><strong>Olha</strong></em> [pronounced: "<em>ol'</em>-<em>yuh</em>"] means <em>look.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: large;">Look! Pamonha!</span></em></div>
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Pamonha</em></strong> is a bigger, fatter, more moist version of Texas <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamales" target="_blank">tamales</a>. <strong><em>Pamonha</em></strong> is either salty, spicy, or sweet, and can be filled with cheese, sausage, or both. I personally like the sweet version sans filling.<br />
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Just so ya know, saying "<strong><em>olha pamonha</em></strong>" around these parts can be rude [when there's no <em>pamonha</em> in sight]. <strong><em>Pamonha</em></strong> is also a derogatory slang term for a person that has cinched their belt a bit too tight, and implies that it is because they are overweight. See the instructional video below at 0:48 for a glimpse of some bulging <strong><em>pamonha</em></strong>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/MJsJYykM79c?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
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There's also a variation on <strong><em>pamonha</em></strong> called <strong><em>pamonha assado</em></strong> that something akin to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornbread#Baked_cornbread" target="_blank">cornbread</a>. The flavor can vary, depending on the chef & recipe. <em><strong>Assado</strong></em> [pronounced: "<em>ah</em>-<em>sah</em>-<em>doh</em>"] means "baked." Here is a <a href="http://youtu.be/DDvGAL-TLOA" target="_blank">how-to video</a> with a homemade recipe for <strong><em>pamonha assado</em></strong>.<br />
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Still can't get Paulo's catchy tune out of your head? <a href="http://youtu.be/A9Ly4iQFXDw" target="_blank">Here's a clip of the song</a>. You're welcome.<br />
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Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592697585915916071.post-4319014823904615662012-10-13T16:07:00.000-05:002013-11-18T13:00:52.106-06:00Brazilian Slang - Show<div style="text-align: justify;">
Based on the title, you might be wondering what the Brazilian Portuguese slang term for "<strong><em>show</em></strong>" is... or which of the many definitions of <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/show" target="_blank">the English word "show"</a> I am referring to.</div>
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The closest would probably be "show" as listed in the <a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/show#Thesaurus" target="_blank">Free Dictionary's Thesaurus by Farlex</a>:</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">show</span></strong> - <strong>the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining</strong>;
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"<em>a remarkable show of skill</em>" </div>
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...which is what, exactly? <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Cool!</span></em></div>
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Therein lies the slang. The English word "<strong><em>show</em></strong>" made its way into Brazilian Portuguese slang via the sports arena. The term started out as "<strong><em>show de bola</em></strong>" [pronounced: "<em>show</em> <em>jee</em> <em>boh</em>-<em>luh</em>"] which meant "<em>excellent showmanship in soccer.</em>" <br />
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The word <strong><em>bola</em></strong> means <em>ball.</em> It is understood that in this phrase <strong><em>bola</em></strong> is referring to <em>soccer</em>. Similarly, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_school" target="_blank">old school</a> American English slang term "<em><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ballin' " target="_blank">ballin</a></em>" originally meant "playing basketball [well]" (and eventually turned into "living the high life").<br />
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"<strong><em>Show de bola</em></strong>" means "a display of <em><a href="http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/mad-skills" target="_blank">mad skills</a></em> that takes the game to a whole new level" — the player not only has skills, but turns a play or move into an art form. To sum it up in another American English slang term: the player has <em><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=got%20game" target="_blank">game</a></em>.</div>
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Like this guy:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Kf31G5xU-3M?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
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Personally, I automatically associate a remarkable show of skill in a sport with <a href="http://youtu.be/VNx29_zXw6U" target="_blank">Michael Jordan</a>. He is, in my opinion, the most beautiful athlete ever. Watching him play was a breathtaking experience. I'm serious. I sometimes forgot to breathe when I was watching a game. He always <em><a href="http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/brought-it" target="_blank">brought it</a></em>. So, if it helps, when you hear "<strong><em>show</em></strong>" or "<em><strong>show de bola</strong></em>" in Brazilian Portuguese, just think Jordan. </div>
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...who was? </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Awesome!</span></em></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHBFwib_QTE/UHm1CorqI5I/AAAAAAAADdM/7ml4vEK_9uE/s1600/Soccer+Ball+in+Lit+Stadium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHBFwib_QTE/UHm1CorqI5I/AAAAAAAADdM/7ml4vEK_9uE/s320/Soccer+Ball+in+Lit+Stadium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=soccer%20balls#ai:MP900428014|" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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Of course, "<em><strong>show de bola</strong></em>" <em>is</em> a term that originated <em>in soccer</em> — Brazilian soccer. When I hear "<strong><em>show de bola</em></strong>" I think of some of the most skilled players & <a href="http://youtu.be/6_1rYsbWPDE?t=32s" target="_blank">beautiful moves</a> that I've seen over the years. Naturally, there have been others (the most famous is <span dir="auto"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pel%C3%A9" target="_blank">Pelé</a></span>) but my personal favorites in the past decade are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldo" target="_blank">Ronaldo</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldinho" target="_blank">Ronaldinho</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robson_de_Souza" target="_blank">Robinho</a> (I call him "fancy feet"), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%BAlio_C%C3%A9sar_Soares_Esp%C3%ADndola" target="_blank">Júlio César</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neymar" target="_blank">Neymar</a>, <span dir="auto"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lu%C3%ADs_Fabiano" target="_blank">Luís Fabiano</a>, and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcelo_Vieira" target="_blank">Marcelo</a>.<br />
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...who are all?<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Sensational!</span></em> <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Amazing!</span></em><br /></div>
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Like any slang worth its salt, "<strong><em>show de bola</em></strong>" was shortened to the core word: "<strong><em>show</em></strong>." <strong><em>"Show"</em></strong> now means <em>cool</em>, <em>awesome</em>, <em>sensational</em>, <em><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=da%20bomb" target="_blank">da bomb</a></em>, etc. in Brazilian Portuguese.</div>
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Other Brazilian Portuguese slang synonyms for "<strong><em>show</em></strong>" are:<br />
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<li><strong><em>legal</em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>leh</em>-<em>gahl</em>"] <br />This is the most commonly translated term for "<em><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/cool#Oxford_Dictionary_of_Modern_Slang_ds" target="_blank">cool</a></em>."</li>
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<li><strong><em>fera</em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>feh</em>-<em>rduh</em>"]
<br />I would say this is the equivalent of "<em>neat</em>."</li>
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<li><strong><em>massa</em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>mah</em>-<em>suh</em>"]
<br />...or in American English slang: "<em>awesome</em>."</li>
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<li><strong><em>maneiro(a)</em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>mah</em>-<em>nay</em>-<em>rdoh</em> <em>(rduh)</em>"]
<br />To my sister's chagrin, I will have to go with "<em>rad</em>" (though unlike "<em>rad</em>" it is the opposite of outdated).</li>
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<li><strong><em>sinistro</em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>seen</em>-<em>ee</em>-<em>s</em>-<em>throw</em>"]
<br />This is the Brazilian Portuguese twin of "<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=wicked" target="_blank"><em>wicked</em></a>" (2nd Def.) or the current young American generation's version of "<em><a href="http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/sick" target="_blank">sick</a></em>."</li>
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<li><strong><em>bacana</em></strong> [pronounced: "<em>bah</em>-<em>cah</em>-<em>nuh</em>"]
<br />The American English counterpart is "<em>sweet</em>."</li>
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But let's be clear on one thing: it <i>isn't cool</i> to say <b>cool</b> in Brazil. Why? Because there is a profane term that sounds just like <i>cool</i>, without the "l," and you might not even get <em>that far</em> without somebody taking offense. So <em><strong>cool it</strong></em> with the American English slang while you're here. This will ensure your trip to Brazil is all the more <strong><em>bacana</em></strong>, or as I like to say, "suh-weet."</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1v59weOyQQ/UHnaF-hMZgI/AAAAAAAADeM/4EkabP_fWkk/s1600/Pumped%2BUp%2BCrowd%2Bin%2BBrazil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1v59weOyQQ/UHnaF-hMZgI/AAAAAAAADeM/4EkabP_fWkk/s400/Pumped%2BUp%2BCrowd%2Bin%2BBrazil.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image found <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=Brazil%20crowd&ex=2#ai:MC900444603|" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<br />Amaris in Wonderlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709934116485026384noreply@blogger.com3