At the end of November, the school year ended and I was on summer vacation. All of the exchange students in Brasilia went to Caldas Novas (the water park that I had already been to) for the weekend and then everyone came back to Brasilia for the week. It was so fun to finally meet all of the exchange students, because before this I had only met the ones that live in Brasilia. We did a lot of different activities during the day with Rotary, and then at night we would all meet up to hang out.
Above are some of the places that we visited during the week.
We went to the World Cup stadium that is in Brasilia, and here is my failure at trying to take a picture with an American flag.
Here is a picture of all of the exchange students in my district. For some strange reason, we are all holding an American flag instead of a Brazilian flag.
We took a picture with Papai Noel at the mall!
After the exchange students left Brasilia, I stayed in Brasilia for two or three more weeks before I left for vacation. In these three weeks, I went to three futebol (soccer) games at the World Cup stadium. One was Usa vs. Brazil, which was so cool.
Here is a picture of Meggie (another American) and I at the game. We didn't know who to cheer for so we cheered for both. Brazil ended up winning by one point, but we were still happy!
I also spent Christmas in Brasilia. It was definitely a Christmas I will never forget. At first, I was upset because I was missing my family, but the feeling quickly left. Brazilians celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. We met at my grandma's house at around 8:00 pm (the celebrations at night.) I thought that it would just be my aunts and uncles, but the whole extended family was there. They were all so welcoming and made me feel right at home. They even bought me presents, which I was not expecting at all. It was so sweet of them, and I am grateful that I had such a wonderful family to celebrate Christmas with. We didn't leave my grandma's until around 3:00 am.
My siblings, cousins, and I.
Here is a picture that my dad sent me of my dog - or is she a reindeer - back home.
On Christmas day, we left for our vacation in the Northeast. We drove by car, so it was a three day drive.
We stopped in the state Bahia and stayed for a day there, and when you see the pictures below you'll realize why.
We stopped in the state Bahia and stayed for a day there, and when you see the pictures below you'll realize why.
In Bahia, we climbed a mountain and a waterfall, and we went snorkeling in a cave. It was so fun and a much need break from siting in the car for two days straight. When we finally got to Porto de Galinhas (the place we were vacationing at, which translates to Port of Chickens) we stayed there until the 22nd of January. I will put some pictures below!
These were by far the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. I had a lot of fun while I stayed here. And since the town's name means 'port of chickens,' there were chicken statues everywhere. Here is a picture of one.
I just got back from the Northeast last week. On Tuesday, school started again for me. Technically, it was my first day of senior year! I am in a new class this year, so I've had to make new friends, but it hasn't been a problem for me. Brazilians are so nice and welcoming.
Anyways, that's all for now!
Beijos,
Nicole
Anyways, that's all for now!
Beijos,
Nicole