So, as you all may know, I am kind of a people person. I really like people. I love meeting new people, talking to new people, hugging, kissing, singing with, dancing with (not well), drinking with, and laughing with people. I hold many many people near and dear to my heart and I believe I have made some extremely amazing connections in my life. This does not stop in Brazil. I have met a plethora of marvelous people here in Belo Horizonte. I thought you may be interested in a few key people in my life here:
I need to start with Maeva:
Maeva, Maeva, Maeva, my little Frenchie. What would I possibly do if she wasn't here with me. Maeva has been my rock here in Brazil. The moment I met here on the bus during exchange student week, a few things went through my head: 1) This girl is possible the most gorgeous girl I've ever met. 2) I want to be her friend. 3) Could I be straight? She is really pretty.
Anywho, I told her during exchange student week that I was looking for a new house, and she mentioned that there were a few spots in her co-op near the university. I saw the house, loved it, and moved in a few days later. After less than a week of living together, I felt a really strong connection with Maeva. She is without a doubt the most genuine, kind-hearted person; a true definition and living, breathing, glowing example of what the word "friend" should mean. But she has a wild side too... (which is very important). Please direct your attention to the image below.....
Maeva and I are like a married couple these days. We cook together, we watch films together, we buy our groceries together, we basically have the same schedules. To any good men out there looking for an outstanding partner, I can tell you from experience that Maeva is worth fighting for. She became my best friend here so quickly and I will truly miss her when her semester ends in December and she returns to La France. Seriously, just stay.
And now for Maria:
Maria Augusta, another person I couldn't live without here in Brazil. I met Maria as well through our co-op. She was the first person who greeted me with a huge smile when I arrived to see the house. She said she was studying anthropology also, but little did we know that we would have all four classes together (and want to drop the same one). It's truly great being with her everyday. Our walks to and from classes (20 minutes) are filled with great talks about life, old and new loves (we have the same tendencies when it comes to this topic), culture, "evil-plans," inappropriate things, and everything else under the sun. Not to mention the many stops for beer along the way. My favorite thing is when she comes to my window and says in her cute, British-Engish accent, "want to go for a beer, mate?"
We came to the conclusion that she is the girl, Brazilian version of me.
I can't even begin to explain how much she helped Maeva and I out with everything. Bank accounts, school, Portuguese, cooking, everything. If you are reading this, Maria, thank you, your help never went unnoticed.
Not only is Maria a best friend to me here, she is great with everyone else in the house. Also, one of the most passionate people I know. I can't imagine that anyone would have any problems with her. If they do, they can talk to me and we can duke this one out.
She also sleeps a lot during class.....
You must know about Luan:
Another important figure in my life here in brazil, but surprisingly, I've known Luan now for over 3 years. I met Luan when I was on my first exchange year in Budapest (hence the Hungarian flag). Luan and I didn't see each other much in Hungary because we lived in different cities, but when we hung out, it was always a memorable time. This is a person who I can never imagine getting mad, yelling, frowning, or crying. Such a happy, wonderful guy, who happens to be studying Social Sciences in the same building as me. needless to say, we run into each other a lot. And we have Anthropology of Death together.
It was so funny when I called him to tell him I was applying to study in Brazil. I told him on Skype, "Hey I'm going to study in Brazil! But unfortunately my university only has one program right now in Belo Horizonte at UFMG. Do you know it?"
Silent pause on Skype...."That's my university!!!!"
Folks, the world is so small. Now Luan and I have a relationship based on three different languages. We met in Hungary and spoke in Hungarian and English, continued to speak in English over the years we were separated, and now we only speak in Portuguese. Crazy how the world works this way, huh?
This was us three years ago in Hungary.....it ain't a pretty sight.....
And finally as far as specifics go...my roommate, Jefferson:
Surprisingly I don't have a picture of Jefferson and I together, but here is a pretty one of him and Maeva. Anywho, about Jefferson. Actually I should state, we don't go by Jefferson and RJ in the room, we are Amigo-Jefferson and Amigo-Robert. We are really, really good at sharing a room together. We have not had one problem to this day. Only one heated discussion about social issues due to misunderstandings, language barriers, whatever, it happened. In any event, we have become more than just roommates, we are really great friends. We have pillow-talks at night before bed and when we wake up. I play obnoxious music to get him going in the morning, and he throws his sandals and other random objects at me. It's a healthy relationship.
When he first moved in to the house, he joked around with me a lot. Almost to the point where it wasn't funny anymore, but this never ended up being a problem. Because I ended up joining in. We have laid out three rules so far in our room. 1)You can't say anything bad about Aquarius', 2) You can't say anything bad about Scorpios, and 3) You can't sleep naked (that was his doing, not mine, uggh). Jefferson and I have already learned a lot from each other and I believe we will continue along this path.
Here is Jefferson in his natural environment:
These four people are just a few examples of the types of friends I have made here. I didn't even mention the people of the anthropology department, the rest of my roommates, or the other exchange students that I have had the pleasure to meet.
The things I said about the people in this blog post are not subject to change. I only plan on meeting more people. 8 more months is a very long time......
-Ardge
