Brazil!

We have been in Brazil for a week now, staying at Vovo e Vovó's house in Juiz de Fora. All is well! We have gotten to see all of Nicky's titias, including his tia-avós and his bisavó. He loves to say "tia", which he is pronouncing much more clearly now. He names everyone, in the rare moments he stops running around, turning on lights, opening cabinets, and so on.... and yes, we are getting into shape running after him!

Good news: we are expecting Bruno's job to be authorized by the government by the 15th of September, which means he will start working most likely in October. Up until now, this date had been in limbo. But this also means we need to find somewhere to live in Ouro Branco ASAP-- a small detail!-- especially before our container is ready for us, after it passes through Brazil's considerable bureaucracy. The container is in Rio as of yesterday, and it should be another 2-3 weeks before we get it, if all goes well.

So far, we are enjoying what we thought we would enjoy in Brazil, and getting frustrated at what we knew would frustrate us.... We love seeing family, enjoying fresh juices and great food, and the lovely weather. But the chaos, the litter, the NOISE (especially from the little music joint next door-- UGH!), the lack of access to our usual products and the lower quality of products you find here, the high prices of many things (a crappy plastic fan costs upward of $50, to name one example), no where nice for Nicky to play... it is definitely "culture shock" for us, and especially for me.

Considering Brazil's troubled history as a colony and under military dictatorship until relatively recently, things are going very well here and have improved substantially since Bruno was a child. We just don't realize in the US what kind of incredible standard of living we have-- with its own complex history. And still, that standard of living comes with a high price, often putting people deep into debt, stretched to the limit, or frantic from too many jobs and activities.

At least here, with credit less available, we will be less likely to get into debt! And, we do hope that our day-to-day life will improve. For example, here we will be able to afford someone to help clean our house and help out with Nicky while I write my dissertation, whereas it was a struggle to employ a sitter for just a few hours a week in the US. Also, in Ouro Branco, land is still inexpensive and we hope we can get a really nice-sized piece of land, and build a home there-- complete with gardens, pond, and fruit orchard. And a guest suite for our visitors! These are things that are luxurious in the US for most, and yet here are more accessible. So, despite the frustration, we must keep these positive things in mind, and try to make our dreams reality. And there is so much that Bruno and I hope we can contribute to the community here-- for starters, a nice playground for the kids in Juiz de Fora!

We are definitely missing Grandma and Grandpa after spending a few weeks with them. Yesterday was their 53rd wedding anniversary! Wow! Congratulations!

Still working on getting photos posted... but stay tuned! :)