Written Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Hello all – hope everyone’s week is off to a good start and that all is well at home.

Things are slow here, today is a holiday – the day when the rebellion started against the Portuguese colonists, so there is no work for anyone. I’m filling my time with watching Sons of Anarchy, and cooking.  (speaking of, I only have season 1. . . if someone knows a way to send more, that would be greatly appreciated).

Whats on the menu today you ask? The answer would be Feijoada (bean stew). I soaked some kidney beans overnight, and have them simmering now for about an hour or so. . I’ve sliced a bunch of veggies; onion, tomato, carrot, green pepper, and will sauté those with some garlic, and add to the simmering beans with some chili powder and a curry. Let all that simmer for about 30 more minutes and boom – dinner for the next 3 days. And the best part about this is that I don’t have to worry about refrigeration, because its all veggies. I can eat it cold tomorrow for lunch, and heat it up the next day for dinner. So yeah, that’s my day. Woopie right?

Having a down day today. . .just a lot of time on my own, feeling a bit lonely. Yesterday at the hospital was a bit of a bust. . . I went with the Peer Educators to the morning meeting, it was all in local language, so I didn’t catch onto much, and then sat in the testing room for another few hours. . .watching person after person get test positive for HIV. . . that shit gets a bit depressing after a while. So I excused myself, went for a walk in the market, and came home to read and paint my toenails.

Walked into town this morning to pick up the ingredients for the feijoada, and was stopped two different times by creepy men asking me to marry them, or why I haven’t invited them to my house yet. . . sometimes I really question this culture. Why is it ok for a total stranger to be disgusting and insanely forward? Yes, I realize that I am an ‘outsider’ with my white skin. But it’s not like I was dressed in a suggestive manner – I’m rocking a t-shirt and Columbia outdoor pants today (supppeerrrr sexy) I wasn’t even giving them any sort of attention for them to think it was ok to approach me. Ugh. I have tough skin – you have to, but sometimes it gets to me. And this was one of those times.

Its an interesting feeling – to be totally surrounded by people – and yet feel totally alone. Slightly depressing right? Haha sorry. Like I said, down day. . too much time in my own mind. I start thinking about everyone from home, friends and family that I miss – so know that you are being thought of.

I don’t miss my 12 hour work days though. . . It is nice to have some time like this, and I know that this experience will help me find my next move in life. Anyway. . I suppose that’s all for now – going to go cook up some veggies.

Sorry this was a little down in the dumps. Just needed to get it out of my mind.

X’s and O’s    - t