I just got back from celebrating Lauren's birthday! We went to a corner restaurant and had some food and drinks...The official drink in Brazil is the Caprihna...it is sugar, lime and Cansehco (which is the Ghetto ligour!! haha...go figure!) I'm probably spelling it wrong but it is delicious!!! We also had Carne seco which is similar to corned beef and is a typical Brazilian food.

So to expand on todays activities.... we went to UEM which is the university in Maringa. We are in a class with Brazillian students from Urban infrastucture, geography and economics. We have an assignment due by friday which is to write a 2-5 page paper on a topic that we cover while we are here in Maringa. I am interested in Transportation but am not sure the specific area I will study....In Curitiba they have an amazing public transportation system and I really want to see how that works so maybe I will explore the public transport systems in other Barzilian cities and compare them?? Not sure but if/when I figure it out I will let u know!

All the people in the program are very cool... There are 5 other people from UF... Jessica, Lauren, Eric, Kevin and Shani...Also Meredith and Erin from UT at Austin, Vicky from Canada, Dan from Rutgers, and Elly who lives in Honduras. I hope I am not missing anyone!! We are all obviously from different places but ghet along well.. I am really excited for this program to get under way...I will keep everyone updated and PROMISE to post pictures soon!

Love, Maud :)

Maringa!!

So we left Sao Paulo last night at about 5 pm...we sat in the bus station for 2 hours and drank and played cards until the bus got there...the bus ride was loooooooong! we arrived in Maringa at 4:30 am! Maringa is really nice..its a smaller town of only about 300,000 people..its hotter here too which is nice! BUT...there is dengue and yellow fever here so you cant wear shorts or flip flops :( I got bit by a mosquito today within 30 minutes of being outside! Uh-oh!!

We went to the University here and had a joint class with students from here in Brazil...we are going to Dinner now so when I get back I will fill you in on the academic part of my trip...also I'll add more pictures adn maybe do a video if Elizabeth lets me!

Tchaio!

Last night in Sao Paulo :(

So it was our last night night in Sao Paulo...we went out to a churascuria and ate delicious steak and food:) Earlier today we walked around an open air market and ate more delicious food! Tonight wew went to a bar and drank Capinrihas which are the official drink of Brazil...YUMMY!!! Then me and 2 other people continued the night listening to 80's music!!!!!!!!!!! I was in Heaven!!! I am going to sleep now but am posting some pictures below form teh past couple of days.....Ciao.

One more thing...

I almost forgot...you guys should check out Elizabeth Lauren Butler's blog as well. I posted the link to the right --->

She has some fun videos that we made at the airport and on the plane, as well as more fotos! Plus she is a wayyyy better blogger than I am!  

I made it!!

Yay! I made it to Brazilllll!!! After an 8-hour long plane ride, we finally landed in Sau Paulo! The fight was long and boring, but Liz and I had fun (probably while pissing the other passengers off..Oh well, what did you expect?!)

Anyways, this country is awesome! We are in Sao Paulo until Monday night and then we head off to Maringa.  Some of the people went out last night to a local spot....we met some Brazilians, attempted to speak Portuguese but ended up speaking Spanish, and took pictures with mannequins at a gas station...All-in-all I would say it was a pretty successful night! I showed Brazil what Maud is all about!! Haha...

Today we walked around the city and it is huuuuuge! I took a million pictures and will post some for your viewing pleasure :) Miss you all mucho...hope you aren't having too much fun without me! In the meantime I am gonna head out now.....Chao!