With Ticiana and her daughter at their house - they wanted me to hold a replica of a cacao bean

Every day I am blown away by the friendliness of the people here.  I have always loved the warmth and hospitality that South Americans are famous for, but since I've only lived and worked in large capital cities; spending time in a small city and an even more intimate neighborhood is incredible and completely different.  Although Ilhéus is a popular tourist destination for Europeans, the residents do not seem jaded, frustrated or in any hurry to take advantage of visitors.  Whenever I have a problem the locals go over and above to help me out, explain things slowly and point me in the right direction.  It is a huge relief and I constantly find myself wondering if my community in Michigan would do the same.  I hope so.

Picnic lunch of homemade shrimp moqueca with bananas

Let me give you some examples.  On Monday, my first official day of classes, I had a morning class and an evening class.  Since the university is a hefty commute from where I live, I stayed there all day intending to study and lesson plan a bit.  I was never able to do either as from about 11:30-5:30 when I was sitting out in the common area I was entertained by many students who wanted to just chat and hang out, both in Portuguese and English.  It felt like musical chairs.  As soon as one student got up from my table another one would sit down.  I would say that it was like an extended version of "English Corner" in China but in this case the conversations were actually balanced, two-sided exchanges of information instead of just me feeling "on display."

In the backyard with Ticiana and her daughter

With regards to the faculty, they have been very welcoming as well.  I am very fortunate to be able to work with the director of the international relations department, Ticiana.  She approached me the very first time I was on campus, pulled me aside and said, "I know you are Sarah from Fulbright and that you have your Master's degree.  I need to learn to speak academic English.  Will you help me?"  We decided to do a language exchange and as she is a legit teacher, it has been excellent.  We spend four hours a week together and while I help her translate and pronounce journal articles about globalization, she helps me say things like, "Hello, my name is Sarah and I am from Michigan," in Portuguese.  After our first week of working together, she invited me to spend the whole day on Saturday with her family - I had a great time and it was a much-needed break to get out of the city.

Shalon and his mom after church - I love their colorful house!

After church the following day on Sunday, I was snagged by a family and invited home for lunch.  I am quickly discovering that "lunch" doesn't really mean just a meal but rather spending the whole day with the family.  As soon as we arrived at their house I was encouraged to take "um bahnozihno" (a little shower because it was so hot), given lots of fresh juices and received many apologies that the meal was too simple as they weren't planning on having company.  Again, I had a great time and was impressed by the effort and initiative that Brazilians put forth to make people feel at home.

Getting Sunday lunch ready

Beans, rice, chicken, noodles and vegetables

 When Ticiana was dropping me off on Sunday she said to me, "I have lived abroad before and I really know what it's like to be all alone in a new place.  It's important for us to have you over because I know how you must be feeling and we want to help you and welcome you."  She's absolutely right.  It is very important, it means a lot and I only hope I can pay it forward some day in the U.S. by welcoming foreign visitors in my house.

The best part - mango juice

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