 |
| The kitchen with washing area and drying rack |
We were told it was quite difficult to find decent housing in Ilhéus and the previous Fulbrighters recommended getting in touch with the landlord that they worked with. A very helpful student, Shalon, contacted us before we got to Brazil and started looking at housing possiblities for us and got in touch with the landlord. When he found out that one of the past participant's apartments was still available, he set up a time for us to meet with the landlord right when our plane landed in Ilhéus. With the help of Shalon and our coordinators who translated for us, we negotiated the rental agreement and moved in right away.
 |
| My bedroom - Loni's is exactly the same |
The apartments in Ilhéus are very basic: no hot water, tile floors, simple furniture, small rooms, little or no appliances and no air conditioning. Our apartment has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, a living room and a little porch/dining room. We are very lucky to have a simple washer and ceiling fans in our rooms - a huge bonus. Our apartment includes internet and for that plus rent we pay 800 Reais/month which is about $400 USD (considered a little pricey for this area). We are also responsible for gas, water and electricity. You can't drink the water from the tap in Brazil so we have large bottles delivered to our apartment by one of the many "moto-boys" here. Each large bottle costs about $3 USD.
 |
| The bathroom |
So far life in the apartment has been fine. I've lived with many different roommates in the past and this experience is not different than any other; we are each getting used to the other one's quirks and habits. Our landlord is a jovial older man who is usually shirtless and barefoot and who works in the first floor in the apartment below us. In addition to renting properties he makes brooms for a living. He is generally very helpful, but like any other situation here, he takes a long time to get things done/changed/fixed. Loni and I practice daily the P's of living abroad: patience, persistence and politeness. For example, we are currently waiting for our rental agreement in writing (so we can get a registered tax ID number - requirement to get a cell number), an additional set of keys, some working outlets and a washer that functions.
 |
| Porch area - a lot of people have hammocks here - the stairs go down to the street |
 |
| Hallway to the kitchen - bathrooms and bedrooms are on the right |
 |
| Dining room/living room |
Post a Comment