This is Rio from the top of Sugerloaf Mountain. The mountain to the right is the Christ statue and I live to the left at the foot of it. Such a beautiful city!Today I finished my second week of Portuguese classes and had my first written exam. And got robbed! It was inevitable and I'm actually surprised I made it two weeks. My friend Lauren and I were walking in broad daylight around the lake near my house and four teenage guys ran up, surrounded us, and pulled out a knife. We handed over our phones damn fast and they ran off. We were a little shaken up, but we're fine. It's a good experience to have had and now we know what to be aware of for the future.
My Portuguese has gotten a lot better and the heat isn't quite as stifling. I've been kept very busy with Portuguese classes Monday through Friday, which is really tiring, and then taking advantage of being in such an amazing city. My university took us on a city tour of some popular tourist destinations, which was fun, and then I've been exploring the beaches and parks some with other students (alone too, but that might end today).
Maracana Soccer Stadium. Home of Brasil!
Historic downtown Rio de Janeiro.
Sambodrono, where the famous Samba School parades happen during Carnaval.One thing I love about my bus ride to school, and Rio in general, is the amazing graffiti. It's on almost every wall and some of serious works of art. There's political, social, gang related, and just drawings. I will try to get some pictures up soon. It definitely brightens up the already beautiful city.
I still can't believe you were robbed! The first time I read this I thought you were using that expression "I was robbed", as in "I failed my Portugese test, I was robbed!". And, I thought to myself, "Hmmm, weird, I've never heard Maya use that before.." Then it clicked. :D God, I can't wait until we can all start comparing crazy study-abroad stories!!! Awesome pics!
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