Its been a long time since I have posted and a lot has happened!

First of all, I celebrated the city's birthday! It was a holiday, of course, and there was a party, of course. There was a show in the evening in the praca. It was this group of performers who were impersonating famous American artists. I saw, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Shakira, and more. While the dancing and costumes were lovely, the lyrics were another story. Sometimes, especially in the Lady Gaga songs, the singer would go for several lines without ever saying an actual real English word. It was a little funny. And just makes me wonder why they didn't just stick to Brazilian artists, since, after all, we are in Brazil.

I also attended the district youth exchange confrence in Belo Horizonte. It was lots of fun! And no, I didn't take a single picture. I hate pictures, with my entire heart! ODEIO! We spent the night together and did lots of activities. There are forty-eight exchange students in my dristict. I learned about the rules and the trips available. And we got to swim and see some cappoeira. Which is very cool. Its like a dance-martial-arts-type-thing. It was developed by Africans to train for battle and focuses on offense, rather than defense. And then it was practiced by the slaves, I'm not sure, but I think just as a passtime. And then, I don't know why, but it was made illegal by the Brazilian government. And because of its history, some people thought it was a poor people's dance. But now, it is no longer illegal and more people are practicing it. Its super cool. At the confrence, I met kids from all over the whole world. It was super cool. And, not surprisingly, EVERYONE spoke English. It was lots of fun.

This week, I have no school. Its called saco cheio. It basically means I'm tired of doing things and I just want to rest. And yesterday was Dia das Criancas, Kids' Day. It's very widely celebrated here. All the toy stores have big promotions the week before and lots of kids get a present.

Monday or Tuesday, I'm not sure which, I saw a soccer player from the team I cheer for, GALO! It was sooo cool! He was shopping in the super market, wearing these very cool glasses and a hat. He was with another guy. And almost every single person in the store was looking at him! My host mom told me is a very good and important player. So, when he was leaving, I just had to give a little wave. Although, sadly, he didn't return the simple gesture. I found it very exciting though, even if he didn't wave!

And I think that is about it. Tchau gente!