Week one recap

As someone who is always attached to my iphone and obsessed with my apps, it has been a very strange and sometimes lonely experience this week not having data service or internet.  I only had a handful of english channels to choose from on the TV, However, this was entirely user error as I had not been able to figure out how to convert American programming back into english.  Once I stumbled upon the correct buttons to accomplish this (not until thursday! - that is 3 days of watching nothing but bloomberg news, BBC, and E!) I literally stood up and cheered every time I found a new channel I could convert to english!!!

Since this week has been a random mix of events and experiences here is a random list to highlight a few:
1) Taxi drivers that speak a little english are a lot of fun to talk to - they are trying to practice their english in preparation for World Cup visitors so they are willing to let you practice your Portuguese as well.
2) This city is so big and complicated, I've even had a taxi driver using his GPS and a paper map at the same time to find my destination.
3) Even if a Brazilian doesn't speak english, if you tell them you are American they often respond by saying "Obama!" and giving a thumbs up!
4) In the grocery store, despite the initial excitement of seeing brands you recognize, you quickly realize the portion is much smaller while the price is much higher than what you are used to.
5) As in all other travels abroad, if you get too overwhelmed and need a break, find a Starbucks!  Free wifi and cafe mocha in Portuguese is still cafe mocha!
6) Google translate app is my new best friend, if only I had data service and could use it anywhere.
7) Sao Paulo is a vibrant, unique city but if I had to try to describe it in terms of others cities, I would say its like a Miami-esque version of New York, but spread out and huge like London.
8) My flat overlooks the landing path for the domestic airport so even when I'm home I can't get away from planes.   :) (this is actually really cool, reminds me of San Diego where the planes come in so close to the city buildings it looks like you're going to land on them).

Though language is going to continue to be a struggle, I am REALLY excited and think I will LOVE it here.  Can't wait to get out and do some tourist-y things!