I’ve been in Brazil for over a week! This is my first time successfully using Internet on my own laptop.. I’m using Wireless in the gigantic shopping mall near my house. I hope nobody mugs me on the way home.

For those of you who are already dying to send me letters, all of my mail should be directed to:

Alida Perrine the Great
C/o Jeferson Bacelar
CEAO - Centro de Estudos Afro-Orientais
Praça Inocêncio Galvão, 42 (Largo 2 de Julho)
CEP 40.060-055
Salvador - Bahia - Brasil

And for those of you who want to Google Earth my residence, I live at:

Rua Guadalajara, 07 Ap. 101
Edificio Alto da Colina
Bairro: Morro do Gato - Ondina
Salvador da Bahia
CEP 40.140.461

It’s a pretty nice apartment and we live on the first (second) floor. (You can see my bedroom window in the middle.) I have a cool family, though they mostly keep to themselves. This is my 23-year-old Brazilian sister Fernanda:

We’re drinking ginger ale… it’s very popular here.

I’ve been pretty busy so far taking part in the various cultural activities with the program on top of my intensive Portuguese and Brazilian culture classes. I just finished writing my first paper (don’t worry only 2 pages). I also founded a successful bakery.

The city life is very exciting and everything is close to the shore. I’m sure I’ll spend a lot of time at the beach during the coming year.

I think that’s all for now, dear readers. Now that I know that the wireless works here, I'll try to update more often and I'll also be able to use Skype here. (lidamonstr) All in all, I’m having a remarkable time and speaking lots of Portuguese. Do send news of yourselves.. I miss you terribly!

Beijos
Much love,

Alida

ps. Dad, I sent you a few e-mails, but I don't think you're receiving them for some reason... I'll try from my other e-mail address... I love you!