Tips for Americans living in Ceará, Brasil (i.e. notes to self):

1) Patience is not a virtue. It is an expectation. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! One little example: I bought a bed and a closet/dresser a week ago. 2 days later the closet/dresser arrived in a tiny box with a promise that the man would return 2 days later to assemble it. 2 days later I was promised he would arrive 3 days later. 3 days later… ??? And, the bed has yet to be seen from!!
2) Don’t panic. The huge flying cockroaches and frogs in the bathroom won’t hurt you. The coral snakes and Brasilian wondering spiders, however, will. Stay away from them!
3) Cold showers aren’t the end of the world. They aren’t always fun, but they can be refreshing. I recommend showering after a workout or later in the evening when the water has been warmed by the sun.
4) I know it seems gross, but put the toilet paper in the trash can instead of the toilet. You don’t want to be responsible for the breakdown of the sewage system in northeastern Brasil. Just remember to empty the trash can frequently!
5) Brasilian cuisine isn’t much fun for a vegetarian/pescatarian, but it is do-able. I am trying to force myself to like beans. Thus far I haven’t been successful, but I am trying! For those who aren’t aware, the main meal always consists of rice, beans and meat. Breakfast, however, is heaven- fresh fruit, bread, cheese and cake!!! What more could a girl want?!?!
6) Flies in the kitchen are icky, but suck it up and cover the food with a towel or bowl!
7) Smiling and nodding when you don’t know what a person is saying can get you in trouble. Ask if you don’t understand something!
8) When in Brasil it is tempting to stop exercising and start napping. Don’t (I repeat, DON’T) make this a habit!!! Your pants will not fit… even though you don’t have a dryer to shrink them back to the perfect size!!
9) However, when jogging it is mandatory to be up and out the door by 6 a.m. By 7 a.m. the downtown streets are filled with cars and buses and the sidewalks are crowded with people and vendors. By 8 a.m. it is nearly impossible to get through. The jog to the beach and yoga on the beach is well worth the effort, though!
10) Do not be scared of public displays of affection no matter how odd they may seem to your American eyes. When in Rome…
11) Remind your bank and credit card companies that you will be leaving the country. Having a frozen card isn’t fun especially when trying to deal with things overseas.

I am sure that this post will continue to grow... so stay tuned!