Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Over the Shoulder Boulder Holder
Brazierre
Tit Sling
Bra
Can you think of any other names you have heard used for the undergarment worn by women?
It is one word in Portuguese that I routinely forget. I ALWAYS remember Cueca (men's underwear). I never forget Calcinha (panties). But I can never remember sutia (bra).
I actually had to look it up right now on an online translation site. It's ridiculous. I wear one. Nearly every day, at least when I'm not in a bikini or sleeping...okay too much information.
Well today I had to have a chest x-ray to make sure what has been diagnosed as sinusitis is in fact that and not an upper respiratory thing. Going to the dr in Portuguese is always a challenge. My brain almost immediately goes into "DUH" mode. I think it is because I am overly nervous that I will not understand what is said. I think I'm afraid they're going to say, "Sara, you have a growth the size of a basketball in your bum." And I'm going to look at them, smile and say, "Tudo bem." (ok)
So the technician calls me back to the x-ray room this morning. We greet each other, and he asks, "Voce esta com sutia?"
I stare blankly in return.
He repeats, "Voce esta com sutia?"
I stare for about 15 solid seconds and say, "Eu nao entende."
He repeats, this time a little louder and slower, "Voce esta usando sutia hoje?" Only this time he added a very discreet gesture in the direction of my chest.
AHHH, the light goes off bling bling...
"Sim, to usando. Claro." Like of course I'm wearing a bra, duh!
Had I not been preoccupied with the basketball sized tumor, I probably would have used common sense to know that you can't have an underwire bra on while taking a chest x-ray and I would have understood him the first time he asked.
I think after today, I'll remember sutia is bra in portuguese.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Onde as montanhas entram o mar!!
My little lady in a random window in Parati! So cute!!
The first night we were without electricity due to the tropical rain storm that hit late afternoon. We became quite the pioneers. I felt just like Laura Engles.

We woke early January 12 to catch an 8 a.m. bus to my favorite place in all of Brazil: Trindade. Just outside of Parati. This is truly a little slice of heaven on earth. The mountains literally run into the sea. I knew it was going to be a great trip when I looked out my bedroom window and was greeted by this incredible sunrise.
During our 3 days, we enjoyed swimming in calm(er) waters, hiking an amazing trail to a waterfall through a national forest, escaping a downpour, running through a blazing thunderstorm, reading by candlelight, sleeping in mosquito hell, looking out at the ocean from an unblocked vantage point, laughing at silly mistakes in language, meeting new friends, wandering the streets of Parati at night, and much needed relaxation.



Monday, January 11, 2010