Captains Blog Stardate 04.03.2011

Last night was the first night of carnival. Silva; I marched in our silly group Bandalheira a real workout – M followed along… as we marched and met other blocos (other groups) one with giant puppets, another of elderly people (gatos e gatões = hot old people… really cute! reminded us of the red hat ladies), the mayor gave the keys to the city to the King & Queen of Carnival… then we marched down the hill, and disbanded… our group is really loved and respected... mainly because it is 39 yrs old and probably the most aerobic! hehehe... I went home changed clothes, and we went out and met João & Silvia… and others… we were home by 1am… now at work for awhile… the rest of the days are full of watching the other blocos and having fun dancing and drinking and talking with friends… Silva & I go out again on Sunday afternoon… we feel so welcomed here. People come up and hug us both and tell us how glad they are were here and got the jobs! The city is filling up, and the energy is really fun! We keep waking up each morning and still can’t believe how blessed and lucky we are to be here!

After carnival, we are going to buy a stove, refrigerator,, a table or two and a bed and move into our new apartment… hopefully they will have the internet hooked up by then…