Last night I put Ivy's camera memory card into my computer. The usual box popped up that reads, "Found New Hardware." I read this box aloud in a very mechanical voice. Ivy looked at me with a very confused face. I again read the box imitating the woman who explains what to do before someone's voicemail. Ivy said, "Say it more Brazilian." So I read, "Founjee newa hardshwear." She laughed and said, "Oh, It found new hardware!

A big thing I have missed is spinach. It grows in Brazil, but Brazilians only eat it cooked. My aunt looked at me a little funny when I said I wanted it as a salad; however, for lunch today she brought home a bunch of leaves and separated some out just for me. I ate it with our cheesy, chicken pasta. Mmmmmm!

Today I've been studying Portuguese by watching Brazilian music videos. I am also picking up some new dance moves for the ball (Ana's formal graduation party) on Saturday. Ok, stop laughing. After lunch I conjugated verbs - flashback to Pat Price's Latin class. Tia Helena and I also bought my plane ticket to Rio Verde. She could not think of putting me on a 16 hour bus trip traveling by terrible, rocky roads.

One of my favorite Brazilian snacks is called Romeo and Juliet. It is a slice of white cheese with a bit of Goiabada (jamish spread of one of my favorite fruits in Brazil - Goiaba (Guava in English).) I will share it with you when I come back.