I can't sit while I write this because my sunburn is burn-y

I have become very fond of the way Brazil treats its elderly and its pregnant women. (I am sure elderly pregnant women would be treated well too, I just haven't seen it yet.) In every major grocery store there is a lane dedicated exclusively to the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women and women with babies. There are chairs and a little cordoned off waiting area so that no one faints or has trouble when all they really want to do is buy some milk. I think this is swell. Also on the bus, everyone gets on through the back door except for little kids traveling alone and all the other special categories above. They get on through the front door so that the driver can make sure everything is ok and everyone is situated before taking off.

Another thing about the bus - when I go to school in the morning it is usually ridiculously crowded. And I mean your armpit in my face and my elbow in your side crowded. But it is certainly always interesting. And I have some bus buddies now - people that I only see when I get the bus to school, but I see them every time I do. Always a friendly exchange or two to make sure I'm awake and can actually form Portuguese sentences that early. Plus (since I very rarely get a seat until nearly the end of the ride) someone who is sitting ALWAYS offers to take my stuff and hold it for me. Sometimes people who are sitting will have three or four bags stacked on their laps so that the standers don't have to deal with a bag and trying not to fall over all at once. It is quite nice and makes for a much more pleasant ride (the way the bus drivers navigate the streets watching a bag and holding on tight enough at the same time is quite an undertaking.)

And this goes out to you mom: I am enjoying my classes a lot. And in fact learning a surprising amount. I am certainly glad my classes are so entertaining because some days it is very difficult to force myself indoors and I can't imagine doing so to go to classes I didn't like. I am learning a ton about the ups and downs of the Brazilian health care system (SUS) which guarantees free health care for all Brazilian citizens. It is a pretty impressive undertaking and in some ways has turned out to be a little too impressive an undertaking for the current level of funding and infrastructure. However, it is constantly being analyzed and changed in hopes that at some point it will work well for everyone. And the fact that any Brazilian can walk into any public hospital (and most private ones) and have treatment guaranteed is pretty important. The poor don't have to make a choice between food and medicines they need as happens so many other places around the world.

Oh and this too mom: I am enjoying my mae and my living situation. She certainly has her religious beliefs that I don't share as well as some perspectives on social issues that I don't really agree with but what it comes down to for me is this: She has welcomed me 100% into her home and her life and is always excited to talk to me about anything. She makes me feel welcome and a part of the family and isn't afraid to laugh with me or spend time joking around. She is doing her darnedest to fatten me up and is always delighted when I do the dishes. She got way more than 4 reals of joy out of a plant I bought her and it is sitting (along with the picture I sent before I got here) in a place of honor in the living room. She talks some politics with me and has a lot to say about US immigration policy (which has directly affected her family and friends) and the current economy. She likes to talk about clothes and shoes even though she has a very modest wardrobe and she likes to show off the needlepoint and bags that she sews to make some extra money. She enjoys commenting on how white I am (though now I am more red than white) and joking that when I get back no one will recognize me. And she always tells me to wear sunscreen, be careful, watch my bag every time I leave. Along with a hug and kiss on each cheek. Acho que minha mae e gente boa.