It is a rather strange type of Christmas climate here, consisting of recycled city lighting, sweat and rain. I am finding it hard to convince myself that the time of year is finally here, as I am in a foreign country that hardly celebrates the season. I suppose this makes it easier, seeing as I won´t find myself doing all the regular things without the American family I love.
December 17th, and I haven´t yet heard a Christmas jingle, carol, or even an absent mindedly hummed tune. Something about this situation sits funny, making me feel as though the world around me is a mental creation; I feel as if Brazil is a figment of my imagination, a country that couldn´t possibly exist in what I have always known as the real world. Until this point in my life, I have not been able to comprehend a December without holiday festivities. Because of this cultural bias, I can´t give out an honest "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" because I am not managing to comprehend its very existence.
Other than the absurd Christmas season (or lack thereof), my life schedule has basically stopped, and I am living on an hour to hour basis. I suppose it has to do with being on summer break here and wanting to take the most out of my last month that I can. I have been doing some pretty incredible stuff recently. This includes Rotary trips, late nights, dancing, parties, college applications, adventures, concerts (classical/jazz), and some random last minute buying. It is really nice to know that every day is a new adventure, and that there are no limits and never will be to the amount that I can take advantage of this incredible experience.
Happy Holidays to all!
