  It's been a month now since I've left my cozy home tucked in the mouth of the Ogden canyon. At times I find myself reflecting on my year abroad in Germany, and slipping into a mindset of "Oh- I've experienced this before. I've lived with a host family before, I've struggled with a language barrier before." etc. Which is true, to an extent, but I've noticed that I've allowed this negative mindset to degrade the incredible opportunity/experience ahead of me!
  So I've been taking mental notes of the unique beauty of Brazil, and the experiences I've had here. Sure, I've struggled with learning a new language before, but Portuguese is different. The way it rolls and seems to string out and pull back in like a yo-yo is unique, and completely different from German. (Metaphor for the bridge year anyone?) So without further ado, here are a few of those unique, special moments: Â
Brazilian hippies MET: Approximately 12
Mornings I've still FELTÂ full from last nights dinner: Probably 7Â
Times I've EATEN at Ratones famous Browneria: 3….. or 4 ?
Moments I've said "I know it sounds cheesy, but I FEELÂ alive:" 5Â
Times I've been LOST on the bus: 3Â
Times my toes have TOUCHED the ocean: 23Â
Cute cafes FOUND: 3Â
Times I've FELT the sting of a caterpillar: 7Â
Cockroaches FOUND in my bathroom: 5Â
Days I've gone without SEEING Caroline: 5
Concerts SEEN: 3
Times I've been THROWNÂ fully clothes into the ocean: 2Â
Dogs I've been CHASED by: 4Â
Strange little critters FOUND at my internship: 4Â
Brick phone texts SENT: 89
Wild strawberries PICKED: 100ish
Wild strawberry jams MADE: 1Â
Little trees PLANTED: 130Â
Sand castles BUILT: 2Â
