This morning we went on an excursion as a class to the feria, or market place. The market is such an important aspect of life that the days of the week in Portuguese literally translate to Monday= Second Market, Tuesday= Third Market, Wednesday= Fourth Market, etc. We aren’t talking about the little mercados that I go to when I want to buy yogurt or peanuts. No, no, we’re talking about the vast labyrinth of narrow pathways lined with venders selling everything from pottery to sheep eyes. I’ve seen the market places in Mexico and Honduras, but the sights and smells can still be difficult to cope with. I watched a live chicken being wrapped in newspaper as though it were a bouquet of flowers, I saw a goat skin still streaked with blood and tendons laying out in the sun to tan, and I heard the frighteningly human-like cry of a goat as it was tossed into a wheel barrow and carried away to be slaughtered. That’s not to mention the strange murky fluids in old coke bottles, the rat cages overlooking fresh produce, or the smell of urine and blood. Yes indeed! This is where almost all of Salvador goes to get its fresh produce and meat! It’s a lovely reminder of all the blinders that we’ve put between us and the unpleasant realities in life. I heard a few people in the group comment that ignorance really is bliss. I would suggest that the solution is not ignorance, but rather to cope with your discomfort if possible and if not, to strive to change the situation. But enough of being philosophical…

I got my paper turned in this morning without any problems and this afternoon I gave my presentation. I had to speak about a tourist trip in which you can go on foot from Punto Arenas at the Southern tip of Chile to the South Pole. The trip costs R$120,000 and takes about 55-days. Fun right? The daily energy expenditure is estimated to be 5,000 calories which is the equivalent of running a marathon twice a day, everyday for nearly 2 months. I didn’t feel fabuloso about the presentation, but não importa, não.

Next weekend since I don’t have anything major due Monday, I’m thinking on going on a trip with a small group to a place about 5 hours away with waterfalls. We can go by bus and stay at a hostel for super cheap, but it’s still under discussion.

Much love my dear readers. Até amanhã.