Recently, Gustavo and I started watching (or re-watching, in my case) Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown.” I was in Brazil, actually, when the news broke that Bourdain had died. I’d always admired him, partly because of my eternal and undying love for anyone else from New Jersey and also because I appreciated his open-hearted, non-judgmental approach to exploring other cultures. He was always curious in a way that made everything seem normal, no matter where in the world he was.
6 months later
It’s been a while. We haven’t posted much to this blog, nor to our YouTube. Now that we live together – permanently – it feels like there’s less time for online activity because we’re spending more time together in person.
We’ve exchanged Whatsapp and endless browser time for actually being together. Continue reading 6 months later
Brazil Blinders
A friend of ours shared a catchy video on Instagram the other day called “Carioca não ta ligando pra nada” (“Cariocas don’t pay attention for anything.”) Continue reading Brazil Blinders
“Why did you come back here?”
Over the past month, I’ve begun to perfect my elevator pitch when it comes to explaining where I’m from. “I’m from NJ, but we just moved here after spending a few years in Brazil with my partner, who’s from there.” The inevitable response is something along the lines of, “Ooooh, Brazil. Wow. Why would you come back here?!” Continue reading “Why did you come back here?”
We did it! Living in the US
Around 3:00 a.m. on Monday morning, I woke up. My alarm wasn’t set to go off for another hour, but I just kept twisting and turning in the dark. My dog side-eyed me to make sure I didn’t wake him up just yet. I grabbed my phone to pass the time.
A Week in Bangkok
May has been a whirlwind so far.
Gustavo is packing everything up in the apartment and canceling all our services. In just four more days, he leaves Rio to set up our home permanently in the United States. Continue reading A Week in Bangkok
Packing It Up: Moving from Brazil
Last month, Gustavo and I celebrated him being approved for his CR1 (Conditional Resident, or “green card”) in the United States. When we first started dating, our original plan was to stay in Brazil for a few years to save up some money and, for me, to experience life elsewhere for a bit. Afterward, we’d move to the US.
Saying Goodbye: Our last week together in Rio
I remember the first time I stepped foot in this apartment. Gustavo had moved in earlier that year and, still, barely had any furniture. As a result, his place was a hub to gather before heading out to parties in the city. The wide-open layout meant everyone could drink, dance, and take pictures (god knows there were a lot of pictures) before heading out into the night.
Continue reading Saying Goodbye: Our last week together in Rio
Visiting Rio: Beach, spa, and ramen
This month, Gustavo and I had our interview a the US Consulate in Rio. Rather than just coming down for a short trip, we decided that I would stay for about a month – both so I could join him for the interview and so we can start clearing out the apartment. Continue reading Visiting Rio: Beach, spa, and ramen
Kobe: First Trip to Japan!
It’s a little bit unfair. Gustavo is a huge fan of anime and is much, much more familiar with Japanese culture than me. But I ended up being the one to visit first.