Oi Everybody,

We have been in Joao Pessoa since Friday, and we´re loving it. Even though those of you who have travelled here commented on how nobody speaks English, nothing really prepares you for the potential isolation. Joao Pessoa (pop. about 600k people) is not a big tourist spot anyway, except for those in Paraiba (state), and many have expressed a real curiosity about our origins. Having a base in the language is super helpful in asking questions and striking up conversations, but they talk pretty fast, and we´re often asking them to speak ´mais devagar, por favor´(more slowly, please). There are lots of smiles, lots of sun, and lots of fun.

Time is kind of tight at the moment, as we´re moving out of our beach-front digs ($$$!) and moving in the home of a wonderful teacher whom I´ve gotten to know over the past few years on NY trips. We spent the day with him and his family yesterday, and we´ll post some pics soon.

Meanwhile, here are some pics from Olinda:
Hangin` out in Olinda and making friends!












And here is a little video from the streets of Olinda on the last night of Carnaval. Hopefully, you get a sense of the experience.

Ate logo,
Lane