'Cat Chronicle - Blog 4 - Annie Liotta
.....four Bobcat student-athletes provide a cooperative blog from their own perspective on the adventures they encounter studying abroad this summer.
Florianópolis is on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge in Southeast Brazil in the state of Santa Catarina. I arrived 10 days ago and already the experiences are pouring in! I’m studying Portuguese to earn language credits that will transfer back to the MSU Honors College. The classes are intense at several hours every day but every minute is new and exciting. Learning a new language isn’t like watching a PowerPoint slide that you can catch up on the information later. Every moment is an opportunity for improvement and if I zone out for even a couple seconds I’m lost. Even when I leave the classroom, I’m still learning Portuguese. There’s nothing like traveling to a foreign place to completely immerse yourself in the language and culture. I’m staying with a host family in Centro (downtown) Floripa and have been graciously invited into their home in one of the high-rise apartment buildings that are common in Brazilian cities. City life is an adjustment for me having lived in the beautiful spacious states of Alaska and Montana, but the city of Florianópolis is by no means a bad place to be!
I’m a quick walk to a beautiful boardwalk and bike path along the West side of the island. The view is absolutely gorgeous whether bluebird or cloudy skies. It is winter down here in the Southern Hemisphere right now so it’s been rainy and “cold.” I personally like daytime temperatures ranging from 60-70 Fahrenheit but the locals insist it is cold. Wearing shorts and sandals will set you apart as a foreigner immediately when the locals are wearing boots, pants and scarves!
One of my favorite parts about traveling to new places is the food. Even in winter, Brazil has fresh fruit. I’m loving breakfasts and snacks of mango, star fruit, papaya, and especially passion fruit. Another culinary favorite of mine is acai, an antioxidant-rich purple berry that is increasingly popular. The berry is prepared in a frozen slurry and is delicious with condensed milk. Other additions include fresh fruit, granola, and nuts. Another food I recently tried was called pinhão, somewhat of a pine-nut on steroids. I saw this food at local markets and thought it was some sort of garlic-like bulb, but in fact it grows in a tree. Boiling softens the shells and allows the nut to be cut or bitten free. I thought the consistency and taste was somewhat similar to a potato. Living with a host family is an advantage that allows me to try seasonal foods that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
My study abroad is a special experience so far and is about to become monumental. In just a few days, Thursday, June 12 will mark the kick-off of the 20th FIFA World Cup hosted by Brazil. Florianópolis is not a stadium city but I’m sure will still be alive with futebol mania! Study abroad is an amazing opportunity and I look forward to all that these weeks offer!
Archived Blogs
Blog 3 - Allison Ross - Tsunami Drill
Blog 2 - Danielle Muri - Welcome to Florence
Blog 1 - Allison Ross - Machu Picchu
