Image Updates

Hey-

I just want to let everybody know that the images should be updated to all of the entries for the last 12-14 entries by Monday (at the latest). I should be heading back to Copacabana after training this evening. Keep your fingers crossed that the wireless will be ready to go when I get back there. Thanks for your patience. The images are well worth the wait!

Hugs & Handshakes (where appropriate),

Qiana

Don´t You Love A Good Piece of Fruit!

Who doesn´t love a good piece of fruit? Ripe strawberries, juicy peaches, succulent plums, crisp apples and refreshing watermelon can make everything around you take a back seat because the taste has you so enthralled in eating.

I can tell you that the pictured basket of fruit pretty much sums up what my stay in Leblon has been like thus far. It has been juicy and sweet.

Juicy and sweet, you ask? Well, not exactly in the way that you may think. I did not witness any juicy, dramatic antics. However, it was juicy in the sense that I have not eaten a more luscious variety of sweet fruit in my entire life! I am serious, people.

Every night, we have sobremesa (dessert) at Nubia and Pascal´s house. The sobremesa is always fruit, and they bring out the pictured dish filled with about one tenth of the fruit from the Amazon Rainforest. We sit with our dessert plates, select as much as we want and then proceed to eat until we are full. (Keep in mind that I am quietly suffering from a fruit binge as I type this entry.)

Since we are in the private company of one another, I will confide in you the extent of my fruit spree for today. I actually dread what I am about to do, but I am slightly a little curious as to the quantity of fruit that I consumed today so I will detail it below.


1. Orange juice nectar (8oz) with my protein powder
2. Two pieces of mango (breakfast)
3. Two pieces of watermelon (breakfast)
4. Passionfruit juice (200 ml) (breakfast)
5. Two pieces of pineapple (breakfast)
6. Plum (snack)
7. Two pieces of tomato (lunch): Yes, tomato is considered a fruit.
8. Guyaba (pardon the spelling if incorrect)
9. 1 piece of mango
10. 25 grapes


I wonder if consuming all of this fruit is worse than having a honeybun? If anyone has a clue, please respond. I saw the fun of eating fruit quickly fade when I had seven grapes left to eat on the bunch that I had this evening. I was in a precarious situation because I had no takers, and I didn´t want to be wasteful. Cleaning your plate, regardless of what you are eating, is never any fun if you are already full.

In conclusion, I have learned a thing or two from my Leblon fruit cornucopia. Ironically, it has nothing to do with being gluttonous.

1. For the fruit lovers out there, I have eated two new fruits, and I find them to be particularly good. They are the caqui and the guyaba. The caqui (pictured above) resembles a tomato but it tastes very different. Secondly, the guyaba looks like a round ball. You must peel the skin off and the interior is red. The guyaba has tiny seed that will break your teeth so pass on chewing them and just swallow them. You will be better off for it!

2. You must always know why you are following the crowd. I say this because a new breed of grape was introduced into the fruit offering on Tuesday afternoon. The grapes were small, had a sweet and sour taste (like muscadines) and contained a really tiny seed in them. Typically, I do not eat grape seeds. However, I heard the repeated crunch across the table, assumed that I should follow suit and proceeded to eat the seeds. During our sobremesa that evening, Nubia had Pascal ask me why I like to eat the seeds in the grapes. I responded that I do not, but I noticed that Pascal was eating them at lunch so I followed his lead. Everyone laughed. Since then, I stopped eating the seeds, but returned to doing so when I learned that the seeds aid in digestion....I know I am waffling on my grape seed stance, but at least now I am not blindly following the crowd. I have a reason.

Boa Noite (Good Night)

Filled-to-the-Brim Qiana :)

My 1st American Vistor!!

I know many people will read the title for this post and be surprised, confused or both. I am not pulling your leg someone actually made good on their promise to come to Rio and see me. Fabulous! When I woke up this morning, I thought to myself, "Something fabulous and miraculous will happen today." Well, it most certainly did. Let me just set the scene...

Yesterday evening, I was scheduled to take a cab to Ipanema, where my visitor was staying, so that we could meet one of his friend´s at a mall that I have not ever been to called Botofogo Shopping Plaza (or something like that). I was ready to go (a black mini skirt, gray striped tank and coordinating sneakers/jacket (it gets cold in those mall restaurants)) and had planned to walk down the hill to catch a taxi on the main street. Well, it started raining elephants and tigers so I switched to jeans, and Nubia called a cab to arrive at the building.

The driver knew my Portuguese game was slightly subpar so he whizzed me through the streets quickly to my Ipanema destination. Once I get there, I notice my friend is standing on the corner. Pare! I firmly exclaim. The taxi stops, my friend hops in, rambles off our new destination in Portuguese and we are whisked away to Botofogo.

For 15 seconds there is whirlwind of greetings, laughing, English and Portuguese. (To say the least, our driver is very amused.) My first visitor from America, and main character for this post, is my Portuguese Meetup Group Leader, Erich. Please give him a round of applause! He is in town for his annual, month long tour through the lovely country of Brasil.

Our travel conversation ran the gamut. From Brazilians making $10 to $30 dollars per day, to our 1st visits to Corvocado Mountain within one week of each other, to that Haitian lady dying on that American airlines plane to me having to put an end to people initially thinking that they could feed me KFC for every meal. The dialogue between us was like a CNN ticker tape, but I guess that is what happens when want to do a lot of talking and you know that you only have a short amount of time.

After about 15 minutes, we get to the mall, and it is unlike the other two that I have been to because it is short in length. However, it has almost 6 or 7 levels! Anywho, Erich introduces me to Ione. Ione is absolutely nice and we proceed to Botequim, which is a restaurant that specializes in beers (cervejas) and botequims (little plates, more or less it has an extensive tapas menu).

Ione will be moving to Savannah, Georgia in April. She speaks English pretty well, and so until her departure, I will be communicating with her so that everyone can improve our respective language proficiencies. I have attached a picture of my nova (new) amiga (friend) Ione. She is going to start a fabulous new life in Savannah. Everyone put a blessing out there for her!

We had a great time at dinner discussing, in English and Portuguese, all of the differences between cost of living in Brazil vs. America, the driving rules in America, the ease of obtaining a license (it is hard for people to afford cars here) and my training here in Brasil. Did I mention the food was good too? The feijoa (black beans) and rice were absolutely delicious!

P.S. Image to be uploaded soon!

I Only Aim to Use My Powers For Good

I want to start this entry off by writing this universal public apology to all the individuals (past, present and future) who have been on the receiving end of any physical pain or distress as a result of training with me. Desculpe (Sorry)

On yesterday, we were doing a change-of-direction drill that ended with taking a shot on goal. (Please keep in mind that for hours I worked on low, power shooting with Professor Calderon and the guys at Energy Fitness in Atlanta.) It so happened that we had a guy in the goal yesterday. When he tried to block my low shot, there was a loud pop and he hit the ground. I told him desculpe but I was more embarrassed because he laid on the ground for a few minutes and some of the younger girls were laughing.

Then, I have noticed that on several occasions when people challenge me for the ball they get slightly upset because I, for lack of a better word, strong arm the ball away (legally). Once again, I have had the good fortune to have had good (sometimes painful) lessons on how to be more aggressive (without fouling) in maintaining and obtaining control of the ball (thanks Chin/EF).

In sum, I want to say that I only aim to use my powers for good as I continue to add more technical proficiencies to my game. Also, I would like to say thank you again to all of my current Atlanta trainers (Chin, Chris, Professor Calderon, John, Jay, KB) who worked with me tirelessly to make me a force that continually amazes and fascinates the training staff here.

Blogging From Leblon

Hey-I know many of you were wondering if I had fallen off of the map. No phone calls via Skype (some of you never answered...), emails were minimal and blog entries were at a standstill. Well, I can´t seem to pick up a wireless signal while I am staying in Leblon so I had to retype all of my daily blog entries, once I had time and felt up to it (today), on the main computer here in the apartment. My apologies for those who have been worried..I will load the pictures for each entry as soon as I get a chance. The pictures are usually my favorite part.

Also, I want to shout-out one of my favorite people (an extra hot editor of Creative Loafing Charlotte), Carlton. He did something this week on the low and perhaps, by some stroke of chance, had not told me yet. Fortunately, I have eyes and ears all over the planet and I received an email from Dallas, TX with a link to this article that he penned for me on Creative Loafing Charlotte´s Blog.

Carlton: "Thanks Honey! Let´s Do Lunch. Have Your People Call My People!"

Enjoy everybody!

http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/theclog/tag/qiana-martin/

Mosquitos: We Can Work Together

I just want to post an entry to open the dialogue between me and the mosquitos that will cross my path while I am staying in Brasil. I understand that there is a natural, cycle-of-life or circle-of-life. (I tend to forget which phrase is from the movie the Lion King and which is the more scientific phrase..)

With that being said, I understand that you desire to bite me. I will let you. I promise. Usually, when you catch me, I am busy training, running or just generally living my life. Therefore, I don´t have time to kill you. However, I would implore those of you that are carriers of not-so-great illnesses to please go elsewhere.

It has recently come to me and the attention of my hosts that I do not have the flu symptoms. One very special mosquito wanted to really leave a lasting impression on me and has made me slightly ill. Now, before everyone gets in an uproar screaming West Nile, I would politely suggest that you do not utter or think such.

Nubia gave me a pill that handled the fever quickly, eradicated the body aches and in the next day or so my energy levels should be back to full speed where I don´t feel so drained during training. Most importantly, I am drinking lots of fluids.

And the Life Saver Award Goes To....

Ultimately, the award recipient is my mama. I know alot of people, but hands down, she is one of the smartest people that I know. When I was frantically putting the remaining items in my bag for my flight to Rio, my mama was digging in some bags that she had brought with her and handing me things. I kept saying that I really didn´t have any room, but she was adamant. A face cloth here, a hand towel there and some Theraflu tablets are just a few of the items that she assured me could fit in my bag.

For the record, I have used almost all of the things that she handed me that day. Most importantly, I just took two of the Theraflu tablets. My quick recovery had a slight set-back during and after training today. So between the soup I had for dinner (Thanks Nubia), the Theraflu tablets and a few minutes of watching the Cleveland Cavs versus Washington Wizards game on ESPN Brasil, I should be healthy and ready to get up at 7:30 a.m. for training tomorrow.

P.S. Image to load soon!

Good Choice: Life Lined Up In My Favor

On Wednesday, we had another practice on an artificial court. It was a good practice with a scrimmage at the end. I decided to give a new pair of Adidas court shoes a test run and they managed to hold up against all of the slippery areas (for some strange reason there was sand everywhere) and holes in the surface covering. The shoes were extra comfortable too! (1 pt. for Adidas)

The next day was a day off so I participated in a time honored ritual in Leblon and Ipanema. I went with my hosts on an early morning walk at the beach. Nubia and I actually ran a good bit of it, and I had a good time. Lots of pro volleyball players were hard at work training and hundreds of people were walking, running and biking the path alongside the beach.

I tell you my grandmamma would be in heaven! She gets up every morning at 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. to prepare to go for her daily walk inside the gym in her town. So I definitely dedicated that my Ipanema walk to my grandmamma because she is a role model for fitness!

Would you believe when I came back to the apartment, I started to feel a little achy? It wasn´t from running either. I was beyond confused because it totally came out of no where. So I continued my day but started putting my "I am healthy" mantras into full effect. I ended up sleeping most of the afternoon away before Nubia and her husband took me to see this new shopping mall in their area.

The mall met my seal of approval. I have decided that as a whole, I enjoy the bookstores here better than the ones back home. The livrarias here are big, but still quaint with extra fabulous cafes and their book selections are so vast and unique. Borders and Barnes & Noble take notes. I am a bonafide bookstore squatter. I will spend all day in a bookstore reading so I have seen my fair share of bookstores.

Anywho, I came back home, and it seemed to be trying to go downhill for me. It hurt to be touched and I started feeling hot. Well, by 8:00 a.m. this morning, I think I had prayed and positively thought it all away. (1 pt for me, lots of pts. for Jesus)

I am ready for training today!

P.S. Pictures to appear soon!

Jesus Cristo Show Me A Sign!

Bobby wants me to tell everyone Boa Tarde (Good Afternoon). He is sitting by my shoe as I quietly type this post for Wednesday, February 20th. Did you know that my weather pop-up lists Corvocado Mountain as one of the 1,000 Places You Must See Before You Die: Well, as of this posting, I have 999 left!

Much to my suprise, Nubia and her husband decided to take me to Corvocado Mountain yesterday afternoon to get my first look at the Christ the Redeemer statue. We had to drive up to a certain point on the mountain and then take a special bus a platform where we had to take staircases the remainder of the way.

Although I like roller coasters, work in skyscrapers occasionally and fly in airplanes, I generally do not care for heights. However, I understand that it just comes with the territory if you want to participate in certain things (i.e. play, work, travel). I will put it nicely to say that I was nervous winding through the streets up the mountain in the car and the bus. Of course, they made sure to put me beside the window so that I could see the entire view below!

We made it to the top safely, and the view was amazing! As a matter of fact, there is a small chapel at the base of the statue and there were putting the finishing touches on a very exquisite aisle on the opposite side of the base for a wedding that was scheduled to take place that evening. I wonder how much it costs to have a wedding there? It is a pretty unique idea if I should say so myself because you are literally getting married at the top of the world at the feet of Jesus. I would call that a serious blessing if I should say so myself!

As with any journey, an experience tends to give you a little bit of wisdom. Therfore, I am going to pass of to you these free thoughts that I received yesterday after my trip.

1. When you need to learn something, immerse yourself in it. The bus driver (a Brazilian gentleman), upon learning from Pascal (Nubia´s husband) that I was American , began speaking to me in perfect English about his one year stay in America and how he learned to speak 10 languages easily. His advice to me was, when you need to learn something, immerse yourself in it. Take 20 words everyday and keep the list with you. Before you know it, you will be fluent in Portuguese.


2. When you find yourself in hard or uncomfortable situations, find a positive in it. As we kept going up Corvocado Mountain, on streets without guardrails, with oncoming cars and where the van tires did not have much traction, I had to focus the outcome, which was in a few minutes I would be able to see an amazing statue and possibly, a once-in-a-lifetime view of Rio de Janeiro.


3. When you look back on a situation, you may realize that it really wasn´t as hard as it seemed. It seemed like going up that mountain took at least 15 to 20 minutes. However, our trip back down took maybe 5 minutes and the van wasn´t going that fast. I even looked down at the favella below the entire time. It´s amazing how our perception of things can paralyze us with fear or strengthen us to climb mountains. The choice is ours.

Two full weeks of being in Rio, and I had to stand at the feet of Jesus to learn three invaluable lessons. Whatever your journey is today, I hope these insights will give you the courage to stretch yourself in new ways, press through the challenges and understand that you play a powerful role in how you perceive your experience.

Ate Logo! (See You Later!)

P.S. I will load my pics very soon. Stay tuned!

Ipanema: The Songs Are True

After a fabulous rest in my new air-conditioned room, I woke up to go with the couple to a store that they are opening in March. It is located on a busy street in Ipanema. Originally, the husband had used the space for an upscale, French cafe and chocolate store. The chocolatier that he used was trained in Belgium and it was noted by all of the patrons, that the chocolate was the best around. However, it was not profitable so he had to close it.

Consequently, the have decided to open a women´s clothing boutique to sell fabulous jeans, bikinis and such. Hands down, this is the nicest store that I have seen in Rio. Their tastes are very detailed and particular. Keep them in your prayers that the store will be exponentially successful. The husband noted today that I must be good luck because the mannequins actually showed up on time this morning! I aim to be as much of a good luck charm to them as they have been to me with these lovely accommodations!

When we parked the car this morning, Nubia and her husband directed me to look at the end of the street because it was an entry point into a favella (project). There are no roads for cars. It looks like a maze of trails that the residents climb up the mountains...I don´t know but I was about 50 feet away and that is going to be the closest I get to going to a favella (to my knowledge).

After they finished surveying the mannequins, I walked with Nubia and her husband to the open market that is held twice each week in Ipanema. It was a huge farmers market, and they sell fresh fish too. There were so many fruits and vegetables that I had not ever seen before. I have include some pictures of all of the activity from the open market.

Please note, I did eat the fish and vegetables from here today, and they were absolutely delicious! I would like to thank Nubia and her husband for such a wonderfully made lunch today!

New Views, New Area, New Residence

I was recently notified that I would have to vacate the apartment that I am staying in for one week. There was construction to be done so new accommodations would be secured for me. I decided to bide my time by watching The Secret on my laptop in the lobby of the apartment building since the smell from all of the construction was overwhelming. By the time my battery died, I was sent by taxi to stay with another teammate and her husband in Leblon, another area of Rio not too far away from Copacabana.

As the taxi wound through the busy streets, I began to see a welcome change. It was an area likened to Midtown Atlanta or West Hollywood so I became excited. Were accommodations similar to those back home on the horizon???

Indeed, my thoughts were correct! I was bubbling over with silent excitement that for a few days I would be living more comfortably with Nubia and her husband, a Frenchman.

Leblon can best be described as an area that has some qualities of a Beverly Hills (LA) or Buckhead (ATL). I actually saw my first gated community of homes! It is a Jewish community and the homes cost around $1 million each, which is pretty expensive here.

My teammate and her husband have a lovely apartment that has a washer, dryer and air conditioning. It is uniquely decorated with pictures of Parisian and Brasilian art.

Also, there is one more detail that I must mention. His name is Bobby and he is a cute, little dog. Bobby is house trained. Thank Goodness! Also, it appears that Bobby has taken a liking to me. I like him also. However, he is infatuated with my blue Old Navy flip flops and the blue shoelaces in my sneakers. If this is all that I have to deal with, then I am fine with this. I have included an image of Bobby and the new view outside of my window.

P.S. Picture coming soon!

Pre-Game Ritual: Eat Ice Cream

Ice Cream has always been one of my favorite things to eat. I think this may be my kryptonite. Well, maybe there are some other foods that make me a little weak too...So I was out last evening to get one scoop of vanilla ice cream (in a cone) at Sorvetti´s Italia. I have mentioned this place before in one of my previous blogs. It is an ice cream establishment that (I think) originated in Ipanema (an area of Rio).

It was a nice, warm evening and all of the tables and benches were full for the most part. However, I noticed that there was one seat left at this table where a guy (who looked very nice) and a young boy were sitting. The gentleman was standing so I motioned to him if I could sit down and he agreed. A few seconds later a young lady briefly approached the gentleman, asked him a question and then walked off. I did notice some people staring, but I just brushed it off. Well, I continued sitting at the table and we all enjoyed our ice cream. Then, an older guy approached the gentleman at my table and said something about Vasco....

Vasco is one of the professional soccer teams here in Rio. Every inhabitant of Rio has their affiliation between the four teams (Vasco, Fluminese, Flamengo and Botofogo) I will put it gently to say that people are fanatical about their teams. One girl on my team just unvieled her newly tattooed ankle that has a soccer boot with the Vasco logo on it!

To make a long story short, I watched the highly anticipated match between Vasco and Flamengo this afternoon. Who was one of the guys on the pitch for Flamengo? Yes, it was that gentleman who was kind enough to let me have a seat at his table.

The ice cream must have done the trick because that guy played fabulously and the victory went to Flamengo 2-1.

P.S. Picture to be uploaded soon!

Tommy, You Have to Pay Attention!

Many of you do not know Tommy. He is a little dog that most recently began occupying the apartment that I have been staying at. It was my understanding that I would only have a brief weekend encounter with him. However, it seems that , for the meantime, he will be staying indefinitely.

Tommy is not house trained, and Tommy rarely gets to see the outside world. Also, important to note, Tommy does not know English. Therefore, our communication is at a standstill at this time.

I will admit. Tommy is a cute dog, but once again I had not prepared for him; and more than likely, he was not intending on meeting me. But, we have spent lots of time together in the apartment. He has a fascination with my laptop cord, and I have a fascination with how he feels so comfortable living his life in this ultra warm apartment all day. (Keep in mind that I am assuming this since our conversations have been minimal.)

Tommy, like many other dogs, likes to receive attention, and he likes to be in the midst of all of the action. When the girls are getting ready for the discotech (club), Tommy is running around surveying all of the outfits, make-up and music.

Today, I had only been home less than an hour from training, and I was playing on my computer. There were a few friends over to visit the sisters. From the sound of a phone conversation that was placed on speakerphone, I knew that there was a collective eavesdropping on a heated conversation. Although my Portuguese is not quite up-to-speed, I gathered who was on the other end of the speakerphone and knew that this situation was not going to be pretty.

Being that I have witnessed situations like this before, I decided to keep listening to the video on my laptop. Tommy, on the other hand, wanted to be front and center to all the action. I wish he would´ve followed my lead.

Not even five minutes passed before there was a knock at the door and one of the occupants went outside ot speak with the visitor (voice from the speakerphone). Tommy decides to go but doesn´t heed my look of "don´t do it," and proceeds to go out the door. Immediately, he is scooped up by the occupant and tossed back into the apartment. Tommy flew at least 2-3ft, landed hard and started crying.

Why did Tommy have to get an eyewitness view of a lovers´quarrel? He could´ve seen it all from where I was sitting.

I will admit, for about 15 minutes, I thought I was watching Keyshia Cole´s reality show, but eventually, the tears, yelling and stick waving finally ceased. Fortunately for me, my Youtube video didn´t skip a beat. As for Tommy, he seemed to bounce back pretty quickly. Let´s just hope next time, if there is a next time, he will be a little more discreet in obtaining his front row seat to this novella (soap opera).

P.S.. Pics are forthcoming..stay tuned

I Thought You Were In It for the Long Haul...

Everybody, including myself, has heard or used the phrase some people, things, etc. are with you for a reason, season or lifetime. It’s good in theory, but when this is applied, it can hurt you pretty deeply if you are on the receiving end.

Naturally, I expected everyone and everything to be supportive of my journey to Brazil. Well, it just didn’t happen. I have a lovely, Dianne Von Furstenburg bag. It is black with pink trim and has been my steady travel companion for almost one year now. Well, when I arrived in Rio de Janeiro, it decided to appear with a broken strap! I couldn’t believe my eyes! Typically, I would have been highly upset. However, I had just met my coach etc. and I thought to myself that I would have to just make do and not let this sidetrack my joy of making it to Rio safely and soundly.

On Monday of this week, I decided to bring out my ever-so-glamorous Calvin Klein swimsuit. Many of you have seen and heard it this bikini because I got it at Filene’s Basement for the low, low price of $3.81. Yes, this is not a typo. I got it for under $4.00! It was black and hot! I put it on so I can go to the beach to juggle my ball. Lo and behold, I notice that there is a hole right on the left side panel of the bikini bottom. Talk about disappointed…I was crushed and it is so irreplaceable (in my heart)…

But, whatever, these things just didn’t want to enjoy all the gloriousness (if that is a word) of Brazil and I have no choice, at this point, but to respect it and know that even more fabulous bikinis and luggage bags are on the horizon for me (at bargain basement prices)!

Gringos Eat Their Ice Cream Like This....

Sorvette, otherwise known to us as ice cream, is pretty popular in Brazil to say the least. Everyday you can see hundreds of people walking down the street eating ice cream cones, sundaes, ice cream bars, etc. Some of the popular fast food restaurants have special walk-up sections of their locations for patrons to quickly order ice cream.

I have had ice cream twice since I’ve been here, and I noticed yesterday that I definitely give myself away as a gringa (foreigner). When you receive your cone of ice cream, they give you a miniature shovel-like spoon to eat the scoop with. For me, I like to lick my cones. I guess that explained why people looked at me strangely when I was eating it. I didn’t really care because it was hot, the ice cream was great and I don’t think I would enjoy eating ice cream the same if I had to use the little shovel.

Le Tigre Is That You?

GENTLEMEN ADVISORY: This entry may or may not be for you. Choose wisely!

Don’t worry only a handful of people actually know what Le Tigre is when I say it. Basically, there is a large Calvin Klein advertisement in the Macy’s men’s underwear section of a model who is staring directly into the camera. He is wearing only some fitted boxer briefs (I think that’s what you call them) and his hand is on the waistband right where you can partially see a tattoo of a tiger…

Yes! Le Tigre it is! So I know you have been wondering if the local fare is pleasant to the eye. I have been in Rio approximately 1 1/2 weeks, and I will say that there has not been a day where I have not seen any eyecandy! I must applaud those young men who have crossed my path.

On Sunday, my host and I, along with some other girls from our team, had received a lift back to Copacabana. Traffic was at a standstill so we got out and begin walking towards the apartment. Well, I was hot, tired and hungry. All of a sudden this man appeared, and he was walking towards us. He was about 6’3 or 6’4. He had the build of a svelte Terrell Owens (neck down), and he had the chiseled features of Tyson Beckford. Most importantly, he had on the Le Tigre outfit! Jesus Cristo! I was shocked. I know the beach is only so far, however this man felt safe strolling the busy streets of Rio like this?!!?

The girls from the team did make catcalls! I pretended that it was just another day and another face/body combination…My weariness seemed to quickly leave me after that.

On a slightly similar but different note, the men here have the most fabulous feet in the world. I can’t explain it! Everyone has feet that looks like they are fresh out of the pedicure shop. I have to figure this out. When I was in Boca Raton during the summer, my Brazilian trainer, Fausto, had noticeably great feet and I was baffled how he was able to accomplish this being a footballer. Now, I see that Fausto is not an anomaly!

One person has suggested that it maybe everyone’s contact with the sand here. I am not sure. If anyone can shed some light on this matter, please comment quickly. I definitely would appreciate it if all other men would step their foot game up. The excuse of “I play sports” isn’t gonna cut it anymore…

I Can’t Turn All This Tan Off!

The sun has officially been shining on me for two days. I like the sun. It makes me happy. After practice today, I decided to brave the ½ block walk up the street to Copacabana beach. I wanted to do a test run on my new juggling location.

The beach was packed, and it was at least a gazillion people out there. Everyone had on bikinis and everyone over the age of 14 ½ had a tattoo. I figured that since I was at the beach by myself, I would not have the liberty of testing the water. I didn’t want my bag or towel to grow legs and run off. I guess the ocean had other plans because the waves kept pushing up the beach to the point that it unexpectedly drenched a large number of beachgoers sitting on towels in the sand (me included). As a result, everything that I brought with me (Portuguese book included) was waterlogged. I didn’t get upset. I just continued watching people having a good time in the water.

So to get some of the sand out of my towel, I put on my backpack and stood in the water to rinse the towel when the tide came to shore. The water felt like winter. End of story. The water was cold to the point that my feet were tingling. Now, this was an unexpected surprise, but as my stay progressed, I realized that freezing cold water is beneficial to Copacabana beach patrons. I was juggling my size one ball, and the sun was blazing. After my designated reps, I just walked right to the water and after a few tides, all my sweat totally vanished. It was gone without having to submerge myself in the water. How convenient!

Two 1sts Today:

Went to Copacabana beach.
Conducted a retail transaction by myself.

Well, I will say that, when I came home from the beach, I saw that I have a tan that just won’t stop; and I don’t know what in the world I am going to do about this. I still have around 115 days left of training and general beach bum existence! I applied sunscreen several times at the beach today so I don’t know what to tell you.

Also, I received a bracelet from Pam’s friend Alberta who celebrated Carnaval in Bahia. As they tied the bracelet three times, I had to take a wish for each tie. If you get a chance to see me when I come back to Atlanta, perhaps it will still be in one piece and still on my wrist. I can’t tell you my wishes so don’t ask.

I will leave you this evening with a picture of Copacabana beach. I did not take this picture. However, instead of seeing the glass as half empty, imagine the glass being half full. Enjoy the tall mountains in the background, imagine the coolness of the water and embrace whoever you see in this picture…….because it’s not me!

Tchau!

P.S. Please note that I am usually tired when writing these blogs. Charge all errors in grammar and syntax to my weary mind...If my error is grievous in nature, please let me know. Thanks!

Rio Forecast: How I Check the Weather Everyday

I guess it is time to view the true view outside my window. I am not a meterologist, but I can usually gauge what to wear for the first couple of hours of the day by looking at the sky above these buildings. Also, I can see if the grocery store Zona Sul is open if I look straight down. For everyone who is scared of heights, I will not show you the view below. Don't worry.

Urca Military Physical Education School: Sunday at 12:45

Following the training, there is the afterparty of watching the trainers collect all the equipment from the day's session. You like the view? I do. It would be even better if my gatorade was cold, but I am happy that I still have some to drink. I wish you were here. Then, I would politely ask you to help me quickly take off my soccer boots, shinguards and socks. I know it's not a glamorous task, but you would get to share this view with me. Think about it and let me know if you are interested!

Welcome to Brasil!

There is a picture of Brasil that is commonly shown. No, it is not the picture of the scantily clad women on the beach. It is not the picture of famous footballers (soccer players) celebrating a goal or even the pageantry of Carnaval. It is the picture of the statue of Jesus with outstretched arms that hovers above the entire city of Rio de Janeiro.

Today at training, I believe that I officially was provided with the beginning of the type of welcome that this statue has for me during my stay in this lovely country. On the way to training, Pamella did the symbolic catholic air cross today, and I should’ve taken note of that this was a sign. It has been downcast and rainy here since my arrival. However, this morning began differently. It was a bright clear sky this morning as we headed towards GAP, one of two military schools that we train at. We use their exercise facilities (i.e. training fields).

Our session started a little late because there were two men’s teams battling it out in a good game of futebol (soccer). One guy even tried to pull the notorious “hand of God” where he tried to secretly hit the ball up in the air with his hand. However, he was not as fortunate as the soccer legend Maradona (Argentina) because the referee immediately gave him a yellow card! It was hilarious and everyone laughed.

The grass at this facility was real and it is similar to grass in warmer climates. It is real thick. I can’t explain it, but it’s probably the grass we are all supposed to have if we didn’t pollute so much or have change of seasons or something. I am not sure, but I have not ever been a fan of running in it because I know that it comes with the hottest weather known to man.

Speaking of which, did I mention that the sun was out and it was hot? It was that kind of hot that you know in your heart, that no matter what you do, you just can’t escape it. So I put on my sunscreen, warmed up with the rest of the girls and proceeded to play three, thirty minute games with technical and tactical instruction from the coaches.

It was 12:45 p.m. when we finished so you do the math, and think about what the sun feels like, during the summer, in your city. I do not think I need to explain the temperature any further or the girls’ amazement at my tan when I took off my shin guards. Between my training and the beach (which I get to go to as a treat tomorrow), I may return to Atlanta with a UV ray protected, tan that will last me through April 2009.

American Culture in Rio: You May Win A Prize!

Let’s take a moment to see if you can guess what American favorites I still get to see in Rio:

Although the streets of Copacabana are confusing, when I see this restaurant I know that I am a few steps from my temporary residence with Pamella and Marciella. Is it?

a. McDonalds
b. KFC
c. Dominoes Pizza

I was sitting in a pizza restaurant this evening with Pamella, and I laughed when I saw the participants’ antics on this reality show. Is it?

a. Real World Brazil
b. Big Brother Brazil
c. Amazing Race Brazil

Every time Pam’s phone rings, these artists get a check. Is it?
a. Bow Wow and R. Kelly for I’m a Flirt
b. Akon and Young Jeezy for Soul Survivor
c. Beyonce and Jay Z for Upgrade You

Email me at qianamartin@hotmail.com with your answers. The 1st person
to get all three correct answers to me will get a small trinket from Brasil!

P.S. I will tell you that I ordered some maracuja juice yesterday (a type of fruit unique to Brazil) from the pictured McDonald's location above. Could be a hint or not?!

Want to Hustle a Rollercoaster Ride in Rio? Think Again

I can already tell that the start of my days running together is about to begin. As I was walking down the street to catch the bus to training with Pamella this morning, I couldn’t figure out how long I had been here. The reason I was trying to figure it out was because we had a training this morning at around 9:00 a.m. Although I was able to get eight hours of sleep last night, I felt like I couldn’t stay awake walking down the street. My mind and body were operating like it was 4:00 a.m. so I was trying to think about how long it may take me to get adjusted to the time change.

Well, a few buses pass us by on the street and I am getting my fare together (two Reals (the Brazilian dollar) and ten cent (Brazilian ten cent coin)) and the bus arrives. For those of you who have had the opportunity to see the movie City of God, it is the same set-up as in the movie! For those who have not seen the movie, (I highly suggest you see it) the bus has a driver, then a turnstile (kind of like at the amusement park) and a person sitting in a raised seat beside the turnstile. This person collects your money, gives you any necessary change, and operates the turnstile to let you get to a seat.

So for those of you who have hustled your way on to public transportation in other cities, it is definitely not happening here. You have two people watching to make sure the city gets all the money that it is due.

My last two training sessions have been at facilities located outside of the Copacabana area so our bus rides have been pretty long but fast. When I mean fast, I have to say I don’t know what time schedule these bus operators have to keep, but it is literally a rollercoaster ride the whole way there! Each ride has had all the hills, all the curves and everyone holding on to the railing and sliding all over their seats. It always ends an abrupt stop too. I am tempted to start cheering at the end because it is pretty entertaining. It definitely gives the Mine Train (Six Flags-Georgia) a run for its money because I don’t know where the bus is going next, and I don’t know how long the ride is going to last.

Side Note: This blog entry is being written to the sounds of T-Paine’s song Bartender being played from Marciella’s room…

P.S.S. The images are of actual Rio city buses. Please note the blurriness of the second picture. It was going so fast that the lens just couldn't capture the bus clearly...

Finally-A Picture!

I guess the joke is on me because this image refuses to load. I guess it is not time for everyone to see the view from my window on Rua Bolivar in Ed. Oklahoma (Translation: on Bolivar Street in the Oklahoma Building)....

3 Minutes, 3 Situations, 3 Responses

It is about 24 hours since I officially landed in Brasil. The city that I arrived in was Sao Paulo. I had a connecting flight from there to Rio de Janeiro. Right before the plane began its descent, the airline stewardess stopped by everyone’s seat to give them the necessary immigration forms. That is when line 6 or 7 jumped out at me. The question asked me to list the address to where I was going to be residing during my time there. Well, for those of you that are familiar with some of my previous travel/training episodes, you guessed correctly. I doubled checked to make sure I had my visa, passport, bank card, cash, vitamins etc. However, I oddly enough failed to think about bringing a copy of my address. Typically panic would’ve set in, but I quickly decided that I was too far away from home and the Lord would, as usual, take care of this situation (as He has in so many other tight binds I’ve encountered). So I began seeing myself tucked tight in my new bed and I exited the plane in Sao Paulo.

The original departure gate for the flight changed so I was able to patiently find the new gate and realize that the flight was delayed due to technical difficulties. Only thinking positive thoughts, I went to find something to eat. I figured that my later arrival in Sao Paulo would prevent me from possibly eating when I arrived in Rio. I tried to blend in as much as possible and casually look at the menus at this one place, but when I tried to order my selection the store did not have it or something so a lady who spoke some English was kind enough to help me decipher and communicate a chicken salad sandwich…I really wanted tuna, but I didn’t want to press my luck so I went with frango (chicken). Plus, the line was long and everyone was watching this communication debacle that could’ve gotten worse but was quickly handled. So instead of being frustrated with my novice Portuguese communication skills (because I know there will be more instances of communication disconnects), I just decided to be grateful that I had three, tasty mini chicken salad sandwiches to eat.

When I finally entered Immigration and Customs, everything went smoothly without incident and I was greeted by my coach and two players from the team. They rode me around a very busy and festive Carnaval scene in Rio de Janeiro.

About an hour later, Coach Mathias dropped me off with Pamella, one of the players, at a high rise in Copacabana. This is where I will be staying for the time that I am here. It is a nice apartment and I am living with Pamella (18) and her sister Marciella (17). Their mother lives down the hall with their two brothers (5 and 7 respectively).

My morning started with me waking up to the sounds of an average big city. The sounds of cars being driven on wet street and honking horns. However, I knew that this was not Houston, Los Angeles or Atlanta. It was Rio de Janeiro, and I took a picture of the first sights that I saw just for you.

Then, I realized that I left the digital imaging CD in Atlanta. For a few minutes, I was dejected, but after I located a WiFi signal (thank heavens!), I was able to figure out a way to make it work.
In closing, three minutes managed to teach me two very important lessons thus far.

1. Everything has a way of working itself out.
2. You have everything you need to do what you need to do.

I will make sure to keep both of these in mind when I start training tomorrow. Until next time—
Ate Logo! (see you later)

City of Atlanta: Why You Wanna Act Like That?

Change is inevitable, and I try to embrace change in every aspect of my life. However, one must be respectful of how change will affect others. Sometimes I am led to believe that the City of Atlanta is not cognizant of this small, yet important detail.

On Friday evening, I had a small “color enhancement” scheduled with my in-house colorist. Now some work crews were using a jackhammer or other large construction tool a few feet up the street from my residence. The noise could prove to be irritating for some, but I guess they figured that everyone would be up late on this Friday night.

I have learned to adjust to things like that because as I mentioned that I try to embrace change. Unfortunately, I had to learn to embrace another change as well. When it was time to wash out the hair treatment, the water was not operating. Imagine the look of pure shock on my face and the scramble by my colorist that ensued. She had to use the last bit of water in her 16 oz bottle plus the half gallon of my drinking water to “pre-rinse” the treatment out. Then, she had to make a quick run (dodging all of the city trucks) up to CVS to buy more gallons to rinse the remainder of my hair.

Fortunately for me, it was only “color enhancement.” Imagine if that was someone’s relaxer!

Attention City of Atlanta: As you continue your myriad of helpful projects all across the city, please be respectful of your residents and notify them of any consequences that may occur. Life, Limb and Hair could be at stake!