It being the weekend, I bought German-Brazilian beer and put it in the freezer to chill. Each can cost $1. Prices now for most things here are more or less like U.S. prices, from what I can divine so far, although I think groceries are very slightly cheaper. A tank of butane costs almost $23 if you have an empty vessel to return. A tank of drinking water costs $2 if you already own the vessel.
At the Bank of Brazil, my ATM card would not work and I was told foreign ATM cards only worked at ATM machines located in shopping malls. Unable to believe this I went to Citibank, which informed me that in reality my ATM card is just wearing out. That is not wonderful news given that it has to function for me until I get home January 9, but at least it is verisimil.
Waiting in line to pay my rent at two separate agencies of the Bank of Brazil (because the first did not work), in two different parts of town, took all afternoon. I rode on a total of three buses, each of which cost $1.50.
After succeeding with great difficulty at paying my rent at the second Bank of Brazil, where many other people were also having great difficulty paying their rent, I felt lighthearted and victorious. I would now be able to sip my tea and enjoy the feeling of great accomplishment that had come over me, I felt.
I bought cheap Chinese sunglasses on the street for $12, and groceries and cleaning materials for $20. The children of the neighborhood carried these to my house, informing me that they were great business children. They said they were specialized in cooking, hairdos, manicures, pedicures, massage, makeup, and jewelry making.
They are all eight years old. They said their parents had pooled resources to buy them a small beauty salon. They operate this salon entirely on their own. It is open mornings, before school, and evenings, after school. Once they finish elementary school, their salon will offer an additional service: language lessons.
Then their mothers, who do not believe these things, called them home.
Axé.
coldhearted scientist وداد 
I’m so jealous! I wish I were traveling around somewhere right now!
Oh good, I’m glad it sounds exciting, because it feels very everyday. I’m receiving papers by e-mail, and grading, and struggling with the house.
However, I note that I am a lot more acclimated than I was when I arrived Sunday. I see exactly why I was so frustrated the first time I came to live in this city.
I am getting very Brazilian. I wonder what I’ll be like a week from now. We’re going swimming on the northern beaches for Christmas, a week from today.
“Business children”–amazing creativity on their part.
Ah, that was me — businesswomen was their word.
They’re very cute and it is fascinating to see what they imitate of the adult and media world.