Winding down

I'm in my last week of my Brazilian vacation. I'm so glad I extended trip my trip by two weeks -- it would have been too rushed to leave on the 25th as previously planned. So much has happened since I've been here, and I've learned a lot of things about myself, Brazilian culture and life.

Here's a quick list of what comes to mind when I think of all I've learned:
* How to make and fly a kite, Rio de Janeiro style
* How to train macaco in a way that makes sense to my body
* How to actually do a macaco paulista
* How to do mei lua de compasso de raizes
* How to drive a motorcycle (don't worry mom, it was just in a parking lot)
* How to jump any bike over any curb
* How to make firm plans with a Brazilian man by acting as if you aren't actually making a firm plan
* How to call a waiter over to the table in that sort of rude, but typical and normal Brazilian way, by calling out "Oi -- moco" or "Amigao" while waving him over with your hand
* How to listen to and politely decline a way-too-soon marriage proposal from a smitten admirer
* How to wear a teeny bikini with grace and attitude
* How to apply the perfect combination of sunblock and bronzer
* How to play safely, strongly and com muito divertido and respect in a street roda
* How to relax deeply for extended periods of time without feeling guilty
* How to work a little while playing a lot
* How to take capoeira less seriously (which oddly enough results in begin a better capoeirista)

I am ready to come home (I really miss my mom, sister, nephew and bed), but am still sad to leave.  Luckily, I've already learned how to maintain strong long distance friendships, so I know that I won't actually be leaving anything or anyone behind here. But for now, there are still a few more days to fill with friends and sunshine -- so off I go!