We are beginning to settle in here in beautiful Sorocaba, and I've just enjoyed a nice sunny breakfast with my host Daniel and his wife. I am treated to the sounds of a busy and vibrant neighborhood, similar to what you might hear in a small town or suburb in the U.S. A worker down the street is hammering away and conducting various other construction activities. Either a lawn trimmer or a power sander of some kind joins the tune, and laundry next door rounds out the symphony of daily life. Some might consider this a lot of noise! But to me it signifies a locale full of life and activity.
Of my many, many interesting first-day encounters yesterday, I must say that one of the most memorable has been the ceaseless lobbying of nearly every single Brazilian - men and women alike - in trying to convince me which Brazilian "futebol" team to cheer for. Sao Paulo and Corinthians are the two front-runners, with alternating acquaintances prodding me to identify as either a "Sao Paulino" or a "Corinthiano" ("Cor-in-CHI-an-o"). I will also note that in validating for the correct term for this, my host slips in a note that Corinthians are the best. I have remained unaffiliated for the moment, but I'm starting to recognize that one cannot stand on the fence forever! (for the Brazilians out there, I'm leaning Cornithians...)
We are off to the "prefeitura" (city government) for our fist activity of the day. More to come!
-MM
If you want to get a rise out of them, tell them you prefer Santos (SFC). That was the home club of Pele and is one of their main competitors! :-)
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