Luchi!

The view from my bedroom window

Prior to actually landing in Salvador, I spent plenty of time imagining where I would be staying. The thought of participating in a homestay was exciting and scary at the same time. Leading up to the trip it seemed like everyone was asking me about it. “Are you excited?” “Where are you staying?” I would explain the concept of a homestay, while imagining living in the Amazon with my new Brazilian family. So, imagine my surprise when we we got to Salvador and there were no houses. Never in my life have I ever been to a city with no houses. All I saw were high rises and skyscrapers. Salvador makes Atlanta look like Valdosta. It reminded me of a much larger and more cosmopolitan version of South Beach, Miami. It was more of a concrete jungle, than the Amazon. Either way this was not Atlanta. As my host mom was turning the door key, I was nervous as to what was on the other side. Whatever it was, it was going to be my home for the next 3 weeks, so I had to be ready. The first thing I see is this little dog with his tongue out and his tail wagging and my nerves just go away. Now, don’t get me wrong, the apartment is very beautiful but that did not even matter. What mattered was the family that lived in the apartment. They are awesome and I am eternally grateful for their hospitality…Also my host mom is like the best cook ever!