It was a fun game to watch. I got to the bar in good spirits. I wore my red shirt with the white stars (the most American piece of clothing I had). America made 2 goals in the first half and our table (some people from Alexandre's school) was getting discouraged. I cheered and clapped a little when we made goals. I wasn't obnoxious or a sore winner or anything, so the few other people at the bar were more confused than angry. (They were probably thinking, "Why would anyone cheer for America?")
But then Brazil got their little halftime rest, and came back and made 2 goals. It was tied with 15 minutes left in the game! But then with 7 minutes to go, Brazil made another goal, and America couldn't make it up. So Brazil won.
That's okay. They deserved it more than we did. If Brazil had lost, lots of people would have cared. America lost, but not many people care. And order is restored in the world of soccer.
At the bar, I had 2 caipirinhas. I usually have no problem with 2 caipirinhas. They typically come in small-ish cups. Sometimes they're made with vodka, and sometimes they're made with pinga (Brazilian fermented sugar cane). I'm always sure to confirm that it's cachaça/pinga, and not vodka, because vodka and I don't have a good relationship.
The bar had a vodka caipirinha special with 2 drinks and french fries (the staple bar food here). We asked if we could get it without vodka. The guy said sure. We asked if we could have the second drink later (since Alexandre wanted beer and not a girly caipirinha). The guy said sure.
He brought out the first drink. I was chatty, but fine. After halftime, he came up and asked if we wanted our second drink. In the hubub and hooplah of the game, I forgot to make sure he didn't put vodka. Our conclusion is that he did.
I noticed that it was a bit stronger than normal, but didn't think much of it...
...And then I more or less died. By far the worst night of my life, drinking-wise. Danette, Mary, and Elena can attest to my only 2 other (horrible) experiences with vodka (the birthday and the co-op party). I haven't drank it since before I graduated from college (said co-op party). And this is why.
Alexandre the sweetheart took care of me during my night of torture. He tried to make me dinner, but it didn't stay in my stomach. And now I can no longer boast that I've never thrown up from drinking. He was certainly a good caregiver, but didn't miss an opportunity to tease me. A lot. He had never seen me like that, and I was insisting that he never will again.
What a mess!
Anyway, the other thing I wanted to mention today was how old it's getting to see Michael Jackson "news" on Brazilian TV. Lots of Brazilian news channels are doing things like talking to Brazilians who touched Michael Jackson's hand at a concert once. "I touched his hand 12 years ago! That means I am fit to discuss his character on national TV." They're also showing recordings of concerts and hours of videos. I think it's nice to make a tribute like that... I just think the myriad of people who want their 15 seconds of fame is kind of pathetic. But you get that everywhere, I suppose!
Are there stories like that on American TV?
That's all for now. Have a good week, everyone! Me? I'll be working a lot... and staying far away from alcohol.
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Eeek, that sounds terrible. You certainly must have an allergy. I'm like that with whiskey, even expensive scotch.
ReplyDeleteI cheered loudly and obnoxiously. But that was because we were home and it was just us - and then I sulked in the corner of the couch for the whole second half....oh well, you said it best. It IS there big source of pride. But the Americans did play so well! They deserve a bit more recognition from their own peeps!
Danielle,
ReplyDeleteTry caipirinha made with Bacardi rum, it is my favorite.
There are many tributes, documentaries and shows about Michael Jackson, but I haven't seen anything like people who touched him for example, however there was one guy being interviewed by Meredith Vieira from the Today Show the other day, he kept saying he was a friend of the family and he was Michael's attorney and later on another show someone from Michael's family was saying that guy wasn't Michael Jackson's attorney, just someone close to the family who was trying to get his 15 minutes of fame, and he sure did, on the Today show...
By the way, ironically, Michael Jackson's CD's are sold out pretty much everywhere around here... ( Rhode Island ).
Haha, it's funny that you even have to ask. Of course they're doing the same thing here. I even heard the 9-1-1 call on the KRTH 101!
ReplyDeleteBleh, no instant gratification seeing my comment immediately in print :(
ReplyDeleteHola Danielle,
ReplyDeleteI hope you do not mind that I am posting a couple of off-topic questions to your latest blog entry. I have spent a lot of today reading your blog, and I find it funny & informative. I was curious as to whether you are paid with a check or with actual money. If you are paid with a check how then are you supposed to "cash it" if you are unable to open a bank account? Also, will many schools in Brazil consider hiring a native speaker with some sort of TEFL/TESOL certification, but no BA/degree in any specific area?
~Natasha
Hi Natasha,
ReplyDeleteSometimes the school pays me in cash, and sometimes it gives me checks, depending on how much cash the accountant has on hand that day. (I told her I prefer cash.) I can't open a bank account because I don't work legally, so I give checks that I receive from the school or from students to my boyfriend, and he deposits them in his account and then gives me the cash.
I don't know about the BA thing... I think it depends on the school! But if you have the teaching certificate, that should help. Just always be honest about what you know and don't know!