Rio

If you know me, you probably also know that I won a trip to Rio de Janiero at Blackstone's Christmas Party last December. After 6 months of not thinking about it, I have become OBSESSED WITH BRAZILIANA. I am ALL ABOUT this trip, which I'm probably taking at the end of October.

I have purchased, via Craig's List, a set of Pimsleur's Portuguese (Brazilian) language MP3s. Something like 48 CD's worth. Allegedly, the Pimsleur system is a great "audio only" way to learn (I want to listen on the train--not watch a series of jpegs at home on a computer screen like I'd have to do with Rosetta Stone, a popular competitor). The only language other than English that I have studied is Latin. Latin for 5 years in middle and high school. Not very practical unless you won a trip to Vatican City at your office Christmas party.

Since the USA has been booted from the World Cup, I am focused on Brazil and England. Ronaldo is still amazing despite his beer boobs. I have mixed emotions about his alleged, pending deal to come play for Red Bull New York. I walked across 46th Street after work yesterday (a neighborhood known as "Little Brazil" here in NYC) and the bars and restaurants were still packed from the Brazil vs. Japan match from earlier in the day.

I can't wait to drink caipirinhas and climb Corcovado.