The amazing rush of August and September

Hey there, fellow adventurers! It's been a whirlwind of excitement, laughter, and cultural immersion as I dove headfirst into my first two months as an exchange student here in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Buckle up, because I've got a tale to tell about saying "yes" to everything and savoring every moment of this extraordinary journey.

From the moment I touched down in Rio, I made a pact with myself: no holding back. I decided to embrace the spirit of the city and its people, and that meant saying "yes, Yes and YES" to every opportunity that came my way. Whether it was an invitation to join a 6 hours hike, going to party in a favela or trying acai for the first time, I was ALL in.

One of the most exhilarating aspects of this experience has been immersing myself in Brazilian culture. The rhythm of the streets, the vibrant colors of the city, The warmth and kindness of the people and the taste of local delicacies have left an indelible mark on my soul. I quickly learned that Rio is not just a place; it's a living, breathing celebration of life.

Meeting new people has been a highlight of my journey so far. Brazilians are renowned for their warmth and friendliness, and I can attest to that firsthand. From fellow students at my university to locals at the neighborhood cafe, each encounter has been a lesson in the beauty of human connection. Conversations flowed like the waters of the Amazon, and I found myself building friendships that I know will last a lifetime. On the side of that, I live, as I said before in a big house with 20 internationals which gives me a lot of social connections and the opportunity to have a LOOOT of new friends to go exploring places with

Speaking of university, stepping into a Brazilian classroom for the first time was an adventure in itself. The energy, the passion, and the sheer joy of learning were infectious, for the first 20 min. After that, I realized: HOW THE HELL AM I GOING TO DO THIS IN PORTUGUESE EVERY WEEK?! Luckily very different to European lectures it wasn't just about textbooks and lectures; it was a communal experience of shared knowledge and collaboration. School is hard, and studying Karl Marx Gerundiger in Portuguese even harder. But I know I will get to make this work!

But let's not forget the fun—the kind of fun that makes your heart race and your spirit soar. Whether it was dancing the night away at a local club, exploring the iconic Copacabana Beach, or cheering for my favorite soccer team in a packed stadium, every day felt like a celebration.

As I reflect on these first two months, I can't help but marvel at the incredible tapestry of experiences that make up my exchange journey. Saying "yes" to everything has opened doors I never knew existed and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the magic of Rio de Janeiro. The amazing rush of August and September has set the tone for what I'm sure will be an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of love.

So here's to embracing the unknown, savoring every moment, and living life with open arms. Rio, you've stolen my heart, and I can't wait to see what the next chapters of this adventure hold. Até logo!