Meeting the neighbors

We wanted to introduce ourselves to the neighbors, but it seemed that the weekends we intended to do so, they were having some kind of party or get together and we didn't want to "crash the party"! (well, I secretly did, but Fernando would not approve...)

One day, we arrived at the same time the couple accross the street from us did, and while they were getting out of their car and opening their gate, we approached them. They were surprised and quickly introduced themselves as well. After that, they insisted we go into their house to keep talking (It's considered rude- or not wanting to let you into their lives- to be left outside) and they promptly offered coffee, tea, water, etc. We chatted for a while and learned they are Brazilians from Sao Paulo, they also lived abroad, in Japan, for about 5 years. After a while, Joao Luiz wanted to show Fernando something and we ended up going on a tour all over their house!!!

Since then, Ana Maria has been very friendly with me and has taken me twice to two different grocery stores after she realized I still don't have a car or know my way around. She told me how lonely she had been living abroad and that she really needed help, and she remembered how hard it is to be in a place where you don't speak the language and everything is different.

Last week, she came to tell me that she was "having a coffee" with some neighbors, so I could meet them, Friday at 3:30.

The date arrived. I had been running errands and had missed lunch, but figured coffee would do. When I entered her house, I found a beautifully set table with lots of finger food and desserts!!!

My next door neighbor, Marcia, arrived half and hour late and another lady, Sonia called in to say she'd arrive later (around 4:30!- welcome to the third world!). Frankly, we didn't mind at all, we were busy getting acquainted as they deciphered my "Portunnol" (Portuguese + Espanol). It was amazing how well I understood everything (and they would slow down and explain if I didn't). I learned the word for gossip "fofoca" very well!!! We talked and talked, and ate and ate, and had a jolly good time. Suddenly someone said "Ooopaah!* Look at the time: 8:30 pm and my husband doesn't know I'm here!". We started saying our good byes and exchanging telephones (no "Cardinal Newsletter" here). They welcomed me yet again and offered any kind of help I needed.

I really appreciated that because I left such good neighbors and friends in Cypress that I knew would be really tough to duplicate... I still miss my friends and I often wished for at least a fraction of that great friendly environment.

* "upa!" typical interjection used by Cariocas, expressing surprise