_bossanova_

Today was horrible, but it doesn't matter because tomorrow is going to be infinitely better. As soon as my workday is over I'm boarding a flight to Salvador. I'll have a good old friend to keep me company and my fiery little grandmother, favorite cousins ever, incredible Bahian food, proper caipirinhas, and sunsets over the bay to look forward to. The week after I have a few days in a fancy hotel in Rio, possible tours, and then a few days of visiting a million cousins and an American friend in Sao Paulo before heading back. My plan is to drink as much fresh coconut water and sugarcane juice as I can, practice my Portuguese until I'm not ashamed to speak (while sober), and to love my cousins enough to last until the next time I see them.