Shootin' the Shit

I loved that line in Catching in the Rye as Salinger's Holden described his long and stupid chats with his sister, those chats that really meant the world to him. "Just shootin' the shit." That's pretty much what I've been up to. I've yet to start working, as the UFV semester doesn't begin until mid-March. So, for now, I shoot the shit: at lunch, dinner, after dinner, in a car ride, walking around Viçosa, at a bar, in my kitchen. With who? Whoever will listen and is patient enough to handle my weak Portuguese. That includes, my apartment mates, my advisers, English teachers, a Portuguese teacher, my fellow ETA, some American study abroad students, and those social butterflies at bars as well. Disclaimer: Most of these groups know a good amount of English, or Spanish. To say I only speak Portuguese with them would be like saying it's not that hot in Viçosa, or I don't like to dance that much, or rats don't scare me that much. Catch my drift?

The conversations drift from Portuguese phrases, English idioms, foods typical of the Mineiros, names of trees and flowers (obviously per my prompting), the beauty that is Iguazu Falls, past relationships, favorite past times, Brazilian time, and everything in between. I've begun to form friendships, companionships, relationships that I believe will allow me to do what I've come here to do: share my culture to those I encounter and visa versa. As simple as that, my work has begun after all. Indeed, there is more value to shootin' the shit than we know.  Here's a few examples of ways you can enjoy shootin', in case you need some ideas:

Go on a road trip to the countryside

Find a waterfall

Spend time with new friends

Say yes to dinner invitations

Walk around town and find cool hats

Eat, always eat