Carnaval

This past weekend through today was Carnaval. Carnaval is celebrated throughout all of South America, it's huge in Brazil. I guess it's kind of like Mardi Gras, but way bigger. There was no work or class or anything yesterday or today, but life goes back to normal tomorrow. There is tons of dancing, lots of costumes and masks, etc. I spent most of the weekend at the Brito's house. They have a grandmother (family here is referred to loosely, Andreina calls her grandma but she isn't actually her grandmother, it's not clear to me exactly who is related to her and how) anyway the grandmother is very old and dying, so some of the family who are closer to her and had money to go went to Maturin to visit her. Eudis, who lives in Minnesota now after marrying Robert Hermann, I met them both in December, came down to see her grandmother. (The woman is her actual grandmother). She's here in San Felix now so it's been fun seeing her. The last time she came home was in 2010 so it's really special for everyone being able to hang out with her. I'm not sure how long she's going to stay, I don't think she is either since she was on the computer last night looking at flights.

During Carnaval there are lots of people around throwing water balloons. (And ice balloons, and paint balloons). The water kind were kind of nice actually since it's been pretty warm, I was lucky enough to avoid the paint and ice filled versions. Today I went to the Casa Hogar to have a water balloon fight, and it was awesome. We filled up tons of bombas which was almost a fight in itself, had a nice little dance party, and then had some pretty intense fights. It was a great time. David got some good pictures. While dancing and whatnot we formed a circle and Maria called out different groups of kids like some of the siblings, the morenos, etc, and then "los gringos!!" which of course I'm the only one. One of the pictures below is from that.

I'm looking forward to relaxing tonight, skyping with some friends, and getting a good nights sleep. I don't have class tomorrow so I'm going to try to sleep in. Sleeping at the Brito's house usually means waking up to Gladys yelling "Flojoooooos", her being mad at us lazy youth sleeping in past 730. Or getting stepped on by her when she gets up so dang early. (I sleep on a mattress on the ground in between her and Andreina's bed). Gotta love gentle wake ups right?

jankiest slip n slide I have ever seen

epic