Fernanda Foertter
Anyway, I moved to the US when I was 11. I am originally from Rio de Janeiro, and yes, I did go to Ipanema beach :) I also lived in Recife city, in the state of Pernambuco for 1 year. It is located in the Northeastern part of Brazil. While I was there in 1994 I attended the American School of Recife. I personally prefer this part of Brazil for its beauty and hospitality. The people are very friendly and crime isn't as bad as the larger southern cities.
As far as my "Brazilianess" I must admit it must have rubbed off. I've been here so long that I've been 90% assimilated and my accent has disappeared. I married an American and much to my mothers dismay, my kids speak English only.
Speaking of which I have a mom and a sister also living here in Miami. My sister graduated from FIU with a Bachelors in International Relations. I often tease her about joining the "Social Sciences" but I think Freud might say my teasing is a result of deep seated jealousy toward my sister for doing a much more enjoyable degree. Not that I don't love Physics, but if you know me, you'd know I love a good argument in politics. I considered myself center politically, yet living in Broward County I might as well have been a Republican. In the 2004 election 80% of the votes went to John Kerry. I'm really a closet Democrat in Republican Clothing...which puts me smack in the middle. It's rough living in the middle these days because people force you to choose. Funny that when I talk to friends on either side of the issue, I tend to argue the opposite side, which always puts me at odds with them because I always find myself trying to convince anyone how the other side lives... Blame my 11th grad AP American History teacher Mr. Perno. He's is admittedly an out of the closet liberal, but he always gave us both sides in class. I admire anyone that can talk about both sides even if they don't agree.
