Lost both arms

Hello People!

Let me begin with another apology. This time its not my fault. I have not written/ am not writing because i have NO INTERNET ACCESS.

The place where i normally use it - a tiny NGO to which i had been seconded - has not paid their phone bill because they have no cash, and now i have no internet. It feels like someone has tied both arms behind my back.... and my legs too for good measure!

Go to an internet cafe! I hear you say. Fact is - im super poor. not just regularly poor but superduper po (cant even afford the "or").

I had extended my time here in brasil by 1month. i thought everything was going to be fine. I had some english teaching work lined up etc. But the teaching hasnt panned out like i thought, im earning far less than i had expected (not enough students).

i know i shouldnt say things like this cos in comparison to the kids here i have everything. BUT i HAVE TO EARN IT NOWISH.

My two objectives in this extended time were to accelerate my learning in portuguese, and i can report that it is quite good. and to take more photos - also doing a real good job - sorry theyre all on film - need a film scanner to share them with you all!

*****

other than that, things are great. Im living in a favela (slum). But its really safe. Lots of guys with HUGE GUNS but theyre down with me being a local and all (restecp). Not getting out to do much more tourist stuff or to any bangin nightclubs cos again im po. but doing the stuff you can do cheap like hangin out with peops, going to the local (cheap) "funke" parties.. even drinking beer!

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Not much more to say. I have been writing. its all in this exercise book. just need some time to UPLOAD. cant say when that will happen. until then... i can only promise to give you the ad-libbed adventures of calvin in brasil, occasionaly.

love and respect

cal