Last week, while I was putting things together (in boxes) I celebrated my 30th birthday (since 2004 I've been celebrating it). I was leaving Athens, friends, and becoming a little older. Oh yes, and unemployed. I feel misplaced and came to realize that what people say about changes is true: Although it's good, it is tough.

I did change, as I wrote before. But the funny thing is people don't really expect us to. Well, I was talking to a friend and she mentioned having felt the same way when she came back from studying in the US. Moreover, she feels people expected her not to have changed. One who experiences changes will still be treated as if she/he did not live it. It is not only difficult to change, it is difficult to accept the other's changes.

Difficulties aside, welcoming was warm! I had a nice party at a friend's house and one at my parent's. I went out for sushi with old friends and will see some ex-students tonight. And of course, I'll plan some fun for Saturday night. There is one thing I still enjoy in big cities: The night life.

Although this is not the biggest city in Brazil, I must agree it is chaos! After one and a half year in a small town (the size of an egg!) where I could ride my bike everywhere, and be done with my errands in five minutes, it is painful to be back to a city with 2.4 million people. I went to the bank for something that would take me three minutes in Athens; it took me twenty here. At the mall with my father, he had to drive for a while to find a parking spot, and walking downtown was so noisy. Traffic here is crazy, however, check how beautiful the sunset is!
I should say I came back for this. The peace I can find here. See the mountains in the background? They surround this place! You can bike, hike, or simply admire the beauty, and there will be no stress remaining.

I am also back to find a job. In case you know of any, please let me know!