I guess I should be writing on how my thesis research is going, how I have been having outstanding meetings with Brazilian sugarcane experts, and how even with serious linguistic barriers, I have managed to have productive, informative, and friendly discussions (from my end at least). Also pleasantly surprising to me, was the fact my interviewees appreciated talking to me even though it seemed like I was asking all the questions. That is true. However, I am also compelled to describe my ongoing culinary experiences. I somehow made friends here, who have allowed or facilitated situations where I am constantly presented with all sorts of flavor for my taste buds. Last night, I went to an all you can eat pizza place, and unexpectedly, the “sweet” pizzas, which for me meant ice cream and chocolate with strawberry were amazing. I must also mention Calda de Cana, which is a drink derived from the fun part of sugarcane. It is ubiquitous down here and it certainly gets MY mouth watering. Pictured here is a more permanent establishment in Joinville, Santa Catarina, which is a neighboring state to Paraná. However, most Caldo de Cana drinks I’ve had are from mobile, sidewalk joints.

Next week, I'm off to brave Brazil's troubled aviation system and another round of field work. I’ll describe more on that later. Meanwhile, munch, MUNCH, munch, MUNCH...