First Things First

Since moving to Manaus, for better or for worse, we've been through our share of "firsts." It seems that I like making lists, so here goes some new ones for us.

          First Time...

• having a porch- not exactly Riverside Drive, but it's fun just people-watching.                                  

• eating a carambola aka star-fruit. Our landlord has trees in the backyard and often gives us some. Hard to describe the taste, but it's good and juicy and has lots of Vitamin C.

• having part of the rainforest in our backyard. Hello, oxygen!

• having cable at home. That way, you have the best chance of catching 2, maybe even 3, different football games on Sunday! Greeeeaaat.

• having a washing machine! In the bathroom! Too bad it is really just a glorified bucket that holds water. It doesn't agitate or spin at all, so we basically hand-wash everything in our "washing machine." 

• having tile through-out the entire house. It makes sweeping up and cleaning super easy, and there are even drains in the floor for the dirty cleaning water. The only downside is that now I realize just how much hair of mine is everywhere! Turns out Jay was right all along :) 

• defrosting a freezer. Jay has done it the last 2 times, and it doesn't look like a fun job. 

• having a hammock hanging in the house. Gotta love the pre-installed hooks in the walls. 

• cooking with a non-automatic stove and oven. Honestly, it took us a while to figure out how it works- you have to use a match to light the burner or oven every time- but now we are experts! 

• our friend made her first soft taco. Ok, it's not technically our own "first," but we couldn't believe that she had never made her own burritos or tacos. I guess that means we need more Mexican themed dinner parties! 

• going to bed listening to the sounds of bats outside. That is, when the 5 dogs downstairs are not barking. 

• eating brigadeiro. The best, most delicious creation ever! And so easy to make- just heat up condensed milk, chocolate, and a lil butter. I could eat this everyday. Try it. You will LOVE it!!