Piracanga: Why We Are Staying Put - For Now

OUR original idea was to visit Brazil for five months. We've been here for four already. But we feel as though we have unfinished business.

There were admittedly moments, particularly in late March and April when we all had staph infections and then Kobra and I had bijou de pes, when we considered leaving early. But I am glad we stuck it out. In reality, we had little choice. Jamie was in the advanced stages of pregnancy. Where were we going to go?

Then in mid-April Jamie gave birth to Kobra almost exactly how we had planned and imagined it. Kobra's an adorable addition to the family.

So, having weighed up the pros and the cons, we have decided to remain in Brazil for longer - at least until the end of November.

It affords us more time to deliberate where we want to go afterwards on our world adventure and what we would like to do. There are many factors for us to consider now.

Kobra is only six weeks old. We don't want to begin travelling again when she is so young. Having hopped from one country to another throughout 2010, it's been nice - and important - to have some stability.

Piracanga, where we are, is a beautiful place for children. Each day Kobra hears and feels nature. There is next to no pollution. We take her to the river and ocean regularly. She feels the warmth of the sun, the sounds of the birds and the rain. We even sleep in the open, without walls.

Zenchai, who just celebrated his fifth birthday, is in school and doing well despite continued resistance. He has established more of a connection with the local children. He speaks more Portuguese. We want him to have the chance to perfect his Portuguese and to enjoy the surroundings that he has made home. But he is forging friendships with some of the English-speaking kids, too.

Zenchai has also made firm relationships with many of the adults. It's important for him to have strong role models. 

He still has his fears and concerns, like any child, but I like the fact that he can wonder around freely at such a young age without Jamie and I having to watch his every move or worrying about his safety.

For Jamie and I it feels great to have a sense of community. The people here have been amazing. Some live here full-time, while others come and go. 

Although we have been here only a short time and miss our good friends in England, we feel more connected than at any time when living in London. 

There's also the cost of living to consider. It is considerably less here than in the big cities. Of course, our lifestyle is more simple. But talking to one of our village friends the other day, we discussed how people happily spend thousands of pounds each year to enjoy a week or two in a location like this for their annual vacation to relax from the daily grind in the city. We're lucky to be living here every day!

Piracanga isn't for everyone, though. It's not perfect - and where is? But it has grown on me. I really feel as if I have only just arrived. Most of my time here has revolved around childcare and assisting Jamie. The moments I have had bonding with Kobra have been remarkably precious. Having her sleep in my arms for hours, smelling her, looking at her and feeling her vibration has been such a joy. 

Yet beyond family life there is more I would like to do, experience and accomplish before leaving Piracanga. For instance, I started some voluntary work on the Agroforestry project, but had to stop when I had my staph infections. Then came Kobra and my mother arrived in May for a month. So I have been preoccupied.

But once she returns to England (in June), I intend to get my hands mucky again. 

Jamie is still adapting to our rugged lifestyle. Winter has brought a (relative) chill in the night-time we never anticipated. She feels the cold more than I do. The mosquitos and bugs seem less troublesome, but I know Jamie would prefer to spend less of her time protected under a mosquito net. 

Still, what we have to complain about doesn't compare with what this place has to offer. Anyhow, I have come to adopt the attitude of focusing on what feels and is positive and not what is negative. 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[sofia athayde]

hello,
I understand your feeling, we have beeb in piracanga last june for 4 weeks , with 2 girls of 3 and 5 years , it was amazing the feeling of freedom for them and us, even it took time to adapt to the simple life. About the bicho do pe, I understand you, it was crazy, we had like 2 a day to take out, I know now a way to kill tem without suffering , you must open a hole and put a cream called VICK, menthol cream used for caugh, I am sure you can get some from anyone coming from Europe, it kills them and then doesn't hurt that much to take them out. Also very helpful is the TEA TREE OIL, heals in 48 hours and perfect as a repelent for lice.
I am Angelina's cousine and wish you the best in her paradise
sofia

[Claude]

Hi Sofia. Thanks for the feedback. The bichos are pretty horrible, but it's amazing what you can get used to. Thank you for the tip. Haven't used VICK for years, but will see if I can get some.