Strange Calmness

Today the buses in Rio de Janeiro went on strike. This is HUGE because there is no other way of getting around. Luckily the only bus that ran, did the route that I take to go to work. On the way into work, there was so many people packed into that bus I was getting some anxiety, because alot of shit could've gone wrong! Especially since I've already been in a bus that caught on fire (whilst I was luckily in the back and got out on time!)
On the way back, the bus I took had broken windows and glass all over the floor on the inside and on the seats. I calmly took a seat and took it all in as I realized how normal this was and accepting that this is Rio de Janeiro. The good with the bad, I am here.

The windows got broken because people are frustrated. And we know that frustrated brazilians don't know how to direct their anger properly. (My friend Doug once addressed this topic.) This is why protesting solves nothing... meanwhile, people who are angry throw rocks at bus windows hitting innocent people.

Things That Don't Work

You know how you get used to basic things... well when you move to Brazil, basic things just don't work... let me list a couple.

• Phones - Whether it's Cellphone or Landlines... they just don't work. You either have to dial a billion numbers and it's expensive to use, and most of the time your call disconnects or there isin't coverage. It's 2014, communication through satellites shouldn't be a challenge for Brazil.
• Mail - Yes, the transportation of letters/parcels. We've been transporting messages and goods since pre-historical times. We used to use pigeons, for crying out loud! Well, in Brazil, the common use of MAIL is impossible, because it just doesn't work! There are numerous packages that haven't reached me. Here's an example: the phone I ordered has been stuck in the same place since the 2nd of February. (Yes- I do feel like hitting my head against the wall.)