Where in Brazil are you from? I'm from North Carolina.

< I love to listen to music, especially classical and opera. >

It's not often that one hears that from someone so young! Do you sing or play an instrument yourself? What's your favorite opera?

My favorite music is the blues...from any culture.

< I'm 29 years old. >

I'm 43. Are you a student?

Take care, Tânia-- Allene

I have to get to work, but I will be back later to write you.

Big Hug--Allene

< Nice to meet you! How are you? >

I'm cold! It's unseasonably cold here today...just 53 (11.7 degrees Celsius).

< Well, I need to say = I don't speak English!!! >

That's okay, Tânia. I used to teach English. I understand you.

< My English teacher asked the students to access this site Brazilmax, and I accessed!!! But I don't know how to write in English!!! >

You're doing quite well, Tânia. I think that the most important thing right now, in the beginning, is simply to communicate...and not worry about mistakes.

< So, sometimes I'll write in Portuguese, ok! LOL >

'Tá bem. Quando a Tânia quiser ;o)

< Could you please correct me because I want to learn. >

I have a suggestion: May I simply correct what you write? I prefer not to point out mistakes...unless you keep repeating and repeating and repeating them. ;o)

< I live in São Paulo, Brazil. >

Do you like it there? I live outside Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

< I love instrumental music, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Chopin and others. >

I used to enjoy playing Chopin on the piano, but it's been so long. Do you play any musical instruments?

< But I love, love, love IL Divo!!! Do you know them? >

I've never heard of them before.

< I think their voices are wonderful! >

Then I will check them out.

Are you familiar with Malcolm McLaren's "Fans"? It's opera in a different format.

< Cool! You are 43 years old! I like to talk with people who are more mature! >

Well, I don't know about being more mature ;o) but I am definitely 43.

< Well, what do you do? >

I'm retired. I used to teach Spanish at the university, but now I just tutor it. I also tutor knitting, and I make jewelry.

I'm also forming a non-governmental organization in Brazil to help disabled people.

< I'm a student, I study Liberal Arts (English) >

What are your classes? What all do you take?

< So, you and I will talk! I will try!!!! >

You're doing great, Tânia. I hope that you have a great weekend! I'll talk to you soon.

Hugs--Allene

Here's very hot, after all is Brasil rs

OH Thanks! You're so kind to me rsrs

Do you speak Portuguese????

< I live in São Paulo, Brasil. > I love my country, despite the difficulties, I like it. There are many things to do in São Paulo. I like this manner to welcome of the people, this manner very helpful, so Brazilian! rsrs And you? Do you like Winston_Salem?

Can you play the piano? I love this instrument! But I can't to play it, by the way, I can't to play any musical instrument.

Well Allene I think that this is very strange!!! Do you don't know IL DIVO and you say that == Malcolm McLaren's == is a opera in a different format???? Opera??? Malcolm McLaren's??? Are you kidding with me!!! Sorry, but is very strange! I don't like Malclom.

Really? What organization?

I like to learn other languages and other cultures.

Ahh I'm protestante christian. My church is Baptist. Do you know it?

I have go now Allene! Bye-Bye!

Hugs! Tânia

what's chipocluda???

I was busy making a rosary for my cousin's daughter's first communion. Now I'm busy updating my resume and translating it into Portuguese.

Yep. Well, I write it. I think that my spoken Portuguese sounds awful.

I own a discussion group for people who want to practice their English and/or their Portuguese: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awfulportuguese/

You're very welcome to join if you're interested, Tânia.

< I love my country, despite the difficulties, I like it. There are many things to do in São Paulo. I like our welcome manner, our very helpful manner, so Brazilian! lol>

Yes, that's one of the reasons why I've chosen to move there.

< And you? Do you like Winston-Salem? >

No, not really. I mean, it's nice as far as American cities go, but I really want to be around foreigners. Well, I do spend a lot of time around foreigners here, but I prefer living in another culture. I like for life to be an adventure, and I enjoy learning. So, Winston-Salem doesn't interest me.

But it's very nice in terms of safety, education, arts, nature, hospitality.

I live outside the city, where there are lots of trees, lakes, and animals....squirrels, geese, rabbits, deer....I like the beauty and tranquility.

< Can you play the piano? I love that instrument! But I can't play it, by the way, I can't play any musical instrument. >

I used to be able to play it, but it has been so long that I've forgotten. We still have a piano here, and I've been looking at it. When I get really upset, I want to play....so I'm thinking of trying again. (Because I've been really upset recently ;o)

< Well, Allene, I think that this is very strange!!! You don't know IL DIVO and you say that Malcolm McLaren's _Fans_ is opera in a different format???? Opera??? Malcolm McLaren's??? Are you kidding me!!! Sorry, but is very strange! I don't like Malcolm. >

LOL! Well, as far as my not knowing IL DIVO goes....I don't listen to much music over the radio. And, whenever I do, it's in Spanish.

And about Malcolm McLaren's _Fans_....well...it *is* opera in a different format. A very different format ;o)

*I* call it "retired" ;o) Since I am disabled, I no longer work. Well, I *work*, but not for money. I tutor here and there, and I help people. Much less stressful, and I enjoy it. Due to my disability, I can't work fulltime, so I receive money from the government.

Do you work?

< I still want to learn Spanish too. >

I'm sure that it will be very easy for you, as a Brazilian. And Spanish is much easier than Portuguese ;o)

< Ahh, I'm Christian, Protestant. I go to the Baptist church. Do you know it? >

Oh, yes. The Baptist church is HUGE in the US, especially in the South. I've attended the Baptist service before, but I was raised Presbyterian.

What are you studying in English class now?

I have to eat breakfast now and take my dog on a walk. I hope to talk to you soon.

Take care, Tânia-- Allene PS: You asked what "chipocluda" means. It's Mexican Spanish and means "really great" ;o) Not that I think that I'm the greatest thing on the planet, but it helps me if I say nice things to myself....Do you have a nickname?

< You'd better write me in my e-mail >

I wrote you at your hotmail account on the 2lst.

I hope that you're doing well. I fell and sprained my knee. I can't do too much. Bummer ;o)

Take care-- Allene