An Awful Weekend and a Bittersweet Birthday

On Saturday morning at 6:45 we took the taxi to Rosario da Limeira to see Anna off and get some groceries. While waiting for Anna's bus to depart, we ate cheese pockets for breakfast at a little corner store. Although they were kept in a heated container and not cooked in front of us, they tasted yummy. Once we had waved goodbye to Anna, Maria, Alex, and I made our purchases, most of which consisted of baking supplies for a cake for Monday. Just before we left, we thought it would be nice to have some ice cream, because that is one commodity that is very difficult to come by at Iracambí. The only ice cream store was closed, however, but on our way out in the taxi Maria spotted a store that sold ice cream, which we enjoyed in our way back. Once back at Iracambí, we walked to the waterfall and had a relaxing pre-lunch swim. All was set to go for a normal, relaxing weekend. But this was not to be. Around 3:00, shortly after my new roommate (Melanie) arrived, I began vomiting (welcome to Brazil!). This continued well into the evening: I didn't eat dinner and couldn't even keep down broth or tea. I went to bed around 8:00, miserable and exhausted. After a good 12 hours of sleep, I was feeling a bit better and was able to drink water and eat a tiny bit of food for breakfast. After some musing, we decided that the cheese pockets were the culprit for my misery. I slept for another two hours in the morning on Sunday, and when I woke up, tried to watch a movie, but was too weak to even do that. After a small amount of rice and beans for lunch, I decided I needed to do some laundry, which was a miserable experience. Once back in my cabin, I continued my cycle of sleeping and lying in bed for the rest of the afternoon, feeling a little bit better by the evening. Maria and I baked some banana bread after dinner, but I was not remotely helpful, being too weak to do more than cut a few bananas. What a way to spend my last day as an 18 year old. My family has started a tradition of having Nina over for dinner every Sunday evening and Skyping me while they eat dinner, which I look forward to all week. This week was special, we started Skyping at 6:30 their time (11:30 my time), and at 7:00 their time (12:00 my time) I turned 19! It was very special to be talking to them at that moment, but I missed being there. This was my first birthday away from my family, which meant no family breakfast, no silk-wrapped presents, and no birthday plate with candles. However, my family still sent me several presents. Before I left, they managed to slip some envelopes into my backpack, which I opened this morning. Mama and Papa had given me a sweet card, as well as a metal heart in a leather bag, and Tovia had given me a set of gecko earrings, which I love! They also sent me a book via my Kindle, which I am excited to read. The other people at Iracambí also gave me a card and a bouquet of flowers, which was very sweet of them. Tonight after dinner, we played uno and ate the banana bread and mango-pinneaple sorbet to celebrate. I missed my family and friends today more than any other day so far. My birthdays have always been really special, with camping trips or friend get togethers, as well as quality family time. Today was the first time I've had to work on my birthday, and the first time I've spent it away from all those people.