First week of classes at Iowa State University

Wow, it's been a hectic, really hectic first week.
COUNTS: I taught 6 classes and watched 6 classes. Not bad, eh?

Apart from the overload that comes with teaching 2 courses and having to grade all those materials (48 students in all), things couldn't be better here. The city is great, my students seem to like me and our classes quite a bit and the courses in my program are interesting (apart from ENGLISH 500). My office mate (Russ, from Ukraine) is a great guy, there is a really cute American PhD student in the same corridor as me and the people in Ames and at the uni are great. Every now and then I see some nice animals around (saw 3 deers on my way back from work some days ago). Got chased by 2 teenage girls in their car 2 nights ago (they drove next to my bike for a minute, smiling at me). Well, that gives you an idea of what my week has been like! :)

More news to come soon!

Take care, y'all!

Ames and new musician

Hey guys!
So, this week has been AMAZINGLY hectic here in Ames, what with the training for the new Teaching Assistants (I will be teaching 6 classes a week!) and the sea of information.
Gladly, I got a super nice office mate, Russ (Ukraine), who is also in the Applied Linuguistics and Technology PhD here at Iowa State University. Next week classes starts already and I still don't have a bed or a desk to study. But I will get there soon... :)
The city is great (damn hot though) and the people ditto.
Below is a new musician I discovered. Her name is Zoe Keating. Great stuff! :)

IN THE USA!!!

After more than 20 hours travelling, I have finally arrived in Ames, Iowa, where I will live for the next 4 or 5 years, probably.
Journey summary:

Rio - Miami (8 hours on the plane, talking to a great Brazilian girl who sat next to me, with whom I had a great time and we'll keep in touch)

Miami - Chicago (3 hours waiting at the airport + 2-hour flight)
Chigado - Des MOines (3 hours waiting at the airport + 1 hour flight)
Des Moines - Ames (1 hour car drive)

I have not slept much, and have already done quite a bit of food shopping for the apartment. It's totally empty, so tomorrow I will have to go and buy lots of stuff!

More news soon! Take care!

News from Brazil

Hey guys!

I know I haven't posted anything in the last 1.5 months or so. I am now back in Brazil to see family, friends and to get ready for moving to the USA.
Life has been quite busy here! Busy in a good way. Lots of medical appointments (just found out I have a huge iron deficiency I gotta deal with), going out with friends and family members.
I am enjoying my time here a lot, but am also excited about starting the PhD soon.
I will be going to Rio this week for about 5 days and when I get to the USA I will update the blog again! :)

Take care,
Victor