Marcel and Marina

Without a doubt, the best aspect of Brazil is Marcel and Marina.

Technically, Marcel was my friend first. But, his brother from another mother, Geoff, stole him away. Lucky for me, his wife Marina is equally wonderful.

Here's how the story goes: My International Relations master's program is made up of 15 students; we all start and end the two-year program together, taking the same courses as a group. Last year, each professor asked us to give a brief introduction on the first day. One particular professor spoke incredibly fast with a thick accent. I had only been here six months and I had no idea what she wanted us to say about ourselves. A quick important detail: In Latin America, everyone has several last names, for example, Maria Eduarda Vieira de Silva Santos Alves. So, lists are alphabetized by first name. And, well, B is for Brye. I was first up. I asked her to repeat her questions. The second time was no better. So, I guessed. Well, I guessed wrong. She asked some follow-up questions. And I asked her to repeat them. Hmm, still not getting it. Everyone was staring and I was starting to sweat. Then, from across the room, a voice: Marcel. He told the teacher that I didn't understand because she was talking way too fast. He then gave my introduction for me, having heard the details in the prior classes. Not long after, Marcel asked if we wanted to get together with him and his wife. After several get togethers, I was sure they were going to give us religious pamphlets, but as it turns out, they actually wanted to be friends.

Marcel and Marina patiently answer our portuguese grammar questions and eat dinner at the very un-Brazilian hour of 7 p.m. with us all the time. They came to our Thanksgiving celebration and were complimentary of my Stove Top Stuffing. They have met all our friends and family who've visited us here and took us to their family's Christmas gathering. They love brownies, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and our children. They're our lifelong friends:

Our favorite place to eat: wherever Marina is cooking.
The food and the company are always excellent.

Dois brasileiros: Marcel e Leo.

Eri and her "tia."

Eri and her "tio."

Marina and Marcel, practicing their english with
Geoff's Uncle John (wearing the blue shirt, not the dude in the tank top.)

My parents, Richard and Deb, with their other set off children: Marcel and Marina.

At Marcel and Marina's pool.

Playing!

Eri helping Marcel blow out his birthday candles.

Marina's Christmas present to Eri.

Selfy: Marcel, Marina and Eri at her 4th birthday party.