17 June 2005

My 23 Birthday Party

Luis was one of the first people I met in Cape Verde. He lived in Boston since he was 15 but moved back to run the family business with his brother.

Amy is in the Peace Corp and lives just up the street from me. She has been here for a year already, and her roommate Deanna (also Peace Corp) is even engaged to a Cape Verdian. It has been great having them nearby!

I met Sara in the dance group Raiz di Polon. Her mother is a well known singer here, and Sara also sings, plays guitar, and writes music, in addition to being a fabulous dancer. She has been initiating me into the local music scene.

Sara and a friend she brought to the party.

About 15 people came. Just about everyone I invited brought a friend or two. I'm still quite pleased that I know so many people after only 2 weeks!

From left to right: Ricardo, Melissa, her cousin Dana, and Ricardo (real estate agent who found the apartment for me).

Bete, one of the founders of Raiz di Polon, Sara, and one of Sara's surfer friends.

Amy got the birthday song going. It started with the same song they sing in Brazil, but then had an extra part at the end.

In addition to making a wish when I blew out the candle, they made me bite the candle (I don't quite understand why...).

They made me make a speech. I'm terrible at speeches, much less when they are in portuguese.

Me looking embarrased after my "speech".

Cutting the cake! (It is huge, we barely ate 1/4 of it.)