My email went like this ……

Since I have been a mother, I have felt feelings I have never felt before and taken notice of things that in my previous life probably would’ve missed.  Yesterday we went to Recife (about 4 hours by car from us) to register Malu at the US embassy and get her US passport.  Which I can now report as of yesterday she is a dual-national, with 2 passports, lucky girl!!  During our long gruesome day trip, there were a few things I took notice of and I thought I would share them with all of you !  One of them is depressing and the other, just a simple observation. 

Yesterday, while driving through the city of Recife, I was juggling two tasks at once.  Trying to keep Malu entertained in her car seat, so she wont get bored and cry, and soaking in all of the action, smells and sights of the city.  First let me give you a few stats on Recife. It sits right on the coast, in the Northeast of Brazil. It has one of the most beautiful historic areas in the Northeast, Olinda, which is very famous for their Carnaval.   It has one of the highest murder rates in the world, making it an incredibly dangerous city.  It once had beautiful beaches and now has turned into a commercial port city, and is horribly polluted. Although there are some wonderful beaches just south of the city, such as Porto de Galinhas, that are worth taking a trip to.  It has very few “good bairros” (neighborhoods).  Being the majority of the city is one big “favela” (slum,ghetto).  
Now, I know what you are thinking, “my gosh, how could you go to a city like that ?” One being, its the closest US embassy to us.   And two, well surprisingly it has some nice things to offer too, but more on that later.
  
Now, as we are driving through the streets, my eyes are overstimulated from all the sights.  In Brazil at every intersection there is some guy juggling, someone doing some sort of street performance, a guy trying to wash your windows, someone selling water, coconut water, chips, you name it, they have it.  All of this comes along with the ones who have “nothing”  and just flat out ask you for money. 

Now living in LA, NYC and traveling quite a bit, I have seen my share of desperation and homelessness.  But this was the breaker for me. 

As we approached the light, in the sweltering sun,  I saw what appeared to be a man. Almost shirtless, with a very large tummy and a can of “cachaca“ (brazilian rum) in his hands, barely able to stand.  He was begging from the cars at the front of the line.  I thought to myself, how sad, but not much more than that.  I have to admit I am a little “de-sensitized” from seeing it so much in my life. 

The light turned green and on we go.  As we passed the drunken man only then did I realize it wasn’t a man after all.  And in fact was a very pregnant, 8 months or so, woman, so drunk she was barely able to stand, with rum in one hand and a cigarette in the other.  My heart broke into a million pieces for that child inside.  All I could think about is how much I love my daughter, and how precious she is to me.  How my purpose of living life has completely changed and I now live for HER.  How I want to provide all the nourishment and love I can for her.  How I want to be the best role model I know how.  Then my mind instantly switched back to the child inside that womb.  That child, being exposed to chemicals and malnourished, and hasn’t even been given a choice.  That child, who will most likely be shown only one kind of life to live. As we drove away, I wiped the tear from my face and bent over to kiss my daughter. As I thought of what a precious gift I have been given.  A gift I must guard and protect, from this mean world that we live in.  

Ok, Recife isn’t all bad, like I mentioned above.  There are a few things there that can be appreciated.  

After leaving the Embassy, with no problems, we decided we deserved a nice lunch.  So we went to the mall to indulge in some sushi.  Now the malls here are not what we are used to in the US.  They actually have very nice places to eat and just about everyone that is in the working class, goes to the mall for lunch.  As we sit down to order  (yes they have waiters there too) Malu decides its a great time to be fussy.  She wants boob and she wants it now, along with a nice dirty diaper to be changed !!  So off to the “babyservice” area.  Yes, the malls in Brazil have a very nice “babyservice” area just for families.  And that’s exactly what they call it too, babyservice.  Another one of our good ol’ imported English words into the Portuguese vocabulary, very funny.    I had noticed them before but never took the opportunity to use one, as I have never had a problem with whipping the boob out in public.  Though this time was different, she had a dirty diaper to go along with the need to eat. I thought ok, this was my chance to get to know the “babyservice” room.  Off we go. Upon arrival I walk into a mothers dream in the mall.  First, there are separate changing table “booths”.  A TV.  Bathroom stalls, each complete with an adult toilet and a mini-toilet. A toy room.  A basket that provided all the extras you need including diaper rash cream, wipes, diapers, a microwave to heat bottles, etc.  And the topper for me was a room complete with thick, comfy, reclining, rocking chairs for nursing.  WOW !!  Now if you’re a mom who has nursed in public, I’m sure you know how it can be. Nursing in an uncomfortable place, chair etc…,it sucks !!  This was a dream come true, in Recife !!  I was so impressed and amazed, I almost had Max go get my sushi so I could eat in this extra plush chair! 
But I didn’t want to go pissing people off, after all, we are in Recife, one of the murder capitals of the world.  

Ok, I am officially done blabbing.  Hope you enjoyed a day in the life through my eyes.  More to come later..  

And that completes my email.  I wanted to add pictures of the babyservice area, but at the time I was in Recife, I did not take pictures.  But virtually all malls in Brazil have them.  SO yesterday when I went to Natal (the city closest to me, where we do all shopping)  I went to the mall and took pictures of the babyservice area there, to show you all.  But I must add, it’s not nearly as nice as the one in Recife.  They had chairs for nursing, but not big plush, cushy ones.  And their changing station just wasn’t as nice.  But it sure beats a bench in a smelly bathroom.   I mean really  who wants to eat lunch in a smelly bathroom?!   And all the strollers you see, those are free to use, (I know what you are thinking .. germs, but I saw these ladies scrubbing them and they don’t mess around)  all you have to do is leave your info with the attendant, and off you go!   What a nice touch.  

Changing Station

Nursing Chairs -The Local-

strollers, microwave, etc..

the free products provided

Stay tuned for more photos on Writer’s Block Wednesday, tomorrow !