Every Coin Has Two Sides.

I am almost half-way through my exchange program and it has been wonderful so far. Until now, I have been praising this beautiful country (I can't stop!) and how it has developed me as a person. But, as the title suggests, every coin has two sides. This got me thinking about the 'negative' effects Brasil has had on me.

The first change I have noticed in me is the increase in 'Chalta Hai' attitude. I say increase because I always was to that side and Brasil has increased that side in me. I have started taking things easy. That is not what an exchange student is supposed to gain. The reason is simple, in Brasil everything is smooth. There is a huge chance that I have mis-understood it. But, that's the way my brain has perceived it. For e.g. It's ok if you go late to your class in school. It's ok even if you stay outside for no reason, the principal passes by and does nothing. Secondly, there were times when I did not do what I was told to do like petty chores in the house. My mother did them for me and did not even say anything.
Also, I am losing my politeness which my parents always imbibed in me. In India, I involuntarily got up from my place when an elderly person had no place to sit. I had an experience, where I thought for a while if all the other kids are don't want to get up, why should I? (Talk about peer pressure!) But, my Indian roots removed that question in no time. Still, it took me seven seconds to get up whereas in India it would have taken me two. (So far, this is the only incident which occurred in regard to politeness) My respect for the female form has taken a new turn. In Brasil, there is absolutely no difference between female and male friends. NO difference. You can say whatever you want no matter what gender you are talking to. Again, my Indian conscience refrains me from doing that. Besides that, here, touching people is on a whole new level compared to India. A shake hand in India = A kiss in Brasil. That's the best way I can put it. Fortunately, I know what I'm doing in regard to this matter. In Rome, do as the Romans do. In India, do as the Indians do. That's what I'm going to keep in mind at all times.
Studies. I have not studied absolutely anything for the past 5 months, I mean from a textboox or that sort of study. When I get back to India, I'm going to be a Science student with a PCMB course. I'm starting to get a tad concerned about coping up with it. No athlete can start running without a proper warm-up and neither can a brain! I need to leave that topic aside for a bit. I have my own laptop with a super-fast internet in my room. Dream distraction, isn't it? There is always something to see on the internet, always something to download, always someone to chat with. It's not that I'm addicted to my laptop (Thank God!) Whenever somebody asks me if I want to hang out, get together and do something I never say no! I am an 'outdoor person'. I don't think I had ever stayed in a house 24 hours for two days in a row. Until now. Bad.
The most important change, which in other words is the worst change, is that my self-motivation is depleting each day of the holidays. Already, I had self-motivation the size of a skunk. Now, it's the size of a hamster. Three of the above factors have contributed to this. 'Chalta Hai' attitude, no studies, nothing to do(I know you will disagree on this but it is happening) and the laptop with super-fast internet in my room. I decide to do something and then just forget all about it and it doesn't even matter! Which is a bad thing although it makes me happy.

But, being in Brasil for 5 months, I will always look at the positive side. I have taken the first step towards recovery, that is, understanding the problem! So, to all you people who want to come to Brasil. The grass is not always greener on the other side. But still, It's pretty green here and I do not regret coming to Brasil. One of the best things that can happen to a person. :)