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February 17, 2010
I saw the Brazilian Carnival for the first time on TV. Today, Wednesday, is the last day. It is called "Ash Wednesday". When I asked Bachan what it meant, he explained to me that "The festival that everyone has been waiting for for a year ends today, and from tomorrow everyone will work hard for next year." But I didn't really understand why it was called "ash." I thought Brazil was a different country from Japan after all.
Mommy came to Maringa for the first time in a while. She arrived on Saturday and returned to Sao Paulo today. Mommy and Papa divorced. A year ago, I came from Japan and went to school at Papa's house, but it was only for four months. At that time, Becchi came to our house almost every day. She became Papa's new wife and is going to have a baby. That means I'm going to have a little sister.
When I was in Japan, my classmates Sofia, Jun, and I all only had our mothers. Monica lived with her two younger brothers and her grandmother. I thought that was normal. But all my friends in Malinga live with their moms and dads, so I think it's nice.
I felt somehow sad.
My dear Diaglio. Good night.
March 28, 2010
Today is Bachan's birthday!
Bachan retired from her job as an elementary school teacher six years ago. But she keeps herself very busy. She never misses the radio exercises that are held in the town square every morning, and she also participates in volunteer activities at nursing homes and hospitals. She loves cooking, so she says she wants to open a cooking class. She's very active, isn't she?
A week ago, we all discussed where to hold Bachan's birthday party. If we hold it at home, he must make his own birthday cake. If we go to a restaurant, which one should we go to? Pizzeria 1 ? Temakeria 2 ? Churrascaria 3 ? Gelateria 4 ? We were divided on the choice.
Then my cousin Sergio shouted, "Karaoke!"
Everyone was surprised by what the usually quiet Sergio said! But strangely enough, everyone agreed and it was decided!
We're going to Uncle Shigeru's house now with a lot of fun. The karaoke booth in the center of town is too small, but at Uncle Shigeru's house on the outskirts of town, the neighbors are far away so we won't bother anyone, and everyone is excited about it. My cousin borrowed the karaoke set from a friend. And for some reason, everyone wants to hear me sing. I think it must be some kind of mistake, but I'll give it a try for Bachan! I'm looking forward to it!
See 'ya.
March 29, 2010
When I told my friends that we had sung karaoke at Bachan's birthday party during the break from school, all of them came over and excitedly asked, "You sang AKB48's 'Namida Surprise,' right?", "What about YUI's 'Again'?", and "Do you know Ayu's 'Rule'?"
Japanese songs caused me a lot of embarrassment yesterday and today!
At Bachan's party, people said things to me like, "What? You don't know Japanese songs?", "Why, you were in Japan?", "What were you doing, not even watching TV?", and "What a waste!"
Bachan was a big fan of Aki Yashiro, and everyone said that even her hairstyle was the same. She fondly recalled that she had even appeared on a singing contest with Jichan, who had died 10 years ago. And yet, she laughed at me, saying that I didn't even know the song "Moshi Moshi Kame Yo Kame-san Yo."
At school, people would tease her, asking, "Is Jessica really from Japan? Are you an alien?"
Who am I? I was born in Japan but I know nothing about Japan, and even though I have a Brazilian name, Jéssica Carla Azevedo, people call me JAPA because of my face and hair color. What is the truth?
I want to be Japanese!
My dear Dialio! Don't tease me! Please!
Note
1. Pizza Restaurant
2. Temaki Sushi Restaurant
3. Brazilian Yakiniku Restaurant
4. Sherbet Shop
© 2015 Laura Honda-Hasegawa
