First Baseball Match

Last Friday me and some other Visiting Students which lives here in Madison went to watch a baseball game!! It was the Mallards game against ... (forgot the name of the other team haha). At the beginning it was a little boring because it was raining and the game delayed 1 hour. But when it started was really nice! I did not know how the game worked but a friend of us taught. We took some nice pictures with the mascot (duck), and ate some typical foods. We could not stay until the end of the game, nevertheless it was a great experience. Hoping for the next baseball match, on Set 12th, on Milwaukee!

Great Friday

On the last Friday, I and some friends went to the Nitty Gritty Bar here in Madison. It was a friend's birthday, then we went there to celebrate it. The night was great and we had a very good moment; we talked and laughed a lot. Later, after eating some sides, we decided to go to another party. There, we listened to good musics and danced too. I think, since I came to Madison, it was my best weekend. 

Memorial Union terrace

Last Saturday evening, I went to Memorial Union terrace with Japanese friends including Ryo Sakamoto. We had a very great time talking with each other, enjoying beautiful view of Lake Monona and drinking delicious beer. Especially, the view of sunset was beyond description! Cheeseburger was also good and reasonable. Since I drank beer a little much, I had headache on Sunday. So, I could not be in the best for homework…...
http://www.union.wisc.edu/venue-muterrace.htm

20/07 Jhonatt Lima dos Santos

Well, this weekend i had not did anything in special, except by going to the market and buying winter gloves. It's better to be prepared to this winter before it comes, specially because I never experienced a -25C feeling. Oh, almost forgot, that was int he saturday. In the sunday I've spent all the day doing homework and reading a book for Steve's class.

Almost done with 2014/1

I`m really happy today, because my semester in Brazil is almost over. Earlier today I did my last Statistics test, on the test there was only one exercise, or i got 10 or 0, and the another reason I`m happy is because I got a 10! Now there is only 2 more tests on Thursday, and then I`m done with the 2014/1, my 4th semester or second year.

Something interesting I found out is that I`m called Sophomore here in the USA!!

Sorry for being so boring today, but this week everything I can think about is my college in Brazil :(. Bye!

Chinese restaurant

I went to Dumpling Haus for dinner on Sunday. This is a Chinese restaurant located at the Hilldale Mall. Actually, I went there on July 4, but the store was closed. So, I was really looking forward to enjoy dumplings, which are one of my favorite Chinese food. However, I could not enjoy it because the store was closed again ! An old lady in the store said to me, "our closing hour is 6 pm and now is 6:05 pm. I'm sorry." I was very surprised and asked her to allow me to enter the store because it passed only 5 minutes. But, she didn't... I got a little angry about her stubbornness, but I still want to enjoy dumplings near soon. And, I remembered that one of good points about Japanese is to be punctual.

Allen Centennial Garden? I found it!

On Friday, it was the birthday of a friend, so we went to Nitty Gritty to celebrate it. It was the first time that I went there, and I it was very different that I believed it would be. The place is very nice! On Saturday, I went to Maxwell Street Days. I bought some T-shirts from the University to my family and one to me. The T-shirt that I bought to me was only one dollar. Very cheap!!! Afterwards, I ate an ice cream in Forever Yogurt. It was really delicious! I walked through a path near Mendota Terrace, and I went to Allen Centennial Gardens. I did not know about that place. It is beautiful! At night, I bought my tickets to my summer trip. On Sunday, I went to church, had lunch with my friends, and went to James Madison Park to see the sunset. The place is very peaceful and the scenery is amazing!

A weekend to be forgotten

My last weekend was not very good because I had a very bad lucky on Friday. I was going to the bank by bike and, as the bank was going to be closed in 10 minutes, I needed to hurry up. In the way to the bank, there were a lot of sprinkles watering the the grass on the sidewalk, where I was riding my bike. As I was very fast and the floor was very wet, my bike slipped and I fell down. I skinned very bad my left leg in many parts. And it got worse, because when I arrived at the bank, very wet and dirty, the bank had just closed. So, I had to go to the other, that I did not know was pretty close to me. If I had gone to it, I wouldn't have gotten hurt. And after going to the bank, I went home and had a painful weekend.

Housing peoblem

Besides of too much homework. There are lots of problem that I need solve in Madison. Last week I talked about parking problem. Today I wanna complained about the housing. I don't sign the next year housing contact. Right now I rent for short-term apt. of my Chinese friends. It's very cheap. However, if you want sign a new apt. for next year, it's not cheap at all. For example, the lucky building for on single room of 2 bedroom type will cost about 1190 $ for one month. It not include utilities. For parking space cost 220 $. It's much more expensive than Beijing! I don't know why. If you want rent a apt. near campus, normally will cost your money about 900 $ for a month. It's not include other fees. Really soooo expensive! And I want to rent sheboygan area apt or Eagle Heights area apt because of low price. Unfortunately, they are already full right now. So, I have to continue to looking for my new apt. for next year. I am so afraid I have no place to live. Besides, I need lots of things to do in Madison. Like change my driver license, change my car plate number, open a new local bank account because I cannot find Bank of American in Madison that is the bank I am using right now. It's really inconvenient because it is hard to get cash. And lots of things in Madison they don't accept credit card or debt card, like tuition fee, rent payment, and so on. Sorry about  that I complained so much. But my life is really busy and tired in Madison right now. I hope I can make these thing done in the future! come on man! :）

Art exhibition

Last Saturday, Lorrayne and I went to the Farmar's Market. However, when we arrived close to the Capitol, there was no farmar's market, because there was an art exhibition taking place there. I got really upset because I did want to each the delicious cheese that I have never tasted like it before. I did not buy cheese, but I could have a good experience and know a little about American's art.

Soccer and Beer

Last Sunday, I went to Memorial Union to watch the final match of the world cup. I enjoyed it with Kiku and Shouda, drinking local beer, named milller light. I was happy to see Germany win, but I didn't understand why Messi was elected as MVP. I think Mulller or Robben deserve it more. Anyway, I like beer very much. I heard there are many kinds of local beer in Wisconsin. My neighbor, Neal, told me that to join a brewery tour is very nice for beer lovers. It is very interesting to know how to produce local beer and why many beer have different tastes and colors. As I haven't had a chance to drink beer enough since I came here, I want to go to a brewery and enjoy beer soon.

Madison West Target

Last Saturday, I went to Madison West Target, a discount retailer to ask them to repair my broken bicycle. I explained that it was initially defected and the brake doesn’t work well to a clerk. Fortunately, he said he can replace the broken bicycle with a new one, so I accepted his proposal and got a new one. I was surprised because I had expected that replace is difficult because I used the bicycle for a few weeks. And, I was glad that the clerk responded very quickly. I like Target very much and want to use the store more often.
http://www.target.com/sl/Madison-West--Target-Store/1060

Davi - My life in Madison

Madison is definitely a place that I would live after going to school here! I love the weather, the traffic, the public transport system (which is really different from where I live in Brazil..), the Mandota lake (Terrace) and, maybe the most important, the people I have met here. My experience here have been amazing so far, and I have nothing to complain about. I can't wait to my parents to come visit me here so I can show them what a great city Madison is. I hope stays like this the whole year long!!!

Weekend

This weekend I didn't do many things. I started to go to the gym on saturday and I went sunday too. Saturday also I went to the Fresh Market and I bought some food to cook; I miss home food, so I decided to cook at home.

It was not the Farmers' Market!

On the last week, I went to the Capitol Square because I thought that there was the Farmers' Market. However, there was an art exposition whose name I do not remember. It was very nice to see different kinds of art, such as, drawings, paintings, and many others. In the afternoon, I watched a play soccer match in the Union South. At night, I ate pizza with my friends and I watched a comedy movie. On Sunday, I went to the First Baptist Church in Madison, had lunch with my friends, watched the final match of World Cup, and had my homework finished.

Alex - Third Weekend in Madison

The third weekend

The last weekend was my third weekend in Madison. But since I came here, I could not enjoy too much the city. Actually I am still enrolled in some courses in Brazil and I have some reviews and others homework from my home university to do. It has been really difficult to me, I do not have much time. However, Madison is a very beautiful city and I am fascinated. One of best things I liked is that here we have many options of restaurants to have lunch on weekends, and the most of them serve very good meals. Then, on last Sunday I went to a Italian restaurant and had a great lunch. After that, I watched the final’s World Cup with my suitemates and I really enjoyed the match. In spite of so many work, I am having good moments in Madison.    

My weekend

My weekend

Well, this weekend I went to the west shopping with Lucas and André in the

Saturday to buy some clothes. I tried to find a cool shoe to go to the party in the night,

but the prices were so expensive so I did not bought one. Otherwise, I bought a polo t-

shirt to use in the party and a shorts to use in the gym. I am trying to work out a little to

do not become fat before going back to Brasil. After the shopping I went to my

apartment then I and some friends went to the Brats party. I had a good night of fun

with my friends and then in the Sunday I spent the whole day doing homeworks.

Homework, World Cup and... more homework

Last weekend, there were the last two games of the Brazil World Cup. The third place match occurred on Saturday at 3:00 pm and Brazil was about to play against Holland. Now, at that time, we all knew what has happened with the brazilian team the game before, against Germany, right? No comments about it hahaha. But, sincerely, all of us knew that it would not be a nice match, so, as expected, Brazil lost and occupied the fourth position... I watched the first half  of it at Union South and that was it, sad news. On Sunday, however, the team I was supporting, Germany, won the match against Argentina and, consequently, the World Cup. Congratulations, Germans! You played well (clap, clap). Besides all this, I did some homeworks, yeah... Starting on Saturday morning, doing after the game and during the whole Sunday as well. But, still, I could go to the West Towne Mall here, in Madison, in my free time, to buy some shirts. Basically, this was what I did last weekend, nothing so special haha.

About my Sunday

On last Sunday I had a bad day. The first thing that happened was when i was ridding my bike, and the chain fell, OK, I drop my bike and tried to fix this, but them my iPod fell on the street, and guess what? It broke the screen. I get really angry about this but I accepted. After that, I went home, but I was with my coat tied in my waist, riding a bike, guess what happened? When i took off the coat he was literally from white to black! The worst part is that i tried to wash, but i don`t think it is going to work. Moreover, in the afternoon me and some friends were trying to buy our plane tickets, and when it was my turn to buy, guess??? It got 60 dollars more expensive than them! Hate United Airlines, hate Apple and also hate Gap! So, Sunday wasn`t a good day for me hahaha!

Ana.

The Cops

      Yesterday, about midnight, I was searching for a place to go with some friends, and we went to State Street. We decided to go on a ``night club`` called wando`s, but what caught my attention was the amount of cops and police car there... I counted about 10 polices cars only on the State Street! At first, i thought something was happening, but then I realize they were just checking the ID cards and things like this. At that moment I though: -Come on! You are police, don`t you have anything more important to do?'' And it reminds me the story my professor Hossein told us yesterday on class, about he getting a ticket, riding a bike!

Ana

Parking Problem

My car has transported in Madison. I get my car recently. However, there is no parking space available in my apartment parking lot. I ask for the university park lots which located in State Street. There has available one but the price is so high over 200$ per month. I don't think it is worthy. So I found a place located in Regent Street to park my car which cost me 120 $per month. It's little long distance between this place and my apartment. But I can accept it.
There is really a problem that parking a car in campus area. I feel so bad that I have a car not a bicycle:(

My experience in Madison

Since June 16th, 2014, I have been living in the United States. The city which is accommodating me during these days is the capital of Wisconsin, Madison. The city is beautiful and has many interesting tourist spots that leave anyone in awe. Me was not different, the view of Lake Mendota in Terrace is one of the most wonderful places to spend time in the city, especially in the summer season. Much has been done since my arrival. I have visited some museums, we saw how the milking of cows is done in the campus, we celebrated the Rhythms & Booms event at Lake Monona, a celebration for the 4th of July with 30 long minutes of fireworks, and the teachers and students of the ESL course even made a picnic in a beautiful afternoon. There are still many things to do in Madison, but certainly the experience that I and my colleagues are having so far is unforgettable.

Trouble of Bicycle

Unfortunately, I have been having some troubles in my bicycle since I started to live in Madison. First, I got a used bicycle just after coming to Madison. Its pedal got broken when I used it about a week. Then, I paid tens of dollars for repairing. Just next day, the bicycle was stolen when I parked it at the Union South. I was so depressed. But I bought new one next week. However, the new bicycle was initially defective and the brake doesn’t work. I will go to the shop this weekend and ask for preparation of the brake. In this way, as far as the bicycles, I have had a bad luck in Madison. I would like to pay enough attention for bicycle that no more troubles happen.

A trip to Chicago

Last holiday I went to Chicago with some friends. We rent a car here in Madison on Thursday and spent all the weekend there.
It was a really nice time. We went to the Millennium Park to see the famous big Bean, after we walked until the Navy Pier, a such beautiful place. We also went to the famous Willis Tower to visit the skydeck, we spent almost two hours on the line to get to the top but worth it !
On the way back to Madison we stopped at Six Flags and had a lot of fun on their roller coasters.
It was a nice trip !

Living in Madison

Life in Madison is completely different from the one in my city. There is no stressful traffic and people have health habits like running and biking. We also can do many things here like visiting touristic places, do activities in the lake, eat good food from different countries in the state street and enjoy the time on the terraces. Something that is very different is the fact that there is no abondoned dogs on streets like in my city where they invaded the universities' campus and other places.

A nice weekend in Madison

Last weekend, I did many interesting things. First of all, on Friday night, I went to Monona Terrace to watch the fireworks since it was July 4, the day that United States celebrates its independence. However, the place was wrong. I could see the fireworks far away from where I was only. Afterwards, I came back to home and played some games with my friends in the basement of the building where we are living. On Saturday morning, I went to Farmers' Fresh Market on the Capitol Square. I had the opportunity to try different kinds of cheese made in Madison. In the afternoon, I watched a play soccer match from the World Cup in the Union South and I went to the mall. I am not sure about what I did that night, but I believe that I watched a movie. On Sunday, I had lunch with my friends and watched a movie with them again. Thus, I can say that it was a nice weekend.

Milwaukee Summer Festival

Last sunday me and my friends Lucas and Mariana went to the Milwaukee Summer Festival, a music festival that was happening in a city close to Madison. We got there by the morning and stayed the hole day. The food was too expensive and not that good, but the night shows made the trip worth it. The last show was a presentation of Jake Bugg, a great singer of rock music. I really enjoyed his show even with a little bit of rain during it. When the show was over we came back to Madison and had a good night of sleep. 

Traveling to Chicago

Last weekend was celebrated the 4th of July (American Independence Day), and for me was possibility to know a wonderful city: Chicago. There I stood in a apartment at IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology), southern city, and certainly it is one of the most amazing cities I have the opportunity to known. First, pass the american most important holiday in one of traditional cities was remarkable for me, there I could see the fireworks that, until then, I had seen just on movies. Secondly, the vision of the mirrored skyscrapers from the Navy Pier, the streets that were in the same shape as many Hollywood's movies had already shown me and its landmarks spreader throughout the city, like Millenniums and Grant Parks, Sky-deck and the Museums, were unforgettable moments, and I'll keep them in my memory forever. Finally, there I got the chance to went in a Brazilian restaurante food where I ate a typically dish from Brazil call "Feijoada", which was really missing, and that leaves me satisfied, and the best thing was that the taste was almost exactly from my home country and was not that expensive, just 10 dollars. So, it was a stunning experience and defiantly I will get back there again sooner. 

Good orchestra and bad accident

When I came home from the campus yesterday, I met my neighbor Laura, who lived in the ground floor of my apartment. She said she would go to the capitol to listen to free orchestra with her boyfriend. As she invited us, I and my wife Kiku went there by bicycle. At the capitol, there were already many people sitting on lawn and enjoying some food and drink. We had a really good time with nice music, fruit, wine and cheese. Laura said this music event is held every Wednesday during summer. I wanna join this orchestra again!

Then, on my way home, an accident happened. Suddenly Kiku fell down from her bicycle and twisted her ankle. She still felt strong pain in today's morning. So, we went to University Health service located on 333 E campus mall. The result of diagnosis was sprain of ankle, not bone broken. But, she needs 8 weeks to completely recover and needs a pair of crutches to walk. It's terrible! So, everyone, please be careful of riding a bicycle especially at night.

PotLucky Day

The potluck (or picnic) was a meeting where most ESL students had the opportunity to meet each other, share different life experience and, mainly, bring food from their native country. For me, it was a wonderful experience, because I could talk with people from Japan, Korean, Chine, Ivory Coast and U.S.A. After that, we had to participated in some funny games, and in one of them that I won, I earned a necklace. So, I hope that before I go back to Brazil another picnic happen.

Picnic

Picnic!

Having a picnic with all my classmates and teachers yesterday was a lot of fun! Everybody brought some food, friends, family and a lot of energy. We had a great time there playing, laughing and interacting with each other. We also got the chance to practice our english skills in a different environment, outside the classroom. But the highlight of the day, in my opinion it was not having Homework! I think we should have more picnics!! ;)

Davi Linhares dos Santos Silva

Lorrayne - A picnic at Vilas Park

A picnic at Vilas Park

Yesterday, there was a picnic at Vilas Park during afternoon where students and teachers of the English as a Second Language classes spent a time together. I went to this picnic, and I had the opportunity of trying different kinds of food from different countries around the world, such as: Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, United States, and many others. We played some games, but, actually, I did not win anyone. I played american football and frisbee for the first time in my life, and I really liked these games. Yesterday was a funny day, so I hope that I can go to another picnic like this soon. 

ESL Picnic day

Yesterday i had a great time at the Henry Vilas Park. All of the students from the English summer course were invited for a pic nic, which was awesome. The best part was the tradicional american games, like: racing with eggs, pass the ring, and the one with a water balloon. Also there were so many different meals, from China, Saudia Arabia, USA, Brazil, etc. I was happy to see that everybody really catched the ideia! Hoping for the next event. Bye.

06/26 Picnic - Jhonatt Lima dos Santos

The art of never losing free food

          Yesterday, we, the brazillians that are in Madison by the Brasillian Student Movement Program (BSMP) went to the intensive summer english program picnic, also called potlock. Every student brought his own food, some of them bringing their own country food like sushi from China/Japan, brazillian food from Brazil,  Arabic food... there were a big variety of foods. So i had the chance to taste some new foods that I've actually never saw before. I liked some of them... but not all. Later we played some games with water ballons, rings and runnings. I even played football! and learned by the bad way that i can't use my head to play. Such a headache.

The Picnic in Madison

We had a great time at the picnic on Wednesday. It was a good chance to know about other cultures and different people. Besides that, we had the opportunity to talk with native Americans and to practice our skills of listening and speaking. Furthermore, almost every student has brought a typical food from your country, so this was a incredible opportunity to know a little bit more of other countries. 

Awesome Picnic - Free Writing

Yesterday was a picnic day. We went to Vilas Park, a place that s near my home.
There was a lot of food from many countries and I tried some sushi, South Arabian food and of course I ate a lot of Brazilian barbecue. I already miss Brazilian food.
There was also many traditional picnic games. They were awesome.
I liked the picnic ! I think that should have more picnics.

Short Trip to Henry Vilas Zoo (ESL Picnic)

Yesterday, June 25th I joined a ESL Picnic. Picnic was hold in the Henry Vilas Zoo, close to Lake Wingra, having a quit beautiful nature and providing us a signficant vista. In a word, the picnic gave me a pleasure time and great relaxation in Madison. At first in the picnic, I enjoyed cuisine from various countries as Brazil, Iran, China and so on, which I could never experience in my home country. Every foods tasted very nice. I heard exotic musics and I felt even more delicious with them. Next, I talked with people from different countries about their cultures and compared them with my own. I found and surprised at the fact that even though they are appearently different, basic ideas of them seem to be same. I am grateful to the ESL program which give me such a wonderful time.

ESL Picnic

Yesterday, June 25th, on a beautiful Wednesday, ESL students and teachers had fun and enjoyed some good food from all over the world in a great and joyful picnic at the Vilas Park. Each one of us had to bring a food that belongs to your home country. I take cookies there, some of my colleagues brought pizza, others brought some common desserts in Brazil, like 'brigadeiro'. There were hotdogs too and even a brazilian barbecue, which, by the way, was great. Beyond good food, there were funny games too. Everyone was laughing and having fun and, one of the most important things, making new friends from other countries. I hope to have more picnics like this, some teachers have said that it was one of the most expected events of the year, and they were right.

Free Writing - 06/24/2014 - Lucas Fonseca Guimaraes

What a beautiful day in Madison this Tuesday morning.  The weather was so good. It has been a bit hot since midday. I am so excited about living in the United States, it is a new life experience, although I am not seeing the FIFA World Cup in my home country. Madison is a great city, so beautiful. The UW-Madison is huge and surely represents a great place of study. There are still many places and sites here in Madison that I need to visit and know about. I need to study more English, I still have some difficulties on vocabulary and need to know how to speak better this language. I got myself confused in how to explain my ideas and what I am thinking. I haven't said what I want clearly so far. I need to improve my skills in this language so I can give more explanations about what I am trying to say when I am speaking to someone else in English.. So many things to do in this country, I hope I have plenty time to do many things I want such as trips, meet interesting people, have good studies and, above all, be happy.

Márcia Meireles - free writing

Picnic Day

Yesterday, it was the picnic day and fortunalety the day was beautiful. All my classmates, other students and the teachers from our English course had to prepare some food from their countrie's cuisine. So, in order to complete the task proposed I prepared 'Beijinho' that is a kind of dessert very popular in children's parties in Brazil. This sweet it is made of sweetened condensed milk, coconut and butter and I cooked it with the help of my friend Ana. Thus, we went to Vilas Park Shelter, where the picnic took place and we tried lots of diffenrent foods that there were there. After eating, we played a lot, took photos and had a lot of fun. This, definately, was a memorable day.

Great picnic in the beautiful lake

Yesterday was one of the most funny days since I came to Madison. I joined a picnic called "potluck?" with my wife, Kiku.

I enjoyed many different cuisines from all over the world, Brazil, Saudi, China, Germany and so on. This was the first experience for me. For example, I enjoyed Mate (or Chimarrão?) and Brazilian BBQ. I've drunk mate many times in Japan, but I've never tried it by using traditional calabash gourd and metal straw until yesterday ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_(beverage) ). It was very interesting and tasted good! 


I was also very happy to see that my Sushi rolls were sold out. There are many delicious Japanese food other than Sushi, so I hope my classmates will like it in the future. Now I am motivated to know different culture in other countries. So, I would like to talk with my classmates more and to exchange information about each country.

Picnic

I enjoyed seeing everyone at the picnic. The weather was wonderful and everyone was enjoying the fun games.

Disappointing World cup match - Ryo

Today, I went to Memorial union to watch Japan's world cup match against Columbia. I enjoyed the match drinking Madison's local beer. The result of the first half was 1-1. Then, I had still hope that Japan would go to the next tournament. In fact, there was a possibility of that. But, Columbia scored 3 goals in the second half and finally Columbia crashed Japan by 4-1. It was so terrible that I want to forget it quickly. So, now I am doing some homework.

Anyway, new life in Madison is very good. I have learned a lot of things from ESL teachers, many nice classmates every day!

Living a Dream


Being in Madison has been a very fun experience. I have met people from all over the world and made a lot of friends, too. Madison is a really beautiful place, and offers me a really nice environment to study and live. Many people ask me  if I miss being in Brazil since there is taking place the World Cup. Guess what..  The answer is very short: NO! I'm gaining so much here that I couldn't be happier (despite lots of home work!).
So far everything is just awesome!!

Davi Linhares dos Santos Silva

Life in Madison - Lorrayne Cardoso Guimaraes

Life in Madison

Living in Madison is an extraordinary experience. You are able to see modern buildings and trees at same scenery, and I think that it is really amazing. If you want to relax, just go to Terrace, enjoy the sunset, and eat a delicious ice cream that you can find there. Enjoy also eating in the restaurants at State Street. Make sure not to miss these things!

Free Writing - Jhonatt Lima dos Santos

Today in our Museum class we went to the Capitol, a huge building that saves some of the Madison history. Later me and some of my friends become lost in the central of the city until Ana Reale asked  for information to a strange that was in the street. When i reached at home, I started to do the homeworks and didn't finished it until now.

First Week in Madison - Márcia Meireles

First Week in Madison

I could never have imagined such a better first week in Madison, with lot of adventures that resulted in very good stories. First, the tornado alert which scared me a lot in my first night in this city, specially because I have never been through this situation before. Fortunalety, the tornado did not reach us. After, in my first day of class and second day in Madison, a strong rain caught us in the way to school. I arrived completely wet and I had to dry my clothes in the restroom. Athough being a very embarrassing situation, it became funny afterwards. The following days were easier. No tornados, no storms. I knew I would live a different life in US, a new experience, but I did not imagine that kind of experience in the first week here.