Happy International Quirkyalone Day from Brazil!

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Happy International Quirkyalone Day from Brazil!

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Feb 05, 2010 - Written by Sasha Cagen | Filed under: IQD

My Portuguese language teachers, me, and my fellow student, enjoying our very own Quirkyalone, or, SoSingular

My Portuguese language teachers, me, and my fellow student, enjoying our very own SoSingular

Happy International Quirkyalone Day, or, should I say, Feliz Dia Internacional do SoSingular! This year will be the eight annual celebration of International Quirkyalone Day, a holiday that I have grown to love dearly–for me, it’s on par with Thanksgiving as my favorite holiday. IQD is not anti-Valentine’s Day. It just happens to fall on the same day. IQD turns a cliche-ridden day of angst into a liberating opportunity to connect with others (or to celebrate alone). There are thousands of ways to embrace your life and your significant others, plural. Here are 10 ways to celebrate IQD.

Usually I throw a party in San Francisco to celebrate, but for the first time since launching IQD in 2003, I am on the road on February 14. I am actually in Curitiba right now, a Brazilian city famed for its progressive urban planning. On IQD, I will be in the mad sea of Carnaval in Recife and Olinda, Northeastern Brazilian cities. Recife and Olinda boast a wild and participatory Carnaval (that some say is the best in the country), featuring a wide diversity of traditional music and dance: samba, axe, the drum-driven beats of maracatu and fast-paced frevo. I’ll make sure to hold up a sign, Happy IQD!, at some point. Check back here for a photo.

Quirkyalone was published in Brazil with the title SoSingular. It’s actually my favorite cover of all the international and American versions. That photo of the girl on her bed–what eyes!–is just perfect. I am traveling with a copy to share and it’s a pretty fun way to learn the nuances of a language, reading my own book.

Me learning Maracatu un Florianopolis. There are many rehearsals leading up to Carnaval.

Oh, in Brazil, the Dia dos Namoradas (Day of the Enamored) is actually June 12. They couldn’t possibly celebrate romantic love during Carnaval. Toooo crazy. If I am still here, maybe I will start Brasileiro SoSingular Day on June 12. Book your ticket now.

Wherever you are on February 14, I wish you a fabulous Quirkyalone Day! Let us know how you will celebrate in the comments.

Tags: brazil, international quirkyalone day

4 Responses to “Happy International Quirkyalone Day from Brazil!”

Rubberband Girl

Feb 08, 2010

Hi Sasha,

We spoke on IQD 2009 when you were a guest on KALX-FM in Berkeley. Sad we won’t get to chat again this year, but the big churn and Brazil sound amazing!

Thought you and Bay Area QA’s might like to know that I’ll be celebrating this year by hosting another Quirkyalone radio special!! It will air this Friday, 2/12, from 6p-9p. Tune in at 90.7 FM or online at the website linked here.

The theme of the show will revolve mainly around independence and solitude, though conflicting reflections on romance and relationships will filter in to the mix as well (all part of the QA experience, as you know).

Your adventures and musings continue to inspire.

All the best in 2010.

XO,
RG

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freekittens

Feb 13, 2010

Greetings Fellow Quirkyalonesters! Oaksterdam is celebrating Quirkyalone Day at Franklin Square Wine Bar at 6pm 2212 Broadway, Oakland, CA http://www.fswinebar.com/ Please join us!

We’ll raise a glass to you, Sasha! I travelled quirkyalone for 18 months throughout SE Asia, Europe, and Central America Dec 2002-May 2004 and loved every minute of it! In Sept returned to the Bay from a quirkyalone trip to Bolivia and Peru where I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Next quirkyalone trip? India, Nepal, Tibet, Butan. I can close my eyes and imagine you in Brazil! Go girl!

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Laura

Feb 14, 2010

I just found this site, and I’m stunned with the irony. I have come to Brazil in a life-churn, too. I graduated in December, arrived here Jan. 13, and will leave at the beginning of May. I’m in Mato Grosso, and I really like it. The Portuguese learning is slow-going so far, but the people are so warm and welcoming, it’s hard to ever feel like a total failure.

I’ve not heard of Quirkyalone, but so far, I dig the concept. Brava. Enjoy the promised land and don’t forget to conjugate properly!

Laura

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Rogério

Feb 21, 2010

Hey Sasha!

What a bliss to find your website and your ideas. I’m a quirkalone! — and it feels great to say it, and to relate to others like me. I’m Brazilian and live in Porto Alegre, in the south of the country. I’m really happy to see you enjoy the country and us, the people. Anything you need just drop me an e-mail and I’d be happy to assist you with whatever.

Um beijão!
Rogério

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