Fernanda Rocha

Fernanda Rocha is a newest member of the cast of the Real Housewives of Orange County. This is the sixth season of the hit franchise and the first to have a lesbian cast member. Things are heating up Brazilian style!

JN: (Jerry Nunn) Oi, Fernanda. How is life out in California?

FR: (Fernanda Rocha) Warm, sunny and beautiful! It is my type of weather. How is it there?

JN: Cold, dark and rainy.

FR: No, thank you. Come visit me!

JN: So you from Brazil, what part exactly?

FR: The city is Belo Horizonte.

It is huge. There are 13 million people and it is near Sao Paulo and Rio. Those are the three big cities in the center.

JN: I visited Rio and took a Portuguese class.

FR: Talk to me in Portuguese please, I miss my language!

JN: Oi, todo bem? And that's about it.

FR: Portuguese is a hard language to learn. I taught myself English. See? It's possible, we can learn.

JN: So you didn't go to school to learn English?

FR: No, In Brazil for college I took French. I never thought I would end up in the United States. English was my last choice. When I came here to take a marketing course I was recording my classes and studying on my own. I didn't want to be in the room and I am not a big fan of school. I am still learning English so if you don't understand me then just tell me, okay?

JN: That's a deal. When did you arrive in the United States?

FR: It was in 2001.

JN: So about ten years. You are a fitness instructor correct?

FR: My degree is in Kinesiology. I was teaching in Brazil for a fitness course for a long time. My dream was to have my own studio. These days I do have my studio on the beach. I develop and create five DVDs as well. I also have a fitness clothing line. So this is my life!

JN: So people can go to a website to purchase this?

FR: Yes, people can go to fernandafitness.com.

JN: What is going on with you and the Housewives out there?

FR: They are my new friends! I am getting to know them. That is the reality. It has been an interesting interaction. I looking forward to the chance to get to know them a bit more.

JN: Tamra you have known right?

FR: Yes, I have known Tamra the longest for about a year and a half.

JN: There is some chemistry there…

FR: We have a very good connection. You will have to watch to see what happens and how it unfolds. We had our ups and downs but overall we had a good connection.

JN: Are you single?

FR: I am! I am searching for love.

JN: It shouldn't be hard. You are a beautiful woman.

FR: Well, thank you. Love is a simple word but there are so many components to that and I know I am going to find it again.

JN: Do you ever go out to the gay bars?

FR: I do. I like live music and clubs. I like to go out dancing.

JN: I have many friends in Long Beach and LA. The lesbian community has a lot going on there.

FR: Believe it or not, I was in a relationship for many years. We didn't go out to the gay bars or lesbian bars not often. When you get married you just watch movies and it is more quiet. Even now that I am single I don't go out much because I have a lot of straight friends. I am very open and go with the flow but don't search for specific gay places. If I happen to meet somebody then I will.

JN: I know in LA that lesbians will take over a straight club for a night around town and make a party.

FR: I heard that too! I need to start going to those places. I like the Abbey. I go there sometimes.

JN: They have that yummy brunch.

FR: Next time you are around let me know.

JN: You could meet some of my friends there. They look like the L Word. I could hook you up.

FR: I don't do well with blind dates.

JN: Too much pressure.

FR: Yes it is. I like more natural, when you click with someone.

JN: Anything else you want to say about the show?

FR: I think the show has been very interesting and complex. Everybody should watch it to see the different aspects from all of us. I hope the message comes across the way that I wanted it to when I went into the process.

JN: It must me exciting to be the first lesbian on the show. You represent our community now.

FR: It is! Thanks for the support. It is all about love, we are all the same and that's it!

"Watch What Happens" Sundays when a new episode is premiered each week, check for listings at www.bravotv.com.