Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Night & Day
Location: Arpoador Beach; a rock separating Copacabana and Ipanema.
The first pictures were taken during the day on top of the rock.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Glass Half Full
We are already two weeks into our trip and have two weeks remaining until venturing back to the states. I cannot believe the time has flown by so quickly. I am looking forward to so many more adventures here; I will most definitely be coming back to Rio.
Saturday we watched the USA game against Ghana at the Fifa Fan Fest tent. They have a camera going around showing many of the people on the big screen and are one point a group of my friends and I were shown, pretty entertaining. Later, someone came by and asked if we were Americans and then filmed us saying different things in Portuguese. We found out after that what was filmed would be on a Brazilian Sports Channel over the weekend which is apparently pretty popular. It was an experience to say the least.
Despite the USA losing and not advancing farther in the tournament, watching them play and make it past the pool play was fun to watch. They may have not played their best game, but they went to overtime which is more than I can say for England when they played Germany.
Saturday night we also made dinner at my apartment which included roasted potatoes, tilapia, salad, bruschetta, and a brigadeiro (a Brazilian chocolate dessert covered in sprinkles). After dinner we headed to “Lapa” again, but some of us went home early because of someone feeling ill. The others who stayed said they enjoyed the music and the club type atmosphere; the place was different then the Samba music we had heard last weekend, but still very good.
Sunday morning was an early start to head to the monastery in order to see the Gregorian chants by the monks. The monastery looked very simplistic from the outside, but when you walked through the main doors, the inside was so decorative and ornate, covered by gold coloring. The inside of this place was beautiful, as well as the ceremony. I wish I was able to understand more of what is being said, but I try my best to listen and just take everything in.
After getting back from mass we cooked some lunch and then headed to the Hippie market. I haven’t felt so happy shopping and making so many purchases for so many people in such a long time. I brought a list to try and help organize what I should buy, but I wanted EVERYTHING. Many of the items I had never seen before and I felt like I could just walk around for hours trying to see all the different things. Tomilyn and I were very proud of all our purchases and excited to have truly experienced an important part of Brazil. We didn’t have to barter much of the time, but they would continue to mark down the price for us if we didn’t seem sold initially. The art work that is shown at this fair is truly intriguing and some of the artists are seen painting more pieces next to those that are being sold. The prices for all the items at this fair is extremely reasonable, hence the multitude of purchases.
Later that day, Tomilyn, Maureen, and I met Aidan at the rock that separates Ipanema and Copacabana beach. We went during the day for a little while on Friday, but at night it was a very different experience. The weather was still perfect and not cold and there were lights that lit up the entire coast. Walking atop the rocks was unbelievable; you could see the sky clearly, the moon was also beautiful.
Dinner consisted of a per kilo restaurant where you simply pick all the food that you want in a buffet style layout and then weigh your plate. The prices at these restaurants are always reasonable and delicious. Following dinner, Aidan, Lara, Tomilyn, and I walked down the street to try some Brazilian desserts and this was a great decision. We eat chose different types of desserts and tried each of them; they were all phenomenal. Yum yum.
Tomorrow morning we will be going to the botanical gardens and then watching Brazil play against Chile. I cannot wait to watch the game on the beach and drink agua de coco. This Brazilian experience has been absolutely surreal thus far, and I cannot wait to continue and see so much more that this place has to offer.
Saturday we watched the USA game against Ghana at the Fifa Fan Fest tent. They have a camera going around showing many of the people on the big screen and are one point a group of my friends and I were shown, pretty entertaining. Later, someone came by and asked if we were Americans and then filmed us saying different things in Portuguese. We found out after that what was filmed would be on a Brazilian Sports Channel over the weekend which is apparently pretty popular. It was an experience to say the least.
Despite the USA losing and not advancing farther in the tournament, watching them play and make it past the pool play was fun to watch. They may have not played their best game, but they went to overtime which is more than I can say for England when they played Germany.
Saturday night we also made dinner at my apartment which included roasted potatoes, tilapia, salad, bruschetta, and a brigadeiro (a Brazilian chocolate dessert covered in sprinkles). After dinner we headed to “Lapa” again, but some of us went home early because of someone feeling ill. The others who stayed said they enjoyed the music and the club type atmosphere; the place was different then the Samba music we had heard last weekend, but still very good.
Sunday morning was an early start to head to the monastery in order to see the Gregorian chants by the monks. The monastery looked very simplistic from the outside, but when you walked through the main doors, the inside was so decorative and ornate, covered by gold coloring. The inside of this place was beautiful, as well as the ceremony. I wish I was able to understand more of what is being said, but I try my best to listen and just take everything in.
After getting back from mass we cooked some lunch and then headed to the Hippie market. I haven’t felt so happy shopping and making so many purchases for so many people in such a long time. I brought a list to try and help organize what I should buy, but I wanted EVERYTHING. Many of the items I had never seen before and I felt like I could just walk around for hours trying to see all the different things. Tomilyn and I were very proud of all our purchases and excited to have truly experienced an important part of Brazil. We didn’t have to barter much of the time, but they would continue to mark down the price for us if we didn’t seem sold initially. The art work that is shown at this fair is truly intriguing and some of the artists are seen painting more pieces next to those that are being sold. The prices for all the items at this fair is extremely reasonable, hence the multitude of purchases.
Later that day, Tomilyn, Maureen, and I met Aidan at the rock that separates Ipanema and Copacabana beach. We went during the day for a little while on Friday, but at night it was a very different experience. The weather was still perfect and not cold and there were lights that lit up the entire coast. Walking atop the rocks was unbelievable; you could see the sky clearly, the moon was also beautiful.
Dinner consisted of a per kilo restaurant where you simply pick all the food that you want in a buffet style layout and then weigh your plate. The prices at these restaurants are always reasonable and delicious. Following dinner, Aidan, Lara, Tomilyn, and I walked down the street to try some Brazilian desserts and this was a great decision. We eat chose different types of desserts and tried each of them; they were all phenomenal. Yum yum.
Tomorrow morning we will be going to the botanical gardens and then watching Brazil play against Chile. I cannot wait to watch the game on the beach and drink agua de coco. This Brazilian experience has been absolutely surreal thus far, and I cannot wait to continue and see so much more that this place has to offer.
Futebol, Comidas, e Musica
Eu amo futebol! USA won their game against Algeria and will continue on to the next round playing against Ghana Saturday! We didn’t get to watch the entire game against Algeria because we were visiting a school in a favela, but I have been watching the replays and saw the goal.
We watched Brazil play Friday at Banana Jack’s Bar; lots of fun and food of course even with Brazil only tied against Portugal. Brazil will still advance in the tournament and play Chile in the next round on Monday. Since they are advancing to Monday, we will not be having any school visits because of everything being cancelled due to the game. The people here, both Brazilians and foreigners, are excited for any game that Brazil plays. Watching Brazil is some of the most beautiful soccer I have seen. I truly hope Brazil makes it far in the tournament to see how much crazier this city and the people can get.
We had another language lesson on Friday and this one went better than the previous two. The lesson consisted of more dialogic instruction which I think will be helpful in basic communication. Numbers was another big topic for the day, which will definitely be helpful in bartering at the Hippie market on Sunday.
The fruit and juices that they make are so unique and delicious, unlike anything I have ever tasted before. I am trying to buy many of the fruits and taste them as well as randomly choose different juices with some of my meals. This has been a fun experience and I have liked all of the juices so far.
Music that plays usually consists of : Samba, Baile Funk, and of course lots of American Artists and Hip Hop, especially Rihanna, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga . The people love playing music, listening to music, and especially dancing to music. The children here are extremely talented in dancing, especially with hip hop and break dancing. Some of the schools we have visited have students perform for us and they are very talented. Dancing is a way for many of these students to express their individuality and also their personal accomplishments. Many of these students look to dancing to get away from the drugs, gangs, and violence that is prevalent in certain areas of Rio.
We watched Brazil play Friday at Banana Jack’s Bar; lots of fun and food of course even with Brazil only tied against Portugal. Brazil will still advance in the tournament and play Chile in the next round on Monday. Since they are advancing to Monday, we will not be having any school visits because of everything being cancelled due to the game. The people here, both Brazilians and foreigners, are excited for any game that Brazil plays. Watching Brazil is some of the most beautiful soccer I have seen. I truly hope Brazil makes it far in the tournament to see how much crazier this city and the people can get.
We had another language lesson on Friday and this one went better than the previous two. The lesson consisted of more dialogic instruction which I think will be helpful in basic communication. Numbers was another big topic for the day, which will definitely be helpful in bartering at the Hippie market on Sunday.
The fruit and juices that they make are so unique and delicious, unlike anything I have ever tasted before. I am trying to buy many of the fruits and taste them as well as randomly choose different juices with some of my meals. This has been a fun experience and I have liked all of the juices so far.
Music that plays usually consists of : Samba, Baile Funk, and of course lots of American Artists and Hip Hop, especially Rihanna, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga . The people love playing music, listening to music, and especially dancing to music. The children here are extremely talented in dancing, especially with hip hop and break dancing. Some of the schools we have visited have students perform for us and they are very talented. Dancing is a way for many of these students to express their individuality and also their personal accomplishments. Many of these students look to dancing to get away from the drugs, gangs, and violence that is prevalent in certain areas of Rio.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Ipanema.
One of the places that is right by Copacabana is Ipanema. We walked to Ipanema the other day and on Friday morning Megan, Lara, and I ran along the beach to Ipanema. Here are some of the pictures.
Week One- Ending & Week Two- Beginning
This week has been an extremely fun and tiring time; I still can’t believe I am in Brazil sometimes. The food here is absolutely incredible and fresh. I can’t imagine eating fruit that tastes better than I have been able to enjoy in this incredible place. They use lots of vegetables, spices, and fruits, in so many of their dishes, the flavors are each unique. I have been trying to also try different juices whenever I can even though most of the time I have no idea what the fruit even looks like. Being adventurous and willing to try almost anything here has been one of my goals for this trip so that I can truly experience all their culture has to offer.
We had our first language lesson in my apartment because the living room is the largest and easiest for everyone to fit in. This was an interesting and challenging experience to say the least. For one, it made me realize that I know more Spanish then I thought I did, and two that Portuguese pronunciation is absolutely nothing like Spanish. Practicing Portuguese hasn’t been an easy task, but I am trying which is the most important part, or at least I would like to think so.
Friday was full of fun in the sun and fun in the clouds. We had a meeting at my apartment in the morning followed by an afternoon at the beach in Copacabana. The USA game was on during that time so we watched it by the beach at one of the stands where they sells some coconut juice, pastels, and many other Brazilian goodies. Televisions are everywhere and soccer is the main event during the world cup; Brazilians love their futbol.
When we were at the beach on Friday we had bought a soccer ball and were just kicking and juggling around; I absolutely love soccer. The water seemed a little bit cold, but when you were in it for a little while it was just fine. The sand is perfect expect that it gets everywhere; I love how it feels between my toes.
After the beach we were supposed to shower and change, but Megan and I were locked out of our apartment by the cleaning ladies because they locked both locks and we only took one of the keys. Instead, we had to wear the same wet clothes to meet with our group and go to our next destination. It was slightly uncomfortable and a little cold, but turned out to be fine.
We went to this mountain known as “Sugar Loaf” and you could see the entire city and all the buildings and towns. This view was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. When we went up to the top, we were covered in fog so we couldn’t see below, but when the clouds finally passed, you could see “Christ the Redeemer” across the way as it was lit up and coming out of the clouds. We went into areas that seemed like you were in a rain forest and I felt as though I could be there forever; it was so peaceful.
Friday night continued to bring even more fun to our adventures. We went to the nightlife area of “Lapa” where you can listen to music and also dance to the Samba group that is playing. We had some drinks and then some of the group got up and danced. I joined them soon after and although dancing is my biggest fear; I had a lot of fun. Tomilyn tried to teach me a few tips and she was extremely helpful; she made me feel much more comfortable. About half of the group wanted to leave, but Tomilyn, Megan, Olavo, and I decided to stay till almost closing time. Being surrounded by the music, the dancing, and the people was an entirely new experience. Although we encountered some interesting people during this time and were not completely welcomed by some for being “Americans”, everything was enjoyable nonetheless.
Saturday we went as a group to a place called Santa Theresa, which was a cute place with shops and authentic food. We ate and then walked around and explored the different shops before returning to Copacabana. Later that evening we made dinner again in our apartment. There was pasta, tomato sauce, chicken, ground beef, bruschetta, and watermelon. Tomilyn and I made a vanilla flavored cake with pineapple and banana mixed in, and then topped with fresh mango. Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal and enjoy each other’s company.
The new week is beginning and we have lots of plans to visit many schools and meet with various persons involved in Brazilian education. Before more of the work, Sunday is going to be more time to play and experience Brazil. I will be going to a new church tomorrow morning at 9 am and again like last week not understand the Portuguese, but still enjoy the mass and listening to the music. The church we went to last week was beautiful and older, whereas tomorrow’s church is more modern for Rio. After mass Olavo and I will be going to play soccer on the beach I think. Apparently not very many/none that I have seen yet girls play soccer here, but you see lots of boys playing on the beach. Hopefully I don’t disappoint myself and have fun playing tomorrow morning with the Brazilians. When I have seen them playing on the beach, they are such talented players, I’m nervous to see how everything turns out.
The Brazil verse Ivory Coast game is tomorrow at 3:30 so we will be going early to the Fifa Fan Fest tent and be involved in all of the excitement. I have never been around so many people who love soccer and take so much pride in their country. I will be wearing my green and yellow to support BRASIL!
We had our first language lesson in my apartment because the living room is the largest and easiest for everyone to fit in. This was an interesting and challenging experience to say the least. For one, it made me realize that I know more Spanish then I thought I did, and two that Portuguese pronunciation is absolutely nothing like Spanish. Practicing Portuguese hasn’t been an easy task, but I am trying which is the most important part, or at least I would like to think so.
Friday was full of fun in the sun and fun in the clouds. We had a meeting at my apartment in the morning followed by an afternoon at the beach in Copacabana. The USA game was on during that time so we watched it by the beach at one of the stands where they sells some coconut juice, pastels, and many other Brazilian goodies. Televisions are everywhere and soccer is the main event during the world cup; Brazilians love their futbol.
When we were at the beach on Friday we had bought a soccer ball and were just kicking and juggling around; I absolutely love soccer. The water seemed a little bit cold, but when you were in it for a little while it was just fine. The sand is perfect expect that it gets everywhere; I love how it feels between my toes.
After the beach we were supposed to shower and change, but Megan and I were locked out of our apartment by the cleaning ladies because they locked both locks and we only took one of the keys. Instead, we had to wear the same wet clothes to meet with our group and go to our next destination. It was slightly uncomfortable and a little cold, but turned out to be fine.
We went to this mountain known as “Sugar Loaf” and you could see the entire city and all the buildings and towns. This view was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. When we went up to the top, we were covered in fog so we couldn’t see below, but when the clouds finally passed, you could see “Christ the Redeemer” across the way as it was lit up and coming out of the clouds. We went into areas that seemed like you were in a rain forest and I felt as though I could be there forever; it was so peaceful.
Friday night continued to bring even more fun to our adventures. We went to the nightlife area of “Lapa” where you can listen to music and also dance to the Samba group that is playing. We had some drinks and then some of the group got up and danced. I joined them soon after and although dancing is my biggest fear; I had a lot of fun. Tomilyn tried to teach me a few tips and she was extremely helpful; she made me feel much more comfortable. About half of the group wanted to leave, but Tomilyn, Megan, Olavo, and I decided to stay till almost closing time. Being surrounded by the music, the dancing, and the people was an entirely new experience. Although we encountered some interesting people during this time and were not completely welcomed by some for being “Americans”, everything was enjoyable nonetheless.
Saturday we went as a group to a place called Santa Theresa, which was a cute place with shops and authentic food. We ate and then walked around and explored the different shops before returning to Copacabana. Later that evening we made dinner again in our apartment. There was pasta, tomato sauce, chicken, ground beef, bruschetta, and watermelon. Tomilyn and I made a vanilla flavored cake with pineapple and banana mixed in, and then topped with fresh mango. Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal and enjoy each other’s company.
The new week is beginning and we have lots of plans to visit many schools and meet with various persons involved in Brazilian education. Before more of the work, Sunday is going to be more time to play and experience Brazil. I will be going to a new church tomorrow morning at 9 am and again like last week not understand the Portuguese, but still enjoy the mass and listening to the music. The church we went to last week was beautiful and older, whereas tomorrow’s church is more modern for Rio. After mass Olavo and I will be going to play soccer on the beach I think. Apparently not very many/none that I have seen yet girls play soccer here, but you see lots of boys playing on the beach. Hopefully I don’t disappoint myself and have fun playing tomorrow morning with the Brazilians. When I have seen them playing on the beach, they are such talented players, I’m nervous to see how everything turns out.
The Brazil verse Ivory Coast game is tomorrow at 3:30 so we will be going early to the Fifa Fan Fest tent and be involved in all of the excitement. I have never been around so many people who love soccer and take so much pride in their country. I will be wearing my green and yellow to support BRASIL!
Brazilian schools thus far
I cannot believe the time has been flying by so quickly. We have done so much in the past couple of days. The purpose of our trip is to visit the schools in Rio and talk to the teachers and students. We are responsible to submit curriculum units incorporating the Brazilian culture that can be used by teachers in the United States. Being almost positive I want to begin in elementary education in a Catholic school, I have been looking at creating a theology unit.
The schools we have gone to so far have each been different and interesting. Some of them focus more on behavior and discipline while others seem to have students who are excited to learn and may be more boisterous.
I have also really enjoyed being able to talk to the teachers. By talking I mean listening to them and then subsequently listening to the interpreter. The language barrier has been an extremely tough addition to this trip.
Below are some of the pictures from the classrooms and schools we have visited.
The schools we have gone to so far have each been different and interesting. Some of them focus more on behavior and discipline while others seem to have students who are excited to learn and may be more boisterous.
I have also really enjoyed being able to talk to the teachers. By talking I mean listening to them and then subsequently listening to the interpreter. The language barrier has been an extremely tough addition to this trip.
Below are some of the pictures from the classrooms and schools we have visited.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
In the “Copa, Copacabana”
These are some of the images of where we are staying in Copacabana. More descriptions to come. Sorry some of this has been out of order. Everything has just been crazy here.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Upon Arrival
“FOREIGNERS!” This was the greeting as we entered the first security check point in the Brazilian airport where they checked our passport and visas before going to get our checked luggage. When we were all successfully through, we then got all our luggage and had to go through another line to turn in a form about whether or not we brought in goods that we needed to “claim” like fresh fruit, vegetables, etc. As nervous as I was to be standing in line waiting, we all got through just fine, no questions asked.
The drive towards Copacabana from the airport was surreal. Finally I was in Brazil and saw all different parts of the city, the good and the bad. “Christ the Redeemer” is an incredible site to see atop the mountain, especially when the light shines behind it.
The drive towards Copacabana from the airport was surreal. Finally I was in Brazil and saw all different parts of the city, the good and the bad. “Christ the Redeemer” is an incredible site to see atop the mountain, especially when the light shines behind it.
On my way..
South Bend to Atlanta—approximately two hours. Seemed like such a short flight compared to what we had in store for us after. There was about a two hour layover in Atlanta which was nice to mentally prepare myself to the realization that the next day I would be in Brazil. Once I stepped on the plane in Atlanta to go to Rio de Janeiro there was no turning back; we would leave in the evening and the next morning we would have traveled thousands of miles to an entirely different place. Having never traveled out of the country, I was extremely nervous for this departure. The plane was enormous and almost completely full.
Thinking about the design and structure of such an incredible means of transportation is unbelievable.
The first thing I noticed which made me laugh was that all of the flight attendants were male. The second was the fact that we were immediately fed a meal. The dinner selection was either chicken or pasta with a bagged roll, makeshift salad with a little packet of dressing, a piece of cheese, and of course the two crackers. Other than that, the flight was full of being uncomfortable and not being able to sleep.
When the sun begins to dawn, it is an absolutely incredible sight to see even if you aren’t in a window seat; I was sitting in the center of the middle row. The only sad part was when the people sitting by the windows closed them and you could no longer see the sun, but I’m hoping I will see many more sunsets and sunrises when I am in Brazil.
Thinking about the design and structure of such an incredible means of transportation is unbelievable.
The first thing I noticed which made me laugh was that all of the flight attendants were male. The second was the fact that we were immediately fed a meal. The dinner selection was either chicken or pasta with a bagged roll, makeshift salad with a little packet of dressing, a piece of cheese, and of course the two crackers. Other than that, the flight was full of being uncomfortable and not being able to sleep.
When the sun begins to dawn, it is an absolutely incredible sight to see even if you aren’t in a window seat; I was sitting in the center of the middle row. The only sad part was when the people sitting by the windows closed them and you could no longer see the sun, but I’m hoping I will see many more sunsets and sunrises when I am in Brazil.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pre Departure Session
Cultural Characteristics Significant to Brazil:
1. Extremely friendly; may seem like an “invasion of privacy”
2. They love to talk!
3. Always use first names
4. No concept of time. Nothing is on time and this is not a sign of disrespect, it is expected
5. “cafezinho”- miniature strong coffees are popular when you just need to take a break
6. “o jeitinho brasileiro” – a phrase used as a way of getting things. Brazilians love to help you and will go out of their way to figure out ways to do so.
7. Safety and Security Tips- always keep everything close to you, don’t wear expensive jewelry, put your cameras away immediately after using them.
8. Avoid ice & only drink bottled water!
9. Candomble – a religious ritual commonly held on the beaches, most likely before the Brazil vs. Portugal world cup game
10. Brazilian currency – real à reais
This was a list of cultural characteristics and helpful tips that we should be aware of before beginning our adventures in Brazil.
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