The American School

We had the special opportunity this last week so hang out with these Brazilian students who are studying English. They were a hand selected group that was a part of a young Ambassadors program and for some reason or another weren't able to go abroad and apply their English skills. They did have the chance to come here to Recife and do things as a smaller group. I was so impressed with all of their English skills! They were all embarrassed at first but they all spoke very, very well. We spent an entire morning playing sports with these kids (who were just barely younger than me), teaching them how to play baseball, basketball and football. I never realized how difficult learning those sports must be for an outsider and it’s harder to explain everything than I thought it would be. Later in the week we received from a call from ABA to have a pizza and karaoke night with the same students. Everyone was having fun and singing their hearts out while eating some good pizza and enjoying the company that came with it.

History, Boats, and Jews

In Recife they have a portion of the city where they still have original structures constructed by the Dutch and Portuguese during the early settlement. The architecture throughout this downtown spot of town is heavily influenced by the Europeans and you know right away that you're walking through the original buildings which is the same as the early Europeans hundreds of years before us. We visited the first Jewish synagogue built in the Western hemisphere and learned more about the culture and history of the Jews here in Brazil. Following that visit, we went on a boat ride and saw this old part of the city from the perspective of the sea. I'm going to be honest, I didn't listen to much that the tour guide lady had to say, all I did was enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the boat ride.

The Beach is for Lovers

While on the beach you tend to see some interesting things. Along with very revealing swimsuits and speedos worn by the natives, we also see people selling a variety of things. Some people offer chairs, some offer food and drinks, and some try to get you to buy random souvenirs. One thing that all these people have in common is that they're trying to make a living just like the rest of us. They will do whatever it takes to try to get you to buy them too, it's sad to see sometimes and I just wish there was a way to help them all out. It is neat to see what random things people are going to carry around with them such as things like lobsters, scents, clothing and who knows what else! It's always an adventure at the beach.

This week in class, Berkeley, Clark, Michelle and I had the task of making a presentation about Joaquim Naeuco and Museu do Homen do Nordeste. It was the first time I have ever given a presentation in Portuguese and if I'm lucky it will be my last. Joaquim Naeuco was a famous abolitionist in Brazil and was a strong advocate to help free the slaves. After we heard this professor speak about him at this exhibit, we then toured the place and talked about the African community and religion which was interesting to me because I'm not too familiar with some of the traditional African cultures and customs.

Fine Arte

Once a year in Recife, they have a giant cultural celebration known as Fine Arte. It's like a fair only blown up to the extreme and it's the biggest one in Latin America and some say in the world. People come to sell different crafts, foods and other things to share part of their culture with us. They divide it up based on cities, Indian tribes, states and they even have a few countries thrown into the mix as well. In one country though, they have so many different sub-cultures and it's fascinating to see all the different things that they do and the different lifestyles that they have. That is what I think makes it such a unique event, its that you see all these blended cultures within one big one all at one time and one place.

Natal

Waking up at 6 in the morning after a long bus ride isn't usually ideal for me. After we all got ready, we took yet another bus drive to Natal. My oh my, there is nothing more beautiful than that city! It is absolutely beautiful from the second you lay your eyes on it. I was like a little kid when I saw the ocean and how amazing it was. I almost jumped out of the bus right then and then and booked it to the beach. Thank goodness I had patience and waited another 15 minutes to get to the real beach. Breath taking is the best word for it. The sky was incredibly blue, the water was clear and warm and it seemed like paradise for me. Then we later drove to another beach which is considered a prime spot for a sunset and I don't think I've ever seen a more spectacular sight in my life. Pictures just don't Natal justice.

Joao Pessoa

Thursday evening after the visit from the Ambassador, we quickly came home and packed our bags to take a trip to Joao Pessoa! Joao Pessoa is one of the most famous ports in Brazil and is known for its heavy influence of the Europeans in their architecture and structures. Right when we first arrived, we went to the port because of it's reputation during sunset which was nothing short of gorgeous! We ate dinner and listened as the live band performed in front of us, watched the man on the saxophone play for us on this little boat as he floated around as the sun was going down. Then Saturday we had the opportunity to visit this huge old church which had the several structures made of gold and the architecture was brought from Europe. Joao Pessoa exceeded my expectations and I was able to learn why it is such a popular sight.