It's hard for me to believe that in 17 days we will be entering 2015. It's hard for me to believe that in 18 days, I will be on a plane to Beijing, China as part of my Master's program through Loyola University. It's even harder for me to believe that 304 days ago I set my foot in a country that would change my life forever -- and that now, I am already back home.
The last month and a half or so of my life has been exceptionally busy between completing my first semester of grad school, wrapping up my Fulbright grant in Bagé, and doing some traveling that I stuck in there in between. November was especially hectic -- including the last few days I spent in Bagé. Time was spent selling furniture, packing bags, and saying "so long" to everyone both at the university and friends within the community. I participated in countless goodbye parties towards the end of my grant period -- each of them bittersweet. For the majority of the time in my placement city I spent many moments telling myself, "Michelle, you're going to be here for a while, you have plenty of time". But the truth is that the 9 months that I thought were going to last me a while were gone sooner than I could have ever imagined. I know it's cliché to say, but it's absolutely true, and now I find myself back in Chicago wishing that I had moments like these back:
Photo with UNIPAMPA students after being guest speakers for their class.
UNIPAMPA good-bye party with Wanderson
Farewell party with one of the UNIPAMPA English classes
Goodbye house-party
Needless to say, my last night in Bagé was pretty tough. Having to pack up my bags (LOTS of them, by the way!) and say some tearful goodbyes to some of my closest Brazilian friends was no fun:
My Régis and me at the Bagé bus station <3
Some of the best people I know, standing outside the bus window, sending me off.
Leaving Bagé was much worse than arriving, believe it or not. In fact, I wasn't ready to leave. Everyone in Bagé pokes fun and says that there is nothing "good" there and that it is "o fim do mundo" or, the end of the world, but in reality, Bagé is a beautiful and unique city based in the pampas, with a strong gaúcho culture and tradition. It is impossible to exist in Bagé and not come face to face with the culture of the city, and I am happy to have been given the opportunity to learn and grow in a location that is so rooted in a way of life that is unlike any that I had known previously. Sure, it would have been wonderful to have spent 9 months in Rio de Janeiro or Belo Horizonte, spending my downtime on the beach or at the shopping mall eating açaí, but I can also guarantee you that, while these cities are both extraordinary, they are urbanized and lack that strong culture that you can feel running through the cobblestone streets of a "small" interior city in Brazil. Seriously though, where else can you rent a horse and cart to help you transport furniture, or take a city bus down a dirt road??? ;)
After 9 months in Bagé and traveling all over Brazil and other parts of South America, I had realized many things about myself: I realized my independence and ability to successfully live on my own in a foreign country. I realized that patience is a virtue in all aspects of life - especially when it comes to dealing with people and situations that are frustrating. I realized my ability to easily adapt to other cultures and lifestyles that aren't my own -- and that I can flourish and thrive in them with very little difficulty. I realized that life is happening right now. I realized that Portuguese really isn't an impossible language to learn (I also realized I need to practice my Spanish now more than ever, because my brain is stuck in Portuguese-mode). And above all, I realized that I had made amazing friendships with people that I wasn't at all ready to part with, many of which I will have with me for years to come. I think that one of the best lessons I've come to learn from traveling the world is not necessarily how world travel gives you a greater perspective on life (it totally does, by the way), but rather that the importance of the voyage does not rest in the ships but in the people you meet on them.
Since I have been living in Brazil for a little under a year now, I think it is safe to say that I have permission, for lack of a better term, to discuss some of the cultural, linguistic, and all-around curiosities and differences in this country that have caught my attention when compared to the life I grew up with in the U.S. I don't like making generalizations and I cannot tell you that the list below pertains to all of Brazil all of the time, but I would like to think that many people -- both Brazilians and foreigners in this country alike -- might agree with the following:
1. The sun in Brazil is unforgivably strong, and sunscreen is outrageously expensive.
2. Everything revolves around waiting in lines. Lines at the bank, supermarket, post office, bus stop, restaurants -- literally everywhere. Waiting in line to pay or to enter or leave a place is extremely typical.
3. People tend to either dress extremely casual or extremely dressy. This applies especially to Brazilian women. Many women that I have seen wander around in leggings and do not wear make up during the day/week, but dress to the nines when it's time to go to a bar or club. Women get their makeup and hair professionally done to go out on a Saturday night, and if they're not dressed in short tight dresses or high heels, they probably aren't heading out to party.
5. Brazilian women tend to keep their hair very long and very straight and very flowy and very beautiful.
6. Touching your food with your hands is not a thing. Regardless of whether or not you're eating churrasco at a fancy restaurant or a fried snack from the back of a sketchy lunch cart at 5am after a night of drunk partying, everything is either eaten with a fork and knife, or with a napkin separating your hands from touching your food. Eating with your hands is a concept I'm going to have to get used to once I get back to Chicago.
7. Straws are used to drink everything -- including bottled products.
Straws in our coconuts! (okay, these are a bit essential if you plan on drinking from them. Bad example.)
8. Couples sit next to each other in virtually any public venue -- especially restaurants -- as opposed to across from one another.
9. Life goes slowly here. Depending on the city you are in, it is quite normal to spend hours in traffic, or spend a large portion of you time in a line of some sort. I'm lucky that I don't have too much of a problem with lines here in Bagé like some of my other Fulbright colleagues that are in much larger cities. For me, I suppose the worst is waiting in line to pay for ANYTHING, especially if you're paying with credit card. If you're paying with cash and hand over a large bill, 9 times out of 10 you will be asked if you have anything smaller. If you are paying with a card, it's not always guaranteed that the credit card machine will work properly.
10. It is common for people to arrange plans with you and then not follow through with them.
11. "I'll meet you at the restaurant at 9pm" actually means "I'll try to be there by 10pm but even then you'll probably still have to call or text me to make sure I'm coming".
12. Brazilian pão de queijo is the most magical food on planet Earth.
Homemade Brazilian cheese bread...out of a box. <3
13. Soccer is God. (see my blog post from June)
14. Facebook is a religion. (see my blog post from July)
15. Selfies are also a religion. Never in my life have I ever seen people take so many selfies.You think I'm kidding? Look at this lady:
Extreme Selfies
16. Brazil is filled with of some of the most beautiful, breathtaking beaches in the entire world:
Island of the coast of Belém do Pará
17. In Brazil, it's possible to have a conversation with someone and to not be entirely sure that whatever you just talked about was resolved or not, especially when people end conversations with "beleza" "tá bom, então" "ótimo" "aham" "tá" "jóia" or my favorite, "hummm...".
18. Mayonnaise -- at least in southern Brazil -- is eaten on pizza, hot dogs, french fries, sandwiches, rice -- literally anything. It's sold in everything from large jugs to bags-o-mayo. My host professor once told me that she made "American pancakes" for her brother, who proceeded to eat them with mayo because he claimed it tasted better. It is also very common to find corn and peas on food items like hot dogs and hamburgers. This is a concept I am still trying to get used to.
19. Toothpicks are used religiously during and after every meal.
20. Hot water in homes does not exist unless there is a mechanism installed -- either electric or gas-run-- that allows for hot water to be produced. It's really a luxury to have, especially in your kitchen sink.
21. Central heating and air conditioning also does not exist. If it's 35 degrees outside -- guess what? It's also 35 degrees in your bedroom. And in your shower.
22. In Brazil there is a difference between "ficando exclusivamente" and "namorando". I am still trying to figure out what that difference is.
23. You never pay exactly what the meter in the taxi tells you. As long as you pay around that amount, you're good.
24. If it rains (specifically in Bagé), you can forget about that function you planned -- no one is coming anymore.
25. You don't go to the phone store to pay your phone bill. Instead, you have to go to a hidden secret booth that's located in the back of a scarf/jewelry store to pay that bill. But before you can pay, you must wait in what? ......A line.
26. Clothing returns aren't allowed -- only exchanges may be made Monday through Friday.
27. It generally takes a while to get things done here (see #9). Amber and I have learned how exercise patience. The ceiling in our kitchen, for example, has been severely leaking since about July. 3+ months later and we still have to put buckets and towels down in the house any time they call for rain. Also, after 8 months into my 9 month contract, I was finally awarded my own username and password to access the internet and receive printing privileges at the university. I can now print and use the internet on my own, only 3 weeks before I have to leave (woo hoo!). Finally, if you are in need of any type of documentation from the government, expect to wait for months -- that way IF what you're expecting to receive comes sooner, it will be a pleasant surprise.
28. Eating buffet-style has a totally different meaning in Brazil, and it is glorious. Al kilo buffet restaurants, pizza and churrasco rozídios are all amazing food practices that I wished the U.S. would pick up.
29. Everyone knows everyone else's business.
30. Men pursuing women is culturally and mind-blowingly different than in the U.S. People in Brazil generally are much more affectionate, which can lead to a lot of confusion, misconceptions, and wrong assumptions for someone who is not used to this cultural difference.
31. The bus system is not always reliable at getting you where you need to be, when you need to be there.
32. People will show up at your house at all hours on a whim, completely unexpectedly and unannounced. (I've learned to sleep in my makeup for this reason!) You know how in TV shows you often see people walk in and out of other people's homes? It's kind of like that. I always think of Cosmo Kramer from Seinfeld when it happens to us.
33. Everyone here is so wonderfully nice, and people adopt you into their friend and family groups instantaneously without thinking twice. Thank you to my Brazilian friends (and Amber!) for having been my family away from my family.
34. Brazil's vast landscape is absolutely beautiful, helping to make this country one of my most favorite places in the world.
Beauty, even in Cassino, Rio Grande do Sul
35. Conversation is important and appreciated. Going out for dinner is more than just the food -- it's the company. Spending 4 hours with friends at a restaurant enjoying each other's presence (and maybe eating some food) is completely normal.
36. People tend to resist the learning of English and don't really realize how much English they actually use in their every day lives.
37. Brazilians are passionate about their country and have a deep understanding of their government and politics. Almost every Brazilian I have talked to has discussed their stance on political issues with me at length -- this is admirable, as I don't know too many people from the U.S. who can do the same.
38. People are more open about being gay here than any other place I've ever traveled.
39. Once you get to know Brazil and it's people, it's nearly impossible for you to want to leave.
Between working on my Master's and wrapping up my last month in Bagé, I've been neglectful of keeping up with my blog -- for that I apologize. It is incredible that I was able to build myself a life here in 9 months The proof is in the "deconstruction" process -- it's taking me quite a bit of time to organize and pack my things, wrap up projects I've been working on in the city, make my rounds to say my goodbyes to people, etc. I promise to get around to a new post later this week about how things are going here. In the meantime, I want to share this piece by Mark Manson with you, as it is not only extremely honest, it also sums up what I have learned during my world travels in more meaningful terms than I could express on my own. I found myself reading this blog and whole-heartedly nodding my head "YES" to just about every single paragraph. For any of you world travelers out there (either seasoned or prospective), do yourself a favor and take 10 minutes out of your day for this. You won't regret it:
I know that I promised you all a post about my adventures in Lima and Cusco during my break from the university this month. But as of right now, I find myself more inclined to discuss with you a pertinent aspect of Brazilian culture rather than recounting my adventures frolicking around Peru (I'll get around to the photos and details eventually, though, don't you worry!). It's just that my days wandering around the city of Bagé are filled with so many cultural elements unlike anything I might ever see -- or hear -- back home in Chicago, and if one of my goals is to enlighten you fine people on all things Brazil, then I find it almost obligatory to discuss one of the many forms of expression here that continues to fascinate me: Brazilian music.
Merriam-Webster simplistically defines music as "sounds that are sung by voices or played by musical instruments". On the surface, good ol' MW is right. But music is much more than just notes and a beat, don't you agree? For me, music is an art; a form of expression that brings people together and oftentimes provokes emotions within people in ways that simple words or phrases might not be able to do standing alone. Not to mention that the list of styles and genres of music in the world is seemingly endless. Brazilian music is no exception. In fact, the musics of the country of Brazil in itself encompass a wide variety of styles and genres, everything from samba, to bossa nova, sertanejo, pagode, tropicalia, maracatu, axé, forro, lambada -- and the list goes on. Never have I known a country to develop so many unique and original styles of music. In fact, pre-Brazil, if you were to ask me what I knew about Brazilian music, I'd probably say "nothing other than samba". And I have a feeling that a lot of you back home would probably say the same. Am I right?
So, instead of the typical post about what I've been up to lately, I thought I might take the time to give you a very, very brief survey of a few of the music styles -- complete with music videos! -- that I have come across and learned a bit about. I do not consider myself an expert in the music of Brazil whatsoever, but I thought it might be fun to share with you what I do know. Enjoy! (PS, if the videos aren't showing up on your mobile device it's probably because you need to open this post up on a computer)
Música Popular Brasileira (MPB)
MPB is basically considered urban popular music with strong ties to Bossa Nova. In other words, it can be considered at times to be Brazil's version of pop music. If I am not mistaken, MPB is a music trend that started up around the late 1950's early 1960's as an attempt to create a traditional style of music specific to the country. Artists like Chico Buarque and Maria Rita lead this genre, but my personal favorite has to be Caetano Veloso.
Carimbó
Carimbó is a type of Brazilian dance in addition to a style of music, common in the northern part of Brazil, especially in the state of Pará. Carimbó is a very traditional and sensual dance, and the music usually includes drums, maracas, and is very much influenced by Caribbean styles of music.Carimbó is essentially non-existent in the south of the country, however, I was able to experience this beautiful cultural dance during my time in Belém back in July and August.
Funk
Funk (also considered funk carioca) is a specific style of dance music -- completely different than the funk music from the United States that was popular in the 1960's. Brazil's version of funk is derived from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, hence the name. Funk is usually fast-paced with a distinct beat and is very popular among young generations. Of all of the genres that I have heard in Brazil, I have to admit that Funk is my least favorite style. Take a listen for yourself to Valesca Popozuda's hit "Beijinho no Hombro", or "Little kiss on the shoulder" and see what you think...
Samba
Much different than MPB and funk styles of music, samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre that originates from Bahía (specifically Salvador) and is widely recognized worldwide as the music of Brazilian Carnival. Samba is an enormous genre, with Bossa Nova and Pagode being 2 of the many subgenres to this music. I always think of Rio when I hear samba -- not to mention the impossible dance moves that go along with this genre that I have yet to master!
Bossa Nova
Bossa Nova, like samba, is well known worldwide as a popular Brazilian music. BN sounds almost identical to samba to me, but varies slightly in that it has similar qualities to jazz. Check out "The Girl From Ipanema" which is arguable one of the most iconic songs of Brazil. The song was originally written and performed by Vinicius de Moraes about a young girl he used to see walking along the Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro every day. There are many versions of this song, which was later translated to English.
Pagode
Pagode originated in Rio de Janeiro in the 1980's, and is another subgenre of samba. It is very similar to sertenajo in that it is a type of music that is meant to be celebrated with large groups of people. Oftentimes pagode is played and danced to at parties, bars, and clubs around Brazil, and has a specific style of "couples dance" that accompanies the music. I have tred my hand at dancing pagode with several of my (very patient!) Brazilian guy friends, but I think I need quite a few more lessons...
Sertanejo
Música sertaneja is a musical style with origins from the countryside of Brazil (*cough cough* Bagé). For lack of a better term, it is basically Brazil's version of country music. Sertanejo is the most popular music style in the country, specifically in the south and interior where it originated. Typical instruments commonly are the accordion, violin and guitar. A popular subgenre of sertanejo is called "sertanejo universitário" which essentially is a more acoustic version of this genre. Sertanejo is immensely popular in Bagé, as you might imagine, and besides full-out gaúcho music, it is the style of music that I hear most frequently in public venues like bars, clubs, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. this region of the country. For that reason, it's only natural that I share with you MULTIPLE videos that represent this style.
Música Gaúcha
Last, but certainly not least: traditional gaúcho music. Of course I had to include this one in the list! Música gaúcha is the native genre to the state of Rio Grande do Sul. This particular genre of music is said to have strong ties to Spanish flamenco music in addition to music from Portugal. Tied to this particular genre are many customs and traditions of the south of Brazil, and it is also a widely popular genre in Bagé. If you enjoy gaúcho music, you'll fit in just fine here on the border of Uruguay.
Things continue to go well in Bagé as I begin wrapping up my time here. I have 6 weeks left and time has gone by too fast. I promise to post a more detailed account of how things have been going, but until then, até logo!
Some cities are so distinct and unlike any other place you've ever been. I won't lie and tell you that São Paulo was one of these magical, unforgettable locations for me. Upon my arrival, São Paulo was just another big city. Huge, crowded, terrible traffic (6 million cars, to be exact)-- it isn't exactly the "Brazil of dreams" like Rio de Janeiro, Ouro Preto, or other places one might think about when they are asked to imagine Brazil. However, if you're lucky enough to meet a Paulista or two (a native resident of the city of São Paulo), you'll realize that even though SP isn't entirely about the laidback "tudo beleza" lifestyle, it is a city heavily tied to friendship -- and has a lot to offer.
São Paulo: the largest city in both North and South America, is the world's eleventh largest city by population. The city itself is home to about 12 million people and is ranked as the most populous metropolitan area in Brazil, the second most populous city in the Americas, and the fifth largest in the world. Last week I spent a short 4 days in this large metropolis for a U.S. Fulbright Enhancement Seminar, barely scratching the surface on all that the city has to offer it's residents and visitors. Meant to bring together the Fulbrighters that are in Brazil acting as ETAs for the program, the U.S. Fulbright Enhancement Seminar provided us with workshops on various English teaching strategies and ideas, guest speakers, and quality bonding time with the other Fulbrighters. The seminar brought together some 120 ETAs from all over Brazil, as well as 25 ETAs from Argentina and 5 from Uruguay.
Where's Michelle? Check the upper right-hand corner
Traveling outside of the "fim do mundo" (otherwise known as Bagé) is never easy. After a 6 hour bus ride from Bagé to Porto Alegre and then a 90 minute plane ride from Porto Alegre to São Paulo, Amber and I made it to the hotel for the seminar. On my first full day in São Paulo, I went on a historic city tour in the "centro novo" or "new center", where we walked by plazas, cathedrals, and a monastery where they still practice Gregorian chanting. We were also introduced to the Minicipal Market, known as "Mercadão", which has been operating since 1933. Hundreds of fresh food vendors lined the market, everything from fish to hot peppers, sausages, nuts, fruits liquors and chocolates.
Catedral Metropolitana de São Paulo
The Plaza that is spread out in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral
While at the cathedral, we just happened to casually run into the man that created the plaza (see photo above). He gave us the inside scoop on how he and his colleagues went about constructing it -- in English!
The Metropolitan Cathedral attracts all kinds of creatures...including pigeons?
"Here they enter to praise Him and they leave to love their brothers."
The Lion King theater production in Portuguese, anyone?
Some buses in SP are connected to cables that run across the city.
During the seminar, we had various guest speakers that came to speak to us from the U.S. Department of state, U.S. Fulbright Commission, and more. One of the most memorable guest speakers that met with us was Tom Healy, an American poet, writer, professor, public servant -- and chairman of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB). Healy was appointed as the chairman of the FFSB in 2011 by Barack Obama, and he also served under President Clinton. Healy addressed us Fulbrighters and the work that we are doing here in Brazil, and his speech helped remind me that even though at times I may not feel as though I am changing the world at UNIPAMPA in Bagé, I am still touching lives and impacting people every day with my presence here.
Tom Healy, addressing Fulbright ETAs
Tom Healy, addressing Fulbright ETAs
Fulbright Commission Brazil in the front row, and ETAs in the back
Me, discussing something very important about Bagé and gaúchos, I'm sure...
Outside of the seminar, a group of us placed in southern Brazil ventured out into the big city of São Paulo and explored the Liberdade district of São Paulo, otherwise known as "Japantown" -- home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan in the world. The Japanese presence began in this neighborhood in 1912 and grew significantly over the years as more and more people immigrated from Japan. The presence of people of Japanese descent was very noticeable not only in this particular district, but in São Paulo as a whole.
Liberdade District, São Paulo
Liberdade District - São Paulo
Liberdade District - São Paulo
Almost 24 reais for a small jar of peanut butter?! Enjoy your cheap Skippy in the states, American friends...
Overall, São Paulo was very interesting to visit, though we did not have nearly enough time to see everything in the city. I am back in Bagé for now, but will be leaving for my next adventure back to Peru next week. As always, stay tuned!
Point A: Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul; Point B: Belém do Pará
Over 2,000 miles directly north of my home away from home in the small, southern gaúcho city of Bagé is the capital and largest city of the state of Pará: Belém. Belém (or Belém do Pará) was the first Amazonian region to be colonized by the Europeans, and is named after Belém in Lisbon. This city is the entrance gate to the Amazon River, home to the Amerindian culture, açaí, countless street markets, and complete with docks and a beautiful port in the city. Belém lies on the Pará River which is part of the greater Amazon River system, and has a population of a little less than 1.5 million people, making it the 11th most populous city in Brazil and unfortunately one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
A view of Belém from the Belém River
Why am I telling you all of this? I had the opportunity to visit this almost-Amazonian city at the beginning of August to attend the COPENE 2014 conference at Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), a conference hosted by the Brazilian Association of Black Researchers (Associação Brasileira de Pesquisadores(as) Negros(as), or ABPN). ABPN – is one of the most fundamental
organizations in Brazilian society that fights against racism, racial discrimination, prejudice, etc. ABPN
gathers together black researchers dedicated to themes and interests of black
populations in Brazil, Africa, and Diáspora. The COPENE 2014 Conference in
Belém do Pará brought these researchers, scholars, and professors together for
a multi-day conference to help educate attendees on a variety of issues and
topics related to issues within the black race, primarily in Brazil.
For 7 days, I said "Tchau, tchê" to Bagé and grabbed a 6 hour bus ride along with 3 flight connections all the way up north to the entirely opposite end of the country. After roughly 18 hours of travel and layovers, my surroundings (not-so quickly) changed from cold winds, rolling hills and people riding horseback to sweltering heat, amazonian vegetation and one of the craziest most maniacal bus systems I have ever seen in my life (did I mention the heat?). The week I spent in the north of Brazil was unlike any experience I have had in southern Brazil so far -- even the Portuguese spoken in Belém is much different than the dialect I am used to down south. In fact, it was very difficult to believe that I was still in the same country. I hadn't realized how much more similar Bagé and Rio Grande do Sul are to countries like Uruguay and Argentina than they are to the rest of the country of Brazil.
Port in Belém
Upon arriving in Belém, we explored the docks of Belém, a tourist complex along the river, near the Belém port. The docks house many restaurants, cafés and shops, and even a banquet hall for weddings. We grabbed beers at a brewery built within the dock station called "Amazon Beer", where we tried different varieties of amazonian beers -- even the stout açaí, which was fruity and dark in color. The docks were filled with people at all hours, especially in the evening -- with both tourists and natives to the area alike -- and it was one of my most favorite places to be in Belem. Walking along the river and listening to the bands play was very relaxing. We spent various nights at the docks eating açaí, grabbing ice cream, or walking along the river.
We also did some exploring around the city of Belém, as well. I visited the botanical gardens and a zoo/historical center in the city that housed a variety of tropical animals from tucans to monkeys and much more. The most fascinating sites to check out in Belém were the huge fairs that were set up in the streets each day. Walking through the fairs was a cultural experience within itself. People set up stands within the markets selling everything from fruits, vegetables, flour, seafood, animals (rabbits, chickens, hamsters, guinea pigs...you name it, they had it!), fresh juices, both spicy and sweet, souvenirs, and even little potions and herbs that were supposed to help human energies. Alongside the markets was a giant food fair, as well, in which countless food vendors set up shop and sold a variety of different goodies from traditional meals from the area, to snack foods. As you can probably imagine, the area with the markets and food vendors was always jammed with people. It was unlike anything I had experienced before.
perfumes and oils for different needs -- including natural viagra
Seafood galore
Market in Belém
Fruits and nuts everywhere!
Bike at the river along the marketside
Universidade Federal do Pará, or the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), was absolutely beautiful, as well. UFPA is one of three federal universities in the state of Pará and is one of the largest universities in Brazil, with over more than 40,000 enrolled in its courses. The university sits on a body of water, and is so large that sometimes it's easier to take a car from one place to the other as opposed to walking -- though the walk through the campus is worth it. Beautiful vegetation lines the sidewalks and streets, and they even have a beautiful recycled garden in which flowers and trees have been planted inside things like old computer monitors and hard hats. Visiting the campus at UFPA is worth a trip.
Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA)
"We are the forests"
I'm not sure what type of tree this is, exactly, but I need one for my yard back home. Pink!
Planted hard hats on the speed limit signs
Old computer monitors that have been planted with trees and vegetation
This conference at UFPA relating to affirmative action lasted
approximately 5 days. During the time of this conference, I had the opportunity
to experience cultural music and dance related specifically to the northern
region of Brazil and the state of Pará. The conference held a Carimbó dance
event, as well, which was very interesting to see, as Carimbó is not popular in
the south of Brazil. I was also able to attend a thematic symposium in which
several scholars, professors and researchers had 10 minutes each to present
their research and the work that they had been working on. I attended 2
sessions that were presented by professors from the United States. The first
session discussed the importance of Hip Hop music and it’s influence on black
youth in the United States and Brazil. The second session was held by a professor
from the University of Georgia and discussed the issue of Affirmative Action in
the United States. This particular session was very interesting, as it
introduced Brazilians to how affirmative action works in the United States, and
Brazilians were able to make connections to similarities and differences
between the U.S. and Brazil.
COPENE 2014
Opening ceremony
Concert with music of Pará
Symantic Symposion: "Racial relations in school"
Poster workshop and fair presented by students
Overall, I learned quite a bit from the conference in Belém and found it a worthwhile experience. is not a topic that I would consider myself well-versed in, so having the opportunity to hear about it within Brazil and to visit the guest speakers that made their way here from the United States helped me to become more aware of the issue back home as well as abroad. I found it very interesting to learn about racial issues that take place within the country of Brazil, and how these issues may or may not be different than the traditional racial issues that are faced in the U.S. One of the things that stood out to me out some of the things that I learned at the conference was how some individuals choose to identify themselves racially within the country. Many people define "race" and "color" separately. For example, it is not entirely uncommon to speak with a Brazilian individual who may identify as "black" in color, but they will tell you that their race is "white" -- or vice versa.
Outside of the conference and on our last day in the north of the country, Amber and I took a day trip to an island right off of Belém. We took a boat excursion offshore where we got to see traditional dances from the Belém area, have lunch, and spend the day at the beach. Adventures like this one were how I thought I would be spending a lot of my time in Brazil -- it was a vacation away from our vacation!
Our method of transportation for the day
On the boat leaving the Belém docks
Amber dancing on the boat!
As we got closer to our destination, natives of the island came up to our boat in canoes, and people threw down bags of food, cookies, and other items from the mainland.
Beach selfie... :-P
It rains every day in Belém for short periods of time. After the rain came the rainbow...
Lunch at the beach
Açaí through a straw
The seven days I spent in Belém were amazing, and it is impossible for me to share everything from our trip with you here. I very much enjoyed my time in the Amazon region, and would love the opportunity to visit again in the future -- though I have to admit that I appreciate the cooler weather in the south much more now than I did before the trip! Stay tuned for a post about my recent trip to São Paulo for the 2014 Fulbright Enhancement Seminar that took place last week. Abraços!