Listen to this song while you read this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmZexg8sxyk
(copy and paste, Mom)
A True Story
For a few weeks my Anthropology teacher was giving out warnings to our class. "I noticed that many of you are not turning in your literary summaries. Don't forget they are a third of your grade". I of course didn't pay much attention to these warnings. I had turned all my papers in on time. Doing our reading and writing these weekly summaries took me about three hours every Sunday evening to complete, if not longer. It was work for me to read these sometimes very long and wordy papers and then write a grammatically correct paper to explain them, but I happily did this weekly task, grateful for an academic routine and a way to improve my Portuguese.
On the very last day of this class, the professor brought up that fact that many people did not turn in enough of the summaries and that a certain boy, the most outspoken in this class, had not turned in even one. Another more-outspoken-than-average boy spoke up, "We didn't like the task. Our articles should have been about critiquing the literature, not summarizing it." Another girl chimed in, "Yes, and also sometimes I didn't understand certain aspects of the article until after discussing it in class. Our papers should have been due in the class after discussions". While all these indolent students complained, I tried to understand the dynamics of the whole situation. Why are they telling her this now? I thought to myself. Maybe they have reason but why didn't they say anything before?
Instead of reprimanding the students for their late complaints and lack of work, the professor began defending herself. "I know, you all are students of a different caliber" she said. "I know you would have done the readings without having done the assignments, but most students aren't like you" she spoke, misguidedly stroking our ego, "and that's why I made this assignment, I didn't know". I was getting uncomfortable. I and the rest of the thirty students in Anthropology knew damn well that if she hadn't made that assignment none of us would have done the majority of the long, lackluster readings. Furthermore I knew those students, who very shamelessly BS-ed during the classroom discussions and did few - zero of the assignments did NOT read the assigned literature.
And then it happened. "For those of you who did not do the summaries, it will not hurt your grade", the professor said. My mouth dropped. For those of you who did do the summaries, your grade with take said work into consideration. They weren't being reprimanded. They won. They won for not doing their work. I worked long and hard and am symbolically being slapped across the face for doing so.
I was lifted up into a tornado of cultural dilemma. It's not my place to complain. I am foreign. This doesn't make sense to me because I am not of this culture. I thought, trying calm myself. But how can this learning/teaching strategy be right anywhere? What are those students learning? I said nothing. No one spoke out against her decision. The students who won looked as if they received something they deserved. Content with their charbroiled justice.
I went home and complained. My host sister scolded me for not saying something then and there. But what would I have said? "NO, you are doing everything wrong." That is what I would have wanted to say. I would have complained about everything from her lack of leading class discussions and letting Bozo 1 and Bozo 2 completely takeover with unrelated subjects on which they had things to say, to the way it took her 8 weeks to grade our midterm exams. Where would I have started? And do I even have a right to complain about something that is natural to a culture? It's a fine line, that I step on often. One day I am going to step on someone's fine tail and get the crap bitten out of me. What I mean is, when you know that a critique is not going to be received well (in that it will not be received), should you still give it? "Yes! stand up for what you believe in!". "No! You shouldn't try to force your culture on others!"
Sigh...What would you have done?
Days until my flight:
10
sexta-feira, 6 de dezembro de 2013
Travel Advisory and Tips
Travel Advisory
Last week on the news a noticed passed about the increase of attacks on tourists, specifically in Rio de Janeiro. This was sad, but to be expected. What intrigued and kind of scared me was the last comments of the reporter. "The American embassy will not send out a travel advisory about the increase in tourist targeted crimes". Woah Woah Woah American embassy. The very first thing that came to my mind, a conspiracy theory of course, was that someone got paid off. The last thing Brazil's government wants along with protests, strikes, and tragically falling stadiums, is the US embassy telling rich tourists not to come to the World Cup in June and July of 2014. My eyebrow is raised, but, who knows?
Travel Advisory from Me
Please be careful! I know what the majority of internationals do, especially Americans, when they come to Brazil. They drink too much and search for short-term mating partners. They learn the phrases for "thank you" and "more beer" and happily trust that attractive Brazilian who speaks English. It's going to be a tricky situation. Many Brazilians by nature are very warm,welcoming and are intrigued by foreigners. Many want to take care of the cute helpless stranger who doesn't speak Portuguese and show them a good time. And that is the travelers dream, isn't it; being welcomed into a culture, being taken under some natives wing and shown all the "real" cultural aspects, something outside of tourist destinations and McDonalds. That's what every free-spirited traveler wants.
Well listen up free-spirited travelers, what you want is attainable, however you need to be very careful. The majority of you will stick out with your clothes, paleness or over tanned body, and loud English, and thus become a target of robbery, and hopefully nothing more than that. Luckily Brazilians in general aren't aggressively anti-American, so that is one less thing to worry about.
Em fim, be careful. Practice all the safety measures you do at home and then some.
And Then Some.
The following are general travel tips that one should practice while traveling in general and particularly, to beautiful Brazil:
- Have a phone and make sure your phone can go international. Consider using your domestic plan abroad (convenient but costly) or buy a SIM card upon arrival. In some cases you will need a CPF (the brazilian social security number) to get a SIM/cell plan and in other cases operators will let you register with your passport number. Buying SIM cards can be done at any operator store (Claro, Tim, Vivo, Oi ), but know that some operators work better than others in certain areas. For this reason many, and arguably the majority of Brazilians use more than one operator by either having two cellphones or phones designed to hold multiple chips. So, ask locals which is best.
- Keep list of important numbers, such as for police, consulate, local contact, credit card company in case of lost or stolen card.
-If possible have a native contact in the area where you are traveling in case of emergency.
- Do not wear flashy, expensive jewelry, watches, apparel.
- Avoid openly demonstrating that you are foreign by talking loud in other language.
- Take copies of your passport with you in case yours gets lost or stolen.
- Ask your hotel or hostel receptionist about the safety of certain neighborhoods where you want to travel during various times of day/night.
- Don't keep all of your money on you at once.
- If you get stopped by gun or knife point, just give up your goods.
- Avoid putting yourself in situations where your good-judgement skills are weakened.
- As Oprah says, "never let yourself be taken to a second location".
Last week on the news a noticed passed about the increase of attacks on tourists, specifically in Rio de Janeiro. This was sad, but to be expected. What intrigued and kind of scared me was the last comments of the reporter. "The American embassy will not send out a travel advisory about the increase in tourist targeted crimes". Woah Woah Woah American embassy. The very first thing that came to my mind, a conspiracy theory of course, was that someone got paid off. The last thing Brazil's government wants along with protests, strikes, and tragically falling stadiums, is the US embassy telling rich tourists not to come to the World Cup in June and July of 2014. My eyebrow is raised, but, who knows?
Travel Advisory from Me
Please be careful! I know what the majority of internationals do, especially Americans, when they come to Brazil. They drink too much and search for short-term mating partners. They learn the phrases for "thank you" and "more beer" and happily trust that attractive Brazilian who speaks English. It's going to be a tricky situation. Many Brazilians by nature are very warm,welcoming and are intrigued by foreigners. Many want to take care of the cute helpless stranger who doesn't speak Portuguese and show them a good time. And that is the travelers dream, isn't it; being welcomed into a culture, being taken under some natives wing and shown all the "real" cultural aspects, something outside of tourist destinations and McDonalds. That's what every free-spirited traveler wants.
Well listen up free-spirited travelers, what you want is attainable, however you need to be very careful. The majority of you will stick out with your clothes, paleness or over tanned body, and loud English, and thus become a target of robbery, and hopefully nothing more than that. Luckily Brazilians in general aren't aggressively anti-American, so that is one less thing to worry about.
Em fim, be careful. Practice all the safety measures you do at home and then some.
And Then Some.
The following are general travel tips that one should practice while traveling in general and particularly, to beautiful Brazil:
- Have a phone and make sure your phone can go international. Consider using your domestic plan abroad (convenient but costly) or buy a SIM card upon arrival. In some cases you will need a CPF (the brazilian social security number) to get a SIM/cell plan and in other cases operators will let you register with your passport number. Buying SIM cards can be done at any operator store (Claro, Tim, Vivo, Oi ), but know that some operators work better than others in certain areas. For this reason many, and arguably the majority of Brazilians use more than one operator by either having two cellphones or phones designed to hold multiple chips. So, ask locals which is best.
- Keep list of important numbers, such as for police, consulate, local contact, credit card company in case of lost or stolen card.
-If possible have a native contact in the area where you are traveling in case of emergency.
- Do not wear flashy, expensive jewelry, watches, apparel.
- Avoid openly demonstrating that you are foreign by talking loud in other language.
- Take copies of your passport with you in case yours gets lost or stolen.
- Ask your hotel or hostel receptionist about the safety of certain neighborhoods where you want to travel during various times of day/night.
- Don't keep all of your money on you at once.
- If you get stopped by gun or knife point, just give up your goods.
- Avoid putting yourself in situations where your good-judgement skills are weakened.
- As Oprah says, "never let yourself be taken to a second location".
domingo, 24 de novembro de 2013
Important Details
What's in the Details?
My grandma DeLuca was all about the details. When I was little she would always roll up my sleeves and brush my bangs out of my face. She always carried a emery board and lipstick. She would always double check my table setting, fork on the left, knife and spoon on the right. One day at my house she saw me refill the ice-cube tray and gave me praise. From that day forward I never returned an ice-cube tray to the freezer less than half full.
Whether learned or inherited, details are interesting and important to me. I have warned at least half a dozen of my guy friends that they needed to cut their toenails and fingernails and unless they did so they wouldn't get a decent woman. That's not because the women who notice are shallow, it's because they are perceptive, critical thinkers. If a man doesn't groom his nails, what else doesn't he take care of that I can't see? His body, house, job, friends? If a man can't take care of himself, how could he take care of me or a potential family? And that's all in the fingernails.
I would like to give you a list of details about Brazil. Some of them can be analyzed more that others. Others are not to be analyzed at all. I hope you find them interesting like I do.
Brazil in Detail
hug and kiss greetings
The majority of houses are surrounded by tall walls or fences
Brazil has it own version of The Voice
All pizzas are naturally US version double cheese or more
English Flag and American Flag shirts are all over
Gas stations have attendants that fill up the car
Brazilians don't drink water from the tap
Cockroaches fly
bow tie "gravata borboleta" = butterfly tie
Drying machines are rare
Kiss first talk later mentality
late arrivals
expression for tight-fisted is "hard bread"
Pay to enter college parties
Pay to enter many bars
3 main types of government reservations (Indigenous, Quilombolas, River people) [google]
Glass of fresh squeezed juice in restaurant about $2
daily rice and beans
general dislike of Argentina
Brazilian bikinis [google]
Hourly rate motels
Milk in cupboard
translation of strapless bra - "hope that it falls"
21 Days
Three weeks are all that is left of my time here. I'll be sad to leave my host family and all the lovely Brazilian details. This time will be different though. I know I'll be back. That's the plan. Work between red, white and blue and Brazilla (like Godzilla). Of course the thoughts of most senior college students are upon me. The future is vast and overwhelming but, I'll be fine.
My grandma DeLuca was all about the details. When I was little she would always roll up my sleeves and brush my bangs out of my face. She always carried a emery board and lipstick. She would always double check my table setting, fork on the left, knife and spoon on the right. One day at my house she saw me refill the ice-cube tray and gave me praise. From that day forward I never returned an ice-cube tray to the freezer less than half full.
Whether learned or inherited, details are interesting and important to me. I have warned at least half a dozen of my guy friends that they needed to cut their toenails and fingernails and unless they did so they wouldn't get a decent woman. That's not because the women who notice are shallow, it's because they are perceptive, critical thinkers. If a man doesn't groom his nails, what else doesn't he take care of that I can't see? His body, house, job, friends? If a man can't take care of himself, how could he take care of me or a potential family? And that's all in the fingernails.
I would like to give you a list of details about Brazil. Some of them can be analyzed more that others. Others are not to be analyzed at all. I hope you find them interesting like I do.
Brazil in Detail
hug and kiss greetings
The majority of houses are surrounded by tall walls or fences
Brazil has it own version of The Voice
All pizzas are naturally US version double cheese or more
English Flag and American Flag shirts are all over
Gas stations have attendants that fill up the car
Brazilians don't drink water from the tap
Cockroaches fly
bow tie "gravata borboleta" = butterfly tie
Drying machines are rare
Kiss first talk later mentality
late arrivals
expression for tight-fisted is "hard bread"
Pay to enter college parties
Pay to enter many bars
3 main types of government reservations (Indigenous, Quilombolas, River people) [google]
Glass of fresh squeezed juice in restaurant about $2
daily rice and beans
general dislike of Argentina
Brazilian bikinis [google]
Hourly rate motels
Milk in cupboard
translation of strapless bra - "hope that it falls"
21 Days
Three weeks are all that is left of my time here. I'll be sad to leave my host family and all the lovely Brazilian details. This time will be different though. I know I'll be back. That's the plan. Work between red, white and blue and Brazilla (like Godzilla). Of course the thoughts of most senior college students are upon me. The future is vast and overwhelming but, I'll be fine.
domingo, 17 de novembro de 2013
Brazilian Holidays
Brazilian Holidays
I commented to my host father last Thursday that Brazil has many more holidays than the United States. It seems like every month since I have come we've had a day or two off school. This past Friday in Brazil was "Proclamation of Republic Day" and next Tuesday is "African-Brazilian Awareness Day". On these days schools do not function and many other public sector workers have the day off.
This conversation with my host father Sérgio got us wondering how many, exactly, national holidays Brazil has. Sérgio went to the kitchen and grabbed a small calendar off the fridge. He read off the holidays and I began to count.
On the following days Brazilians do not work:
1. Jan. 1st "Day of Peace"*
2-4 Feb. 12th this year (always a Tuesday) "Carnaval" -This holiday is marked as only one day, but my host father insists that Carnaval starts on the previous Friday, resulting in a three weekday holiday. The country stops these days, he says.
5. March 29th "Passion of Christ"
6. April 21st "Tiradentes Day"
7. May 1st "Labor Day"
8. May 30 "Corpus Christi"
9. June 13th "Patroness of the City" (holiday in Piracicaba only, not National)
10. July 9th "Constitutional Revolution" **
11. Sept. 7th "Independence Day"
12. Oct. 12 "Our Lady"
13. Nov. 2nd "Day of the Dead"
14. Nov. 15th "Proclamation of Republic"
15. Nov. 20th "African-Brazilian Awareness Day"
16. Dec 8th "Immaculate Conception" **
17. Dec. 25th "Christmas"
*Some of these days can fall on the weekend, but if not they are days off work.
**Holiday specific to São Paulo and only when governor declares it a holiday.
American Holidays
So how many American holidays are there? After two brief counts it looks like Americans, as of the end of this year, will have 10 national holidays. So their is a significant difference! It wasn't my imagination. As for state and city holidays, I am not even sure that exists in the states! Even if it does, we are not topping 17 days off.
My Feriado
This weekend I returned for the first time since New Years 2010, to Ondas Grandes. Ondas Grandes, or Big Waves in a vacation home condominium on the bank of a dammed river about an hour outside of Piracicaba, SP. The location is incredibly beautiful and many of the houses in the condominium are way over the top. There, my host mother's brother owns a chácara, or vacation home. Since my last visit the area has developed quite nicely.
My emotions got a hold of me while being there. I remembered very clearly my previous time at Ondas Grandes and was struck with the my same emotions from four years earlier. I was a bit lonely:) It seems like in the most beautiful places I always feel the need to share the experience with someone. But, even a bit sad I enjoyed myself. Who can be sad when full of churrasco goodies (grilled meats and cheese, beverages and snacks)?! It felt like the fourth of July! I even got some sun:)
domingo, 10 de novembro de 2013
Five Weeks To Go
I am Embarrassed
This passed week I put the name of my blog in Google "Semester Ablog." and about five other blogs that were not mine were listed, and all with the same super clever name. WHY DIDN'T I GOOGLE SEARCH IT BEFORE?! Alas, I may change the name of this blog. I just did. I changed it.
Broken Tree
My host sister and host parents are building kitchenette for Juliana my host sister on the side property. The construction has been going on since before I arrived and was scheduled to be finished in early October. Anyway, for the construction there was a dumpster placed in front of the side property. The dumpster people came around to the collect the dumpster which had expired, and while picking it up with a large truck machine the dumpster men snapped off a huge portion of my host father's tree. At the time I was the only one home and was in the living room watching the tree bend and crack. I heard a loud snap and grabbed my iPhone. I opened the front door and took pictures of the men who carelessly broke Sérgio's tree. The men did not like that. They asked me if the photo would be in tomorrow's paper. I shrugged my shoulders turned around and closed the door behind me.
When my host family found out what happened, all of them just sighed. They are all too accustomed to silly unprofessional mistakes in every aspect of Brazilian culture.
Inside Joke
The construction of my host sister's kitchenette has brought up a lot of situations like the one previously mentioned. More than once the materials ordered were not the ones delivered. The window installers actually installed the glass on her front door backwards, and it was the wrong glass. Now every time I, or someone in the family has a complaint about Brazilian efficiency, I like to sing "Aquarela do Brasil". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mQHr8bAojU You'll like it. Have a listen.
This passed week I put the name of my blog in Google "Semester Ablog." and about five other blogs that were not mine were listed, and all with the same super clever name. WHY DIDN'T I GOOGLE SEARCH IT BEFORE?! Alas, I may change the name of this blog. I just did. I changed it.
Broken Tree
My host sister and host parents are building kitchenette for Juliana my host sister on the side property. The construction has been going on since before I arrived and was scheduled to be finished in early October. Anyway, for the construction there was a dumpster placed in front of the side property. The dumpster people came around to the collect the dumpster which had expired, and while picking it up with a large truck machine the dumpster men snapped off a huge portion of my host father's tree. At the time I was the only one home and was in the living room watching the tree bend and crack. I heard a loud snap and grabbed my iPhone. I opened the front door and took pictures of the men who carelessly broke Sérgio's tree. The men did not like that. They asked me if the photo would be in tomorrow's paper. I shrugged my shoulders turned around and closed the door behind me.
When my host family found out what happened, all of them just sighed. They are all too accustomed to silly unprofessional mistakes in every aspect of Brazilian culture.
Inside Joke
The construction of my host sister's kitchenette has brought up a lot of situations like the one previously mentioned. More than once the materials ordered were not the ones delivered. The window installers actually installed the glass on her front door backwards, and it was the wrong glass. Now every time I, or someone in the family has a complaint about Brazilian efficiency, I like to sing "Aquarela do Brasil". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mQHr8bAojU You'll like it. Have a listen.
Broken Tree
Winding Down
As of tomorrow, I have five weeks left in Brazil. School is really my only focus here, which has been different and challenging. Before I left for here, my boyfriend questioned my intentions for coming. He referred to my study abroad as a vacation. I guess I understand why he thought that. Is that what most study abroads are for others? But vacation was never my intention or even a thought. In fact it's really quite the opposite for me. I have always seen Brazil as a challenge. The scholarship that allowed me to come here was a challenge, the language is challenge, the classes and the culture in general are all difficult. None of it is native to me and in my quest to conquer and understand these things I am torturing myself, and it's because I believe it will make me a better person. It's an inner struggle that I believe will make me stronger. Ya know? :)
domingo, 3 de novembro de 2013
A Brazilian Business Man
Business Culture
My host father owns his own electronic assistance and automation business. The name of his small company is Soft Eletron, Informatica e Serviços Ltda. He started his business in February of 1998, almost 17 years ago. He decided to start his own business after 22 years of working as an employee for others. He says that he went as far as he could go career-wise with the two other companies he worked for. "Companies limit your financial progress. They limit how far you can go" he said.
The following is an interview with Sérgio Igreja, my host father, about aspects of Brazilian business culture.
An Interview
Was it difficult to start your own business?
For me it wasn't difficult. Know why? As an employee, I made a name for myself. The clients I worked for remembered me and so I had a client base ready for me when I started Soft Eletron.
What is the hardest part about being the owner of a business?
I think I work more than an employee. I work with everything. I do everything. I work with the administrative part and the technical part. I don't have employees. I only have one partner.
Also, when you own your own business you feel more sensitive to market variation. When you are an employee, often times your company can stay open during a market crisis. Bigger companies can more easily absorb market variation and employees don't often lose their jobs. As a business owner that level of job security isn't there.
Also you have to be careful with your image. If I make a mistake, that could ruin my entire image and affect my clientele.
Have you achieved the financial progress you were looking for?
Yes, it has definitely been worth it.
What's the best part of your work?
I really like what I do. That's the most important part about starting your own company. When you have this aspect, it shows. You work more precisely, you look for perfection. The client sees how you do your work, they appreciate that you like what you do. They are more confident with you.
Do you feel that the government impedes the progress of your business?
No. There are the taxes, but other than that not really. For me I don't feel it. But you know, the majority of micro-business don't last longer than five years here in Brazil. But that really has to do with the owners and creators. I don't think that reflects the government.
Have you worked in other business cultures?
Yes. In a few ways. I have always had to worked with all levels of the workforce, from the bottom to the top.
And in terms of different nationalities?
I worked with Argentinians. The Argentinians think that everything they do is better (he says smiling). They can be a little arrogant. I have also worked with Americans. When Americans have a better idea they are more strategic with getting your on their page. I remember fondly an American named Nick Nolt. He would propose his ideas without offending your ideas. And in the end you would happily end up on his side.
Now when I went to the Dominican Republic and Paraguay the disorganization was even worse than here in Brazil (he says smiling knowing that I complain a lot about Brazilian disorganization). It was hard for me.
What do you want my country do know about your country?
Brazil is really creative. There is so much potential here. My country is capable of doing so many different things. The Brazilian man/women is versatile, he just lacks discipline.
My host father owns his own electronic assistance and automation business. The name of his small company is Soft Eletron, Informatica e Serviços Ltda. He started his business in February of 1998, almost 17 years ago. He decided to start his own business after 22 years of working as an employee for others. He says that he went as far as he could go career-wise with the two other companies he worked for. "Companies limit your financial progress. They limit how far you can go" he said.
The following is an interview with Sérgio Igreja, my host father, about aspects of Brazilian business culture.
An Interview
Was it difficult to start your own business?
For me it wasn't difficult. Know why? As an employee, I made a name for myself. The clients I worked for remembered me and so I had a client base ready for me when I started Soft Eletron.
What is the hardest part about being the owner of a business?
I think I work more than an employee. I work with everything. I do everything. I work with the administrative part and the technical part. I don't have employees. I only have one partner.
Also, when you own your own business you feel more sensitive to market variation. When you are an employee, often times your company can stay open during a market crisis. Bigger companies can more easily absorb market variation and employees don't often lose their jobs. As a business owner that level of job security isn't there.
Also you have to be careful with your image. If I make a mistake, that could ruin my entire image and affect my clientele.
Have you achieved the financial progress you were looking for?
Yes, it has definitely been worth it.
What's the best part of your work?
I really like what I do. That's the most important part about starting your own company. When you have this aspect, it shows. You work more precisely, you look for perfection. The client sees how you do your work, they appreciate that you like what you do. They are more confident with you.
Do you feel that the government impedes the progress of your business?
No. There are the taxes, but other than that not really. For me I don't feel it. But you know, the majority of micro-business don't last longer than five years here in Brazil. But that really has to do with the owners and creators. I don't think that reflects the government.
Have you worked in other business cultures?
Yes. In a few ways. I have always had to worked with all levels of the workforce, from the bottom to the top.
And in terms of different nationalities?
I worked with Argentinians. The Argentinians think that everything they do is better (he says smiling). They can be a little arrogant. I have also worked with Americans. When Americans have a better idea they are more strategic with getting your on their page. I remember fondly an American named Nick Nolt. He would propose his ideas without offending your ideas. And in the end you would happily end up on his side.
Now when I went to the Dominican Republic and Paraguay the disorganization was even worse than here in Brazil (he says smiling knowing that I complain a lot about Brazilian disorganization). It was hard for me.
What do you want my country do know about your country?
Brazil is really creative. There is so much potential here. My country is capable of doing so many different things. The Brazilian man/women is versatile, he just lacks discipline.
domingo, 27 de outubro de 2013
Birthdays in Brazil
Remembering my Initial Culture Shock
The following is a post from my blog in 2009, almost exactly four years ago. For me, it's interesting to look back on my initial observations and reactions. I like seeing that I still have the same opinions about things like cake. My romanticized vision of Brazil is very apparent in this post, and all my early posts really. Everything was magical.
The following is a post from my blog in 2009, almost exactly four years ago. For me, it's interesting to look back on my initial observations and reactions. I like seeing that I still have the same opinions about things like cake. My romanticized vision of Brazil is very apparent in this post, and all my early posts really. Everything was magical.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Another Year Older
Lets start this off with a random fact: Today in Brazil is
the beginning of Day Light Savings Time...this is funny to me..just last year
around this time I asked my friend if day light savings time existed in other
countries...
As of Sunday October 11, I am another year older. I spent my
birthday weekend in the city of Guarujá..a place famous for its beaches. I
spent four nights and two complete days there with my second family and their
friends. Friday I went to a sushi restaurant for the first time. I was assured
by a man named Chico that there was a very good hospital near by, so it was
alright to try everything. :) Saturday I was given a tour by car of the town
and its scenic locations. I was taken to a very nice restaurant (Food is very
very significant here and everything is good. Not everything...but 9 out of 10
new foods I try I love. I have never had an unsatisfying meal and I am starting
to show signs of that) After food there was shopping and birthday presents.
Much later my friends Lucas(Brazilian) and Aleck (Taiwanese) called me
up...they just happened to be in the same city located at least four hours away
from where we all live...and invited me to hang out with them. I got dressed
with the help of the two daughters in the household...borrowing their clothes and
jewelry..and then before Lucas and Aleck arrived I spent some time with the two
daughters and their friends while a very handsome Brazilian guy played guitar.
My birthday started very early with the singing of
Parabens...at 12:00 am on OCT 11...in a car full of people I didn't know and
didn't speak English. It was cool. Beyond that, the night was uneventful...and
I returned to the house where I was staying and stayed up late talking with the
daughters and their friend.
MY BIRTHDAY DAY!!! I went to the beach. The beaches here are
different. This beach stretched at least a mile and a quarter and all along the
beach were venders and cantinas and ...There were tons of people...but not in
the water. Practically the only people in the water (Atlantic) were the surfers
because it was a bit chilly. The thing to do on the beaches here when you are
not drinking, playing some sport or in the water, is parade up and down the
beach...and at some point everyone does it. There are so many people..it
reminded me of traffic. All you do is walk. It is nice.. Another nice thing
about beaches here is that really no one cares. I was the whitest person on
the beach (no one even came close to my transparent color) but no one cared. No one cares! No one judges! And no one looks anyone else up and down. The
Brazilians really seemed to be content with themselves at the beach and nothing
else mattered, nothing else phased them...
After my beaching, there was time for relaxation and then a
little later a BBQ birthday party. The daughters invited their boys and their
friends and Lucas, Alick and family came and of course my second family was
there, so it was a nice party with good people. Later there was a huge,
beautiful chocolate cake..(however..I think they over do cakes here with
multiple fillings and different flavors...I prefer cake in the states I think)
My birthday did not stop there however, just yesterday was
the third singing of Parabens (Congratulations..Brazilian version of
"Happy Birthday" and "For Hes a Jolly Good Fellow" all
wrapped into one) with candles set in ice cream.. ohh Ice cream...I found my
favorite type of ice cream here..Milho...or corn. Seriously, it is amazing.
Things I have noticed:
-Girls do not shave above their knees
-Homes do not have basements
-Almost all young girls have long hair
-People of all ages are wearing braces
-Brazilians love the TV series "House"and
"Friends"
-Futbol..Soccer...is practically a religion
From:
http://katielynninbrazil.blogspot.com.br/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=15
Guarujá October 2009
Guarujá October 2013
sábado, 19 de outubro de 2013
Cute Shoes and an Update
The Project
While I am here in Brazil I am also taking an online business course through the OSU's Fisher College of Business as part of my study abroad package. In one of the mandatory meetings prior to my exchange, one of the program directors mentioned that this course, and the tasks we will be expected to complete for this course, will help us to have concrete answers to the future question "what was the benefit of your study abroad?". This course currently has me finding businesses of possible interest, contacting them and setting up future interviews.
Outer Shoes
Outer Shoes is a shoe store/brand that started in Rio de Janeiro in 2004. I came across the store in Rio in 2010, when Outer only existed in that city. I fell in love with the eco-friendly theme and the smart leather styles. I bought my first pair of Outer shoes that year and wore them proudly until March of this year when I officially retired them (I put them in the trash, panicked, and then took them out and photographed them. I decided they were still to beautiful to be trash and made plans to turn them into flower pots). Almost four years later the Outer brand has expanded across Brazil. The store is not yet "popular", but has had continuing success and growth. I chose to contact this store as part of my project. I filled out a "contact us" form online and was surprised when the next day I received an email from an individual from Outer who agreed to give me information and an interview.
Timing is Everything
Current News
Rob leaves for Columbus on Monday morning. As an exchange student, past and present, I have always wanted to share the experience with someone I loved. Sometimes when hit by culture shock or struck by the beauty of something or someone out of the ordinary I get a bit sad that I am "alone" in the experience. Rob finally gave me a chance to share a little bit. Two weeks went by too quickly, but maybe it was enough to entice him to come back with me again. Maybe it was enough that he can miss it with me when I am back in the states.
We leave for São Paulo tomorrow, where we will stay the night near the airport and leave early the next morning to catch his flight. These past two weeks with him were the happiest ones I have had since my arrival. Tonight I made him cookies and cried while talking to him about tomato sauce. Sigh...love is a weakness. Good night.
While I am here in Brazil I am also taking an online business course through the OSU's Fisher College of Business as part of my study abroad package. In one of the mandatory meetings prior to my exchange, one of the program directors mentioned that this course, and the tasks we will be expected to complete for this course, will help us to have concrete answers to the future question "what was the benefit of your study abroad?". This course currently has me finding businesses of possible interest, contacting them and setting up future interviews.
Outer Shoes
Outer Shoes is a shoe store/brand that started in Rio de Janeiro in 2004. I came across the store in Rio in 2010, when Outer only existed in that city. I fell in love with the eco-friendly theme and the smart leather styles. I bought my first pair of Outer shoes that year and wore them proudly until March of this year when I officially retired them (I put them in the trash, panicked, and then took them out and photographed them. I decided they were still to beautiful to be trash and made plans to turn them into flower pots). Almost four years later the Outer brand has expanded across Brazil. The store is not yet "popular", but has had continuing success and growth. I chose to contact this store as part of my project. I filled out a "contact us" form online and was surprised when the next day I received an email from an individual from Outer who agreed to give me information and an interview.
Timing is Everything
Two weeks ago (only a few days after the previously mentioned email) I went to São Paulo with my host parents to celebrate Sérgio's mother's 97th birthday and then to pick up Rob, my visiting boyfriend, at the airport. The day of the birthday party my host mother and I went to Morumbi Mall in São Paulo, where I saw online an Outer shoe store was supposed to "open shortly". I was convinced the store would not yet be open. To my surprise, however, the store had opened two days before and their website had not yet updated. In the store I talked to a cool lady who happened to work in the Outer headquarters in Rio. I told her how I thought it was so nice that Outer got back to me so promptly and with a positive response. She asked me who sent me the email, I gave her the name, and she told me that it was actually the owner and creator of the brand and store who replied to me and agreed to an interview! Woah! The news gave me celebrity shock. I asked for my new friend's picture with my new Outer shoes (Yay! I bought new Outer shoes!) and emailed it to the owner the next day, thanking him again for agreeing to an interview.
Current News
Rob leaves for Columbus on Monday morning. As an exchange student, past and present, I have always wanted to share the experience with someone I loved. Sometimes when hit by culture shock or struck by the beauty of something or someone out of the ordinary I get a bit sad that I am "alone" in the experience. Rob finally gave me a chance to share a little bit. Two weeks went by too quickly, but maybe it was enough to entice him to come back with me again. Maybe it was enough that he can miss it with me when I am back in the states.
We leave for São Paulo tomorrow, where we will stay the night near the airport and leave early the next morning to catch his flight. These past two weeks with him were the happiest ones I have had since my arrival. Tonight I made him cookies and cried while talking to him about tomato sauce. Sigh...love is a weakness. Good night.
domingo, 13 de outubro de 2013
Novice Culture Shock: an Interview with Robert Philpott
Veteran's Point of View
Since 2009 I have spent over 14 months in Brazil and the rest of the in between time studying the country. Certain aspects of Brazilian culture still surprise and affect me emotionally and physically but my sensitivity to the more peripheral aspects of the culture has worn down. My boyfriend, Rob, is currently experiencing Brazil for the first time. He arrived on Tuesday morning and will be here for a total of two weeks. Everything is new to him (language, food, transit, people etc.). Rob is currently going through the initial phases of culture shock and I have decided to take advantage of his novice point of view for this post. The following is an interview with Rob. Enjoy.
An Interview
Q. What stuck out to you on the ride from airport to hotel in São Paulo.
R. "The landscape seems very different. The trees are different. The buildings are brightly colored and seem to have been built using different methods of architecture. A lot of buildings seem to not have been kept up with. Traffic was obviously different. The roads were very crowded. Motorcyclists weave in and out of traffic. Many billboards alongside the road were blank, and the ones I noticed that were not blank, advertised building materials like floor sealant, cement and plumbing pipes".
Q. Do you speak Portuguese?
R. "No. I know about ten helpful phrases. like please, thank you, excuse me, sorry, I need..."
Q. How do you feel about not speaking Portuguese in Brazil?
R. I was regretful that I didn't learn more (before coming). It makes me feel nervous, like a fish out of water. It is scary.
Q. What happened at the juice stand?
R. "I didn't speak enough Portuguese to order a soda (Sukita) and the workers didn't speak any English. I had to point at what I wanted and hold out the money I had. It made me feel embarrassed.
Q. Where you able to get your soda?
R. "They ended up giving me the wrong thing. Instead of the soda they gave me a powdered orange juice drink. But it was my fault for not speaking the language. I was embarrassed and just took what I got."
Q. Where have you been in Brazil?
R. Guarulhos, São Paulo, Guarujá and now Piracicaba.
Q. What was your favorite place so far and why?
R. Guarujá because there was a beach there. You (Katie) drank out of a coconut. It had a very tropical feeling. It felt most like a vacation. While Piracicaba doesn't have a vacation feel, I have never been in the presence of such kind people. Brazilian hospitality is great. I don't think Americans are as hospitable in terms of kindness, politeness, openness etc. Taking good care of your guests seems to be more important here than it is where I am from and I love that. Makes me want to be as hospitable in the future to any guests I may have.
Q. Talk to me about Brazilian food.
R. "I like the buffet style restaurants where you weigh your food. I like cupim and vinagrete. Cupim is beef, part of a cow's spine. Vinagrete is olive oil, vinegar and diced vegetables. There is a different variety of fruits here which I have been excited to try. I don't like all of them, but I like most. Meals seem to beserved with less vegetables. Lots of meat and cheese. I am glad beer is popular here like it is in the states. I haven't had a meal that did't impress me. I like pão de queijo."
Q. What fruits didn't you like?
R. "I don't like papayas (mamão)"
Q. Anything you want to talk about?
R. "I like the houses here with open ceilings. With the weather here people leave their doors open. You can't do that in the US. Bugs come in.
I thought it was strange that in the bus station the toilets didn't have seats.
Lot's of stores have English names and a lot of clothing has English words on it. Some of the names seem a little silly, like "Shoulder" and "Metabolic" for stores names. I saw a shirt with "read meats" written on it". I am curious to know if Brazilians went to the US and saw a store named "Ombro" if they would think it's silly.
I don't think Americans realize the implications of having such a large event (In São Paulo) and the infrastructure needed to support it. It's assumed that Brazilians love soccer more than anywhere in the world and it would be a perfect place to have the World Cup and that seems to be where the thought stops. I wonder if the organizers of the World Cup share the same concern of the Brazilian public. There seems to be a lot of concern (by Brazilians) that adequate preparations are not being made".
END
Thank you Rob for allowing me to wake to up for a Sunday morning interview.
Since 2009 I have spent over 14 months in Brazil and the rest of the in between time studying the country. Certain aspects of Brazilian culture still surprise and affect me emotionally and physically but my sensitivity to the more peripheral aspects of the culture has worn down. My boyfriend, Rob, is currently experiencing Brazil for the first time. He arrived on Tuesday morning and will be here for a total of two weeks. Everything is new to him (language, food, transit, people etc.). Rob is currently going through the initial phases of culture shock and I have decided to take advantage of his novice point of view for this post. The following is an interview with Rob. Enjoy.
An Interview
Q. What stuck out to you on the ride from airport to hotel in São Paulo.
R. "The landscape seems very different. The trees are different. The buildings are brightly colored and seem to have been built using different methods of architecture. A lot of buildings seem to not have been kept up with. Traffic was obviously different. The roads were very crowded. Motorcyclists weave in and out of traffic. Many billboards alongside the road were blank, and the ones I noticed that were not blank, advertised building materials like floor sealant, cement and plumbing pipes".
Q. Do you speak Portuguese?
R. "No. I know about ten helpful phrases. like please, thank you, excuse me, sorry, I need..."
Q. How do you feel about not speaking Portuguese in Brazil?
R. I was regretful that I didn't learn more (before coming). It makes me feel nervous, like a fish out of water. It is scary.
Q. What happened at the juice stand?
R. "I didn't speak enough Portuguese to order a soda (Sukita) and the workers didn't speak any English. I had to point at what I wanted and hold out the money I had. It made me feel embarrassed.
Q. Where you able to get your soda?
R. "They ended up giving me the wrong thing. Instead of the soda they gave me a powdered orange juice drink. But it was my fault for not speaking the language. I was embarrassed and just took what I got."
Q. Where have you been in Brazil?
R. Guarulhos, São Paulo, Guarujá and now Piracicaba.
Q. What was your favorite place so far and why?
R. Guarujá because there was a beach there. You (Katie) drank out of a coconut. It had a very tropical feeling. It felt most like a vacation. While Piracicaba doesn't have a vacation feel, I have never been in the presence of such kind people. Brazilian hospitality is great. I don't think Americans are as hospitable in terms of kindness, politeness, openness etc. Taking good care of your guests seems to be more important here than it is where I am from and I love that. Makes me want to be as hospitable in the future to any guests I may have.
Q. Talk to me about Brazilian food.
R. "I like the buffet style restaurants where you weigh your food. I like cupim and vinagrete. Cupim is beef, part of a cow's spine. Vinagrete is olive oil, vinegar and diced vegetables. There is a different variety of fruits here which I have been excited to try. I don't like all of them, but I like most. Meals seem to beserved with less vegetables. Lots of meat and cheese. I am glad beer is popular here like it is in the states. I haven't had a meal that did't impress me. I like pão de queijo."
Q. What fruits didn't you like?
R. "I don't like papayas (mamão)"
Q. Anything you want to talk about?
R. "I like the houses here with open ceilings. With the weather here people leave their doors open. You can't do that in the US. Bugs come in.
I thought it was strange that in the bus station the toilets didn't have seats.
Lot's of stores have English names and a lot of clothing has English words on it. Some of the names seem a little silly, like "Shoulder" and "Metabolic" for stores names. I saw a shirt with "read meats" written on it". I am curious to know if Brazilians went to the US and saw a store named "Ombro" if they would think it's silly.
I don't think Americans realize the implications of having such a large event (In São Paulo) and the infrastructure needed to support it. It's assumed that Brazilians love soccer more than anywhere in the world and it would be a perfect place to have the World Cup and that seems to be where the thought stops. I wonder if the organizers of the World Cup share the same concern of the Brazilian public. There seems to be a lot of concern (by Brazilians) that adequate preparations are not being made".
END
Thank you Rob for allowing me to wake to up for a Sunday morning interview.
quinta-feira, 3 de outubro de 2013
"Meet Me In My International Office"
Good Day
My blogs are more often negative than not. Maybe that's because I am more motivated to write when I am irritated. Sorry. Every reader deserves a few positive articles, and in the future when I am looking back on this electronic public-diary, the happy articles it will be an aiding reminder that my experience was equally wonderful as it was difficult.
"In the Hopes for a Better Future"
In August I blogged about my "Ongoing Complaints" which were related to lack of response to my emails, the receiving of incorrect information, lack of communication about important events, and lack of follow through all on the part of my host institution's international office. I continued (continue) to encounter these issues and got fed up about two weeks ago when I was sent an email about "Important Information" missing from my files. To my knowledge at that time I had given them everything they asked for, but what I didn't know is that they needed something they never asked for.
A RNE is an identification card for foreigners. Upon entering Brazil all exchange students must apply for a RNE and the official ID will be sent to your temporary residence from Brasilia a few months later. In the meantime, we foreigners carry around a paper version of it. What I was not informed of was that after receiving this little paper I needed to return to the Federal Police and ask them for my official RNE number. This I was not told. It was a very simple issue to resolve. Once I learned it was needed I went back to the Federal Police station and got it in a matter of minutes. The problem was, that once again, I was not given information.
The same day I retrieved my RNE number, the day after I was told it was needed, I sent a clear and respectful email to the International Office, voicing my issue with the fact that I did not receive this information earlier. I briefly apologized for voicing my frustration to the student intern who was receiving my email and asked her to pass it along to someone who could appropriately receive my concerns in the hopes that they would attempt to fix these issues in the future.
Checkmate
In record response time the director of the International Office informed me that it was the Federal Police who should have told me I needed to return and that if I wanted to voice anymore complaints I could meet her in her office. I agreed. Today was that meeting. I created a specific list of previously mentioned issues and went in her office desperately hoping not to offend or cry (ugghhh...this happens).
Relief
To my surprise the faculty member at my host institution responsible for setting up the student exchange between Fisher and ESALQ came too. He sat down with a pad of paper and started taking notes as if I was teaching a class. They listened to what I believed to be weak areas of the program and after each aspect I mentioned we briefly discussed ideas on how to improve them. The director of the international office at times was defensive but overall I considered the meeting to be a success. Maybe I'll bake her some cookies so she knows there are no hard feelings.
Double Good Day
The arrival of my man buddy is only four days away. He actually arrives Tuesday, but around 4 AM, so that can't be counted as a day, and the sun has already set here so I stick with my previous statement of "only four days". We plan for a bit of sight seeing and beach going and then a quick return to the beautiful Piracicaba to celebrate my 23 years of life. I excite!
My blogs are more often negative than not. Maybe that's because I am more motivated to write when I am irritated. Sorry. Every reader deserves a few positive articles, and in the future when I am looking back on this electronic public-diary, the happy articles it will be an aiding reminder that my experience was equally wonderful as it was difficult.
"In the Hopes for a Better Future"
In August I blogged about my "Ongoing Complaints" which were related to lack of response to my emails, the receiving of incorrect information, lack of communication about important events, and lack of follow through all on the part of my host institution's international office. I continued (continue) to encounter these issues and got fed up about two weeks ago when I was sent an email about "Important Information" missing from my files. To my knowledge at that time I had given them everything they asked for, but what I didn't know is that they needed something they never asked for.
A RNE is an identification card for foreigners. Upon entering Brazil all exchange students must apply for a RNE and the official ID will be sent to your temporary residence from Brasilia a few months later. In the meantime, we foreigners carry around a paper version of it. What I was not informed of was that after receiving this little paper I needed to return to the Federal Police and ask them for my official RNE number. This I was not told. It was a very simple issue to resolve. Once I learned it was needed I went back to the Federal Police station and got it in a matter of minutes. The problem was, that once again, I was not given information.
The same day I retrieved my RNE number, the day after I was told it was needed, I sent a clear and respectful email to the International Office, voicing my issue with the fact that I did not receive this information earlier. I briefly apologized for voicing my frustration to the student intern who was receiving my email and asked her to pass it along to someone who could appropriately receive my concerns in the hopes that they would attempt to fix these issues in the future.
Checkmate
In record response time the director of the International Office informed me that it was the Federal Police who should have told me I needed to return and that if I wanted to voice anymore complaints I could meet her in her office. I agreed. Today was that meeting. I created a specific list of previously mentioned issues and went in her office desperately hoping not to offend or cry (ugghhh...this happens).
Relief
To my surprise the faculty member at my host institution responsible for setting up the student exchange between Fisher and ESALQ came too. He sat down with a pad of paper and started taking notes as if I was teaching a class. They listened to what I believed to be weak areas of the program and after each aspect I mentioned we briefly discussed ideas on how to improve them. The director of the international office at times was defensive but overall I considered the meeting to be a success. Maybe I'll bake her some cookies so she knows there are no hard feelings.
Double Good Day
The arrival of my man buddy is only four days away. He actually arrives Tuesday, but around 4 AM, so that can't be counted as a day, and the sun has already set here so I stick with my previous statement of "only four days". We plan for a bit of sight seeing and beach going and then a quick return to the beautiful Piracicaba to celebrate my 23 years of life. I excite!
sexta-feira, 27 de setembro de 2013
Academic Culture
How Different Could It Be?
In the anthropology class I am currently taking here at ESALQ, I read piece by Laura Bohannan called "Shakespeare entre os Tiv" or known in English as "Shakespeare in the Bush". You have probably heard of it? In case you haven't or don't remember, in this story the author read Hamlet to a Nigerian tribe and the story didn't make sense to them in the same way it did to westerners. For example, ghosts did not exist in the Tiv culture so they didn't understand how Hamlet's father came back from the dead. Ofelia in their minds had to have been under a spell to have become crazy and Polonio was an idiot for not coming out from behind the curtains when Hamlet yelled "a rat". Contrary to what the author and main character in her own story believed, basic human nature, motivations and the understanding of a plot and when something is sad or wonderful, is not the same all over the world, and that was the main point of the story.
Tests
I took my first two tests this week. From what I have observed, it is not the Brazilian way to give study guides or hints on how to study or what to study. So for the above mentioned Anthropology class, I studied the best way I knew how. Over the weekend I reviewed the papers I had written for the course and the notes I had taken over the past six weeks and used these materials as my guide.
Feelings Post Test:
After the test, I felt a bit shaky, and am certain that I did poorly on at least one of the six questions on the test. ...of six.
I took the second test of my semester abroad career this morning at 8:00 am. This one was for my class about horses. To prepare for this test I started memorizing the anatomy of the horse two weeks in advance. I spent part of the weekend and the majority of the days and nights on Wednesday and Thursday studying six weeks of notes I had taken. Earlier in the week I asked the professor for the slides to study (we don't have text books) and he gave me a short national geographic-like movie that we had seen in class, a movie of him giving a class (literally), and a cd that had the word "slides" written on it, but was actually a bunch of pictures, some of which I recognized from the slides I had seen in class. Sigh...
Feelings Post Test:
Morose. My study technique did not work. I have never felt more lost in a test than I felt this morning. Technical vocabulary had a bit to do with my difficulties, but I did the worst on things I just didn't know. Why didn't I know them after so much intense studying? I don't know. Oh my gosh.
Realizations
I do not know how to study appropriately for a Brazilian test. I will likely not get good grades here. This study abroad is very likely to hurt my pretty GPA. In my Thursday class my professor gave a brief speech about how he was not going to make copies of the texts he wants us to read and leave them in the copy room for us to make copies because we students need to "go after it". Again I heard a similar lecture from the substitute who handed out this morning's equine test that we need to "go after it" . What we learn in class is not enough to prepare us for the tests and we need to read books and articles and study outside of class. I agree reading outside of class and doing additional studies are excellent ways to further ones knowledge and interest in a subject, but to prepare for a test?
Katie in the Bush
Like the Tiv tribe not understanding the nature of Hamlet, I am a bit lost on the nature of Brazilian education. I am going to email my professor and ask for a way to get extra credit (I don't need to see my grade to know I need it). I am going to ask him for tips on how to study and I will find Brazilian study partners. Wish me luck.
In the anthropology class I am currently taking here at ESALQ, I read piece by Laura Bohannan called "Shakespeare entre os Tiv" or known in English as "Shakespeare in the Bush". You have probably heard of it? In case you haven't or don't remember, in this story the author read Hamlet to a Nigerian tribe and the story didn't make sense to them in the same way it did to westerners. For example, ghosts did not exist in the Tiv culture so they didn't understand how Hamlet's father came back from the dead. Ofelia in their minds had to have been under a spell to have become crazy and Polonio was an idiot for not coming out from behind the curtains when Hamlet yelled "a rat". Contrary to what the author and main character in her own story believed, basic human nature, motivations and the understanding of a plot and when something is sad or wonderful, is not the same all over the world, and that was the main point of the story.
Tests
I took my first two tests this week. From what I have observed, it is not the Brazilian way to give study guides or hints on how to study or what to study. So for the above mentioned Anthropology class, I studied the best way I knew how. Over the weekend I reviewed the papers I had written for the course and the notes I had taken over the past six weeks and used these materials as my guide.
Feelings Post Test:
After the test, I felt a bit shaky, and am certain that I did poorly on at least one of the six questions on the test. ...of six.
I took the second test of my semester abroad career this morning at 8:00 am. This one was for my class about horses. To prepare for this test I started memorizing the anatomy of the horse two weeks in advance. I spent part of the weekend and the majority of the days and nights on Wednesday and Thursday studying six weeks of notes I had taken. Earlier in the week I asked the professor for the slides to study (we don't have text books) and he gave me a short national geographic-like movie that we had seen in class, a movie of him giving a class (literally), and a cd that had the word "slides" written on it, but was actually a bunch of pictures, some of which I recognized from the slides I had seen in class. Sigh...
Feelings Post Test:
Morose. My study technique did not work. I have never felt more lost in a test than I felt this morning. Technical vocabulary had a bit to do with my difficulties, but I did the worst on things I just didn't know. Why didn't I know them after so much intense studying? I don't know. Oh my gosh.
Realizations
I do not know how to study appropriately for a Brazilian test. I will likely not get good grades here. This study abroad is very likely to hurt my pretty GPA. In my Thursday class my professor gave a brief speech about how he was not going to make copies of the texts he wants us to read and leave them in the copy room for us to make copies because we students need to "go after it". Again I heard a similar lecture from the substitute who handed out this morning's equine test that we need to "go after it" . What we learn in class is not enough to prepare us for the tests and we need to read books and articles and study outside of class. I agree reading outside of class and doing additional studies are excellent ways to further ones knowledge and interest in a subject, but to prepare for a test?
Katie in the Bush
Like the Tiv tribe not understanding the nature of Hamlet, I am a bit lost on the nature of Brazilian education. I am going to email my professor and ask for a way to get extra credit (I don't need to see my grade to know I need it). I am going to ask him for tips on how to study and I will find Brazilian study partners. Wish me luck.
sábado, 21 de setembro de 2013
Beep Beep! "Horny" Brazilian Motorists
Flash Back
In 2009, during my very first month in Brazil, I met up with a group of English speaking Brazilian students at a bar. At this point I knew "quase nada" in Portuguese. As I (in heals and a short black baby doll dress...yep 2009) was crossing the street with my host father towards the bar, a male motorist yelled something towards us that I didn't understand, but I understood. My host father quickly barked back at the male motorist, possibly marking the first time I heard Portuguese profanity. For a second I questioned my outfit, but my 18 year old self shrugged it off and went on to have a good night. I wish I could hug my 18 year old self.
Culture Shock
My early memories of my first time in Brazil are foggy like the memories of my early life. I always assumed this had to do with the culture shock. Like a child's first years, for an exchange student there is so much new brain stimulation with the sights, sounds, taste and smell and then on top of it all people are babbling at you and you have to make sense of it all. The first months of being an exchange student are actually really similar to being a toddler (trying new food, people think you're cute, completely dependent on nice people...I'll develop this and blog about it later). But this early memory, this one stuck with me. I don't mean to make this one incident sound over dramatic. Drive-by harassment happens all the time in the USA too. I'll get to the point.
The Walk to Campus
Every week day I walk to campus and I am reminded of that evening. As I walk for about ten minutes along a high traffic road, generally in jeans and hiking boots, I receive multiple shouts and beeps from male motorists, many of them truck drivers. A lot of the men will dangle their heads out of their trucks and cars to get a better look. The head danglers stare until they get too far away or another car blocks there view. Double beeps are common. Honestly I don't always hear the content of the shouts but "gostoso" or "delicious" is pretty common.
My 22 Year Old Self
Two months into my third stay here, I find these incidences to be completely unflattering and too common and I could go on and on about why it's unacceptable to call a human being "delicious". I don't understand the reasoning behind the beeps. What do these men gain? Do they think it's funny? Do they think they are being nice and are giving complements? Are they simply not thinking and mindlessly playing the role the generation of men before them played? I'd like to get to the bottom of this. Who know's maybe these men have a very good reason for harassing women every time they get into their vehicles.
I am bothered by this. I hope by the end of this trip I find my zen but until then I am mentally violent about this matter. I picture myself picking one of the discarded bricks or wood pieces, that are for some reason scattered all along the sidewalk, and throwing it at one of the ugly dangling heads. But I don't and I won't.
In 2009, during my very first month in Brazil, I met up with a group of English speaking Brazilian students at a bar. At this point I knew "quase nada" in Portuguese. As I (in heals and a short black baby doll dress...yep 2009) was crossing the street with my host father towards the bar, a male motorist yelled something towards us that I didn't understand, but I understood. My host father quickly barked back at the male motorist, possibly marking the first time I heard Portuguese profanity. For a second I questioned my outfit, but my 18 year old self shrugged it off and went on to have a good night. I wish I could hug my 18 year old self.
Culture Shock
My early memories of my first time in Brazil are foggy like the memories of my early life. I always assumed this had to do with the culture shock. Like a child's first years, for an exchange student there is so much new brain stimulation with the sights, sounds, taste and smell and then on top of it all people are babbling at you and you have to make sense of it all. The first months of being an exchange student are actually really similar to being a toddler (trying new food, people think you're cute, completely dependent on nice people...I'll develop this and blog about it later). But this early memory, this one stuck with me. I don't mean to make this one incident sound over dramatic. Drive-by harassment happens all the time in the USA too. I'll get to the point.
The Walk to Campus
Every week day I walk to campus and I am reminded of that evening. As I walk for about ten minutes along a high traffic road, generally in jeans and hiking boots, I receive multiple shouts and beeps from male motorists, many of them truck drivers. A lot of the men will dangle their heads out of their trucks and cars to get a better look. The head danglers stare until they get too far away or another car blocks there view. Double beeps are common. Honestly I don't always hear the content of the shouts but "gostoso" or "delicious" is pretty common.
My 22 Year Old Self
Two months into my third stay here, I find these incidences to be completely unflattering and too common and I could go on and on about why it's unacceptable to call a human being "delicious". I don't understand the reasoning behind the beeps. What do these men gain? Do they think it's funny? Do they think they are being nice and are giving complements? Are they simply not thinking and mindlessly playing the role the generation of men before them played? I'd like to get to the bottom of this. Who know's maybe these men have a very good reason for harassing women every time they get into their vehicles.
I am bothered by this. I hope by the end of this trip I find my zen but until then I am mentally violent about this matter. I picture myself picking one of the discarded bricks or wood pieces, that are for some reason scattered all along the sidewalk, and throwing it at one of the ugly dangling heads. But I don't and I won't.
sábado, 14 de setembro de 2013
Os Onibus
Information Correction
Last week I was under the impression that the bus burnings here in Piracicaba were related to the widespread political protests. They aren't. The bus burnings in my city are related to an issue between the local military police and the local drug lords. I didn't even know that Piracicaba had trouble with gang violence until these recent happenings. My friend from school, Anna Paula, said that the local drug and gang violence began escalating about three years ago.
Back Story
This is what I heard; the military police went after a gang member who was wanted for armed robbery. They found him. Those who saw what happened say the gang member was sitting on a curb, unarmed and apparently surrendering, and the police shot and killed him.
Burn the Buses
So the drug lords decided to burn the buses to teach the police a lesson. On Thursday the Piracicaba Journal published an article that stated that five buses had been burned in one week in the city. My host family's cleaning lady, Mirium, depends on bus transportation and directly feels the effects of the bus chaos. The previously overcrowded and tardy buses are now even more crowded and undependable she told me. "Why don't they(gangs) burn the police cars" Mirium halfway joked.
Bus Carcasses
As of Thursday, two of the recently burned buses are still in the street where they were burned. Weird. Maybe it's just in my head, but I feel like fallen trees and "bus carcasses", as the Piracicaba paper put it, would be cleared from the street faster in the US than here.
Photo by: Fernanda Zanetti
sábado, 7 de setembro de 2013
Protests on Independence Day
The Protests
This morning, instead of waking up to Independence Day celebration preparations (passing sunscreen, painting flags on faces, preparing picnic cooler etc), I woke up to the news showing live footage of protests in Rio, Brasilia, São Paulo and Curitiba. Hundreds of thousands of protesters were marching all over Brazil today and no where was is exactly peaceful. Police were throwing gas bombs and chasing the protesters, making arrests, protesters were causing or attempting to cause damage to private and public property, people were getting injured, etc. It was pretty crazy to watch. Even my medium sized city was affected. The Independence day parade was cancelled because of earlier violence that occurred in the week (two buses were set on fire).
Where did this Madness come from?
Well, protests certainly are not new here in Brazil. Where there is corruption there are protests and Brazil certainly has its share of all that is corrupt. *Please don't deport me* From what I perceived Brazilian protests caught US attention a few months back when the cost of public transportation rose and consequently a few modes of public transportation burst into flames. The rise in the cost of riding the bus was the last straw, on top of a 792 thousand other straws that caused the population to revolt. Brazilians are pissed. They want the members of their corrupt government, who went to trial and were found guilty of being corrupt (I am over simplifying a specific situation), to go to jail. They want the government to stop investing billions in extravagant stadiums and infrastructure to support the World Cup and Olympics in 2014 and 2016 respectively, and invest in a much needed better education and healthcare system. They want politicians to stop giving themselves huge bonuses of tax payer money. They want lower taxes. One of the cities of protest I saw today, I can't remember if it was Curitiba or a city in the northeast of the country demanded free public transport. In summary the protests are vast, but in my opinion, thus far they are just.
A Few Strange Details
~The 2006 film V for Vendetta really seemed to strike a chord with Brazilians. Remember the masks in the movie? I saw about 50 of them today on the news being used by protesters all over the country.
~My host father seems to think the the World Cup has been purchased by the Brazilian government. He believes the government purchased the win believing that the euphoric aftermath will temporarily blind Brazilians and the rest of the world from Brazil's corrupt state. Conspiracy? Perhaps. But whether or not my host father's beliefs are true, his thoughts about his government, the thoughts of a stable, kind and intelligent man, say something.
~I've heard a few times that protesters threaten that if steps are not taken by the government to fix previously mentioned issues, they won't allow for the World Cup and Olympics to take place. I am not sure what that means exactly...but even peaceful protests in large masses placed in strategic areas like, lets say the airport, could really "F" up all that international $$ Brazil was looking to take in. Not to mention, São Paulo and Rio are already sketchy places to stick tourists. Throw protester violence on top of that and a lot of people are not going to want to travel here. My personal interest in working at the 2016 Olympics in Rio has already deflated, sadly.
~There is no plan B for the FIFA World Cup location. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/there-is-no-plan-b-fifa-rule-out-taking-2014-world-cup-away-from-brazil-8672459.html
For pictures and a retelling of the story in English:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24003945
For even more pictures:
https://www.google.com.br/search?q=protesto+brasilia+hoje&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=hfsrUsjpEoOy9gT724CICg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=643
This morning, instead of waking up to Independence Day celebration preparations (passing sunscreen, painting flags on faces, preparing picnic cooler etc), I woke up to the news showing live footage of protests in Rio, Brasilia, São Paulo and Curitiba. Hundreds of thousands of protesters were marching all over Brazil today and no where was is exactly peaceful. Police were throwing gas bombs and chasing the protesters, making arrests, protesters were causing or attempting to cause damage to private and public property, people were getting injured, etc. It was pretty crazy to watch. Even my medium sized city was affected. The Independence day parade was cancelled because of earlier violence that occurred in the week (two buses were set on fire).
Where did this Madness come from?
Well, protests certainly are not new here in Brazil. Where there is corruption there are protests and Brazil certainly has its share of all that is corrupt. *Please don't deport me* From what I perceived Brazilian protests caught US attention a few months back when the cost of public transportation rose and consequently a few modes of public transportation burst into flames. The rise in the cost of riding the bus was the last straw, on top of a 792 thousand other straws that caused the population to revolt. Brazilians are pissed. They want the members of their corrupt government, who went to trial and were found guilty of being corrupt (I am over simplifying a specific situation), to go to jail. They want the government to stop investing billions in extravagant stadiums and infrastructure to support the World Cup and Olympics in 2014 and 2016 respectively, and invest in a much needed better education and healthcare system. They want politicians to stop giving themselves huge bonuses of tax payer money. They want lower taxes. One of the cities of protest I saw today, I can't remember if it was Curitiba or a city in the northeast of the country demanded free public transport. In summary the protests are vast, but in my opinion, thus far they are just.
A Few Strange Details
~The 2006 film V for Vendetta really seemed to strike a chord with Brazilians. Remember the masks in the movie? I saw about 50 of them today on the news being used by protesters all over the country.
~My host father seems to think the the World Cup has been purchased by the Brazilian government. He believes the government purchased the win believing that the euphoric aftermath will temporarily blind Brazilians and the rest of the world from Brazil's corrupt state. Conspiracy? Perhaps. But whether or not my host father's beliefs are true, his thoughts about his government, the thoughts of a stable, kind and intelligent man, say something.
~I've heard a few times that protesters threaten that if steps are not taken by the government to fix previously mentioned issues, they won't allow for the World Cup and Olympics to take place. I am not sure what that means exactly...but even peaceful protests in large masses placed in strategic areas like, lets say the airport, could really "F" up all that international $$ Brazil was looking to take in. Not to mention, São Paulo and Rio are already sketchy places to stick tourists. Throw protester violence on top of that and a lot of people are not going to want to travel here. My personal interest in working at the 2016 Olympics in Rio has already deflated, sadly.
~There is no plan B for the FIFA World Cup location. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/there-is-no-plan-b-fifa-rule-out-taking-2014-world-cup-away-from-brazil-8672459.html
For pictures and a retelling of the story in English:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24003945
For even more pictures:
https://www.google.com.br/search?q=protesto+brasilia+hoje&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=hfsrUsjpEoOy9gT724CICg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=643
quarta-feira, 4 de setembro de 2013
Semana da Patria
One Week Off
My University has this week off of classes in honor of Brazil's Independence day (September 7th, 1822). My original plan was to travel, and I still might make it out of the city on Thursday, but I am not sure. After two weeks of the flu in the middle of August, my body didn't quite make it back to 100% before I got sick again. It's just a cold though.
Research
Doing a research project while hear, or at least starting one will help me make the most of my stay. Prior to arriving in Brazil I had a lot of interest in looking into the brand Victoria Secrets hear in Brazil. For some reason there are only two VS locations in Brazil, and knowing what I know about Brazilian culture and lingerie I didn't understand why there are only two locations. While I still have interest in this area, I decided yesterday that if I am going to do research, I should try to it something I can enjoy. The thought came to me to study improv in Brazil. What I already know about improv in Brazil is that is not common or well known. Then, I was thinking, I could attempt to start an improv group here at ESALQ. (My mom actually asked me when I first arrived if I was going to.) The attempt to start the group could be a test to see if there would be a demand for improv at this specific university. Then the crazy idea of making a documentary about starting this group came to mind.
Comes to Fruition
"Woah now Katie. You have no experience with making documentaries and you don't have your experienced friends here to help you. Start an improv group? Can that be done by one person? Again, you don't have your improv friends here to help you".
I realize the challenge, self! I do. But I really think there is a chance this could work and I might even enjoy the project along the way.
Brazil 101:
-Price of Perakeet at local market: < $5.50 USD
-Price of all you can eat Japonese rodísio: about $20.00 - $25.00 USD
My University has this week off of classes in honor of Brazil's Independence day (September 7th, 1822). My original plan was to travel, and I still might make it out of the city on Thursday, but I am not sure. After two weeks of the flu in the middle of August, my body didn't quite make it back to 100% before I got sick again. It's just a cold though.
Research
Doing a research project while hear, or at least starting one will help me make the most of my stay. Prior to arriving in Brazil I had a lot of interest in looking into the brand Victoria Secrets hear in Brazil. For some reason there are only two VS locations in Brazil, and knowing what I know about Brazilian culture and lingerie I didn't understand why there are only two locations. While I still have interest in this area, I decided yesterday that if I am going to do research, I should try to it something I can enjoy. The thought came to me to study improv in Brazil. What I already know about improv in Brazil is that is not common or well known. Then, I was thinking, I could attempt to start an improv group here at ESALQ. (My mom actually asked me when I first arrived if I was going to.) The attempt to start the group could be a test to see if there would be a demand for improv at this specific university. Then the crazy idea of making a documentary about starting this group came to mind.
Comes to Fruition
"Woah now Katie. You have no experience with making documentaries and you don't have your experienced friends here to help you. Start an improv group? Can that be done by one person? Again, you don't have your improv friends here to help you".
I realize the challenge, self! I do. But I really think there is a chance this could work and I might even enjoy the project along the way.
Brazil 101:
-Price of Perakeet at local market: < $5.50 USD
-Price of all you can eat Japonese rodísio: about $20.00 - $25.00 USD
quarta-feira, 28 de agosto de 2013
Eqüinocultura
One Month and Ten Days.
I guess I have been here a while. I feel as though I should have I solid routine by now, like I would back in Ohio, but my routine is still in the developing stages. On Mondays and Wednesdays I do not have class, so last week I started volunteering for the equestrian therapy program on the ESALQ campus. For those of you who don't know, equestrian therapy helps patients with physical and mental handicaps by riding horses. On a very simple level, riding a horse is fun and brings joy to the patients. There is also a physical aspect to the therapy which has to do with the way the horse walks. What I was told is that the horse's pelvis moves in a similar way to the human pelvis, so for patients who have trouble walking, riding a horse helps to stimulate the nerves that would be used if they were walking themselves. With conditioned nerves the hope is that the patient will improve his ability to walk. My role in this therapy is very simple but cool. I walk along side of the horse and support the patient.
Ask and you shall..
Before classes even started I was interested in the program. I was walking on campus with my host sister one day and saw a horse and crew with a patient. I admired the program out loud and told my sister I would be interested in volunteering there. Two weeks later, once my classes started, I was unhappy with one of the classes because ON THE VERY FIRST DAY the teacher had zero control of the classroom. I took it as a bad omen and got the hell out of there. In search for another class and not one related to economy (as 4 of the 5 classes I am in are in the area of economy) someone suggested Eqüinocultura, a class where one learns all about the horse. I signed up and made friends with a classmate who volunteered for the equestrian therapy program. One day she took me to the stables and introduced me to the therapy directors and that was it. They didn't mind that I had no experience.
About that Crazy Class
You know, here, you don't always have to arrive on time to class. You can leave whenever you want and while you are actually in class you don't have to be quiet or pay attention. Logically you should, and the more serious students do, but 3 of the 5 teachers I have don't require these basic standards that USA culture tends to consider mandatory. Interesting isn't it?
I guess I have been here a while. I feel as though I should have I solid routine by now, like I would back in Ohio, but my routine is still in the developing stages. On Mondays and Wednesdays I do not have class, so last week I started volunteering for the equestrian therapy program on the ESALQ campus. For those of you who don't know, equestrian therapy helps patients with physical and mental handicaps by riding horses. On a very simple level, riding a horse is fun and brings joy to the patients. There is also a physical aspect to the therapy which has to do with the way the horse walks. What I was told is that the horse's pelvis moves in a similar way to the human pelvis, so for patients who have trouble walking, riding a horse helps to stimulate the nerves that would be used if they were walking themselves. With conditioned nerves the hope is that the patient will improve his ability to walk. My role in this therapy is very simple but cool. I walk along side of the horse and support the patient.
Ask and you shall..
Before classes even started I was interested in the program. I was walking on campus with my host sister one day and saw a horse and crew with a patient. I admired the program out loud and told my sister I would be interested in volunteering there. Two weeks later, once my classes started, I was unhappy with one of the classes because ON THE VERY FIRST DAY the teacher had zero control of the classroom. I took it as a bad omen and got the hell out of there. In search for another class and not one related to economy (as 4 of the 5 classes I am in are in the area of economy) someone suggested Eqüinocultura, a class where one learns all about the horse. I signed up and made friends with a classmate who volunteered for the equestrian therapy program. One day she took me to the stables and introduced me to the therapy directors and that was it. They didn't mind that I had no experience.
About that Crazy Class
You know, here, you don't always have to arrive on time to class. You can leave whenever you want and while you are actually in class you don't have to be quiet or pay attention. Logically you should, and the more serious students do, but 3 of the 5 teachers I have don't require these basic standards that USA culture tends to consider mandatory. Interesting isn't it?
Area Where the Patients Ride
Pasture on Campus
Chubby Kitty named Sonho (Dream)
Two Large Dogs
sábado, 17 de agosto de 2013
Long Distance Relationship
Communication
I read somewhere that the majority of people experience, at some point, a long distance relationship. Last summer when I was studying in Florianópolis, Brazil I had to deal with it too for the first time. Before I left for Floripanópolis I tried to set up guidelines for communication between my boyfriend and me, thinking that too much communication would take away my focus in school, the abroad experience and would make me miss him more. The guidelines I set up were very quickly thrown out the window and I was Skype-ing my guy at least once a day. This time before I left I had a better idea of what to expect communication-wise. I downloaded Skype on my iphone and now I find myself sending messages about three times a day. It's a lot, and I'll admit that my mind and complete focus are not here with me in Brazil, but I can't imagine doing anything different. I miss him so much and I can't imagine that not talking to him would fix that. Silly me. It wouldn't at all.
Directness
I went out last weekend and again yesterday with my host sister. She semi-recently ended a four year relationship and is only now putting herself "back out there". Ju's goal when she goes out is to find the right guy. My goals on these past two nights have been to laugh, relax and avoid eye contact.
With Ju on the hunt, I and Ju's friends have had to put up with her prey's wing-men. The first night I was approached by wing-man X (who I will from this point on refer to as X). Within two minutes of chat, X learned I had a boyfriend. With my handy dandy iphone I showed him two of the grossest couple pictures known to single-mankind, you know with kittens, puppies and cheek kisses. "This is Rob. We are probably going to get married" I said. Surprisingly he didn't get the VERY DIRECT hint. After about twenty minutes of semi-awkward conversation (awkward in that he was flirting and I was dodging) he left and against his own freely given word, did not come back.
Again last night I used the ol' "look at my cute boyfriend" to dodge a different wing-man. This time the message was well received and respected. You know, I feel kind of bad shoving a picture of my relationship in the face of those who may be looking for just that, but being direct is best for everyone. Wing-men don't waste their time, I stay out of trouble and my boyfriend is happy. I know some guy is going to read this and think I am a bitch and say "girls in relationships shouldn't go out" as I have heard before. To him I say; "No no, you shouldn't go out...ever".
Get Your Head in the Game!
Tomorrow will mark the one month anniversary of my arrival in Brazil! It passed quickly and I can't help but hope it continues to go quick. I can't help it. One of the worst aspects of being in a long distance relationship is this consciousness of not completely living your life, not completely being in the moment. I have been given a great opportunity but I can't help but look forward to going back to Columbus. I miss my guy. Eu tenho saudades dele!
With that being said, I won't let myself miss out! Don't worry. I enjoy being here and I love my host family. I promise myself that I will make the most of this opportunity despite being a sad, silly girl in love.
I read somewhere that the majority of people experience, at some point, a long distance relationship. Last summer when I was studying in Florianópolis, Brazil I had to deal with it too for the first time. Before I left for Floripanópolis I tried to set up guidelines for communication between my boyfriend and me, thinking that too much communication would take away my focus in school, the abroad experience and would make me miss him more. The guidelines I set up were very quickly thrown out the window and I was Skype-ing my guy at least once a day. This time before I left I had a better idea of what to expect communication-wise. I downloaded Skype on my iphone and now I find myself sending messages about three times a day. It's a lot, and I'll admit that my mind and complete focus are not here with me in Brazil, but I can't imagine doing anything different. I miss him so much and I can't imagine that not talking to him would fix that. Silly me. It wouldn't at all.
Directness
I went out last weekend and again yesterday with my host sister. She semi-recently ended a four year relationship and is only now putting herself "back out there". Ju's goal when she goes out is to find the right guy. My goals on these past two nights have been to laugh, relax and avoid eye contact.
With Ju on the hunt, I and Ju's friends have had to put up with her prey's wing-men. The first night I was approached by wing-man X (who I will from this point on refer to as X). Within two minutes of chat, X learned I had a boyfriend. With my handy dandy iphone I showed him two of the grossest couple pictures known to single-mankind, you know with kittens, puppies and cheek kisses. "This is Rob. We are probably going to get married" I said. Surprisingly he didn't get the VERY DIRECT hint. After about twenty minutes of semi-awkward conversation (awkward in that he was flirting and I was dodging) he left and against his own freely given word, did not come back.
Again last night I used the ol' "look at my cute boyfriend" to dodge a different wing-man. This time the message was well received and respected. You know, I feel kind of bad shoving a picture of my relationship in the face of those who may be looking for just that, but being direct is best for everyone. Wing-men don't waste their time, I stay out of trouble and my boyfriend is happy. I know some guy is going to read this and think I am a bitch and say "girls in relationships shouldn't go out" as I have heard before. To him I say; "No no, you shouldn't go out...ever".
Get Your Head in the Game!
Tomorrow will mark the one month anniversary of my arrival in Brazil! It passed quickly and I can't help but hope it continues to go quick. I can't help it. One of the worst aspects of being in a long distance relationship is this consciousness of not completely living your life, not completely being in the moment. I have been given a great opportunity but I can't help but look forward to going back to Columbus. I miss my guy. Eu tenho saudades dele!
With that being said, I won't let myself miss out! Don't worry. I enjoy being here and I love my host family. I promise myself that I will make the most of this opportunity despite being a sad, silly girl in love.
segunda-feira, 5 de agosto de 2013
School
Nerves
Last week classes started on Thursday. Both of the classes I have had since then have been interesting and taught by seemingly kind professors. The classes are very long however, four hours each. Each class only happens once a week, which is why they are so long. The length of these classes I am taking intimidates me and the fact that I don't understand 100% (I am around 90% comprehension) of what my professor says is also intimidating. I am nervous but, even classes in the states make me nervous at first, so I assume I will adjust.
Ongoing Complaint
I made my schedule two weeks ago. One of the classes I signed up for did not have a determined location. I was told to email the international office and that they would send me the location. I emailed them. They did not return the email. This ended up not being a problem. I made a phone call and got the information I needed. But what about the average exchange student? This international program administrators do not even know I speak Portuguese. Their thoughts are not "Oh yes Katie Drown has a lot of resources she can use to survive here so we can ignore her". I can't say I know exactly what their thoughts are, but I cannot help but feel forgotten or even worse, ignored. I can do well on my own, but I am offended by the lack of welcome, concern and responsibility on my host institution's end. I also feel bad for any exchange student who is here without all the advantages I have (a comfortable living area, concerned and supportive close friends, familiarity with campus and surrounding city, a cellphone, and fluency in the language).
A Guilty Ongoing Complaint
So I should do something about it! Right my American friends and family? Not quite, at least not yet. I told my host mom last night about my hesitancy to make a complaint and she confirmed my thoughts with her opinion that nothing would change and bad sides do exist. So I guard my thoughts until I find that they will be respected and not punishable.
Redemption
Though the institution has its faults, kindness from other students is making my school experience better. In my very first class I met a group of very helpful peers who invited me to lunch (couldn't go but I really appreciated the invitation) and took me to the library and helped me figure out what steps I needed to take to use the library system. Another student emailed me very descriptive instructions on how to access a type of student database online. :) They made me happy and probably do not know how much their kindness mattered. Some "thank you cookies" might be in order.
Last week classes started on Thursday. Both of the classes I have had since then have been interesting and taught by seemingly kind professors. The classes are very long however, four hours each. Each class only happens once a week, which is why they are so long. The length of these classes I am taking intimidates me and the fact that I don't understand 100% (I am around 90% comprehension) of what my professor says is also intimidating. I am nervous but, even classes in the states make me nervous at first, so I assume I will adjust.
Ongoing Complaint
I made my schedule two weeks ago. One of the classes I signed up for did not have a determined location. I was told to email the international office and that they would send me the location. I emailed them. They did not return the email. This ended up not being a problem. I made a phone call and got the information I needed. But what about the average exchange student? This international program administrators do not even know I speak Portuguese. Their thoughts are not "Oh yes Katie Drown has a lot of resources she can use to survive here so we can ignore her". I can't say I know exactly what their thoughts are, but I cannot help but feel forgotten or even worse, ignored. I can do well on my own, but I am offended by the lack of welcome, concern and responsibility on my host institution's end. I also feel bad for any exchange student who is here without all the advantages I have (a comfortable living area, concerned and supportive close friends, familiarity with campus and surrounding city, a cellphone, and fluency in the language).
A Guilty Ongoing Complaint
So I should do something about it! Right my American friends and family? Not quite, at least not yet. I told my host mom last night about my hesitancy to make a complaint and she confirmed my thoughts with her opinion that nothing would change and bad sides do exist. So I guard my thoughts until I find that they will be respected and not punishable.
Redemption
Though the institution has its faults, kindness from other students is making my school experience better. In my very first class I met a group of very helpful peers who invited me to lunch (couldn't go but I really appreciated the invitation) and took me to the library and helped me figure out what steps I needed to take to use the library system. Another student emailed me very descriptive instructions on how to access a type of student database online. :) They made me happy and probably do not know how much their kindness mattered. Some "thank you cookies" might be in order.
sexta-feira, 26 de julho de 2013
Ordem e Progresso?
In 2009 I kept a blog about my first trip here (http://katielynninbrazil.blogspot.com.br/). In one of my early posts I described a very strange and unorganized store where I went to use the internet and compared Brazil to that store. Four years later this metaphor resonates with me stronger than ever.
Last week I sent an email to the international contact I have at ESALQ telling them I arrived and asking for information. I wanted to know when I would schedule my classes and when orientation would be. This of course was something I assumed the school would send me automatically. No no silly Katie...no no. I was sent back half of a response that told me I would schedule my classes at orientation. But what about the rest of my email? When is orientation!? I waited for a follow up email. None came. This was not the first time they gave me an incomplete response.
After a few days I began to panic. I figured I had to have this information somewhere...and yes, graças a Deus, I did. In one of the very early emails sent to me at the beginning of the year I received an attachment with information about ESALQ housing, cost of living, dining..etc and sure enough there was a small note that said that orientation would be on the 25th and the 26th. Yeah, this happened yesterday, the 25th. So I sent another quick email asking for place and time and received an unlikely timely response... (I sound so bitter). Within the hour I went to the right place and filled out some documents. In this meeting my student coordinator told me I had to register with the police before I could schedule my classes. This meant I had to get a proper photo taken, go to the bank to pay my registration fees (people pay their bills at the bank) and get three documents notarized all before tomorrow. She also told me I had to arrive at the police station at 7:30 am because the police only accept a certain number of appointments per day (this is madness).
After accomplishing half of these tasks I arrived home. Li assured me that we didn't have to arrive at the police station at 7:30 a.m. and on the instructions for international registration that ESALQ gave me it was written the the attending hours at the station were from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. So I relaxed and we planned to arrive before 11 a.m the following morning. The next day after getting things notarized we arrived at the police station at 10:10 a.m. The place was empty, no one to attend except us. Li took charge and asked where I needed to go to register. The attending police officer said I was too late and we would have to come back on Monday at 7:30 a.m. I got nervous, but Li got an adrenaline rush. Ha! Li pointed out to the officer the instructions I received about registering between 8 and 11 a.m. and demanded respectfully, yet aggressively, to talk to the lawyer present at the station. Deportation crossed my mind.
After a phone call we were begrudgingly directed upstairs to the lawyer's office. Li distantly knew the man, or knew of him. She explained the circumstances and embellished a bit saying that if I didn't register that day then I would lose my scholarship, which isn't entirely true or false...maybe I could have scheduled my classes on Monday, but who knows? I told Li that I doubted I would loose my scholarship because of the delay. She smiled and shushed me and said "Brasil funciona assim". Eventually we were directed to a waiting room where we did just that and then I was given permission to register. :)
There are two main points in this story.
1. Brazil is like that strange unorganized store I encountered in 2009 and in order to stay on top of things one must not expect anything different.
2. Li is awesome. Truly.
Last week I sent an email to the international contact I have at ESALQ telling them I arrived and asking for information. I wanted to know when I would schedule my classes and when orientation would be. This of course was something I assumed the school would send me automatically. No no silly Katie...no no. I was sent back half of a response that told me I would schedule my classes at orientation. But what about the rest of my email? When is orientation!? I waited for a follow up email. None came. This was not the first time they gave me an incomplete response.
After a few days I began to panic. I figured I had to have this information somewhere...and yes, graças a Deus, I did. In one of the very early emails sent to me at the beginning of the year I received an attachment with information about ESALQ housing, cost of living, dining..etc and sure enough there was a small note that said that orientation would be on the 25th and the 26th. Yeah, this happened yesterday, the 25th. So I sent another quick email asking for place and time and received an unlikely timely response... (I sound so bitter). Within the hour I went to the right place and filled out some documents. In this meeting my student coordinator told me I had to register with the police before I could schedule my classes. This meant I had to get a proper photo taken, go to the bank to pay my registration fees (people pay their bills at the bank) and get three documents notarized all before tomorrow. She also told me I had to arrive at the police station at 7:30 am because the police only accept a certain number of appointments per day (this is madness).
After accomplishing half of these tasks I arrived home. Li assured me that we didn't have to arrive at the police station at 7:30 a.m. and on the instructions for international registration that ESALQ gave me it was written the the attending hours at the station were from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. So I relaxed and we planned to arrive before 11 a.m the following morning. The next day after getting things notarized we arrived at the police station at 10:10 a.m. The place was empty, no one to attend except us. Li took charge and asked where I needed to go to register. The attending police officer said I was too late and we would have to come back on Monday at 7:30 a.m. I got nervous, but Li got an adrenaline rush. Ha! Li pointed out to the officer the instructions I received about registering between 8 and 11 a.m. and demanded respectfully, yet aggressively, to talk to the lawyer present at the station. Deportation crossed my mind.
After a phone call we were begrudgingly directed upstairs to the lawyer's office. Li distantly knew the man, or knew of him. She explained the circumstances and embellished a bit saying that if I didn't register that day then I would lose my scholarship, which isn't entirely true or false...maybe I could have scheduled my classes on Monday, but who knows? I told Li that I doubted I would loose my scholarship because of the delay. She smiled and shushed me and said "Brasil funciona assim". Eventually we were directed to a waiting room where we did just that and then I was given permission to register. :)
There are two main points in this story.
1. Brazil is like that strange unorganized store I encountered in 2009 and in order to stay on top of things one must not expect anything different.
2. Li is awesome. Truly.
Thought this was a funny name for a business.
The main building on my campus.
In front of the Piracicaban "oval". "O-H....."
terça-feira, 23 de julho de 2013
After the Storm
The Day after the blackout my "grandma" Lair went back to her house to check on things and grab some items to bring back to Sérgio and Li's. Unfortunately she came back to her house in a different state than she left it. Her house was flooded. Her and my host mom Li and my host brother Rodrigo spent the morning and early afternoon cleaning the floors and trying to save furniture.
Quite a bit of damage happened all around the city.
Quite a bit of damage happened all around the city.
A few unfortunate car owners...
This is the fallen cemetery wall. Loosing this wall also meant losing a collection of paintings and mosaics done by famous local artists.
Fallen trees and walls affected traffic the day after.
One (or three) of the culprits.
I am happy to report that despite all the shitty experiences, my grandma seems to be in good spirits. Everyone seems to be feeling a bit better while getting back into their regular routine. Even my host sister's flu seems to be clearing up.
They are happier...I am happier...you know.
domingo, 21 de julho de 2013
Lights Out!
I and the rest of the city of Piracicaba are currently in
the dark. Around 4pm today, Sunday the 21rst, a hail storm knocked out power.
Brazil, you will recall is currently in its winter time, which means the sun
goes down around 6pm, so the darkness came early. Its two minutes until 9pm
now. I am not tired because of a nap I took earlier. So here I sit in my bed
with host sister Juliana (Ju) in the bed next to mine. The house smells like a strong
combination of cookies and garlic thanks to the cookie candle I brought for my
host grandma that is being used for light and the corn and garlic soup that
is on the stove.
I suppose last night is worth a bit of a story. My “grandma”
Lair has temporarily moved in. With such a full house and a few complications
the sleeping arrangement was as follows. Juliana slept alone in our room. She
is sick and has a cough and did not want to get me sick or keep me awake. So I
slept in the next bedroom with Lair. Sérgio and Li slept in their room and my
host brother Rodrigo slept on a mattress on their floor. I was happy with this arrangement and ignored the
lighthearted jokes from my host parents that focused around the idea of Lair’s
snoring.
What I learned around midnight was that this was no joke. I tried my
hardest to sleep through the loud deep-throated-growls and gasps but I could
not. Around two I went to my room and searched for my earplugs, but to no avail.
In this process I woke up Ju who expressed much compassion. I felt bad for
waking her up, apologized and returned to Lair’s side telling myself to deal
with it. About an hour later and no success with the finger-in-ear strategy I
grabbed my pillow and returned to my room to grab a blanket. My goal was to
sleep on the couch. In this process I again woke up my ailing host sister. She
insisted on getting me a sheet and making my bed on the couch. She is
wonderfully stubborn. I guiltily allowed her to do so, said my thanks and went
to sleep.
Speaking of guilt….for various reasons really, I felt guilty:
1. Li didn’t want anyone to sleep on the couch because she wished to keep the
living room in order for unexpected visitors who would come to see Lair and give
their respects. 2. I felt bad for acknowledging Lair’s snoring because I didn’t
want to her to be embarrassed. 3. I felt bad for leaving her to sleep alone. 4.
I woke up my sick host sister twice.
The next day I didn’t feel so guilty. Some light teasing
made me feel as though everything was fine and I was glad I made the move.
Now I am going to go try the corn and garlic soup.
sábado, 20 de julho de 2013
A Strange Arrival
I arrived Thursday the 18th around 11pm Brazil time (10pm Ohio time) in the São Paulo, Brazil Guarulhos airport. When I didn't see my good friends and host family from 2009 standing there to greet me, I knew something was not right, and had a strong feeling it was my fault. After a 5 minute or so wait, I made my way to the pay phones on the second floor and called my host family. About three weeks ago I incorrectly informed my host mom that I would be arriving on the 19th and because of this, my host family was of course not expecting me. To make matters worse, Rodolfo, my host mother's father passed away that same day, which was also my host mom's birthday. I felt horrible for adding to the stress of my friends.
Mrs. 11: Are you going to Piracicaba
After the realization that no buses would be going to Piracicaba that late, four pay-phone calls (The airport didn't have any stores selling SIM cards) and one $165 reais taxi ride, I arrived at my host father's sister's house in São Paulo around 1am Brazil time. There I was graciously greeted and welcomed into Marielena's home. I spent the night there and in the morning gave my thank yous and good byes, and took a taxi to the bus station.
I purchased a direct 12:30 bus ticket. Like a lost stubborn foreigner I wondered around the bus station with 90 pounds of rolling luggage and another 15 on my back looking for platform forty. I went outside and saw a ramp with a sign above it that said TO PLATFORMS. At this point the luggage was already starting to wear me out, but I took a deep breath and made my way up the ramp leading to the second floor of the bus station. This trek was a very awkward and embarrassing work out. No one else traveling up or down the ramp was carrying two huge suitcases which made me realize about half way through that somewhere in the station there was a more convenient way to get to platform forty and that I looked stupid. Oh well.
This hike broke my pride and I promptly asked for directions. I made it to the platform with ten minutes to spare and made my way towards seat number 12 on the bus. Seat 12 was taken by Mrs. seat 11. I greeted her, smiled and sat happily in my lucky number 11. What happened next was quite interesting...
Mrs. 11: Are you going to Piracicaba
Me: Yes, you are too?
Mrs. 11: Yes. I am going to a funeral
Me: huh...I am too.
Mrs. 11: Whose funeral?
Me: Rodolfo
Mrs. 11: Me too!
Mrs. seat 11 happened to be a friend of the family. We chatted a bit and then both ended up sleeping for the majority of the ride. She let me use her cellphone to confirm with my host sister Ju that she would be picking me up from the bus station....lalala..
Then there was the funeral. Everyone's state has logically been affected by Rodolfo's death. He was very sick, he had been battling cancer for over a year, and his passing was expected, but, you know, it's sad.
I have arrived in a dramatic and stressful moment, but I am happy to be here with my friends. School starts in a few weeks. I am excited to have this opportunity and this challenge.
More stories to come.
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