Category: MiaNwi Tawah

Today we ate a farewell meal. Afterwards we went to the favela (finally spelling it correctly) to give kids two soccer balls, soccer nets and a ball pump. We weren’t able to see their faces when they got it, but I’m happy  just knowing the deed is done.

I’m sitting in class right now reflecting on this trip. The room is being cooled by an ocean breeze. There are plush  turquoise pillows in the tables and white tablecloths.

 

I’ve experienced Brazil. I have eaten the food, experienced the culture, bonded with tourists and natives . I am so extremely grateful.  Two weeks went by pretty quickly. I took tons of photos and videos. I even think I made a life-long friend. I’ll be back here, there isn’t a doubt in my mind. It’s important to know your culture.  I think that now more than ever. The black culture is everywhere. We all are connected.

 

 

Goodbye Brazil! I’ll be back.

Design

There is only have one full day in left in Brazil. I’m kind of bummed out. It went by really quickly. Whenever we walk around I keep looking at the building and people. I want to take in as much as possible.

We went to a design studio today. We met with the creative director and copyrighter. They were really laid back, both men were wearing jeans. We got the opportunity to ask questions about the work flow process. Afterwards we walked around the building. It was well-designedl. Everything was so colorful! Even the financial department was painted yellow.

They sensed to have a diverse group of people working in the building. Everything was compartmentalized nearly. It takes a lot of organization to make things run smoothly.
The work was beautiful . A lot of the wall surfaces were chalkboard. I’m assuming that’s to help with the creative process– have an idea, jot it down.

Haha . What? I think my title is funny. lol ok, the trip has been great; but a little free time is always appreciated.

I rode bikes along the boardwalk then went for lunch. I haven’t been on a bike in years. Getting back on it was inuitive. It felt so good. I forgot how relaxing bike-riding is. I’m going to invest in one when I get back home.  I think I rode back and forth at least 10 times. The weather was beautiful. It’s Sunday so the boardwalk was packed with people. Teens on bikes, families taking walks, and  couples tonguing each other down. Haha

I’m in love with Tocai, a restaurant that serves acai. Acai is this delicious sherbet-like dish. I ate with bananas and strawberries on top. YUMMMMM

I had a lot of free-time this morning. It felt good to sleep in. I’ve been running in the morning. It’s so relaxing. There are a lot of fit people out here. The runner’s bodies are on point!!! The sights from this trip will stick with me for a lifetime.

After our our free day we went to the Pelorhino to see a condomble show. Man,  the participants physiques were crazy tone! They were super athletic and had a ton of rhythm. At one point the men were wearing loin cloths. — there goes that Brazilian freedom.

I think all cultures can learn from one another.

We had pizza after the show. I’m STILL getting accustomed to not eating with my fingers. It’s frowned upon here. I gulped down that pizza, though. Haha couldn’t help myself.

We went to Escola Olodum. Escola Olodum means school of Olodum. Olodum is basically a study of black culture, music, and the principles of the Christian religion. The symbol that represents the practice is a peace sign. The peace sign is colored red, black yellow, and green. The red stands for blood, black for the black skin, yellow represents gold, and green is land; and of course the peace sign represents .

Michael Jackson shot his music video, ” They Don’t Really Care About Us” right outside the school doors in the center of the Pelorhino area! We watched the music video during a presentation that summed up the objectives of Olodum. It was inspiring to see. I love to see that there is a school that works to expand black pride in Brazil.

I had to get my little brother a t-shirt. I got myself a hat and t-shirt that I plan to rock it tomorrow. 🙂

This experience promotes so much growth. I have definitely learned a lot.

Another day of class. One week down, one more today. It’s still pretty windy outside but the weather still feels really nice.

We went to another flevela today and visited a site that catered to children’s educational needs in the surrounding area. The program was completely free and optional. The director gave a pretty indepth speech about what made him start the program. To sum it go reading changed his life. He believes reading changes perspective . I could not agree more. His mission is to use the center to break children away from the drugs and violence in the area.

We listened to music on instruments made from recycled materials. Ropes, tools, barrels, plastic bottles , and metal cans were used to make drums, tambourines, and maracas.

Fun fact: I went to a cornerstone yesterday and bought mentos for the first time. I think I’m addicted.

I woke up this morning to the sound of water. I thought it was storming. My Roomie opened opened the blinds and we discovered that it was just the sound of the waves. Can you believe it? We are on the 8th floor! The water was moving so ferociously that I thought I heard the sound of water on the roof–crazy.

We toured with Marcos after class. First, he took us to the market. I saw a lot of things that reminded me of the markets in Cameroon. A lot of the foods were all too familiar. Marcos is very informed about the condomblé religion and taught us a lot. He gave us a ton of insight on what was happening during he service we attending on Sunday.

After going to the market we visited a temple in a flevela.

The coolest part of the day was going to a church where miracles happen. There were mannequin parts hanging from the ceiling in the miracle room. It represented the parts of the body that were healed inexplainably.

I, also, met a priest named Patrick from Cameroon.

The last stop was a church in the Pelorhino where they believed in both God and Oshawah, an African God.  (spell check)