BRASILIA TOMORROW!!!
Yesterday we gained 6 individuals from the US State Department that are currently positioned here in Brazil. Two of them came into one of my classes and talked with us about their responsibilities and experiences living abroad. The two were a couple, the wife works for the State Department and the husband is a high school math and science teacher. I asked him about teaching in a foreign culture and the challenges he may face. My gap year in Israel I worked with kids…obviously I was not a qualified teacher…but I remember how difficult the language barrier and cultural differences got so I really enjoyed talking with him and hearing about his experiences.
Speaking of my gap year, we have a couple of "gap year" students on board. For those of you that aren't familiar with this concept, it's the idea of taking a year between high school and college to do other things, such as travel! One thing that will really annoy "gap year" students is when people call it a year off. There is a gap year student on board with us named Brandon…he is a remarkable guy, from Minnessota with big dreams and a lot of potential. He is doing a documentary of his gap year called "Year ON"…here is the link to the trailer he made about his gap year…I really enjoyed it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v0-j19rgog&feature=share
It is becoming more and more obvious that we ARE in the AMAZON every minute. Last night as it got later and later outside we saw more and more bugs and bats flying around. Last night was another "typical night" (in my mind that is) on the ship. Everyone was hanging out on the top deck until about 11:30-12ish…Then everyone goes their own ways. Greg, my brother gave me a piece of advice before I left, he said "If I could do it again, I wouldn't have slept." Obviously this is a bit unrealistic but I see where he was going with this one. Well, Greg, I've been listening! Night after night I say I'm going to go to sleep and then get engaged in conversations, games of Taboo, cards…etc and then the next thing you know it's 3:30 am and you have to be up in a few more hours.
Today we did not have class since it is the day before we port in Brazil. Everyone woke up kind of late, and then went up to the upper deck. Today was one of the most unique experiences. Hundreds of students were outside in their bathing suits…likely burning since none of us are used to the strength of the sun here ON the EQUATOR, trying to squeeze into one tiny little pool. The catch is that surrounding us in all directions was rainforest, small villages, canoes with people next to us…etc. At one point a bunch of us were standing, looking out from the ship, waving to locals on land, locals in their canoes and smaller power boats. The scenery here is like NOTHING I have ever seen, the heat and sun is stronger than I have ever experienced. Mom and Dad I am proud to report that I re-applied sunscreen just about every 10 minutes it felt like, and am NOT burnt. Though if you look around at the student body right now it's as if no one brought sunscreen…I think it's just that everyone underestimated the strength of the sun here.
This evening we had our two Brazilian students put on a cultural presentation. They sang songs, did Brazilian dances, and taught us the "Do's and Don't's" and a couple of useful words and sayings.
We also had a "Pre-port" meeting for the whole ship where we were told lots of logistical, and safety related things. In comparing our first Pre-port (for Dominica) to this pre-port, it's so clear how much more comfortable, and how much more developed this community is now…there were tons of jokes, and cheers, and much excitement. We have been on the ship for about six days now…imagine that, six days of not being on land, six days of being in one place, a large place with lots of rooms, but nonetheless, one place! This abroad program is so interesting because for the week we are in Brazil we will all disperse and do our own thing, but then, we will be so excited to come back to our home, share stories, and create new experiences. We have only had one stop so far, and it was a short one, so I'm excited for this part of the experience to begin.
You may be wondering what I'm doing in Brazil…I don't mean to sound self-absorbed, but chances are if you're reading MY blog you may want to know. I'm going on an Amazon trip that was organized by a past Semester At Sea participant. There are about thirty of us SASers signed up to go. Here is a copy of my itinerary.
Day 1 (L, D) Pick students up from the ship at the port in Manaus
to the 'Meeting of the Rivers' where the Negro and Amazon Rivers meet
. Visit Victoria Regia Water Lillies. Engage in an activity arranged such as fishing, hiking, or free time.
Lunch
. Travel further upstream and enjoy free time relaxing on the riverboat.
Dinner.
Sleep on the riverboat
Day 2 (B, L, D)
Breakfast
. Hiking in the rainforest
. Lunch.
Visit an indigenous village (interact with locals, participate in an organized soccer match with the locals).
Dinner.
Sleep in hammocks in the rainforest (mosquito nets provided).
Day 3 (B, L, D)
Breakfast.
Cruise past UNESCO World Heritage Site: the beautiful Anavilhanas
Swim with local Pink Dolphins
. Lunch.
Fishing for Piranhas
. Dinner (including the fish that you caught earlier!)
. Night Canoe to spot
Day 4 (B, L)Breakfast
. Visit another village to see Indigenous Ritual Ceremony.
Lunch.
Return to Manaus and be transported to the ship.
So, there you go. It should be interesting, filled with lots of sun, bugs, and hopefully awesome experiences.
I will not have my computer on me or any internet access while I am in Brazil so I will not be updating my blog again until Friday the 3rd, when I get back. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! (it's the third).
Have a great week everyone…talk to you on Friday!
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