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Some people think ahead, take a good idea and then efficiently execute it. I hate people like that. (With the exception of a wife and daughter who fall into that category.)
One couple that fits into that category are the couple from Nova Scotia. They thought ahead and hit up the government for small Canadian flags and pins. They have proven quite the hit.
People have stopped us to talk, bought us coffee, etc. to practice their English and/or talk about Canada.
This afternoon I had a long chat with one of the young interpreters at the Convention who noticed the Canadian flag. He wanted to practice his English because he felt his future lay in his ability to speak English. He said that it wasn't until he had learned English that he was finally able to get a job.
He is an International Relations student at the University. We talked about World Economics, the place of the New Brazil in a Global economy, Canada, Vancouver (his company does exchanges there) and about where he will fit into all of this. Unemployment among his age group is high and he feels that he will have to move to Sao Paulo or emigrate if he is to have a future. It is probably not that different from young people his age all over the world.
Our generation has done a good job of messing things up the world over. We have left our children and grandchildren a monumental task in getting things back in order. But with young people like Callebe I do have hope that they will succeed.
Another strange contrast.
As I was walking over to the venue I was watching the way the drivers weave in and out of traffic like they are hopeful kamikaze candidates. Signal lights are only for the weak. This goes for both Sao Paulo and Goiania.
Then it suddenly occurred to me that with all the seemingly reckless driving I was seeing their were remarkably few cars that had dings or dents. Vehicles are very well cared for and meticulously kept. A dirty car is a rarity and there seems to be a great pride of ownership.
Funnily, at dinner tonight that topic actually came up (not started by me) and it was said that even though they may look like they are driving like maniacs they actually are very aware of other drivers. Vehicles are a very expensive investment so they take extreme care to not damage their vehicle or anyone else's. I think that means they won't be texting with one hand while eating breakfast with the other on the way into work in the morning.
I think I've finally figured out Brazilian time. Starting times are like suggested retail prices. Nobody actually pays them.
A 7 o'clock start times means that things will get started around that time with a handful of people and gradually over the next hour or so everyone else will drift in.
But when things get going, the Brazilians really put on a show. Infectious brazilian music, exuberant dancing, clapping of hands, and spontaneous applause all contribute to a atmosphere of joyous celebration - an Ecclesiastical Carnivale. And it is wonderful - something we have unfortunately mostly lost in North America and Europe.
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