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Hey everyone... So this is it... Just a few days away, and I shall be off. Off into the vast unknown. How does it feel? Kind of weird. But at the same time there is a happy feeling to the whole adventure.
By now, I have almost everything ready and sorted. Only have a few more things on my to-do list. Ofcourse, every passing moment, more things get added to it, but I think gradually I'm running out of ideas... Which is good right? Should mean that I'm as prepared as I can be!
For those of you not sure of what adventure I'm embarking on... Let me tell you a little bit about it.
For about 5 months I shall be migrating to Brazil. Rural Brazil, quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Although that nowhere is situated in the vast North Eastern corner. My guess is that I'll be travelling back in time a few years. For example, the nearest ATM/ bank is a mere 4 hour bus journey away, internet was (if I'm not mistaken) introduced only about 7/8 years ago, fax machines are still a common finding, most people still live in brick or straw houses, and the nearest international airport is ofcourse (only!!) about 16 hours bus ride away, not taking in consideration the multiple weather/ road/ and laid-back attitude delays...
You're probably asking yourself what the hell am I going to do there... But, never fear, I'm not just going sight-seeing.
In 2001 a centre for extra educational classes opened up for selected school children. Yearly around 50 students needing extra help in school are accompanied throughout the school year in all subjects, thus allowing them to move forward in the school system. In 2011 a new project was started by the same foundation. This project was aimed at local physical and psycological handicapped people of all ages. Once or twice a week, people will come to the centre for one-on-one care. This care can vary from physical exercise, to games and to just some company. Both groups are helped at this centre, and it will be my pleasure to aid the foundation in any help that I can.
To my immense pleasure, I shall be enjoying the hospitality of a local family for the first few weeks, thus allowing me to integrate more easily, not only in terms of culture, but also the language. Despite many misgivings, Brazilian Portuguese can be quite different from the Portugal Portuguese. Differences include accents, but also in words. One has to be quite careful in what one says at times. For example, in Portugal we often use the word "rapariga" meaning girl/ little girl. However, would you use "rapariga" in Brazil, you are calling that little girl a w****. Thus it is much safer to use "menina". Unfortunately, a lot of the more remote areas also have their own dialects, often a mixture of Portuguese with African / Amazon Indian dialects. I shall have a very merry time deciphering the local people.
Well, I guess this is it for now... But I shall be back soon with more! If you have any questions, don't hestitate to leave a comment!
- comments
Anouk van den Berg Wow, that sounds really nice! Have fun and enjoy!
Clarissa Meca It is going to be an awesome experience, you´ll see! Go for it, minha querida! :-) <3<3<3
ertie2013 Danke je Anouk! :D
Alex Paulo Meca Viagem que, de certeza, te vai tornar "maior" do muito que já és. Inesquecível, seguramente! Até breve!
Yasmin Aboul Ela AMAZING Erika!!!! I will be following each and every thing you post in here :) you are definately going to have an AMAZING time in brazilliaa! Have a wonderful trip my dear :) Bon voyage <3 kusjesss
Marten Hartstikke leuk om je zo te volgen! Mooie start en wel erg leuk zo'n hotel, dan ontmoet je tenminste nog wat mensen. Misschien toch niet zo slecht dat je gelijk in de slaapzaal begint. Straks even skypen? Tot zo.