“Not all those who wander are lost.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
Boa Tarde,
Hello from Brazil!!!!
These last two weeks have been flying by so quickly that it almost seems like a dream. Next week we head back home to Canada!!! Brad, myself and my daughter have made so many new friends and enjoyed so many fun adventures that we are sad to leave. The Brazilian people have been so welcoming and kind during our travels and in our schools that I can’t say enough about how amazing our time has been here. Our placements have been generous and accommodating and made us feel more than welcome. While my Portuguese is still lacking a bit, I have managed to pick up some and hope to continue learning after I return home to Canada. However, Brad has quickly become quite fluent.
We have continued teaching lessons in our classes at Cepae. For our last week at Cepae, we are geared up to teach the students about what it’s like to celebrate Halloween in Canada. While they do celebrate Halloween here in Brazil, it looks quite different from what it does in Canada. Instead, here in Brazil, they celebrate Dia Do Saci on October 31st. This is a celebration of their mythical trickster named Saci-Pererê. He is a one-legged trickster from Brazilian folklore that is known for playing pranks. Schools and cultural centers celebrate this with parties and of course costumes. However, in Brazil trick or treating is not a thing. The kids do not go door to door accepting candy like they do in Canada. We also have continue to support the teacher with small group lessons of 6-8 students at José Honorato, the students have planned a good bye party for us on Monday, I am sure it will be quite enjoyable. The students there are so sweet and kind and love to talk English with Brad and I as much as they can.
Last week we took a 4 day trip to Rio de Janeiro. We wandered around on Copocabana beach the first day, then the second day we went to see one of the wonders of the world, Cristo Redentor. The monument was visible from our Air B&B patio, but it was even more impressive in person. The day was fairly cloudy, and we weren’t sure if we would actually get a good view, but it eventually cleared up, and the view was amazing. On the third day we were met by Brad’s parents and we took the gondola ride to Sugar Loaf Mountain, which is a very cool monolith. the views from here were also amazing! On the last day My daughter, Brad’s mom and I spent the day at Ipanema Beach enjoying the one day of hot sunny weather, while Brad and his dad took a hike to Pedra de Gávea. Over all our trip to Rio was a blast, and checked off some bucket list items.
We will miss Brazil and hope one day soon to visit again!!
Adeus Brasil, Até Nos Encontrarmos Novamente
