“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but seeing with new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
As it has now been two weeks since leaving Brazil and returning to Canada, my mind has been in a constant state of reflection over the experiences I lived, the friends I made, and the things I have been missing most. Obviously the thermocline of going from 31 degrees in Goiânia to 6 here in Calgary was quite the reverse culture shock, but it’s a different form of warmness that remains the focus of my reflection. The people in Brazil are so incredibly friendly, welcoming and appreciative, meanwhile seeing the opposing comportments of Canadians is one of the main differences I have retrospectively seen. Reflecting on these subtle differences is something I’ll take into my next practicums and future career: being an approachable, warm personality and taking initiative in helping someone who needs it.
During the last two weeks in Brazil, I had the pleasure of visiting Iguazu Falls; one of the seven Natural Wonders of the world and by far one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever seen. Pictures really do not come close to capturing the scope of this place. I was able to see the falls from both the Brazilian side and the Argentina side and got very, very wet. Also met my parents down there as they were on their own holiday in Brazil.
As I’ve had previous experience living in different countries, spending the last two months in Brazil has reaffirmed to me that venturing into the unknown or outside your comfort zone is an incredible learning opportunity. Beyond the learning of a new language and exploring a new country, getting to know the Brazilian students and forming new friendships with many new people was the most rewarding thing. Spending this time in Brazil is something I’ll forever cherish, and will encourage others to do in their future. Eu não esquecerei nunca essa experência!
