tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38152892606176537172024-03-04T20:29:16.197-08:00World ExplorerWade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-33650705771607192192016-07-17T17:21:00.001-07:002016-09-21T11:57:45.447-07:00Living in Brazil 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span> <span style="font-weight: normal;"> At the end of 2014, There were many new challenges and new things that were coming my way that I haven't experienced before. Having to work at night at the hostel two days a week, and a full schedule during the day, it made me more alert and more responsible. I was enjoying my new place in Copacabana. I was starting to get better with my português thanks to my new Brazilian host family.I made the most of my opportunities while living in the heart of Copacabana. I had a chance to meet up with my best friend more Bernard who worked five minutes away from me at the hostel where he worked. I would past by everyday and I would go over there and we would plan on going out later on during the night. Living closer to the English courses had its advantages. I had the beach which was 5 minutes walking distance from my new apartment. It was the first time, since being in Brazil I had a sense of peace calmness and tranquility. Things were also going very well with my English classes. Living closer to Copacabana gave me the opportunity to build some really good friendships and business relationships with the locals. Having places to shop and eat locally made me think communicate more and be more open to find my place and self in Brazil. for this reason I started to get more private classes, and in the process my Portuguese started to improve. I made the best of my opportunities everywhere I went. I would make small talk with the locals and try to build and friendship and partnership with them. Being around Copacabana I started to get more private English classes and more time to do things like go the museums, malls,restaurants, art galleries, art shows,jazz concerts,and tourist hikes and sightseeing tours. I took the time when free, to explore the beautiful mountains of Rio and get a real glimpse of the Marvelous City. I would walk on the sidewalk of Copacabana and Ipanema at least twice a day, for a morning and a evening run, followed by a refreshing swim in the ocean. During my time, I would meet Brazilians from other cities and interact with them. It my time interacting, I became more engaged and curious about knowing more about the culture and its people.<br /><br /><br /> One of my best time for me, was working at Kariok Hostel. For me it was my second domain, which I called my second home. There it was the place with all the access, where you can encounter different people from different cultures and different walks of life, sharing and leaving their imprints about the countries they came from. This was for me, when the main reason why I choose to work there, it was like being in school without actually attending school. The another good thing about working at the hostel was working with my friends. Daniel whom had just started working there starting in the middle of May 2014, was my best friend in Brazil. There I would past by the hostel almost everyday on his work shift or mine and we would enjoy and make the best time at the hostel. He was my best friend in Rio. We sometimes would go out after work and have a drink or two and talk about the things that was going on in our lives. He was the perfect person to talk to, because of this my Portuguese improved dramatically We were really good friends, and we made the most of our time. Daniel was a person, who taught me alot, He taught me over time the importance of being a professional and how to take pride in myself. It was something that was missing from my mental aspect of thinking on a regular basis. Over time, our lives got busier as time went on. It sad, though sometimes how life can give you great friendships, and all of a sudden distance between two friends can make you grow apart.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The best moment for me was in 2014- 2015 when I had the opportunity to travel to Bahia Salvador. It was my third trip outside of Rio de Janiero. One of the most unforgettable experience I had. Taking a bus 28 hours was well worth it. Before arriving in Bahia Salvador, I knew very little from what I had learn in School.</span></h2>
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<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span></span></i><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">In my time there I had a great time going to the beaches and talking to the local people on the streets. The people unlike the Cariocas in Rio De Janerio, talked with a different accent, kind of like a high pitched bird singing in fast pitch tune. The people of Salvador Bahia are generally very friendly and hospitable. They are very kind and they take the time to get to know. They are generally laid back and very easy going people. What I enjoyed watching the Bahian people were their playful nature. They were always laughing and cracking jokes with each no matter where they were. I enjoyed eating many of Bahia's food. </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333;">Acreage</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> is made from shelled </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333;">fradinho</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> beans (similar to black-eyed peas), which are mashed together with ground shrimp and other ingredients and formed into a ball, then deep-fried in </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333;">dendê</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> oil.It was my favorite food to eat there by far. I had it when I went to the beach everyday. For the next few days I spent it getting to know the local churches, local parks, waterfronts, shopping malls, downtown historical buildings and museums. For me, it was an extension of my knowledge from what I knew about Brazil. Each time I was finding out about new amazing stories and artifacts that I had never heard about before. It was a shame because I didnt have all the time to complete all the things I wanted in such a short time, so I promised myself I would go back there a second time to finish the Bahia Tour. The second time, I look forward to finish my quest to find out what makes Bahia such a vibrant destination for tourrist.</span></i></h2>
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-80994741690702740862016-06-23T13:46:00.004-07:002016-08-29T07:25:59.076-07:00Can Brazil overcome crises before Summer Olympics?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-54528048299437421932016-04-29T11:25:00.001-07:002016-09-21T11:45:05.838-07:00Teaching English In Brazil 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The beautiful thing about heading into a new year, It made me want to do explore and look into doing things differently, especially when it came to having more freedom. I wanted to do things better as a teacher, and schedule my private classes better, so I can organize myself. In the beginning of 2015, I schedule two private classes a week. I had a private class with a man who was in the field of psychology.Marcos was his name. He loved to talk about philosophy and the human connection. I would go to his office once a week with reading reading material. We would read short stories and talk about famous psychologist of the past. Darwin was one of the many people we studied. We would talk about his theories and how it related to everyday society. He would also bring in reading material such as the Little Prince. We would read excerpts from the Little Prince... And other fairy tales that dealt with society and the behavior of others and societies ills. It was a very intriguing and in depth conversation. We would share our opinions and discuss the reading and what possible scenarios of what the author or psychologist was trying to imply. It was a very reverting, and sometimes very in dept, but we both learn a lot from each other. Marcos learn more English and I learn more about psychology. Four three months I would show up at his office which was in the heart of Copacabana for a hour. It was my first private class since I arriving in Rio de Janerio. It came me more confidence and a better understanding of how to structure and organize my classes more effectively without the help of others. It was the first experience I had as a teacher where I felt I didn't need to depend on the help others to have a success outcome. Because I had organize everything myself.<br />
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The best experience I had teaching privately was from a student named Ana Chistina Bonilha. Unlike many students I had in the past, she was different from many people I known. She lived in Lagoa which was in the very beautiful location in Rio De Janiero, There you can see the view of the Christ Redeemer from her Balcony. The beautiful lake circles around the Lagoon where you can see top notch breathtaking view of the city. I first started teaching Ana in February of 2015. It was a very good chemistry from the start. She was determined to Learn English as a way to communicated better to her friends who lived outside of Brazil. She took it as a challenge to want to learn English again because it was something she had once learnt but after time she had forgotten. What I enjoyed about her from the beginning, she had this wonder woman mystic about her. She was a mother of two and a businesswoman with many different interest. She was a caring and involved parent who always took the time to do think for others, but at the same time, she always wanted to better herself. For 7 months she would share her stories with me about her life. She would also fill me in on her aspirations for the future and what hopes she had going forward. She would talk about her love of music and how it gave her joy and comfort. Sometimes during our lessons she would sing a note or two of her favorite singers. In my time getting to know her I found out she wanted to go back to school to be a Lawyer. She had an ambition about herself that also reflected in her kids,. Her kids who are both grown with successful careers. I had a chance to have two classes with her daughter, Ana Bonilha whom is a TV Host for various television shows in Brazil. I also had a chance to teach the husband of Ana Bonilha, a few classes of English as well. He was also a very successful businessman who had a very busy and demanding schedule, working with the general public and having public access and acquaintances with celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger.<br />
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In my time getting to teach Ana, we had some really good discussions and conversations about her aspirations and her body of work she had accomplished during her lifetime. She would tell me stories about her childhood and how different parts of her life effected her personally . For months sevens months 2 hours a week, every Wednesday, We had a connection and a bond that cemented our time together as teacher and student. Through our conversations, and sometimes silly but fun classes I found out she was a real life Superwoman, who cared deeply about others, especially her family. </div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-6760363522815883202016-02-28T12:38:00.001-08:002016-03-05T12:43:34.569-08:00Living in Brazil 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Things were starting to turn around May of 2014. I was finally getting a little breathing space after months of trying dig myself out of a hole. In the months following, things would swing on the upside, but with this new opportunities came harsh lessons I had never experienced.Things were falling into place just at the right time. Two months later, the second biggest sport event in the world was underway. Things couldn't have been better than it was starting to become.<br />
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At the end of May 2014. Things were going just the way I had planned, until a girl walked into my life. Her name was Sabrina Amanda, and she was the perfect mix of brains and beauty. While staying in Bellas Artes Hostel, I had a two day conversation with her and her friend Alice,which was really engaging and fun. They were both from from Belo Horizonte, which was the capital of Minas Gerais. In my time spending with her at the hostel during the weekend. I had a chance to really got to discover her adventurous nature for travel and her curiosity of wanting to know other culture. This made me so more drawn to her than anything. her openness her and down to earth spirit. We hit it off well from the get go.I shared my personal stories of myself growing up in Jamaica and the states, and why I decided to go to Brazil. The whole weekend we had deep and really profound conversation about life, art, travel and nature. I was really drawn to her personality, but in did help she was beautiful as well. After that particular weekend, she had to go back to her city in Belo Horizonte. We decided to keep in touch via facebook and via telephone. After she left we kept in communication a few times during the week, basically addressing when the next time we would see each other again. The following weekends she decided to come down to Rio de Janiero one more to see me, but during this time, I had managed to miss the opportunity. Little did I know, this opportunity missed would be pivotal because it made the chase more complicated. During this time I focused on trying to please her instead of trying to be myself. We communicate for a while a few days a week. I took a bus to see her in her city Belo Horizonte. We talked for the next few months, even in the moment of being so deep in love I did crazy things like driving to her city to surprise her, even when she wasn't even there. Looking back, I was deeply in love, it was something i wish I had never experienced, so reality taught me a harsh lesson but She was mindful of that and used it against me. As time went on, the more attention I gave her, the more she used it to her advantage. On the last trip I went to see her. She told me it would be OK, if I could spend the night at her place. Once I arrived there, she had other plans in mind. She had decided to drop me off at a friends house which I knew very well. In the weekend I spent in her city,we spent eating lunch at a local restaurant, At the night we had a time to share some laughs at a local hangout spot where all the locals liked to gather to catch up on weekend football and events happening in the city.<br />
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During the last night, I had a chance to discover her true intention as she used the opportunities to chat with her friends about our whereabouts. Trying to get her attention she slowly and surely ignored me. It was the first time in my life I felt so low, because after, only then I realized I was being used my someone all along had no interest in me. I was hard but, I was more upset with myself for making it go that far and not seeing where I was going.It was the harsh reality of life and something I had never faced, even though it was difficult for me for the next couple of weekends. I had a conversation with myself, to love self first before thinking of going after someone else. That was my lesson, also sometimes love is blind and it can takeover your mind so take things slow when things are new, It was a difficult experience to swallow because i wasted 4 months on something that wasn't there, but at the same time it was an experience that I never had, but It would be an experience I would never forget.<br />
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In the months ahead, I would spend the next months working on myself and getting to know the rest of Brazil.. In August 2014. I decided to leave the Bellas Artes hostel after 1 year. I moved into the heart of Copacabana, just 10 minutes walking distance from the beach, From the point on, my moment of reflection and and transformation started. I slowly began the process of adjusting as well as forgiving out myself as well as understanding the world around me. This time, I would come to grips with past as well as the future which has not yet arrived.</div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-79516913446184982962016-01-26T13:51:00.000-08:002016-01-26T13:56:10.807-08:00Inside Rio Carnaval <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-29593695376752439432015-12-01T10:10:00.002-08:002016-08-29T08:07:45.316-07:00Teaching in Brazil 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <i> <b> When August 2014 arrived, I couldn't have been happier. I now worked at two Language Schools. Both of them were different from the other. The first school were I worked, INEP was a school that catered to the needs of older clients or anyone who wanted to learn English. The second school Focus Idiomas however was a school with a bit more of a vision. Focus was more geared to travelers or anyone looking to improve their professions. They both presented the same idea, but INEP did things the old fashion way; whiteboard, markers, books, desk, chairs and erasers. However; Focus Idiomas was new and innovative school in coming. It had Sofas, TVs, Music, new updated textbooks, and games. Both were a bit different for my taste. At,INEP, I had more freedom, whilst at Focus Idiomas,I had to follow to a structure and method of teaching. Both for me presented different way of reaching their students. Focus was a school more focused on reaching the students visually, through visual and conversation, whilst INEP was more focused on the written and the oral. For me, both presented a bit of a challenge, but it would be a challenge that would eventually help me become a better and more effective teacher.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i> The staff at INEP were very friendly and pleasurable to work with. All the teachers and staff would have conversation with me about current events happening in Brazil. The problems and corruption in Brazil, But none more important, than the soccer games and rivalries that were going on over the weekend. Botafogo or Flamengo. People would buy their shirts and choose their sides. In the morning,I always found it interesting to speak with one teachers about the current events. There was a teacher by the name of Sir Paulo. He was a language teacher at the course. He taught German, French, English, Portuguese and Italian. He was well traveled and educated. He graduated from Oxford in London with a Degree. He was not your typical Brazilian. He would tell me all- the time he was mistakenly born in the wrong country.He would defend his comments by saying, Brazilian people don't like to work. He would explain that Cariocas only thought about carnival, sex, football, and beer. He would further explain, Cariocas lived only for today and thought nothing about the future, His appearance and mannerism were of a man who lived in the UK, so I understand why his resentment was so strong. That was his biggest regret to this day, not making the best of the opportunity to live abroad when he had the chance. For this, he reminds me not to blow my chances and enjoy every experience I have.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i> At Focus, the staff was bit more professional. Natasha Fragras a teacher and now manager, was the first person I got to know at Focus. When I first spoke with her, I really thought she was around the same age as me, but after some time, I found out she was only 22 years of age, Surprising for me, because she presented herself as of person whom was wise beyond her years. We have a mutual respect for one another and I have learned a great deal from her, especially when it comes to becoming a better professional.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i> From the moment I started working at Inep. I had a special connection with my students. There were two students that I have to this day, I continue to teach and mentor. Roseli Sobral, and Diddo Oliviera. Both musicians, They live in Copacabana and enjoy learning English in their spare time. Roseli likes to learn English because of her fascination and admiration for the city of New York. She has been singing in a choir group for quit sometime now. She uses the opportunity to learn English to grow as a signer and understand other forms of music from other musical artist. When I first, started teaching her, she was very nervous and hesitate to speak, but over the course of time, she has developed a confidence that has helped her overcome her fears. Now that she likes and enjoys to speak English, she hopes one day to travel more to the United States to understand the culture. Ditto also enjoys to speak English. A native from the state of Bahia, he enjoys playing music at parties around Rio. He takes the opportunity to learn English as a way to expand his audience base, but to also learn about other cultures and other musicians. In my time getting to know him, I even found out he has recorded several album over the years.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i> At Focus, there was a group that I started teaching in the middle of 2014. I like to refer to then as The Dream Team. They were like no group that I ever had. They loved to make jokes and make light of all situations. All coming together to learn English, everyone brought excitement, joy, and fun to the classroom. Over the course of time, we became a tight group, almost like a family. Every Monday and Wednesday at 7pm, It was an hour of non- stop conversation, entertainment and joy. Bete Roza, was one of my students I enjoyed teaching. She brought an energy and excitement that made it fun to be around. Her soul and spirit was of a child, which makes everyone gravitate towards her. She is also a teacher, and teaches children with special needs.Being in her presence made the class more enjoyable and comfortable to teach.She likes to travel and enjoys spending with her friends at the beach or watching soccer on television at the bar. She is learning English in the hopes of traveling abroad to the United Sates, to communicate with her daughter and now son-in law who now lives in San Francisco California. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><i><br /></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b> <b>Margarete Pereira da Silva,<span style="line-height: 16.08px;"> was another student of mine, she was not in the term for a long, but her impact was felt. She was one of my inquisitive students, when in doubt ,she would ask a question,to make sure she would be correct with her pronunciation. She was studying English to help her with her job. She works with customer servi</span><span style="line-height: 16.08px;">ce. In which she sold colthes and merchadise as a way to make a living. Frequently she would have foreign customers in ther botique. Sometimes she uses English to communicate with her customers. She stayed in our class for three months, but she liked and enjoy speaking English with our group. </span></b></span></i><i><span style="line-height: 16.08px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.08px;"><b>Hallana Andrande Waldhelm was one of a kind. she was someone who you couldn't take seriously, especially when it comes to trying to speak or study English.. But she was a pleasure and joy to have around, She likes to spend time with her friends and family. What I miss about her was entertaining her before the classes. Before the classes, I would dance to a video she recorded before the English class to make her feel happy. That would be our weekly routine, until the course ended, if it made her open up and talk more in class. I had no problems doing it for her. Because in my mind, learning a language is a fun experience and should be enjoyable to Teach. Vera Maria Taranto, was another student in which I enjoyed teaching. She was the kind of student, who liked to make the best of the opportunity. She enjoys traveling and culture. She uses the opportunity to learn English as a way to move up in her professional career and also to travel abroad. Renata Romero was my most dedicated student. She loved to study English. Her hopes of Learning English was to hopefully one day win a job or career in the United States, where she will move to have a better life. Lastly. Paulo. I called him the president. A very relaxed and calm guy, he is the kind of man that likes to just go with the flow. He was the kind of person, you can never anger, because he was always in control of his emotions, for this reason, I called him the President. I will never forget the Dream Team. They were the first group that I connected to, teaching English in Brazil. </b></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-2892104276751298292015-10-31T15:58:00.000-07:002016-08-29T07:29:18.912-07:00Living in Brazil 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After Carnival, I wanted to explore more outside of Rio. The first place that grabbed my attention was Sao Paulo. Regarded as Metropolitan of South America. It draws smilier comparison to New York, because of its work and never sleep mentality. Sao Paulo is a modern city located just South of Rio de Janeiro. In the May of 2014, I took a Greyhound bus 6.5 hours to the Center of Sao Paulo. In the Center, all all the business transitions takes place and all the tourist and locals come to see the sights. Sao Paulo is regarding as one of the biggest Metropolitan cities in the world. There you can find all cultures and ethnic groups from all over the world, looking for a better life and a better economic opportunities. I will always remember the moment traveling to Sao Paulo. I met a young lady on the bus that was traveling to the same region. When she found out I was a foreigner, she couldn't stop but ask me a million questions. From where I was from, Why I was in Brazil, What do I do for a living, what other places I have traveled. etc. When I arrived in Sao Paulo, It was like being on 5th Avenue in New York. The crowd was massive, there were restaurants and bars everywhere you went. The center of the city is where you see the famous landmarks, parks, museums, churches, and historical neighborhoods. When I arrived in Sao Paulo for the first time, I decided to explore the city and meet up and talk with the locals and try to figure out and get a better understanding of what Sao Paulo was like. Unlike Rio, the trends and style of clothing were different. The neighborhoods were modern in the central regions. You have in Sao Paulo, the neighborhoods that were influence by the immigration of immigrants to Brazil. The Italians, The Germans, The Japanese, The French, The Hollanders, other Latin and Caribbean Countries. There were also interesting places to go, historical buildings, restaurants, sites, and park to visit. My first night in Sao Paulo, I decided to walk up and down alone in the center trying to find people to talk with. While exploring the city, I discovered some really cool and really interesting places to explore. The streets were packed with people on both sides. Bars, local pool halls, and disco clubs were the trendy thing to do when you were in the center of town. I had talks with local vendors, while strolling on the avenue I even met some locals and spoke to them in Portuguese and English. For me, this was the defying moment of my trip. I went with them to to some local bars. We had some fun, laughs and open conversation about each other and about life.We really enjoyed getting to know each other, and shared some personal stories with one another. We had a chance to go to a local disco club for a while. For me, it was the best part of my adventure in Sao Paulo. Just having the chance to meet some really random people on the street, not even from your country, but yet making that connection, and making the best of the moment. There were really open and honest with me about their views. We hung out all night, until the darkness gave away to the morning sun.<br />
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The next day, I decided to go downtown to see what else laid in front in this huge, enormous Metropolitan city. I brought a day pass metro ticket. Riding in the metro was the most fun for me, It was a chance for me to observe and see how the people interacted with each other on the train. When I arrived in downtown. It was a gigantic multi-cultural mixing pot, of people doing and selling merchandises on local streets and local stores and department stores, |Unlike the center, the buildings were not maintained or up kept as well. The prices were a bit cheaper compared to the center. In the downtown area, the life was impoverished. The economic opportunity and education was not as good, and in some neighborhoods, crime and drug trafficking was a major problem. In the downtown area, there were many immigrants from other South American countries and also in the Caribbean. The best part of walking in the Downtown, it gave me more of a New York atmosphere, because you can hear the other languages such as Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian and English. For me, it was more comforting being in Sao Paulo than in Rio, in many ways, because the difference of Identify united but united for a common goal. Wish is wanting a better life and opportunity, but when I decided to move to Brazil. I decided to be in Rio, but I wanted to know the real culture of Brazil and Rio De Janeiro is the mother place for it. Everyone identifies to one culture there, Samba, Funk, Carnival, Football, This is where the reputation starts, for the rest of the world to get to the scoop and the heart of what gives Brazil its Identify. Picking Sao Paulo wasn't the better choice, because coming to Brazil wasn't about wanting more money. it was about embracing a culture and learning about the people. It was fun and really exciting having a chance to leave Rio for the first time, since arriving in Brazil in August 2013. I spend the few days in Sao Paulo, eating at local restaurants checking out the tours and sites and walking down some famous well known Italian and Japanese neighborhoods. My favorite moments of Sao Paulo were checking out the graffiti art in the local districts and neighborhoods.. I was in aww, at some of partings that I saw. It was really different and something different from what I have seen, before because each graffiti-artist took their heritage from their parents who happened to have immigrated from other countries to settle in Brazil. It was like being at school for be, except on the outside. The process of understanding and learning as you try to grasp the concepts and ideas, while understanding the art, customs and music of the people people. There is where you find the identity. <br />
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After my trip to Sao Paulo I returned to Rio. From there, I decided to go to other places, such as Belo Horizonte, It was another city that was different unlike others I have seen. Belo Horizonte, unlike Rio and Sao Paulo, it was known for its beautiful horizons. When the World Cup was being played there in June, I had a chance to travel to Belo Horizonte for a few days to watch the World Cup Games with my friends. Belo Horizonte was a very small town, very laid back and reserved, Many people in Brazil had said, It was the place that made the best cheese bread in Brazil. Brahma also a Brazilian Beer was made there. Belo Horizonte has been praised for having one of the best and purest drinking waters in all of Brazil. When I was there, I found out there was a lot of waterfalls and streams were it was good for touring or camping. The people in Belo Horizonte unlike Rio de Janeiro seemed to take a more laid back approach to life, they seem to me to be more observant and laid back during the day, while at night, like many major cities, locals flooded the local bars and restaurants, especially if there weren't any beaches to go during the day. There was a saying in Belo Horizonte. We don't have Mar, so we go to the Bar. It was an ideal place if you just wanted to raise a family or content a normal and simple life. Everyone that I met and came across there were very friendly. I had a good time touring the city and checking out the parks, which were very beautiful to sit and relax in. The parks were well maintained and up kept. Many people took advantage of the time, by going out running, bike running, or walking with their families and friends. All in all it was a change for me, because I was now starting to understand more about Brazil.</div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-85955791080063717972015-10-22T17:43:00.001-07:002015-10-22T17:43:31.411-07:00Rio Olympic Problems 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-54310054371347784602015-09-25T14:56:00.001-07:002015-09-25T14:56:12.216-07:00 U.S President BarackObama Visits the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-36196382824954550632015-09-18T15:06:00.001-07:002015-09-18T15:07:40.529-07:00Teaching In Brazil 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After a few months at Focus, I started to develop a really good teacher student relationship with my students. Sometimes we would go out after class to have beer or coffee. This made my job as a teacher so much easier because I can connect with them outside of the classroom as well as in without being too boring. I had a really special relationship with my Monday and Wednesday classes 7-8 o'clock at night. Of all the groups, they were the most enjoyable to teach. They had a really outgoing and buzzing energy that me want to connect to them more. Over the course of time, we built a re-pour that will eventually built our trust in the classroom. I learn with them the importance of patience and self control. When I first started teaching at the course, I was a bit rushy and a bit nervous, but over the course of time, I realized, I had to be more clam and patient with them. Over the course of the six months I had class with them, I could have seen the difference.<br />
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At the other course,. Things were working out perfectly. I had the right amount of hours I was looking for. The students I had were all of different ages. I had a schedule of teaching students in the morning and afternoon on some days. I had the most fun with them because they made me feel more alive. There is a certain freedom you process when you teach children compared to adults, its the same freedom that allows me to write and find joy in traveling. This is what I live for and this is what I love to do. Paulo and Julio where two of the kids that I taught at INEP. There were enjoyable but at the same time the most difficult. In the beginning because of our unfamiliarity and the trust we didn't yet develop they were a little shy and receptive to speak in English. In the course of time, they broke down their shyness barrier and started opening up. I found out Julio has a passion to be a scientist. Paulo loves Mathematics and hopes to be someday an Engineer. They also like American TV shows such as Everybody Hates Chris, The Simpson, SpoongeBob, etc..<br />
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I had another student in the Afternoons, I had started teaching. His name was Matheus. Unlike the others, he wasn't as easy to reach and I had to have a great deal of patience with him, He was the kind of student who loved attention and will do anything to get out of doing any work. In the very beginning I had ask myself several times, why did I decide to take up such a difficult task. It was also the first time every as a teacher my patience was tested. Over the span of time, I had gotten to know him and discovered he was just like me when I was is age. Someone whom is a thrill seeker, always looking for the attention wherever he goes. In time, I also found out he spends my time alone on the street alone without any parent supervision. For a eleven year old kid, I found out it must be difficult, especially in Brazil at night in Rio de Janiero, where mayhem and disorder can sometimes unfold at night. I remembered how I was as a child and the reason why I acted out the way I and did, I learnt, I had to be patient with him, to built that connection and trust so he can learn the same way my teachers taught me. I also learnt, how important is to never give up on someone, no matter how difficult it is. A teacher represent what the mold of the child should aspire to be, what kind of example would I set if I quit on him, that was the most valuable lesson for me as a teacher.</div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-15519260624478117402015-09-04T15:07:00.002-07:002015-09-04T23:44:01.551-07:00 Rio Profile Natasha Fragas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have been living in Rio de Janiero for the past two years now, in my time living here, I have came across some interesting people with really exciting stories. I had the chance to interview Natasha Gierkens Fragas, a local Brazilian living in the city of Rio de Janiero. Natasha is 23 Years old, Manager/Teacher of Focus Idiomas Language School. She is also Married with no Children and a dog.<br />
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Two years ago, Natasha realized her dream of becoming a teacher, after almost becoming a pilot. Looking for the perfect opportunity to fulfill her promise, She encountered Paulo Henrique owner of Focus Idiomas in Copacabana. They had their first meeting, when the school was not yet completed but the right moment and the right times presented itself and Natasha was working from home in April 2013 . Three months later, She became a teacher and a coordinator of Focus Idiomas. Organizing the schedules, ordering the materials, hiring the people, and making sure everything was up to date. Then in June 2013,the school officially opened. The first group officially opened in July 2013. After that, In the beginning of January 2015 she was promoted to Manger. She says, in her new position, she says they re were some up sides and down sides. The upside are the increase in pay and the added responsibilities, but the downside is that you have to please all the teachers and all the students. and sometimes it can be difficult. Many times, Natasha added, it can be stressful but she keeps herself calm and relaxed by reading spiritually books and taking massage therapy. She credits many of her success to her parents who has given her the best life possible. They stated, she had gotton great schooling and guidance from her childhood, she hopes her success will be a way of telling them thanks. She uses the opportunities to improve herself and learn and evolve as a person. She now studies at ISERJ University in Rio De Janerio, where she hopes to someday branch out into some bigger. </div>
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When I asked Natasha about her opinion hosting the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio, she says, Brazil is has too many problems to host the Olympic Games at this time. She points out the lack of education, schools, and hospitals should be the main focus of Brazil, not the Olympics Games. She shares her disappointment with the lack of interest with the government of the country and the result of lack of investments from last years World Cup Boom in Rio. She added that there hasn't been any returns from world cup and she expects the same for the Olympics. In spite of all the problems,she shares her optimism for the future with hopes of someday affecting change.<br />
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-34869873552973908462015-08-22T17:08:00.001-07:002015-08-22T17:08:33.747-07:00Living in Brazil 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When January 2014 came around, I had noticed the sudden change in my appearance. I had lost about 10 pounds. I was slowly but surely adjusting to the life in Brazil. I had decided to explore more the city of Rio de Janiero. I started going on hikes, walks, explore the beaches, and local hot spots in Copacabana. I made a consciousness effort to go to the beach every morning, play basketball or soccer every morning in a local park nearby me every weekend, within the coming months all the fat I started disappearing. I also started changing my eating habits, instead of McDonald or KFC which I was used to while living in the states, I started buying and eating fruits and vegetables. For lunch, I would have rice and beans, meats natural juice and vegetables. Also my routine which I changed a bit made a big difference. I would head to Copacabana beach every morning just at the crack of dawn. Take the metro which was 15 minutes away from me. I would spend 2 hours on the beach in Copacabana running and swimming. For me, early morning exercise was the best, you had few people at the beach, the sun was at its lowest point during the day, and also you have time to meditate and be alone and collect your thoughts. There was no big crowds before 8 o'clock, the sea was a quit and still place for me. Sometimes I could literally count the amount of people on my hand.In Copacabana near pier, there is a breath taking view of the sunset by the rocks. For me, It was my time of peace and relaxation and finally adsorb the fact I was living my dream.<br />
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Things were starting to come together around the end of January. I had started exercising and working out more. I explored the sites around Copacabana. From the hikes, to the restaurants museums, beaches, and parties I was started to feel at home. The best part was yet to come as Carnival was just right around the corner. From the beginning of January until middle of February the anticipation begins to build as everyone begins to get into the festive mood. Samba music is played on the street corners, where you have small crowds of people gathering around dancing and singing old and new classic classic. For me, I spend my first carnival mainly in the main central spot where many people gather at night called Lapa. There you have the famous Lapa steps where some of the worlds most famous artist have done videos, such as Snoop Dogg and John Legend. There at night, people gather on the steps, talk and sing music and drink beer. That is one of the hot spots but to discover the true madness and craziness that transpires at night in Lapa you have to go to the orcolos do Lapa where you have a people gathered around in crowds dancing and having a festive time. Along the way, there are bars and trendy restaurants where you can eat some enjoy yourself.<br />
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Carnival was an amazing, exceptionally great experience for me. It was something I dreamed about and wanted to experience my entire life, and here I was in the most beautiful city in the world about to have my chance. It was a so real experience Around mid February Carnival officially get off. It was everything and more that I had hope for, Large crowds of people behaving like children for seven days without any rules or restrictions. You can basically say, anything goes. Many people I spoke to told me, that Carnival was the heart and soul of Brazil.Carnival is apart of the culture that goes deeper than having loads of beers or vodkas or locking lips with total strangers but the idea that for one week, the people are enjoying the music and the company of others and the joy and being free and alive. I had the great chance to spend carnival with a friend of mine Jorge Andres whom was working at the Bellas Artes Hostel, where I was staying at the time. He and I would get up everyday, during the start of carnival and buy liquors and beers and hit all the local blocos, which were block parties in Brazil, on the street depending on the time and place you were in Rio. There were different block parties throughout the day and each location. There would be blocos on the beach during the day and during the night, most of the blocos were situated downtown or in the main areas of the city. Everyday children, adults, young people, old people, locals, foreigners, and so on come together to show off their customs. Many of the men,would wear women dresses as a way to celebrate the festivities and poke fun of the idea. Also many of the woman would come dress as men. The atmosphere is nothing like you would believe and the people and the magnitude was on a scale like no other places I have ever been. The school of Samba was the best part for me, a room full of musicians playing every instrument you can name dancing to old classic Samba music. The woman and men would dance and the whole room would be clap and cheer enjoying themselves.<br />
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After a week, the streets slowly began to sweep away, the crowds were slowly disappearing and everything was getting back to normal. The kids return to school and adults returned to work. Just before the carnival had arrived I had met someone at the hostel named Wana Oliveira. She was from the Northwest of Brazil Belem next to the Amazons. She and I had become friends, and she told me a lot about her home down and how she grew up. She like me ha big inspirations to travel the world and find herself and so something meaningful with her life. She and I spent a week getting to know each other. In the time we spend together I found out she loved reggae music, she loved to travel, and she has a special love for animals. We talked would talk a lot about the possibility of meeting in New York one day which she was heading at the time, but for me I didn't want to go back, I needed more time to find myself, finish my book and look for the answers I was searching for. Its sad, because we were both the same kind of people but at the time we were both headed in different directions in our lives. I wanted to head out of the US and she wanted to head in. We made the most of our times together. In the week she stated at the hostel, we talked about hopefully meeting up in New York, because there is were she wanted to study and gain her English certificate. I knew for some reason in the back of my mind it wasn't going to happen, but I was still optimistic, but for me we were just two spirits passing by in each others lives. To this day we sill keep in touch and she lives in New York.</div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-19378285195847405902015-08-02T15:04:00.000-07:002015-08-02T15:04:06.859-07:00Teaching in Brazil 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After landing a job at Focus, I was feeling more relaxed and more comfortable with my role in Brazil. Better income and more freedom meant more opportunity to explore. Teaching English was becoming fun and enjoyable, for the first time since the summer of 2013 teaching was fun again. I started getting groups to teach at the course. There were some unforgettable students and groups that I taught but one group stood out from the rest. In the beginning it wasn't so easy as they had to get use to my way of teaching. They understood small words but generally in conversation they had a hard time grasping the idea and concepts of how to use the words. They also had difficulty adjusting to the speed and pitch of my voice. They would say, slow down teacher. I knew then I had to learn how to adjust to their pace before they had to adjust to mine. In time things became easier and the lines of communication was beginning bridged. We had an awesome time getting to know each other. We would joke and tell each other stories in class. With time it build trust with everyone which made us more open about sharing our experiences, which made everyone want to share their experience in English. Every week Monday and Wednesdays at nights at 7 pm for an hour we would make the best out of our classes. Sometimes it would be difficult to get through to them, because they would complain about the long and difficult day they had at work. Especially with my evening group which I had twice a week. Monday and Wednesday nights. They would come up with different scenarios about leaving their book at home or forgetting their homework on the metro or at their job. They mostly used the typical we didn't have any time routine which I found fascinating because many of this grown adults were acting like children. I discovered that many people in Rio would rather past the time by going to beach, go to the bar, hang out with their friends, Anything to do with work or studying was not something their used to.<br />
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It was a challenge for me at first, but with time and patience I had discovered, its good to change ones routine in order to get better results. I was bringing in a new concept and a new idea when it came to teaching. Everyone in the world can relate to fun. If used positively and constructively, it can change a person way of learning. I would ask them general topics about their personal interest and what was going on in their lives. That was the perfect opportunity they needed to speak so I can slowly give them the tools they needed to speak efficiently and correctly. Many people in Rio de Janerio were excited about having foreigners coming to their country to teach them English.. I was the most authentic person they knew and I could help them and change their lives in so many ways.<br />
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When I made the transition to work at Focus. I didn't know what to expect, For starters, the School was a professional school which meant I had to be organized to carry out the lesson plans and execute certain paperwork and documentation I had to complete on a regularly basis... Something that I have struggled with for the majority part of my life, so I had to focus a little bit more to make a better impression when it comes to organizing myself and preparing the lessons. As time went on, I learn to structure myself a little bit more. I gave myself enough time to absorb the lessons even more than what I am used t. Many of the students I had were beginners and they had never spoken any word of English, so for me, I had to be more patient than usually and try new techniques. Also many of them were timid to even want to attempt it sometimes was like pulling teeth. For me, I had to make them feel comfortable. I had to get in depth with them on the things that were happening in their lives and find a way for them to feel comfortable enough to say it in English. In time, with my extrovert personality and communications skills, I slowly had them talking to me even when there was nothing to be said. The interest and level of excitement learning about my background and the State which everyone dreams of going to, New York. They saw me as hope, that one day they could have the opportunity, to travel abroad for a better life or just the opportunity to experience something different from what they were used to.<br />
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In August 2014, I started working at Focus. It wasn't an easy transition from INEP because in that course, I had more freedom to do what I wanted and with Focus the classrooms were bigger, the students were more, the atmosphere was more professional. The difference which I liked about Focus was that it had more current and up to date material that could relate to,while learning English. In Focus, we use music, games, conversation new and up to date books and even activities outside the classrooms to draw a picture of the real English experience.The co-workers at the course are really good to work with. They are very helpful and if I was in a situation in which I need their help they would be right there.This made me believe I was in the right situation. For me, If I work in an environment in which everyone helps out the other I will show one hundred percent dedication and hard word into making sure I do my part. From the first 3 months, it was a roller coaster ride, But towards the end of December 2014, many of my students had already gotten used to me, even calling me the crazy teacher. It would be an insult for most, but for me I was letting them into a world were learning can be fun and exciting. </div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-67573476319803939052015-07-31T20:31:00.003-07:002015-08-02T15:11:12.624-07:00President Obama Speaks to the People of Africa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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US President Barack Obama makes historical visit to Africa. He addresses the African Union about some of the difficulties and issues facing Africa today. He talks about human rights laws, when it came to same sex marriages, the treatment of woman, and the labor laws of children and how corruption place a huge role on the African Continent. He also talks about those in power and the role they play in the world and them having accountability for their actions. </div>
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-75881680768233998512015-06-28T03:43:00.002-07:002015-06-28T03:43:31.724-07:00Same Sex Marriage Rights Legalized <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-88033684636657625372015-06-18T14:33:00.000-07:002015-06-19T05:49:59.940-07:00CNN Freedom Project- West Africa Slavery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This documentary sheds light on past time problems still faces Western African Nation today. Sex Trafficking and Labor Trafficking, Knoweledge is power......<br />
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-87561554724783188422015-06-10T13:23:00.000-07:002016-03-05T14:04:58.112-08:00Maroon Connection Freedom Project <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">This documentary talks about the original Jamaican Maroons and the African Atlantic Slave Trade and the influence of the people of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;">Sierra Leone. Enjoy!</span></div>
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-35061568966754807492015-05-27T14:20:00.000-07:002015-05-27T14:20:55.165-07:00Living in Brazil 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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At the end of 2014, I was becoming very uncertain about my decision moving to Brazil. I was still adjusting to the language and I wasn't in the situation I had hoped for. I had learnt from my years living in New York, if you want to change the outcome you have to put in the work to get it. I did just that. Things were about to change. I started working at a hostel down the street from the first hostel where I was living. The name of the Hostel was Kariok Hostel. I first encountered my boss Luciene there on the last day in December. She decided to give me an opportunity to work for the hostel for the entire month of January. Her spirit is of a person who is always buzzing. She is very strong, smart, independent, and loyal. She is a very kind heart-person who believes in giving others an opportunity. She knew my situation and my my lack of knowledge with Portuguese, but she still decided to give me a chance anyway. I worked the night shift everyday for a month. After working there for a month I felt at home. I met some really amazing people working there as well. They made me feel like family from the get go. Until this day, that's why I continue to still work there. Valentina Torquemade was a co worker of mine was working thereat the time. She was originally from Venezula, but like me, she was also searching for a dream and a better life; I had a great time getting to know her. We had fun, told jokes and had a few good nights in Lapa with the guest. She has now moved on to Switzerland. Another co-worker that I had fun getting to know was Caroline Souza a local Carioca from Rio de Janerio. She was a very nice, smart, outgoing, and fun. I had a really awesome time playing with her son. I call him my little buddy. Caroline and I would talk about things and took many pictures at the hostel. A week ago, she decided to move on, after two years working at the hostel. It was sad, but the same time, I know the reality. Its times like these you appreciate the people who helped you, listen to you, and guided you, and that´s what exactly what they did. There are unforgettable.<br />
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In the week approaching Christmas, I felt alone for the first time in along time. I had no one to talk to and nothing to do. I spend most of my time reading and writing in my room. I thought about my family a lot, what we have been through, where we´ve been, what we´ve done together. A few days before Christmas there was a new employer working at the hostel. Her name was Ines MarquesBastos. She took the place of my friend Emily who was the receptionist. Emily had decided to return to the States, and she was the only connection I had in Brazil. When she left there was another person who took her place. Ines Bastro was her name. She was from Portugal. She spoke Portuguese, English and Spanish. She was only 21 years old. By her maturity she seemed as if she had lived on the earth 5 years prior. She was very down to earth, adventurous and who loved freedom. When we first meet we had an instant connection. We talked alot about our past experiences, where we were going, and where we hoped to be. Our connection was like of two people that were children, meeting for the very first time.. We went to the beach, we went to mall, we had deep and really insightful conversation. Within the two weeks we became really good friends. Our best moment was when we went out to Copacabana on New Years Eve. It was a magical night full of dancing, and laughter. It was a moment that will forever live in my memory. It would be the last time we hung out together. After two weeks working at the hostel, she decided to move on. I couldn't blame her. We had a good-bye dinner with two of our other good friends from Argentina who were staying at the hostel at the time. We laughed and shared stories and made plans to someday meet up again. Being in this situation many times before, traveling abroad for the past six years now, I knew it would be the last time, but to this day, I reflect on the times we had with pure joy, and the understanding why sometimes people are brought into our lives when we least expect it. </div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-53955422902333141092015-05-18T06:49:00.001-07:002015-05-18T07:30:01.282-07:00The History of Afro Music in Salvador Bahia Brazil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-84209050423639059892015-04-23T18:00:00.001-07:002015-04-24T15:27:58.848-07:00Great Men Of Their Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Great people come along once but so often, When they past through history we have to take a moment to appreciate and acknowledge them for the great people they are.They are the ones that show us that special ability to connect with others and most importantly how to rise from challenges when times get difficult. I take Usain Bolt, the fastest man who ever lived, and Barack Obama who continues to make history with his Diplomacy. As history continues to past these men they will go down with it. They are great men of their time</div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-62299105107185210672015-04-16T14:48:00.002-07:002015-04-16T14:48:22.677-07:00President Obama Meets with President Castro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What has history taught us? if something doesn't work, we must try another way...</div>
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This meeting between the little brother and the big brother US and Cuba could be just what we need to bring about global diplomacy. </div>
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-808535966916177832015-04-02T05:12:00.004-07:002015-04-02T05:12:44.688-07:00Teaching English in Brazil 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The New Year was upon me. This year would be even be more special, because It was the first year, I started working with kids. Paulo and Julio were their names, Both kids were very enthusiastic, full of energy, imaginative, and curious. For me, it was the perfect environment to work. When I first started teaching them, it wasn't easy. At times they were more than I could bare. They would push me to my limits but I had to learn how to be patient with them. Within time, the patience allowed be to figure out the best way to reach them. I tried to understand their personal interest and what drove them to want to learn. They would tell me about their aspirations to be scientist in the future. I would use that to motivate them. I would mention to them how important it was for them to study so they can meet their future goals. I would always motivate them by reminding them how important it was for them to dedicate time to their studies.I would say,"you put the work, you will see the results." Teaching and learning for me is a two way street and for both students and teachers to have an understanding of each other, you have to understand the relationship between you and the other person and what drives each other. Use that as an opportunity to show them that learning comes from constant repetition and focus. From the beginning of 2014, when I first started teaching we couldn't understand each other, but as time began to past, we started to develop a great teacher and student relationship. One way I can tell, is their instant focus when they enter the room now compared to the past when I had to constantly reminded them they needed to focus. Its our chemistry over time that had allowed us to understand what´s expected from each other.<br />
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Julio is eights years old. He is a typical kid, who loves video games, sometimes love to joke around in class. He is really exceptional and picks up on new things fairly quickly. Paulo is the oldest brother, he is a bit more shy than his brother, but when focused, he can grab everything you throw in his direction. He has a great way of analyzing things that are difficult, and finding a way to resolve it. I think both see the world differently but both process a gift that future generation will be lucky to have, We have a great understanding of what is expected for each other, but form time to time I remind them however from time to time how important it is to stay on track and not lose focus. At INEP where I work I have a great teaching relationship with my Tuesday 6pm classes. We share a lot with each other and they expected me to share my knowledge with them. At times I would let them know they had to put in time to studying the book and find ways to have contact with the language. Even if it was reading a newspaper, magazine or watching a film or TV program or listening to music. From that point in the past until now I think they have excepted the advice. From this, I can see the drastic change in their use of speaking. They sometimes credit me for my patience with them but I continue to tell them you dedicate the time the results will show.<br />
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As time went on in 2014, I needed another job to compensate for my living expenses, I decided to teach at another course, |The name of the course was Focus. It was first mentioned to me by two of my current students at INEP. Catharina and Roseli. I have been their teacher for a year now, Both Roseli and Catharina were very helpful showing me and teaching me the do´s and no´s of Brazil, At times I refer to them as my Brazilian mothers.]<br />
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Focus was a new and Innovative Language School. Its mission was to teach English to local Brazilians who wanted to learn English for their travels, for their work, or for their personal development, Its very different compared to INEP. Focus uses a more modern method They used video, new and modern updated books to explain how English is used in an everyday environment, For example, when it comes to eating out, planning a trip, or staying in an hotel. It was a bit simple for me to organized my lessons compared to the other school, where I had to explain everything from ground roots. Focus gave me more flexibility and a better chance to be more organized with my material. Focus which was the perfect name for the school, would be the place and cornerstone where I had to teach myself how to focus. In August 2015, I was going to embark on another journey where I discovered something about new about myself.............</div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-36962400663362122022015-03-02T06:00:00.002-08:002015-03-02T06:00:35.004-08:00Rio marks 450th anniversary with 450-meter cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-70285086701247576472015-01-31T08:33:00.003-08:002015-02-20T03:13:36.387-08:00Living in Brazil Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Things were moving in the right direction. I had a set schedule at the English course. I had just made a new friend Bernard Alveres. We would make Lapa our every Friday hangout spot. That was where all the madness started and where it ended. You name it I saw it, Nightclubs, Restaurants, Bars, Large crowds, Drugs, Alcohol, Sex, It was the main spot for locals and tourists both near and abroad. The streets would be swarmed with people on both sides. The woman would come out with their most sexiest outfit and the men would come out with their best chances to get a girl, which involves alot of times going shirtless. Many would dress to impress which some literally try to flex their muscles to draw attention. For me, I really on my sense of humor and Witt, to open the gates of communication, but their was still a problem I still had to learn Portuguese. For the first three months, I found it difficult to speak to woman. First, the language, but secondly cultural differences and behaviors. In Brazil as I had to learn more with time, You cant seem to be too available because in Brazil it comes across as a weakness, but at the same time you have to show a level of interest. The most importantly, you have to let then come to you. Its like a game of chest with many rules, but the its important you don't show all your moves right away. You have to appear mysterious and desired so they chase you as well.<br />
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Getting back to the Lapa madness, the scenes there was no place I have ever witness. People flooding the streets heading to local concerts and bars hangouts. What I enjoyed most more about Lapa was going to the Famous Lapa Steps and having drinks with my friend singing and dancing with foreigners from abroad. For the first four months in Brazil every weekend was the spot. What I really liked about hanging out in |Lapa besides the steps, where the arcos de Lapa. The bands would come out and perform street dance Samba for the crowd, After along week,It was the perfect place to dance and release some energy and meet some new people. Things would really get on the way as I started to develop some really good friendships in the Hostel. Miguel Barradas Daltro Santos. We spent most of early mornings at the hostel smoking our normal wake and make remedy and watching old classic American and Brazilian films. I really like having conversations with him because he had a really open-mind. He had a professional way about handling things when it came to his job, but he also was a very outgoing person, At times, which seemed to not have any boundaries, He was the longest employee working at Bellas Artes Hostel. He stuck around 7 months more after I arrived at the Hostel. It was difficult for me to see him go, but at the same time he needed to make his transition and from the conversations we had, I knew it was that time for him to move on. The thing I remembered most about him was his love for video games and his curiosity for the love of science and philosophy.<br />
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Another great person I had a chance to know at the hostel was Rodigo Castro. He was the manager at Bellas Artes. I had a chance learn and adopt alot of things from him. He told me alot about the culture of Brazil. He was always looking out for me. When I was in trouble or if I need something he was there with words of encouragement and wisdom. He was the type of person who looked out for his friends. People like him don't come around very often when they do its hard not to forget them. The first few months, was a bit of a struggle for me in Brazil. He was always there to assist me or give me a helping hand. It was then I started to understand the Brazilian culture even more. We had some great moments in the hostel, especially when it came to exchanging Portuguese and English.<br />
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There was an American girl working at the hostel. Her name was Emily Everett. She was a Southern girl from Mississippi. She was the only American contact I had when I first moved into the hostel. It was kind of reassuring for me at times because we would listen to American music, and talk about issues going on back in the states. We would have our moments when the guest would leave we would crank up the music really loud and dance and sing to hip hop oldies. Our favorite song was Ice Cube´s Today Was A Good Day. We had our moments really. I had a really good time getting to know her. She was not your typical American girl. She had done alot of traveling and spoke three languages. She was very artistic and expressive. She was also very down to earth. We shared alot of laughs and I learn a great deal from her. She didn't stick around very long but she had a long lasting impression.<br />
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Approaching Christmas. I started to become a little homesick. I spent many times alone. After Emily had left, I started to drink and smoke to keep myself occupied. Ines MarquesBastos was from Portugal. She was only 20 years old, but from the way she spoke and carried herself, it seemed as if she had been on the earth for quit a while. She took the place of Emily working at the reception. She was very intelligent, sensitive, adventurous, and very worldly. She was a very good communicator. When she spoke people gravitated towards her. We had alot in common. We both had much curiosity about the world and we wanted to do great things in it. We shared our past future hopes and optimism for the future. We went out and explore the city of Rio and had some really good times.After a week, I felt like I met a really good friend. We went to the beach and explored the city of Rio together. In the weeks ending, we finish the year with a bang! On New Years eve, She and I along with guest at the hostel went to Copacabana beach and witness a spectacle like nothing we had never seen. Fireworks lite up the skies of Copacabana beach, where the millions of people on the streets came from all over the world. It was a magical time and a great time because it was a transitional period. Things will started to take a dip in the following weeks coming. </div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815289260617653717.post-23620388888470215772014-12-22T09:38:00.001-08:002015-01-29T16:15:47.975-08:00Teaching English in Brazil Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jEKrJBy31GP1IU1DefmoK81HS_slrGxY620HpuqfhwK9q9zrBnfCS12CYZJmR_qyVbrT4cXjDJ36gwTn6DM3eszN5MUvs5Oj2QfYJtxrN_so7fiubx5JIlxczvSj2QswtO6VclFqr_o/s1600/Students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jEKrJBy31GP1IU1DefmoK81HS_slrGxY620HpuqfhwK9q9zrBnfCS12CYZJmR_qyVbrT4cXjDJ36gwTn6DM3eszN5MUvs5Oj2QfYJtxrN_so7fiubx5JIlxczvSj2QswtO6VclFqr_o/s1600/Students.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Teaching English was starting to become a really enlightening experience for me, especially when I had the chance to move on. After landing a job AT INEP in the beginning of January 2014. I started to mold myself into a different person. When I first started I still had many issues to work out. First being on time and secondly being more organized. INEP was the first place where I started to realized what it meant to be a professional. Showing to work on time. Dressing professionally. Time management. Most importantly structure. I started to teach in the mornings and in the evenings. Most of my hours were based from 8-12 and then in the evening from 4-8. Many of my students were a mixture of children and adults. The children for me was the most difficult but at the same time the most rewarding. Teaching children requires patience and constant engagement in various activities. As for adults, it takes a great deal of preparation and training of speaking. Many of my students were so happy to learn English. As time wore on I developed a really close bounds with my students. Even taking it further beyond the classroom. We would have time to take breaks and go out to cafe´s and practice our English conversational skills there, There were two students imparticular Ditto and Roseli that loved to use there times to speak.. On Tuesdays during our classes we would use the time to go to the local cafe and local supermarket to practice our English.. We would talk about anything that came to our mind. Using what we have learnt in classes.<br />
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From the past tense, present simple, future continuous, we were using English in our everyday speech to connect to the world. Ditto and Roseli and I would go out to the cafe and hold a 10 minute conversation speaking about what we encountered that day or what they have experienced in their past experience. I wanted to break them out of the comfort some of the classroom environment and make them think outside the box so they would know how to truly communicate with language. Along the way, I started to know little things about them which benefited us all in the classroom. Its been a a journey teaching them, both Ditto and Roseli pushed me to my limits. During my my time at INEP I saw students come and student go but Ditto and Roseli have been with me until now. At times it was difficult and I took some of those losses personality, but I have learnt you cant help everybody. You can only help those who want to be helped. You cant force a person to learn you can only give them the tools and show them how it works. Its been nearly a year since we´ve first met, but our teacher student relationship has grown into something more than just paper and pen. Its grown to a level of trust and understanding. Hopefully with the remaining time I still have here in Brazil I will impact change and help alot of people. </div>
Wade Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00965478075942586314noreply@blogger.com0