My Experience Living In Brazil- Pre View.

  Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever expected to be in a place so beautiful, so exotic. Full of so much history and cultural diversity, Brazil is a place all in its own. I first gravitated to Brazil when I was a boy in Jamaica. I used to watch old films of Pelle, when he used to dominate the world of soccer. I became even more curious in 2002 when I came across a film called the City of Gods. It was with this impression which made me want to explore the country even more. From conversation and discussions I had with folks, I was only aware of the good points of the country and like anything in life, there is also a negative side so I had to find out more for myself. August 16, 2013, was the day I arrived here. I decided to give up the life that I once knew and take on a different challenge. I wanted to see for myself but I also wanted to educate my mind.  What better time than now! With the World Cup approaching and the Olympic Games in a few years, Brazil was calling and I decided answer the call. When I first arrived,  I was a bit unsettled, a little scattered, but from past experiences, I've learned to stay calm. The scenery was breath taking on the drive down. Fevelas surrounding me on both sides and the neighborhood children were all out playing soccer. I can see from the games that I was observing, the greatest of country started with the obsession and passion of the youths.

  To move along, I had a difficult time adjusting to the country in the very beginning. The culture and customs where different. For on thing, Brazilians are more informal when it comes to greetings and meeting new people. For example, when Brazilians meet one another, they exchange with a  kiss on both cheeks or a hug, while in the United States,  people are more formal and distant. Greeting with a simple handshake. In Rio De Janeiro the people are extremely friendly and outgoing, while in the states people tend to keep to themselves. While there are differences, there are certain characteristic they both share. They both share a wide diversity when it comes to its people. In Brazil, the people are made up of Africans, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, French and so on. Anyone here can pretty much pass for a Brazilian. Thanks to a few people I have met along the way,  my stay in Brazil has been magnificent.  Thanks to  Drica, Patricia, Rafaela, Miguel, Rodrigo, Bernard, Celestino, Josquin. They have taught and showed me the Brazilian lifestyle and made me feel really at home. Hostel Bellas Artes Hostel is where I am staying, and from the first time I entered there, I felt really comfortable.

  My favorite moments and time at the hostel will have to be at the  Jazz shows, and swapping stories with the guest. The city of Samba which Rio De Janerio is known for is filled with so much vibes. Especially in Lapa and Santa  Teresa, which is the main area where tourist and locals go. Music videos and famous films have been documented there and its one of the most recognizable places in Brazil. There you can listen to funk, Jazz, Samba, Reggae, and so on. On the weekends especially, the streets are swarming with people. My favorite destination in Lapa has to be the Lapa steps, where many videos such as Beautiful song by  American Rapper Snoop Dogg was sang there. There people can relax, sit and talk and drink a beer. When Brazilians want to relax on the weekends, there is nothing more peaceful then heading to the beach. Copacabana and Ipanema are the most popular beaches in Rio, but there are others that are really eye popin to look at as well. I have gotten to chance to explore much of Brazil as of yet, but I am looking forward to getting to know more places in the near future such as, Bahia, Sao Paulo, Brasilia among other destination. Leading up to this moment has been up and down roller coaster for me, but Teaching has put everything in prospective. Especially making a difference in the life of the students and bringing  my experience from abroad. As time goes on I will reveal more about my time teaching . Also the protest leading up to the World Cup, and the obsession of the Brazilian culture with football..... Stay tuned.