August 16, 2014. I couldn´t put feelings into words.but at the exact moment, I knew was about to embark on a journey, I was going to remember for the rest of my life. I arrived mid morning with a positive outlook of completing the dream, I´ve had for the past 5 years now. I couldn't have picked a better time to come to Brazil than that moment. There was much going on. The World Cup, the preparation of the World Cup. The manifestation movement, and the movement for social changes. Many concerns were the prices of public transportation, the unhealthy public hospitals, the poor public school system. The whole world´s attention was on Brazil and I thought it would be the perfect time to let the people know what was going on. . I lived in a small district called Santa Teresa. It was a small district surrounding by bars and restaurants, supermarkets, local shops, and public transportation. The most amazing part of living in Santa Teresa is the park nearby known as Flamengo Park. There many locals go to hang out with their friends and family, skateboard, ride their bikes, play soccer and exercises. For me, it was the perfect spot with small roads where you can walk and encounter people and spark up a conversation. . There, the foreigners and locals go to drink beers, hang out on the streets, go to the clubs, and basically tear up the streets of Rio de Janiero. I lived about ten minutes away from there, so for me it was confidante.
When I arrived in Brazil I lodged at a place called Bellas Artes Hostel. Drica is one of the owners of Bellas Artes Hostel. She made me feel very comfortable in her hostel. She showed me the area of Santa Teresa and made me feel apart of the Brazilian community. Another good friend I encountered was Patricia Azevendo. She is also the co owner of Bellas Artes hostel. We became really good friends after sharing common interest in Reggae music. Miguel Barradas Daltro Santos has to be the most laid back, shauve and coolest person I ever met. We shared many good times together, smoking, drinking and watching films at the hostel. I really enjoyed his opinion about life. Bernard Alevares is my best friend in Brazil, whenever I need anything, or I get in a jam, you can count on him. I call him the president because everywhere we go, many people follow him. Bernard is the life of the party and his outlook on life is very carefree. Rodrigo Castro was another friend of mine I got to know over time. He is very caring and understanding person, who will give you the clothes of his back if you need it. I enjoy my time getting to know him. Pedro Luna Mansur has to be one of the best conversationalist I have ever came across. Not only is he a great baker, a magician in the kitchen when it comes baking a cake but he has a great way of explaining both sides of an argument. He has a broad and open mind when it comes to cultures and understanding people. Veronica Vianna is the daughter of Drica owner of Bellas Arts Hostel. She was the first person I encountered in Brazil. She found me when I didn't have a place to go, and for this I am forever grateful. She is also a very down to earth person who likes to have fun and make others around her have a good time. I call her my Brazilian mom. Josquin Lauton is another great friend of mine. He is originally from France, but he has been staying in Brazil for three years now. I love this guy spirit. He inspires me so much with his words, sometimes when I am unsure of what to do, he is there to encourage me and tell me to just do it. At times, I feel like he is my brother in another lifetime, because of our outlook on life. Marcia Tannure is as crazy as they come, but I enjoy her crazy personality and her ability to not make things affect her. Last, but not least, Daniel Medeiros, a really great person. One of the nicest, funniest, and professional persons I have ever encountered. As an artist, he has shown me that, art is very important, but without marketing your art cant be recognized. I learn a great deal when it comes to his mannerism and his ability to control the situation when things don't go well. I enjoy our times together, especially our green time. These people are my Brazilian Family and I enjoyed every moment I had with them. I couldn't have made it in Brazil without any of them, but like anything in life, nothing is forever.They are my Bellas Artes Family. I will miss them.
