Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Ouro Preto & Jardim Canada
Boa Noite again from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. I know I stated that I would catch everyone up on the week in my last post, but I didn't have time to include my weekend activities. On Saturday, we were lucky enough to convince Jefferson to come with us and serve as our guide to a local park called Estrada Real, which means "Royal Park" and through the historical town of Ouro Preto.
As we entered the town of Ouro Preto, you could hear all of the awes and oos since just about everyone became silent and started snapping pictures. The historical town is just amazing! It sits in the countryside, which is very mountainous meaning the houses and cascaded up and down the mountain making quite the view for you from afar and within the town itself. As we entered the town, Jefferson informed us he was taking us to "heaven". No one really knew what that meant at first. But we soon realized what he meant when we continued to drive up a very steep path through a very narrow road. We were now all joking that maybe he was referring to the place as "heaven" because we are all going to get killed when the van tips over the sharp drop off the side of the very narrow road. I was even scared and I come from Denver, Colorado and drive up mountain roads all the time. But this was very different.
We finally made it to the top called "heaven" and it was so beautiful. One of the main things Jefferson pointed out was how a main source of natural mineral water originated up here. We even saw a water truck up there filling its tank with the natural pure water to run back to BH (Belo Horizonte) for drinking. I guess the water is very pure and could be drank on-site without any further purification. Not too quite sure about that. I wasn't about to go to the spring and drink the water myself. Don't really need to be sick for the next two weeks! Anyways, we didn't even realize the best part was yet to come. Jefferson guided us down the path of the stream through the rocks to a cave. We took off our shoes and socks and climbed down a ladder to a pool of water. As we walked through the cave in the pool of water, Jefferson guided us to the most amazing waterfall. It wasn't the best I have seen, but I have never seen anything like this before. Something so natural, so pure, so quite, and so cavern. Pictures will follow in my next post.
Next, we made our way into the town. Ouro Preto means "Black Gold" in Portuguese. The town was formed as a mining town and became the capital of Minas Gerais back in the day. Minas Gerais is the state in which Belo Horizonte is located in Brazil. The town is located in the Serra do Espinhaço mountains and is now a listed as a world heritage site. The town is just absolutely amazing when it comes to architecture and history. The old royal palace is located there. We took a tour and got to see everything from where they manufactured the money to all of the different rooms and quarters to the basement where the slaves where kept. By far, that was the saddest part of the tour. I couldn't believe the conditions, stories, and artifacts they had which informed you of how the slaves where treated back then. No photos were allowed (probably because they are ashamed) of this area. So, I have nothing to show you. Sorry! I do have a few pictures of the town and the palace, though. If I would used one town to remember Brazil by, it would be this town.
On Sunday, our client Joanne and Arubio invited our whole team over for hiking through Jardim Canada and a large lunch feast at their house in the afternoon. I can speak for everyone when I say their house is amazing! It sits in a private gated community located in the mountains. The view from their porch alone was absolutely gorgeous! I felt right at home being from Colorado. We started off the day with a2-3 hour hike through the mountains. When we reached the halfway point at a waterfall, Arubio even got me to do a little bouldering up a rock face. We both took a turn and did very well. Lots of smiles and laughs were exchanged. That is all we needed even though I speak English and Arubio speaks Portuguese. A moment I will remember for quite some time. For me, another amazing part of the hike was the constant weather change. At one point it was sunny. At another, it was rainy. The rain clouds or mist were so close and would move through in an instant. You could literally see the moving through the valley so quickly, which was very cool!
After the hike, we went back to Joanne and Arubio's home where we proceeded to put together quite the feast. We had everything from traditional Brazilian food to foods from everyone's home country. It was quite delicious. I think my favorite part, though, was the kegarator they had. I guess Brazilians like to party the same way we do. A kegarator is just as awesome for them as it is for us! After eating, we all sat in chairs and enjoy the afternoon on their deck. Just relaxing and enjoying a few laughs. We stayed there all the way until the sunset. I wish I would have taken more pictures with my phone to easily share with you, but I was so relaxed, I didn't really think of it. By the time we went home, everyone was exhausted. But it was a good exhausted. I could tell everyone enjoyed themselves and really needed some time away from the city and bit of peace and quite to help get them ready for the next week of work ahead.
Based on the amazing weekend I had this week, I can't wait for the next. Plans are already in the works to visit more parks, waterfalls, and even an amazing art museum. More to come!
As we entered the town of Ouro Preto, you could hear all of the awes and oos since just about everyone became silent and started snapping pictures. The historical town is just amazing! It sits in the countryside, which is very mountainous meaning the houses and cascaded up and down the mountain making quite the view for you from afar and within the town itself. As we entered the town, Jefferson informed us he was taking us to "heaven". No one really knew what that meant at first. But we soon realized what he meant when we continued to drive up a very steep path through a very narrow road. We were now all joking that maybe he was referring to the place as "heaven" because we are all going to get killed when the van tips over the sharp drop off the side of the very narrow road. I was even scared and I come from Denver, Colorado and drive up mountain roads all the time. But this was very different.
We finally made it to the top called "heaven" and it was so beautiful. One of the main things Jefferson pointed out was how a main source of natural mineral water originated up here. We even saw a water truck up there filling its tank with the natural pure water to run back to BH (Belo Horizonte) for drinking. I guess the water is very pure and could be drank on-site without any further purification. Not too quite sure about that. I wasn't about to go to the spring and drink the water myself. Don't really need to be sick for the next two weeks! Anyways, we didn't even realize the best part was yet to come. Jefferson guided us down the path of the stream through the rocks to a cave. We took off our shoes and socks and climbed down a ladder to a pool of water. As we walked through the cave in the pool of water, Jefferson guided us to the most amazing waterfall. It wasn't the best I have seen, but I have never seen anything like this before. Something so natural, so pure, so quite, and so cavern. Pictures will follow in my next post.
Next, we made our way into the town. Ouro Preto means "Black Gold" in Portuguese. The town was formed as a mining town and became the capital of Minas Gerais back in the day. Minas Gerais is the state in which Belo Horizonte is located in Brazil. The town is located in the Serra do Espinhaço mountains and is now a listed as a world heritage site. The town is just absolutely amazing when it comes to architecture and history. The old royal palace is located there. We took a tour and got to see everything from where they manufactured the money to all of the different rooms and quarters to the basement where the slaves where kept. By far, that was the saddest part of the tour. I couldn't believe the conditions, stories, and artifacts they had which informed you of how the slaves where treated back then. No photos were allowed (probably because they are ashamed) of this area. So, I have nothing to show you. Sorry! I do have a few pictures of the town and the palace, though. If I would used one town to remember Brazil by, it would be this town.
On Sunday, our client Joanne and Arubio invited our whole team over for hiking through Jardim Canada and a large lunch feast at their house in the afternoon. I can speak for everyone when I say their house is amazing! It sits in a private gated community located in the mountains. The view from their porch alone was absolutely gorgeous! I felt right at home being from Colorado. We started off the day with a2-3 hour hike through the mountains. When we reached the halfway point at a waterfall, Arubio even got me to do a little bouldering up a rock face. We both took a turn and did very well. Lots of smiles and laughs were exchanged. That is all we needed even though I speak English and Arubio speaks Portuguese. A moment I will remember for quite some time. For me, another amazing part of the hike was the constant weather change. At one point it was sunny. At another, it was rainy. The rain clouds or mist were so close and would move through in an instant. You could literally see the moving through the valley so quickly, which was very cool!
After the hike, we went back to Joanne and Arubio's home where we proceeded to put together quite the feast. We had everything from traditional Brazilian food to foods from everyone's home country. It was quite delicious. I think my favorite part, though, was the kegarator they had. I guess Brazilians like to party the same way we do. A kegarator is just as awesome for them as it is for us! After eating, we all sat in chairs and enjoy the afternoon on their deck. Just relaxing and enjoying a few laughs. We stayed there all the way until the sunset. I wish I would have taken more pictures with my phone to easily share with you, but I was so relaxed, I didn't really think of it. By the time we went home, everyone was exhausted. But it was a good exhausted. I could tell everyone enjoyed themselves and really needed some time away from the city and bit of peace and quite to help get them ready for the next week of work ahead.
Based on the amazing weekend I had this week, I can't wait for the next. Plans are already in the works to visit more parks, waterfalls, and even an amazing art museum. More to come!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Photos with the children of Casa do Jardim
Don't worry! I have obtained permission from the Executive Director of Casa do Jardim to share these photos.
End of Week 1
Boa Noite, from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Now that a week has passed, I thought I would bring everyone up to speed on the events of the week. How do I share everything in just a few paragraphs? That is the biggest challenge. They weren't kidding when they told you this experience would change your life, because it does. My whole perspective on things are already starting to change. At the very least, I can guarantee CSC has molded me to begin to think globally. You really don't realize how localized your thinking is until you begin to help not only people, but communities in other countries. Everyone can make a difference with just a little effort.
Ok, enough of my self-reflection. On Friday, we met all 72 of the children who participate in the program at Casa do Jardim. There are 36 in the morning and 36 in the afternoon. In both sessions, we have a Q & A session, which was simply amazing! They asked us all kinds of questions ranging from "Where do we come from?", "What is your favorite sport?", "Have you met any famous people?", etc. We also talked about ourselves including where we come from, our family, and what do we like to do for fun. The kids were so curious about your culture and who you are. Just as we are shocked and amazed by their culture, they are the same with ours. I think the funniest part was when they asked us our favorite type of dance. I shared that I like to salsa dance. I didn't realize the question was a trap. After asking the question, they immediately had a follow up question asking if I could demonstrate the dance. Of course, I accepted, got up, and did a few salsa steps for the children. Man, did they love that! The whole class erupted in laughter and clapping. I immediately felt embarrassed and liked at the same time. A highlight of the day. The children even got my colleague, Sangita, to perform a little Bollywood dance moves. When she was up there, I could see the fear in her eyes, but she caved pretty quickly to please the children's request.
Each session ended by participating in recess with the children. Some children played on the playground, some played sports (basketball and soccer), and some children played a traditional Brazilian game of hitting a birdie-type object into the air with your hand or foot between a group of people arranged in a circle. Can't remember what the game is called, Descuple (Sorry)! For me, this was the best part of the day. I am quite a kid at heart and love to participate in games with children. To be honest, I feel it is an excuse for me to play like I did when I was a kid without looking weird like I would if I were by myself. :) In the second group of children, we played soccer with teams of three. If a team scored, then the other team would get rotated out to give another team a chance to play. My team did very well and staying in the game for four goals! The kids were amazing at my soccer talents even though I feel they are not near as good as theirs. Maybe they are just being really kind!
Well, I think I have written enough for this post and will post again soon describing my very busy, fun-filled weekend experience. Check out the photos which will be uploaded in the very next post!
Ok, enough of my self-reflection. On Friday, we met all 72 of the children who participate in the program at Casa do Jardim. There are 36 in the morning and 36 in the afternoon. In both sessions, we have a Q & A session, which was simply amazing! They asked us all kinds of questions ranging from "Where do we come from?", "What is your favorite sport?", "Have you met any famous people?", etc. We also talked about ourselves including where we come from, our family, and what do we like to do for fun. The kids were so curious about your culture and who you are. Just as we are shocked and amazed by their culture, they are the same with ours. I think the funniest part was when they asked us our favorite type of dance. I shared that I like to salsa dance. I didn't realize the question was a trap. After asking the question, they immediately had a follow up question asking if I could demonstrate the dance. Of course, I accepted, got up, and did a few salsa steps for the children. Man, did they love that! The whole class erupted in laughter and clapping. I immediately felt embarrassed and liked at the same time. A highlight of the day. The children even got my colleague, Sangita, to perform a little Bollywood dance moves. When she was up there, I could see the fear in her eyes, but she caved pretty quickly to please the children's request.
Each session ended by participating in recess with the children. Some children played on the playground, some played sports (basketball and soccer), and some children played a traditional Brazilian game of hitting a birdie-type object into the air with your hand or foot between a group of people arranged in a circle. Can't remember what the game is called, Descuple (Sorry)! For me, this was the best part of the day. I am quite a kid at heart and love to participate in games with children. To be honest, I feel it is an excuse for me to play like I did when I was a kid without looking weird like I would if I were by myself. :) In the second group of children, we played soccer with teams of three. If a team scored, then the other team would get rotated out to give another team a chance to play. My team did very well and staying in the game for four goals! The kids were amazing at my soccer talents even though I feel they are not near as good as theirs. Maybe they are just being really kind!
Well, I think I have written enough for this post and will post again soon describing my very busy, fun-filled weekend experience. Check out the photos which will be uploaded in the very next post!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
First Capoeira Class
On the second day, we got to experience Capoeira Angola for the first time. Capoeira Angola is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and music. Casa do Jardim has a building solely for this. The building looks like your typical dance studio with hardwood floors, benches that line the walls, and hooks and tables to hang and store the musical instruments. Arubio (Joanne's husband and head capoeira teacher) led us in our first class. We began by stretching. Then, we slowly began dancing and learning the moves. To be honest, I didn't even realize we had started the dance until I was already doing it! HAHA! Before we knew it, we were moving our feet and hands following Arubio's every move. The next part was learning how to kick our feet in the air with our hands on the ground. We swung our legs over each other one at a time between two people. The moves primarily use upper body strength, speed, and lots of leg sweeps and actions. Man, my arms and legs were tired! I definitely worked up a sweat.
I guess the word capoeira comes from the word Tupi, which refers to areas of vegetation in Brazil. I can tell this art is a big part of the Brazilian culture. You can clearly see how much they want to learn it and hold it dear to their heart.
Next, we formed a Roda (pronounced Hoh-da), which is a circle formed be people with capoeira musical instruments. One of the instruments is called a berimbau. It looks like a bow (like bow and arrow). The bow has a hallow coconut thing attached that is called a cabaca. A coin-like object and stick are used to play different notes. Whoever plays this instrument is the leader of the group. They determine when to start and end the music. The music is quite rythmical. The other instruments involve striking hallow coconuts, metal cones, a tambourine, and a hallow bamboo with cut-out ridges. As the roda plays, the kids practiced their capoeira in the middle. It was such an amazing experience! I instantly felt a part of a family and connected to everyone. It is very true when they say Brazilians are very welcoming. I have experienced it first-hand!
Berimbau
Roda de capoeira
I guess the word capoeira comes from the word Tupi, which refers to areas of vegetation in Brazil. I can tell this art is a big part of the Brazilian culture. You can clearly see how much they want to learn it and hold it dear to their heart.
Next, we formed a Roda (pronounced Hoh-da), which is a circle formed be people with capoeira musical instruments. One of the instruments is called a berimbau. It looks like a bow (like bow and arrow). The bow has a hallow coconut thing attached that is called a cabaca. A coin-like object and stick are used to play different notes. Whoever plays this instrument is the leader of the group. They determine when to start and end the music. The music is quite rythmical. The other instruments involve striking hallow coconuts, metal cones, a tambourine, and a hallow bamboo with cut-out ridges. As the roda plays, the kids practiced their capoeira in the middle. It was such an amazing experience! I instantly felt a part of a family and connected to everyone. It is very true when they say Brazilians are very welcoming. I have experienced it first-hand!
Berimbau
Roda de capoeira
A few more photos
Just wanted to share a few more photos from the past couple of days for everyone to enjoy! Let me know your thoughts by commenting below.
Monday, August 13, 2012
First meeting with our client, Casa do Jardim
I don't think I will be the only one saying this, but today was one of the most amazing days of my life! Let me step back and start from the beginning of the day. We all met at Instituto Hartman Regueira where we were greeted by all four of the clients. They had coffee, juices, and lots of other pastries and food for us to enjoy. So yummy! I especially loved the cheese bread balls, which I think are called pao queijo. I think I ate 10 of them. Haha!
Next, we sat through a presentation from each client telling us a little about what they do. I was amazed at all the good that is going on in this world. Soon enough, Casa do Jardim spoke. During the presentation, I immediately knew this client was special and I was meant to help them in any way I could. This would be cemented by the days end.
After the presentation, Joanne and Arubio (Joanne's husband) took us out for a tour of Belo Horizonte, the Belvedere neighborhood, Praca do Popa, the Parque de Mangabeiras, Mirante Morro dos Veados, and the Jardim Canada area. So beautiful! The tour allowed us to see the entire city from up high in the hills. The city is surrounded by mountains which are easily accessible by car. I felt a little at home with the mountains being so close. There are several pictures attached for everyone's enjoyment.
I was amazed at how developed Belo Horizonte is and how Jardim Canada is not. Before we knew it, we were in a whole different world. Finally, we arrived at Casa do Jardim. Joanne, the director, gave us the full tour. We saw where the kids have class, have recess and play time, and have capoeira classes. You could tell the place was magical and something very special is going on there. I knew at that moment I was meant to be there. I was there to help.
The whole experience of meeting the children and sharing our stories with each other put me in awe. Just could not believe how amazing it felt to be there helping. I know this experience will not end when we leave and will continue to stay with us for the rest of our lives.
Next, we sat through a presentation from each client telling us a little about what they do. I was amazed at all the good that is going on in this world. Soon enough, Casa do Jardim spoke. During the presentation, I immediately knew this client was special and I was meant to help them in any way I could. This would be cemented by the days end.
After the presentation, Joanne and Arubio (Joanne's husband) took us out for a tour of Belo Horizonte, the Belvedere neighborhood, Praca do Popa, the Parque de Mangabeiras, Mirante Morro dos Veados, and the Jardim Canada area. So beautiful! The tour allowed us to see the entire city from up high in the hills. The city is surrounded by mountains which are easily accessible by car. I felt a little at home with the mountains being so close. There are several pictures attached for everyone's enjoyment.
I was amazed at how developed Belo Horizonte is and how Jardim Canada is not. Before we knew it, we were in a whole different world. Finally, we arrived at Casa do Jardim. Joanne, the director, gave us the full tour. We saw where the kids have class, have recess and play time, and have capoeira classes. You could tell the place was magical and something very special is going on there. I knew at that moment I was meant to be there. I was there to help.
The whole experience of meeting the children and sharing our stories with each other put me in awe. Just could not believe how amazing it felt to be there helping. I know this experience will not end when we leave and will continue to stay with us for the rest of our lives.
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