Reflections from Felipão
I haven't had a chance to blog in a long time--a factor of shared computers, priority for checking e-mails, etc. Our time in São Paulo was a wonderful time for me, seeing houses I grew up in, visiting my school (first grade through twelfth grade international school) and my home church, and especially reconnecting with people I knew from my childhood. I don't know how to put it into words, but it's been very good for my soul being back in the city in the city in which I grew up. (Maybe more on this later.)
Paraty was beautiful. I have been to many beautiful beach locations, and this is one best I've ever seen--maybe the best in terms of beauty, given the combination of the achingly beautiful setting of an enormous bay dotted with tropical islands and dozens of beaches on the mainland side with the "Mata Atlantica" jungle cascading down mountains to the water's edge, along with the historic town of Paraty, with an old part of town containing all the original buildings from the 17th century gold shipping heyday.
Now we're in Rio being tourists, which is fun in it's own way. Paulistanos say about Cariocas (people from Rio) that they're lazy and just party all the time, and Cariocas say about Paulistanos that they don't know how to have fun because they work too hard. We'll write more about our time in Rio in a different blog.
Dana has jumped into this Brasil trip with both feet and put a lot of energy into learning the language, making relational connections, and generally learning the culture. While she would happily keep going longer on the Brasilian Birth Trek, she is looking forward to returning to life in Berkeley. The girls are longing to get back to see friends and home, and even school! I, however, would throw away my return ticket if the opportunity presented itself! But don't worry, I'm coming back :)
Paraty was beautiful. I have been to many beautiful beach locations, and this is one best I've ever seen--maybe the best in terms of beauty, given the combination of the achingly beautiful setting of an enormous bay dotted with tropical islands and dozens of beaches on the mainland side with the "Mata Atlantica" jungle cascading down mountains to the water's edge, along with the historic town of Paraty, with an old part of town containing all the original buildings from the 17th century gold shipping heyday.
Now we're in Rio being tourists, which is fun in it's own way. Paulistanos say about Cariocas (people from Rio) that they're lazy and just party all the time, and Cariocas say about Paulistanos that they don't know how to have fun because they work too hard. We'll write more about our time in Rio in a different blog.
Dana has jumped into this Brasil trip with both feet and put a lot of energy into learning the language, making relational connections, and generally learning the culture. While she would happily keep going longer on the Brasilian Birth Trek, she is looking forward to returning to life in Berkeley. The girls are longing to get back to see friends and home, and even school! I, however, would throw away my return ticket if the opportunity presented itself! But don't worry, I'm coming back :)
posted by pdana | 12:36 PM
2 Comments:
Huh, seems I've heard that "I'd gladly throw away my ticket" comment before. :) There will be more for sure Filipao!
Filipao, glad for your reconnection to Brasil, and your personal and family history. As someone who only visited family in Taiwan once every other year growing up, I can only begin to imagine the deep affection and connection you are feeling for/to Brasil. It's part of your immigrant experience. Brasil is your home away from home.
But don't throw that ticket away - your Berkeley home is ready to welcome the Cunliffes back!
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