By Megan Rice - August 18, 2009
In Brasil, my goal was to try and experience new things. Going in I knew I would have to step out of my comfort zone in order to embrace the Brasilian culture. The first "culture shock" occurred at the Recife airport. Although I studied some Portugese, hearing and reading it, because it gave me the first glimpse of the days to come. During the drive to the beach and then to the beach house, I witnessed poverty for the first time. Just seeing how [some of] the people lived was enough for me to seriously appreciate the luxuries I have in America. Now I will always be more thankful for every meal and the shoes on my feet.
The beach house was a great way to experience how some of the "better off" Brasilians lived. The beach was absolutely beautiful, the hosts and maids were very kind, and the food was very different (but in a good way). Playing in another country was an amazing experience that I will savor forever. My greatest experience was with the Costa family in Belo Horizonte because I had a week-long view into the lives of Brasilians. They were kind enough to open their home and hearts to us and make us feel welcome. At the same time they shared their traditions and educated us on their way of life. I was sad to leave my host family because I won't see them again and I did not feel like I could thank them enough for their kindness and hospitality.
In Rio de Janeiro, we drove on a congested freeway so we had time to view the largest Futbol stadium in Brasil as well as the vendors who would try to sell their products to people stuck in traffic [on the freeway!].
On the beach, I bartered for my first time, which is a skill that has already proven useful to me back in the U.S. Relaxing on the Rio beach was one of the coolest things we did because we had time to buy jewelry, congas, bikini tops, and for me, a fossil!
Taking the train up to Corcovado was the first wonder of the world I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. All in all, this trip to Brasil is one I will remember for the rest of my life and has even inspired me to eventually visit other parts of our world.
Thanks again for this opportunity, Dave! Please say hello to the family for me!!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
New Posts from Girls Below
By Dave Weitl
This is the final night in Brazil for my family who extended our stay by one week. We get to spend most of the day in Belo Horizonte before heading to the airport (in two cars) at 4pm.
We have had the most amazing time getting to know Brazil much deeper by exploring new areas that we haven't seen in previous trips. Photos will be posted as I get a chance to go through them to cut a few hundred out before posting.
Most of the girls submitted some writing on their experiences here in Brazil before they left last week. The ones I have received so far are posted below in chronological order.
This is the final night in Brazil for my family who extended our stay by one week. We get to spend most of the day in Belo Horizonte before heading to the airport (in two cars) at 4pm.
We have had the most amazing time getting to know Brazil much deeper by exploring new areas that we haven't seen in previous trips. Photos will be posted as I get a chance to go through them to cut a few hundred out before posting.
Most of the girls submitted some writing on their experiences here in Brazil before they left last week. The ones I have received so far are posted below in chronological order.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Rio de Janeiro - Final Day in Brazil
by Dave Weitl
The team was safely checked through the international departure gates in Rio de Janeiro this evening for their long flight home through Atlanta. BJ, Brock, Alec and I returnd to Belo Horizonte for an additional week's stay in Brazil.
We had a fabulous day in Rio today beginning with a smooth early morning flight from Belo into Rio where we met Gelson Kawassaki of Daquiprafora, Ltd., a sports travel and academic placement company from Sao Paulo, Brazil who, along with their newest employee Tecia, served as our guides for the day. We boarded a beautiful charter bus with leather seats, air conditioning and a great sound system and cruised into Rio stopping at the Maracana stadium, past Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches before piling out at Leblon Beach.
We chilled, literally under some cloud cover, and departed around 2pm for lunch. We ate lunch at a Churrascoria in the heart of town near the Corcovado train. After stuffing ourselves with the endless supply of meats and sides, and of course, sobremesa (desert), we loaded up on the bus again for the Corcovado train station.
The trip up through the only urban rain forest in the world was very relaxing and we were teased near the top with some amazing peaks at the view. Once we climbed the last steps to the Christ the Redeemer statue we were overwhelmed by the incredibly beautiful views in all directions at this famous city and its uniqueness.
We posed for some pics and then had to head back to down for our run to the airport.
Everyone should be arriving into Seattle by mid-morning after switching planes in Atlanta. It was an amazing adventure for everone and I will work hard to get the rest of the photo galleries posted soon as well as some of the journal entries we were able to coerce from some players while riding on the bus, sitting by the pool and in the airport. For now it is "boa noite" as we need to begin to normalize our sleep habits and enjoy the final week in Brazil.
The team was safely checked through the international departure gates in Rio de Janeiro this evening for their long flight home through Atlanta. BJ, Brock, Alec and I returnd to Belo Horizonte for an additional week's stay in Brazil.
We had a fabulous day in Rio today beginning with a smooth early morning flight from Belo into Rio where we met Gelson Kawassaki of Daquiprafora, Ltd., a sports travel and academic placement company from Sao Paulo, Brazil who, along with their newest employee Tecia, served as our guides for the day. We boarded a beautiful charter bus with leather seats, air conditioning and a great sound system and cruised into Rio stopping at the Maracana stadium, past Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches before piling out at Leblon Beach.
We chilled, literally under some cloud cover, and departed around 2pm for lunch. We ate lunch at a Churrascoria in the heart of town near the Corcovado train. After stuffing ourselves with the endless supply of meats and sides, and of course, sobremesa (desert), we loaded up on the bus again for the Corcovado train station.The trip up through the only urban rain forest in the world was very relaxing and we were teased near the top with some amazing peaks at the view. Once we climbed the last steps to the Christ the Redeemer statue we were overwhelmed by the incredibly beautiful views in all directions at this famous city and its uniqueness.
We posed for some pics and then had to head back to down for our run to the airport.Everyone should be arriving into Seattle by mid-morning after switching planes in Atlanta. It was an amazing adventure for everone and I will work hard to get the rest of the photo galleries posted soon as well as some of the journal entries we were able to coerce from some players while riding on the bus, sitting by the pool and in the airport. For now it is "boa noite" as we need to begin to normalize our sleep habits and enjoy the final week in Brazil.
My Stay in Brazil - Kami
By Kameron Mclain - August 13, 2009
I could honestly say that this trip is the highlight of my yet young life. Even in the lowest moments, it was still amazing. Nothing could make my state of mind of the target; having the time of my life. And that's exactly what I did.
I bonded tightly with so many of the girls I wasn't close with before, and got closer with the ones I already knew. I was so happy with the group of girls I played with. We just happened to play well with each other on the court, and I had best friends off the court.
I havn't laughed as hard as I have on this trip that I could possibly remember. Every time I could remember, I always had a big smile on my face. I was constantly meeting new people and trying new foods, always loving every bit of it. But above all I think the favorite thing I have eaten was most definitely when our mom, Allison and I went to the market and got at least 3 pineapples on a stick, the most amazing fruit I've ever tasted in my life..no sarcasm I promise.
My mom and I talked about Brazil before I left, about how I would hands down love the community and atmosphere of Brazil. She definitely called it! Just like my madre for the trip said, "We aren't just acquaintances, we are family!" totally says everything.
I fell in love with Brazil, as I'm sure many of the girls did. The families were all so loving and open armed to us, and I know I definitely felt like family with all of them. Not only did I love just about everything to do with the people and food, but oh my dear, the views were unreal. I felt like I jumped right into a postcard. I already am looking forward to thinking about a next trip to Brazil. I will never in a million years forget brazil or anyone in it. Before a person dies, I highly recommend they spend their time in Brazil, its unforgettable and a one time chance of a lifetime..that i hope I can get a chance at a few more times. Signing out before I write a novel. chow (tchau)
I could honestly say that this trip is the highlight of my yet young life. Even in the lowest moments, it was still amazing. Nothing could make my state of mind of the target; having the time of my life. And that's exactly what I did.
I bonded tightly with so many of the girls I wasn't close with before, and got closer with the ones I already knew. I was so happy with the group of girls I played with. We just happened to play well with each other on the court, and I had best friends off the court.
I havn't laughed as hard as I have on this trip that I could possibly remember. Every time I could remember, I always had a big smile on my face. I was constantly meeting new people and trying new foods, always loving every bit of it. But above all I think the favorite thing I have eaten was most definitely when our mom, Allison and I went to the market and got at least 3 pineapples on a stick, the most amazing fruit I've ever tasted in my life..no sarcasm I promise.
My mom and I talked about Brazil before I left, about how I would hands down love the community and atmosphere of Brazil. She definitely called it! Just like my madre for the trip said, "We aren't just acquaintances, we are family!" totally says everything.
I fell in love with Brazil, as I'm sure many of the girls did. The families were all so loving and open armed to us, and I know I definitely felt like family with all of them. Not only did I love just about everything to do with the people and food, but oh my dear, the views were unreal. I felt like I jumped right into a postcard. I already am looking forward to thinking about a next trip to Brazil. I will never in a million years forget brazil or anyone in it. Before a person dies, I highly recommend they spend their time in Brazil, its unforgettable and a one time chance of a lifetime..that i hope I can get a chance at a few more times. Signing out before I write a novel. chow (tchau)
My Stay in Brazil - Leah
By Leah Lechtenberg - August 12, 2009
Recife, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro are all understatements to how truly amazing these place actually are. Going to Brasil has been one of the biggest and best experiences of my life. Recife is now my favorite place in the whole world. It felt like I just jumped into a postcard and never wanted to get out. But knowing I was going to be able to meet my new family, and see Ana gave me the jitters and butterflies all over again. It turned out to be that Ana and her family were the most welcoming, caring and thoughtful people I’ve ever met. I can’t wait to see Ana and all her friends again in May.
On my trip I have learned three important things, #1 Always try new things. You’ll never know how other people see things unless you give them the chance to show you. #2 Try to make the most of your experiences because before you know it, you’ll be on a bus heading to the airport thinking that the trip was too short. And last #3 Never forget to pack an extra razor. It might mysteriously end up in the toilet.
Traveling to Brasil was indescribable. I know for a fact there is no place like it. I definitely will remember seeing one of the 7 wonders of the world, the breathtaking beaches, Minas (one of the best places ever!), the huge malls and the different driving “style” :P are certainly things that will never leave my memories. I am going to miss it so much, but I know Ana and her friends will be here soon enough. ECC hurry up!
Recife, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro are all understatements to how truly amazing these place actually are. Going to Brasil has been one of the biggest and best experiences of my life. Recife is now my favorite place in the whole world. It felt like I just jumped into a postcard and never wanted to get out. But knowing I was going to be able to meet my new family, and see Ana gave me the jitters and butterflies all over again. It turned out to be that Ana and her family were the most welcoming, caring and thoughtful people I’ve ever met. I can’t wait to see Ana and all her friends again in May.
On my trip I have learned three important things, #1 Always try new things. You’ll never know how other people see things unless you give them the chance to show you. #2 Try to make the most of your experiences because before you know it, you’ll be on a bus heading to the airport thinking that the trip was too short. And last #3 Never forget to pack an extra razor. It might mysteriously end up in the toilet.
Traveling to Brasil was indescribable. I know for a fact there is no place like it. I definitely will remember seeing one of the 7 wonders of the world, the breathtaking beaches, Minas (one of the best places ever!), the huge malls and the different driving “style” :P are certainly things that will never leave my memories. I am going to miss it so much, but I know Ana and her friends will be here soon enough. ECC hurry up!
My Stay in Brazil - Ashtyn
By Ashtyn Mann - August 12, 2009
Well, I will just start by saying I have been to a lot of places, but Brazil is definitely the most amazing! Honestly, I will have to admit I was kind of nervous to come to Brazil because I had no idea what to expect. That seems silly now because it is the best place ever! From the tiny beach towns to the huge cities (with HUGE malls) Brazil is beautiful everywhere and is pretty much paradise! I have met the nicest and most caring people I think I have ever met in my life. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel right at home wherever I went.
I have had so many experiences in Brazil that I know for sure that I will remember the rest of my life and will probably be telling my grandkids about! Like going to the beach house in Recife, stepping onto the beach was like stepping into a post card! The family was so nice and they made REALLY good food! Then going to meet our host families, I was so excited to finally meet them and they were so sweet! Ana has for sure become one of my best friends and I will remember staying with her for the rest of my life! Then there are her parents who were so welcoming and every day we woke up there was breakfast ready on the table (note to mom and dad…)! I can’t thank them enough! To sum it all up, Brazil is awesome and I really, really would love to come back next year! I would live here! I am so excited to see everyone at ECC!
P.S. I need to remember to buy some nutella and peach juice when I get home!
P.S.S if you are blonde or American and want to go to Brazil, plan on being creeped on…
Well, I will just start by saying I have been to a lot of places, but Brazil is definitely the most amazing! Honestly, I will have to admit I was kind of nervous to come to Brazil because I had no idea what to expect. That seems silly now because it is the best place ever! From the tiny beach towns to the huge cities (with HUGE malls) Brazil is beautiful everywhere and is pretty much paradise! I have met the nicest and most caring people I think I have ever met in my life. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel right at home wherever I went.
I have had so many experiences in Brazil that I know for sure that I will remember the rest of my life and will probably be telling my grandkids about! Like going to the beach house in Recife, stepping onto the beach was like stepping into a post card! The family was so nice and they made REALLY good food! Then going to meet our host families, I was so excited to finally meet them and they were so sweet! Ana has for sure become one of my best friends and I will remember staying with her for the rest of my life! Then there are her parents who were so welcoming and every day we woke up there was breakfast ready on the table (note to mom and dad…)! I can’t thank them enough! To sum it all up, Brazil is awesome and I really, really would love to come back next year! I would live here! I am so excited to see everyone at ECC!
P.S. I need to remember to buy some nutella and peach juice when I get home!
P.S.S if you are blonde or American and want to go to Brazil, plan on being creeped on…
My Stay in Brazil - Ally
By Ally Bowles - August 12, 2009
Honestly, I can say without a doubt that this was the best vacation I’ve ever had. When we arrived at the airport I thought it was going to be a very awkward trip because I didn’t know anyone. But I was paired with the best girl out of them all. Ana luisa is the kindest and most welcoming person I’ve ever met, and leaving her was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
As for the rest of the trip, it was crazy fun! I love the thong bikinis. I got two of them but I don’t know if I’ll tell my dad.
Recife was BEAUTIFUL. We practically had our own beach right at the tip of the yard with palm trees everywhere. For appetizers we had lobster! Gigantic plates of it. When we got to Belo I was so excited to get to know the girls, they were so sweet and welcoming. The food was great too. I think Ashtyn, Leah, and I had like five cans of nutella and six liters of coke. Well, at least I did. I cant wait till ECC next year when I’ll be able to see them again. But until then I’ll have plenty of things to remind me of them.
Honestly, I can say without a doubt that this was the best vacation I’ve ever had. When we arrived at the airport I thought it was going to be a very awkward trip because I didn’t know anyone. But I was paired with the best girl out of them all. Ana luisa is the kindest and most welcoming person I’ve ever met, and leaving her was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
As for the rest of the trip, it was crazy fun! I love the thong bikinis. I got two of them but I don’t know if I’ll tell my dad.
Recife was BEAUTIFUL. We practically had our own beach right at the tip of the yard with palm trees everywhere. For appetizers we had lobster! Gigantic plates of it. When we got to Belo I was so excited to get to know the girls, they were so sweet and welcoming. The food was great too. I think Ashtyn, Leah, and I had like five cans of nutella and six liters of coke. Well, at least I did. I cant wait till ECC next year when I’ll be able to see them again. But until then I’ll have plenty of things to remind me of them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
