Feb 2008 - I'm Back in San Francisco!

* NOTE: I will be adding a LOT to this blog through March 2008, so check back later!*

I've recently returned from 11 weeks in Brazil, with a quick visit to the spectacular Foz du Iguazu (waterfalls bordering 3 countries) in Argentina. Brazil is a huge diverse country, and I barely scratched the surface.

Words can't adequately describe my experience of Brazil. The phrase "depth charge" comes to mind, but that belies the lovely light spirited thread that wove it's way through my wonderful if often difficult trip.

I spent most of my time in eastern Brazil (8-1/2 weeks in Bahia and Piaui), about 2 weeks total in Rio De Janeiro, and then 1-1/2 days in Porto de Iguazu, Argentina. I also spent about 5 days of that in transit on buses (the longest stretch being 22 hrs, in each direction).

Just below, is a map of the quiet Island of Ilha Grande, Bahia, where I spent about 1 month living and teaching. It's the largest island (shaped like a "y") in the protected bay, and I was living on the right side of it. To the right of Ilha Grande is a large peninsula called Baja Grande. Try to find the mainland town of Camamu to the left of Ilha Grande, where we boated to weekly for food and supplies. Below that, is a map of Brazil.

Both maps are interactive (double click or drag, or use the arrows)...



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Although I did do some touristy things, and visited some touristy places, I did not have the typical tourist experience. I spent most of my time working, teaching, learning from, traveling, living, and socializing with Brazilians from different walks of life. My first 5 weeks were quite stressful, what with language issues, grappling with designing a practical art program with local materials and limited tools, and 2 weeks of a nasty stomach virus. I was sometimes in very rural small traditional towns or islands, with few if any tourists. At the very end of my trip, I met lots of dedicated, inspiring, and generously forthcoming Brazilian artists in Santa Teresa (Rio De Janiero). After 2-1/2 months, I feel filled with enriching experiences, and changed perceptions.

Now that I'm back from my travels, I'll do my best to pull together some assemblence of my experience. Photos and more entries, and probably some editing, will take place during February and March. There are some things I won't even attempt to describe. You'll just have to go, and experience your own version of Brazil.. and then, perhaps someday we can compare stories...

Dec 20, 2007 Ilha Grande - Art Workshops

I was so impressed at how attentive and interested the students were (if they showed up), and how good they were at sharing. This was wonderful, since we only had tools for 10, and sometimes over 20 people showed up. I was also impressed at how observant they were... very important since my Portuguese was incredibly limited. Of course, it helped that there was always at least one person to interpret and help. Mostly it was Dieter, but the German volunteers (such as Ricky) and Renata (the regular art and craft teacher) also pitched in and saved the day.

Dieter, the founder , IT guy, and teacher of several classes (English, Computer, Guitar, you name it), and tutored anyone interested as needed (even some teachers working on advanced degrees), took time off to help shop for art materials in Salvador and Camamu, and then test and help out with the workshops. It was a lot of hard work, and pressure, but it was gratifying to help people learn, and to witness how people can pull together to learn and help each other under such limited circumstances... and even create something wonderful! I think most people in more wealthy cultures, don't normally learn these skills. It's easy to blame lack of tools, materials and opportunity for one's failings in creativity and productivity.