Fieldtrip to Brazil - days 1 until 7
Door: Haske Megens
Blijf op de hoogte en volg Haske
10 April 2014 | Brazilië, Natal
Bom día!
During my trip to Brazil I wrote something about every single day. I would like to share these experiences with you, if you happen to be interested.. This is all copied from my notes, so excuse me for any language errors or crazy talk. And eventually, I will add some pictures as well!
Day 1: Amsterdam – Natal / Tibau do Sul
After some delay caused by luggage troubles, we finally took off to Brazil. After the first six hours of flying, we arrived at our first stop: Cape Verde, Africa. Outside it was 25 degrees, already much better than in the Netherlands. The island seemed empty, brown and not really attractive. The airplane just fuelled up and we took off to our next stop, which was Fortaleza.
In Fortaleza it was raining really hard, not a good first impression of Brazil, but eventually that got better really fast. The final flight, of only 45 minutes, went by really fast and there we were: Brazil! The first steps Brazil were made under very hot and moist conditions.
After the transfer to our hotel, of only one hour, we arrived at Lago Hotel; our first step to paradise. We got some drinks until they ran out of Caipirinha. And then we drank some more.. First impressions of Brazil were in the dark, but still they were pretty good. Boa noite!
Day 2: Boat tour in Tibau do Sul
We woke up at 7AM and that was the first time I saw the hotel by daylight. And believe me, it was paradise already! There were palm trees, the sun was shining and the atmosphere was really good. After breakfast, Marvin and I hit the gym to sweat out all the alcohol of the night before. After the gym we joined all the others by the pool.
In the early afternoon we walked to the boat tour. And again, that boat tour was really awesome!! The sun was shining bright and we got to see the beautiful mangroves of Tibau do Sul. We also wanted to spot some dolphins, but unfortunately we didn’t see them. After this tour we watched the sun set into the water, spectacular view!
This evening was pretty much the same as the night before. We’ve had dinner and got some drinks by the swimming pool. The food here is really good by the way. They are known for their fish here, especially shrimps and they tasted good. Good night!
Day 3: University of Curuaru
Right now we are on our way to Caruaru, a university in the north of Brazil. We had to wake up at 5AM, since we were supposed to leave the hotel at 7AM already. After the visit at the university we will off to Nova Jerusalem. For now, I am going to sleep a bit, good night and bom dia!
So, we have been to the university of Caruaru to listen to a lecture on the preparations and consequences of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The lecturer told us everything and we now know that it was a lot of negative effects. Of course, the country will have a lot of exposure, but the question is what the protestors will do during the World Cup.
After the university we went to the second hotel; Pousada da Paixão. We had a bbq dinner there and after a few drinks we went to bed.
Day 4: Jeep tour!
This day was just awesome! We went on a jeep tour and that was the most beautiful thing ever. We had amazing views and for lunch we had a picnic in a closed area between the hills that was only available for people from one specific hotel. It was a natural water source with a view that, again, was amazing!
After lunch we proceeded with the tour and drove through hills, mountains and really small villages. People are all so friendly and waved at us when we passed by. In the evening we did the same as always; eat and drink by the pool.
It was a day to remember, with the spectacular views and all. Makes me feel happy and so lucky to be given this opportunity! If only more people would appreciate the world we live in..
Day 5: Maria Farinha.
Waking up might be hard, but it is a blessing when you wake up early in a beautiful, religious ‘pousada’ with monkeys climbing the trees and gekko’s wishing you a good morning.
For the next part of the tour, we drove to a place called ‘Fort Orange’. A fort which was built by the Dutch to protect them from the Portuguese. I actually never knew that Brazil was so highly influenced by our own Dutch ancestors. After visiting the fort, we took a catamaran to a really small island. This island has no inhabitants, just some small beach bars. We had fish for lunch and then decided to take a stroll around the beach. I saw Brazilians celebrating life with just a bbq, music and their surroundings. Now that was what I like to call ‘the good life’.
We then took another boat tour to our next hotel, which was referred to as ‘paradise’. And it was. During this boat trip we saw fishermen in their small boats, contrasting with some luxurious speed boats that were rushing through the water.
The closer we got to the hotel, the more it felt paradise. Please picture this view:
In the distance you see an island popping out of the water. You’re in the middle of the water and in front of you, you see a small boat. It’s a boat with only two people sitting there, fishing. No worries at that point, because they are doing what they love. The sun is already slowly setting behind that island in the distance. And as you come closer, you see palm trees. Not just one, not just two. But you see hundreds of them. The sun is putting them in the spotlight; their time to shine. The sun gets lower and lower, reflecting in the water. A view that makes your heart just stop for a second. And knowing that these fishermen might not be rich, they are so rich for seeing this every single day. They don’t value possession, but they do value life. I felt so small, waiting for the next fucking wifi connection…
Day 6: Oi linda!
Oi Linda! It roughly means ‘Oh man, look at this view’. That is what the found of the place of Olinda said when he was on top of the hills and decided that at this place, there should be a village.
Oi Linda! That is what I said when I stood on top of the hill, looking over a beautiful small village.
What a contrast.. In front of me there was this place, Olina, filled with churches, colourful houses and a feel of authenticity. And behind that, there was Recife. A host city of the 2014 World Cup and with an astonishing 19 million inhabitants. Skyscrapers, a big harbour and the feel of a certain wealth.
I felt as like this view represented Brazil. The contrast between the beautiful nature and big cities. But also the contrast between the poor, thinking about the favela’s in Sao Paolo for example, and the rich, referring to the skyscrapers and expensive cars.
As I am writing this (in the bus at day 7), we are on our way to Recife again. In the distance I see the skyscrapers already, but next to the road I see trash piles, poor people and beaten up sheds, that they refer to as ‘home’. The contrast..
But back to day 6. After Olinda, we went to Recife, where we were visiting a university again and met Brazilian students. Both our lecturer, as well as a Brazilian lecturer gave a presentation. The first one was about project management and the second one was about doing business with North-America.
After these lectures there was time to discuss our prejudices about Brazilians with the Brazilian students. Of course, also the other way around. And apparently, drugs and prostitution is everywhere in the Netherlands. Just go to the corner of the street..
After making some new friends, we went back to the hotel for dinner. We sat by the water, drank a caipirinha and reflected on everything we have seen so far.
Day 7: Last university visit.
Right now, I am on my way to Recife again, as I already mentioned in day 6. Looking outside I see the skyscrapers waiting for us to get there. I will come back to you as soon as possible. Please enjoy your day and think about the big picture.
Okay, I’m back already! That was really funny and also it was inspiring. First, a ‘profesora’ told us something about the inbound tourism in Brazil. The second presentation was held by an employee of the marketing department of Pernambuco. He showed everything that Pernambuco has to offer.
And the final presentation was, as we like to call in the Netherlands, ‘lest best’. An older Brazilian guy gave an inspiring, enthusiastic and passionate presentation about the Brazilian culture. It was really funny!
He started about the importance of love. Love for each other and the love for yourself. He stated that there are three main pillars/elements in live that will make you happy; Love, Travelling and to love what you do. Or better yet, to do what you love.
Also, he showed us some different instruments and dance styles from Brazil. He did this all with such an enthusiasm that he really inspired us. Well, at least he inspired me. He also confirmed my previous assumptions about people being happy with what they have. They may not have the world, but the world has them.
“Paz E Amor” – Peace and Love.
Listening to him makes you think about what is really important in live. Having people around you that love you, that is what matters.
So far, we have seen some of the downsides of this country, but there was no real chance of communicating with the locals and sharing ideas. That’s what is missing, but those short moments of contact have been us all with both feet on the ground and it was really interesting.
At this moment, I’m in the bus to Pipa, our place of research. The next four days will be about conducting research for our project. And for today, there are no real activities anymore. So if you would excuse me, I am going to stare outside. Watching endless views, palm trees, the sunset and the poverty. Talking about a contrast..
And for now I would like to close with this:
“ It is hard to be less than happy, when you can be happy with less.”
During my trip to Brazil I wrote something about every single day. I would like to share these experiences with you, if you happen to be interested.. This is all copied from my notes, so excuse me for any language errors or crazy talk. And eventually, I will add some pictures as well!
Day 1: Amsterdam – Natal / Tibau do Sul
After some delay caused by luggage troubles, we finally took off to Brazil. After the first six hours of flying, we arrived at our first stop: Cape Verde, Africa. Outside it was 25 degrees, already much better than in the Netherlands. The island seemed empty, brown and not really attractive. The airplane just fuelled up and we took off to our next stop, which was Fortaleza.
In Fortaleza it was raining really hard, not a good first impression of Brazil, but eventually that got better really fast. The final flight, of only 45 minutes, went by really fast and there we were: Brazil! The first steps Brazil were made under very hot and moist conditions.
After the transfer to our hotel, of only one hour, we arrived at Lago Hotel; our first step to paradise. We got some drinks until they ran out of Caipirinha. And then we drank some more.. First impressions of Brazil were in the dark, but still they were pretty good. Boa noite!
Day 2: Boat tour in Tibau do Sul
We woke up at 7AM and that was the first time I saw the hotel by daylight. And believe me, it was paradise already! There were palm trees, the sun was shining and the atmosphere was really good. After breakfast, Marvin and I hit the gym to sweat out all the alcohol of the night before. After the gym we joined all the others by the pool.
In the early afternoon we walked to the boat tour. And again, that boat tour was really awesome!! The sun was shining bright and we got to see the beautiful mangroves of Tibau do Sul. We also wanted to spot some dolphins, but unfortunately we didn’t see them. After this tour we watched the sun set into the water, spectacular view!
This evening was pretty much the same as the night before. We’ve had dinner and got some drinks by the swimming pool. The food here is really good by the way. They are known for their fish here, especially shrimps and they tasted good. Good night!
Day 3: University of Curuaru
Right now we are on our way to Caruaru, a university in the north of Brazil. We had to wake up at 5AM, since we were supposed to leave the hotel at 7AM already. After the visit at the university we will off to Nova Jerusalem. For now, I am going to sleep a bit, good night and bom dia!
So, we have been to the university of Caruaru to listen to a lecture on the preparations and consequences of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The lecturer told us everything and we now know that it was a lot of negative effects. Of course, the country will have a lot of exposure, but the question is what the protestors will do during the World Cup.
After the university we went to the second hotel; Pousada da Paixão. We had a bbq dinner there and after a few drinks we went to bed.
Day 4: Jeep tour!
This day was just awesome! We went on a jeep tour and that was the most beautiful thing ever. We had amazing views and for lunch we had a picnic in a closed area between the hills that was only available for people from one specific hotel. It was a natural water source with a view that, again, was amazing!
After lunch we proceeded with the tour and drove through hills, mountains and really small villages. People are all so friendly and waved at us when we passed by. In the evening we did the same as always; eat and drink by the pool.
It was a day to remember, with the spectacular views and all. Makes me feel happy and so lucky to be given this opportunity! If only more people would appreciate the world we live in..
Day 5: Maria Farinha.
Waking up might be hard, but it is a blessing when you wake up early in a beautiful, religious ‘pousada’ with monkeys climbing the trees and gekko’s wishing you a good morning.
For the next part of the tour, we drove to a place called ‘Fort Orange’. A fort which was built by the Dutch to protect them from the Portuguese. I actually never knew that Brazil was so highly influenced by our own Dutch ancestors. After visiting the fort, we took a catamaran to a really small island. This island has no inhabitants, just some small beach bars. We had fish for lunch and then decided to take a stroll around the beach. I saw Brazilians celebrating life with just a bbq, music and their surroundings. Now that was what I like to call ‘the good life’.
We then took another boat tour to our next hotel, which was referred to as ‘paradise’. And it was. During this boat trip we saw fishermen in their small boats, contrasting with some luxurious speed boats that were rushing through the water.
The closer we got to the hotel, the more it felt paradise. Please picture this view:
In the distance you see an island popping out of the water. You’re in the middle of the water and in front of you, you see a small boat. It’s a boat with only two people sitting there, fishing. No worries at that point, because they are doing what they love. The sun is already slowly setting behind that island in the distance. And as you come closer, you see palm trees. Not just one, not just two. But you see hundreds of them. The sun is putting them in the spotlight; their time to shine. The sun gets lower and lower, reflecting in the water. A view that makes your heart just stop for a second. And knowing that these fishermen might not be rich, they are so rich for seeing this every single day. They don’t value possession, but they do value life. I felt so small, waiting for the next fucking wifi connection…
Day 6: Oi linda!
Oi Linda! It roughly means ‘Oh man, look at this view’. That is what the found of the place of Olinda said when he was on top of the hills and decided that at this place, there should be a village.
Oi Linda! That is what I said when I stood on top of the hill, looking over a beautiful small village.
What a contrast.. In front of me there was this place, Olina, filled with churches, colourful houses and a feel of authenticity. And behind that, there was Recife. A host city of the 2014 World Cup and with an astonishing 19 million inhabitants. Skyscrapers, a big harbour and the feel of a certain wealth.
I felt as like this view represented Brazil. The contrast between the beautiful nature and big cities. But also the contrast between the poor, thinking about the favela’s in Sao Paolo for example, and the rich, referring to the skyscrapers and expensive cars.
As I am writing this (in the bus at day 7), we are on our way to Recife again. In the distance I see the skyscrapers already, but next to the road I see trash piles, poor people and beaten up sheds, that they refer to as ‘home’. The contrast..
But back to day 6. After Olinda, we went to Recife, where we were visiting a university again and met Brazilian students. Both our lecturer, as well as a Brazilian lecturer gave a presentation. The first one was about project management and the second one was about doing business with North-America.
After these lectures there was time to discuss our prejudices about Brazilians with the Brazilian students. Of course, also the other way around. And apparently, drugs and prostitution is everywhere in the Netherlands. Just go to the corner of the street..
After making some new friends, we went back to the hotel for dinner. We sat by the water, drank a caipirinha and reflected on everything we have seen so far.
Day 7: Last university visit.
Right now, I am on my way to Recife again, as I already mentioned in day 6. Looking outside I see the skyscrapers waiting for us to get there. I will come back to you as soon as possible. Please enjoy your day and think about the big picture.
Okay, I’m back already! That was really funny and also it was inspiring. First, a ‘profesora’ told us something about the inbound tourism in Brazil. The second presentation was held by an employee of the marketing department of Pernambuco. He showed everything that Pernambuco has to offer.
And the final presentation was, as we like to call in the Netherlands, ‘lest best’. An older Brazilian guy gave an inspiring, enthusiastic and passionate presentation about the Brazilian culture. It was really funny!
He started about the importance of love. Love for each other and the love for yourself. He stated that there are three main pillars/elements in live that will make you happy; Love, Travelling and to love what you do. Or better yet, to do what you love.
Also, he showed us some different instruments and dance styles from Brazil. He did this all with such an enthusiasm that he really inspired us. Well, at least he inspired me. He also confirmed my previous assumptions about people being happy with what they have. They may not have the world, but the world has them.
“Paz E Amor” – Peace and Love.
Listening to him makes you think about what is really important in live. Having people around you that love you, that is what matters.
So far, we have seen some of the downsides of this country, but there was no real chance of communicating with the locals and sharing ideas. That’s what is missing, but those short moments of contact have been us all with both feet on the ground and it was really interesting.
At this moment, I’m in the bus to Pipa, our place of research. The next four days will be about conducting research for our project. And for today, there are no real activities anymore. So if you would excuse me, I am going to stare outside. Watching endless views, palm trees, the sunset and the poverty. Talking about a contrast..
And for now I would like to close with this:
“ It is hard to be less than happy, when you can be happy with less.”
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