31/12/14...

   Happy almost New Year everyone! I hope the holidays were filled with love and family and everything you ever wished for. I'm doing well out here, currently in Rio de Janeiro where I decided to spend my holiday season with a special guest. I have had an amazing time here in Brazil and it is sitting at the top of my ¨Countries I will definitely revisit¨ list.
   I am working on a video to compile some of the amazing people I've met and moments I captured but technology has apparently taken a holiday break on me so things are taking a bit longer to upload. HOWEVER, it will be awesome. In the mean time, check out my 'cities' link in the toolbar (or the link here) for some info and pictures on my time in Salvador, Lençóis, and Rio de Janeiro. See you all in 2015!!

Até mais tarde. Tchau galera!

Merry Christmas

         

            Merry Christmas, Feliz Natal and happy holiday season to everyone! From Rio de Janiero 

12/12/14

Hello blog! Long time no see.

I will start with this; I have found it hard to speak about myself, to write a blog about my travels and daily life when my mind has been so deeply thoughtful and I sit silently on the recent grand jury decisions, the conditions in Ferguson, and other things that hit home for me while abroad. With no words for those events, I didn't want to say anything at all. Standing as an representative of the Bonderman fellowship, the University of Michigan and the United States among many other things while abroad, I try my best to give the most accurate information and debunk as many stereotypes as I can while also telling truths that are often glossed over. At least 75% of the people I've had cultural conversations with think America is LA, Miami, New York, Hollywood, rich wild frat parties, rednecks, segregation, guns and freedom for all...among other things.

I have to explain that yes, those things exist but none of them are completely definitive of America(ns). As a person who fits almost none of the wide perceptions of the visage of America, I have no choice but to speak of the lesser known facets of my home. I try my best to speak for only myself and include that there are other people who have or have had similar experiences, but in some cases, that is not possible. I find myself having to tell people things like, no, there isn't just open fire all over the US with bullets flying at black people and that racism is no longer white hoods and burning crosses, while simultaneously telling them that it kind of is. And thing like, every kid in college isn't rich, and white and not every college (or high school) student is a sex crazed drunk. 'This happens but....',  'Some do this but...',  'There are people that....', 'I never had that...',  'I know plenty of people that...'. At times I've been so lost for words because I have lost so much respect.

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In the midst of these conversations and the things happening at home, I am enjoying the world that I'm getting to know. Currently making my way through Brazil, mastering the Portuguese language, and falling in love with the culture of capoeira, all in the company of some amazing people from all over the world. I worked some time in an AMAZING hostel in Montevideo before making my flight up to Salvador, Bahia, Brazil for 2 weeks. My first weekend was pretty rough, after I spent my first day feeling really lost and displaced with a language I wasn't at all familiar with (in spoken form). That Monday I began my classes and created my new temporary social circle of awesome people who, in addition to my roommates, would make my entire time in Salvador so unforgettable.

I have some awesome picture adventures to share very soon. Until then, peace.