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I have found that the hardest part of studying a culture first hand is the language barrier. You can witness something first hand and make judgements and analysis, but his is useless in large part without an understanding of the background. And aquiring backgrounds is difficult if you do not speak the language.

This trip is extremely overwhelming, absolutely incredible and very frustrating. I have never been out of the United States before. I have tried but something has always gotten in the way.

I sometimes question whether or not I should have ever come here, but in large part I think this was necessary.Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe and my chest will explode, like my brain is swelling and liquifying and oozing out of my ears, but this is what I needed.

It has led to a greater understanding of myself, of others, of my country, of other countries (esp Brasil obviously). Really it has put every aspect of my life into perspective for better or worse. It has made me question everything about everything and opened my eyes to even simple things. For example how strange the sentences like "that can is after us," really is. Or how foreigners in the US must feel. How my friends family who doesnt speak english must feel and what life must be like for them. The spoiled and rediculous nature of american culture.

We think everything has to be perfect while people here will make beautiful patios out of discarded broken tiles and entire houses out of sticks and mud (comfortable houses might I add) or pick some coconuts off of a tree and start a business (all you need are coconuts, a machete, and straws). The people here are extremely innovative and often make so much out of so little. Even the nice hotel we were staying at in the historic district was decorated with things that were obviously hand made out of scraps we would have thrown away, and it all looked fantastic!

It will take some time for things to really sink and. it will take a while before I can take what I am learning here and use it effectively in my life and on my journey.

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Comments

[Jester Lee]

I'm almost crying with all the things that u say.I'm really lovin'. =D Josh