Blogs from São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil, South America - page 2

Vacation from my work in China, and back again to Brazil, it is always nice to be in Brazil, this time my destination is the north of Brazil, the Maranhão estate, to visit the national park of Lençois Maranhense, that was a place I always wanted to go. First of all I arrived in Sao Luis, the capital of Maranhão estate, I was impressed by the city, even the low incoming and chaotic appearance, there is a strong feeling of culture, museum, art exhibition, music and film festival, that is all I found during the few days I stayed in São Luis. The funny thing was while I was watching the movies in the film festival, I met a Italian girl, she is going to Rio de Janeiro after tomorrow to find her friend, and I ... read more

Suite a Olinda, nous avons repris le bus pour Sao Luis, ville sur le Nord du Bresil. Pour la petite histoire, les Francais ont cree la ville en 1612 et se sont fait virer pas les Portugais, qui voulaient le Bresil pour eux seuls! Bref, ancienne ville coloniale aux portes de l Amazone, l´architecture de certains batiements du centre rappelle la periode coloniale, mais le melange avec les batiments en ruines d´a cote n´offre pas un spectacle tres ravissant. En gros, je n´ai pas trop aime cette ville.. Trop chaud et humide, rien de special a visiter si ce n´est que les classiques magasins d´artisanats et la ville est sale. Malgre tout, certaines personnes que nous avons rencontrees ont aime Sao Luis! Au depart, on voulait aller au parc national Lençóis Maranhenses mais trop contraignant par ... read more

Yesterday we took a trip from Sao Luis to Alcantara which is a bit over 20km away by boat - the only way to get there. There were a handful of passengers for the crossing which was a bit choppy - a swell of ~2m and whitecapped waves - but only a bit over an hour so not too bad. Alcantara is an interesting place and great for a day trip. It was built in the 18th century, fell into decay, is now being partially restored but still has a few derelict buildings and mansions in amongst the habitated places. After a great late lunch of fried fish and beer we headed down to the dock to get the boat back. When we got there there we were surprised to see dozens of people milling around, ... read more

So without the constant barrage of the senses of the historic district, the culture shock has subsided substantially. Today I was really able to just sit back and appreciate the beauty of this place and really kind of fall in love with it. A friend we made had a car and drove us around town a little and to the train station to check on ticket prices to Belem. (yeah we changed plans and will probably take a train on saturday) It was nice to just sit and ride and listen to some music while watching the scenery pass. It had a feeling of normalcy and allowed me to just soak it all in. I wasn't trying to figure anything out or find anything or get a seat on the bus or try to hold on ... read more

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 ... read more