Making The Most of Every Situation

Coming to Belem has been an adventure in more ways than one. The information I got was that it would be very difficult to find English speakers in Belem, but to the contrary, that has not been a problem.

My first few weeks trying to buy stuff were quite interesting because I had to use my

Portuguese. The process gave me the chance to meet a good number of English-speaking store workers.

Belem is the largest city and the capital of the state of Para. I have discovered that great wonders exist in this little place and its environs. The city is the mouths of the Amazon, location of Ilha do Papagaio (Parrot Island) and other great sights to visit.

It is a unique place to be at due to the close proximity to the Amazon, which provides a rich supply of indigenous fruits.  It is nice to be able to drink juices that are freshly made.

The people are friendly, warm and willing to help me with just about anything. One of my favorite things to do is go to a particular store in the mall, called Big Ben and talk. I go there once a week and chat with the staff in Portuguese. (Of course its not the most eloquent thing) but that’s one way I practice, and it works. The store manager continually asks for me to come more often in order for them to practice their English. I have met a number of people there, including the Director of a television station. (I may soon be a celebrity).

The weather here has been challenging to say the least. It has been in the mid to upper 70s for the most part but then, the humidity is over 80%. Unbelievable! So when I sweat (which is often when outside), the sweat doesn’t evaporate and its just a mess. Of course, there is usually a scattered shower looming or a 5-10 minute thunderstorm lol

I went to my first football game (soccer in America) and it was fantastic!!! The enthusiasm, the joy, the intensity of the crowd was second to none. Oh forgot, to mention, the rain did pay us a 10-minute visit with some light showers.

My research is coming to an end and I have started writing my report. The experience learnt from my research has been one of a kind. I knew about the eye to an extent but didn’t know the detailed phenomenon that happens in totality until I embarked on this research study.

As my time in Belem slowly comes to an end, the thought of leaving makes me a little sad. I definitely intend to explore and maximize the several weeks I have left. I will save my great memoirs for my last blog.