When one goes into the
unknown, there are no comparisons or similarities to provide the experiencer
comfort in that everything will be ok.
ABOUT MYSELF
I am a triathlete and I experience
this feeling when I am about to and in the water in an open-water swim. I feel
anxiety over what is in the water, how can I become comfortable, will I
survive, etc.? And I am afraid of roller coasters and specialize in working
under pressure. With these things in mind, getting ready for takeoff was
extremely excruciating. Analogous to the few minutes before going into the
water, there were so many variables (some of which I may not have been able to
have full control) in the days leading up to departure. There were clothes to
pack (But I need to pack lightly), there is a routine I have to break (not that
I have a set one) and people whom I will miss seeing (just a little). Then my
phone started messing up 2 days before I was set to leave (aye, the agony) and
the only appointment Apple had was the morning of THE DAY (the AGONY). I went
to the store and they had no phone to replace my phone. So I left and luckily,
my mom had a “phone” to replace it with or provide a backup “just in case”.
“PLANE DAY”
My mom drove my family and me to the
airport so to save my car and let them keep it at home to remind them of me. On this
drive I let my anxiety go. I told myself I would be ok and if I needed
anything, it would be ok and I could get it once I was in Brazil.
1,2,3 TAKEOFF!
So being scared of roller coasters
and having flown only a few times in my life, I was super anxious about the
first takeoff. To ease myself, I took refuge in the fact that only a handful of
HUMANS were in charge of the plane. I trusted humanity and my problem vanished.
The rest of the ascents and descents were only a little trembling (pun
intended).
WELCOME TO BRAZIL
Ahh Brazil. Home to the tropical
rainforest, rapid deforestation rates and incredible human population growth
and economic improvement. Blue Air is also calls this country it’s birthplace
(thank you CBU MKTG class). Other than these few facts and the information I
was given orally by my American MHIRT advisers, I knew little about Brazil. I
came here with no expectations, on purpose, and I am truly enjoying getting to
explore a new way of life.
CULTURE SHOCK
Where is the big canister of oats?
Where may I find the half gallon of SILK? Where is the store that has
everything you need, all in one place? What about Goodwill? Why are the people
laughing when the professor said what she said?
Wow, was I in for a shocker!... (Word
limit is nearing, I’ll continue in the next post)
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