Okay. I guess it's officially winter.
I think I'm up to my fifth cup of tea for today. Hot mugs of tea are the best hand warmers, they're also soothing in a way that gloves are not. But I've only had the one Butterfinger. Because it's the last one I had from the trip.
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| Meeting of Waters, the confluence of the dark watered Rio Negro and the sandy Amazon River. The spectacular contrast of the two flowing bodies of water is caused by the differences in water temperature as well as the speed of each river. |
It's hard to believe that on the other side of the world, Brazil is gearing up for its starring role in the FIFA World Cup. The lush and exotic beauty of Brazil has been the flavour of the month on the travel shows. World Cup inspired video clips are vibrant with the colour of Carnival and the beats of samba. I've sat bewitched by both visions, promising myself that I'll be visiting Brazil myself one day.
Given considerably less world media exposure are some of the social tensions that are the reality for the normal citizen of Brazil.
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| www.bbc.co.uk |
Brasil, Brazil is a BBC World Service presentation that is part of their fascinating 'From Our Correspondent' series. The podcast is a 25 minute journey through the lives of everyday people who aren't living the blessed beachside life you often associate with Brazil. Beneath the facade of racial unity, equality for all and living for the beautiful and passionate moment is a country that has to face the hard issues of slavery, social class tensions and the ongoing battle for the right to live on the land you thought was yours.
Have you visited Brazil? How separate did you feel these two sides of the country were for the ordinary person?
It's a good feeling ending Sunday feeling as if you're prepared for the coming week. I've caught up with Offspring, decluttered large areas of the spare room and garage and donated many things to worthy causes in the process. I might even know what I'll be wearing to work tomorrow!
Take care and have a lovely evening.
The divide is a shocker alright. Wondering what tensions the Cup will bring (and has already). Can only pray for the poor and marginalised there. Thank you for reminding. x
ReplyDeleteI hope things remain stable during the Cup and I hope that hosting will bring some kind of financial benefit to the Brazilians who need it the most.
DeleteSSG xxx
My cousin was in Brazil/Brasil last year. Robbed, and nearly capsized on a rickety old boat over night. I think people go there and think, well: tourist place. "She'll be right". But the social problems (and therefore the risks to a tourist) are real and though there is so much to appreciate and enjoy there, a person has got to keep their wits about them.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Your poor cousin!!!
DeleteYou're right, Kacie, I think it's easy to go over there and just assumer it'll all be fine, like it mostly is in Australia.
SSG xxx
You're so right, it's getting cold here in sydney. I like to see other sydney blogs
ReplyDeleteBrazil, a country with high inequality. Lots of crime. Take note, Australia.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Brazil but my Dad lived there and said he was eating fresh seafood daily which was cheap but the locals did not like it. They preferred meat. Random I know.
ReplyDeleteOn note of butterfingers, were you able to track down any?