WORSHIP Schedule
September 22, 2007
Entry #2
9-4-07 to 9-22-07
While the U.S. was celebrating Labor Day on the 3rd, it was business as usual here in Juazeiro. On September 7th was their Independence Day holiday, which meant no work and no school, but not much by way of celebration. I did hear a parade passing around 8:00am, but the general consensus from most people I asked, is that nobody really attends parades or does anything out of the ordinary to celebrate the country’s independence. It’s not particularly important to them.
The following week, the city experienced a routine influx of visitors from surrounding cities and states. They come by the busload and even truckload—packed on a flatbed with a make-shift canvas canopy—by the thousands. These people are called Romeiros, and are basically Pilgrims who make religious journeys to Juazeiro throughout the year to pay homage to Padre Cicero—the Catholic priest credited with many miracles. The statue of Padre Cicero is located in this city atop a mountain, and the pilgrims march from the top of the mountain and then down through the city. I joined the locals in the crowded streets and was able to take some pictures of the Romeiros passing by. They stayed for about a week, and it was nice to see them go! They will be back in November.
I am still having a Portuguese lesson once a week. Unfortunately, I’m not speaking it much, if at all, because I default to English. That’s really not good! Things seemed to be going so well… is it possible I could be getting worse? I should probably make it a point to study more. English classes are going well. I am getting to know the students a little better. In my advanced-level class, we just finished up with their presentations on the different regions of Brazil. Brazil is such a large country, and each of its regions is drastically unique from one another. The Northeast (where I am staying) is the hottest, driest, poorest, and most traditional region, as far as culture. I was surprised to learn that the Southern region is very atypical compared to the rest of the country. In the south, there is an overwhelmingly large European influence. In the southern Brazilian city of Blumenau, German is still the mother-tongue, and they celebrate Oktoberfest! The people of southern Brazil are largely descended from Swiss, German, Italian, and Eastern European immigrants and the culture, food, architecture, people etc. follows suit (i.e. natural blonds, ruddy complexions, tall stature). It is also the most wealthy, clean, and well-organized region. Again, very atypical of Brazil, but interesting!
Another neat part of the students’ presentations was that the group presenting about the Northern Region brought in fruits found in the Amazon. I had my first taste of guaraná and açai fruits.
Music is a very large part of the Northeastern culture. Music and dancing! I have had the opportunity to attempt Samba dancing to a band playing a style of music called pagode—key word being attempt. Also last weekend, I attended a concert for a style of music called forró. Forró music originated in this region and is very popular here. It’s lively, fast paced, with hand drums, a guitar, and an accordion. I found this to be a lot of fun and much easier to dance to. I will be sure to bring home some CD’s and see if it catches on there in Pennsylvania!
The weather is not just hot anymore, it is stifling hot. There was one night last week that I barely slept a wink because I was too busy sweating. I moved the fan closer to my bed, and vowed to stop drinking coffee during the day. I will do anything to never have a night like that again! The coffee must be stronger than I thought. Since I’ve stopped having it with breakfast, I am sleeping better at night. But yes, sweating has become a daily activity, and I no longer use the hot water switch when taking a shower. Bring on the cold water!
Next month, I will be traveling to the coast with my host family. We will be vacationing in Fortaleza, which is the capital of our state, as well. I am also hoping to travel along the Northern coast heading west to visit the beach village of Jericoacoara, then traveling to Lençois Maranhenses National Park, and finally stopping to sightsee in the town of Saõ Luis. This will have made my travels complete!
Everything else is going well. I am happy and healthy.
GALLERY | HISTORY | STAFF & CONTACTS | MAP & DIRECTIONS | LINKS | WEBMASTER