As I mentioned earlier, I will be posting pictures and videos for your pleasure. I am a photographer and I also have gotten back into filmmaking. I recently shot a documentary in Brazil which first talks about the life and story of an American who was raised in New York, but has lived in Brazil now for 25 years. His name is John Thompson. This documentary is still in the making as editing can be quite time consuming, however the film will talk about various topics concerning Brazil such has tourism, politics, activism, entertainment, and much more. Although by the strict definition of "third world", Brazil is in fact a third world to date, however many economists are predicting Brazil to be a "superpower" country in the years to come. This will also be discussed in the film. It is also my personal prediction that relations between the U.S. and Brazil will gradual improve. More people have been interested in traveling to Brazil since Brazil won the 2016 Olympics bid.
Traveling to a foreign country for the first time can be quite undaunting for many people and just down right scary for others. Wouldn't be nice if you already new someone who spoke the native language (Portuguese in Brazil) who could communicate and translate for you, and also if for some strange reason you gotten into any trouble, would help bail you out? Well I have provided you with that contact. So if that was the only reason keeping you from traveling to Brazil, I hope I just solved that problem. I don't consider myself an "expert", however if I should be able to answer any questions you may have if you are a first timer.
Please sign up for my newsletter and I will be giving you periodic updates on Brazil info / updates. Thanks for reading my post.
Big Ben
Nice to see other Americans who share my interest (fascination) with Brazil. I have been traveling there for several years as well. The people are very welcoming and the history of the country is intriguing. I considered visiting Brazil for many years before actually taking the plunge. Like many other Americans I was hesitant because of much of what I had heard in the media about crime and poverty. After a discussion I had with my cousin in which he revealed that he has been traveling to Brazil for many years I mustered up enough courage to plan a trip with another close friend. As an experienced international traveler I knew that I had to plan a relatively conservative trip not knowing the language or much else about the country. However when I arrived all of my preconceived thoughts thrown out as I was introduced to a people, a city, a country and a culture that is like no other on earth. I could write for days about my experiences but I will save some of them for future posts.
ReplyDeleteThe bottom line is that now I spend about 1 week in Brazil every 6th week. If I was independently wealthy I am sure that I would spend more time there. I am very interested in seeing your documentary featuring John Thompson. There is a small population of “regulars” who visit Rio de Janeiro. I am sure that we have all either met John Thompson or at least heard of him. He is the expat with the connections and always there if you have a question or need advice and/or direction.
Good luck on this blog and I look forward to reading more in the near future.
misternati
You make a good point Misternati. We often times develop negative preconceived notions on things based on rumors and "what we have heard". I reference this type of thinking in my article about how the HIV / AIDS problem is grossly exaggerated. YOu should be commended for actually taking the time out to plan a trip and get first hand experience instead of continuing to listen to rumors. Thats the difference between an open minded person and a closed minded person.
ReplyDeleteBig Ben
Hey Big Ben,
ReplyDeleteI just got back from Rio de Janeiro last week and I thought of your blog. Don't loose momentum amigo. Keep blogging about the wonders of this amazing country. My girlfriend (meu nomorada) keeps joking with me and calling me an "amerioca" (Part Carioca and part American). Anyway, let me know if you need additional content or topics. Or even better, let me know if you are going to be in Rio any time soon.
até mais tarde
Misternati
Thanks Misternati. I will be doing another newsletter very soon. I've been bogged down with legal / copyright issues which I will go in more detail later. Sure, any new content is definitely welcome. You can send another comment or email me directly at brazil4life123@gmail.com. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteBig Ben
I know John. He's a good guy. Rented my last apartment and helped me out of a BIG jam when I was in Rio!
ReplyDelete