Sal Khan:
On starting Khan academy: started videos to help out cousin. Found the videos were helpful so why not make it accessible for others--Free quality education for everyone everywhere.
Now Khan academy has 10 more people than Harvard has graduates since 1636.
500 Million plus lessons
6 Million plus unique users
Interactive. Videos for clarification. Instead of fixed time, hold fixed high level of proficiency, let them have more time.
Students can help each other. Differentiated learning.
Human being has the highest value when they are working collaboratively (interactively), highest value when they are mentoring.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Phone Home: Travel Phones are alien to me
In preparing for my upcoming South America adventure, I've been looking at phone options. I didn't realize until just this week, that my Verizon phone would not pick up any towers in Brazil or Argentina because it was not "global ready". Because of my insecurities regarding safety and being on my own for the first part of the trip, I had been relying on having a phone for safety reasons if nothing else. Originally, I thought my only option was to upgrade to a global phone from my own carrier, but this would cause a chain reaction of plan changes and quick decisions for others involved in the family plan. So I went to google...
Wow. I figured there'd be some options, but there were more than I realized. Here's a great resource with a decent flow chart to help you sort through the different categories and option types: http://www.internationalcellphoneguide.com/
Here's another regarding a wider range of communication tips: http://www.rioholiday.com/Communications-Brazil-Travel.htm
Wow. I figured there'd be some options, but there were more than I realized. Here's a great resource with a decent flow chart to help you sort through the different categories and option types: http://www.internationalcellphoneguide.com/
Here's another regarding a wider range of communication tips: http://www.rioholiday.com/Communications-Brazil-Travel.htm
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Safety: Travel Tips
When I first started researching my trip to Brazil, I quickly freaked my self out. My tour started in Rio with a 6 pm welcome gathering and then departed the town the next day, so if I wanted to take in any of Rio I knew I was going to have to fly in early for some exploration time. So I purchased my plane ticket and then started doing more research. Apparently crime is common in Rio de Janeiro and the more I read the scary it seemed for me. I started second guessing my decision to travel there, especially by myself before I met up with the tour group. However, I think it is important to remember common sense and to just be more "aware" as I traveled. Doing so would help guide smarter decisions. So here's some items to keep in mind.
1. Crime can happen anywhere and larger cities tend to have more crime so putting it in perspective is important too. Be smart but don't let it prevent you from being open to having a good time.
2. When using an ATM machine, make sure there isn't a camera over the keypad, or someone watching you.
3. Carry just as much cash as you think you'll need for that day. Separate it into different secure pockets and leave most of your credits cards and your original passport back in the secure safe in your hotel room. Carrying a copy of your passport is ok.
4. Try not to stand out as "the rich tourist". The less the better. Leave expensive jewelry at home. Don't walk around with your camera around your neck.
5. Be careful at night, and don't go down deserted streets.
6. If you do get held up--don't resist.
* In Argentina, a pick pocket scheme involves a group of two or three people, one who squirts some sticky substance on you and two others who try to help clean you up as they pick your pockets. So beware and if they try to help you clean just say "no gracias" and don't let them move you into a more isolated area.
Here's another video on travel tips and safety: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N23n37Twrw&feature=related
1. Crime can happen anywhere and larger cities tend to have more crime so putting it in perspective is important too. Be smart but don't let it prevent you from being open to having a good time.
2. When using an ATM machine, make sure there isn't a camera over the keypad, or someone watching you.
3. Carry just as much cash as you think you'll need for that day. Separate it into different secure pockets and leave most of your credits cards and your original passport back in the secure safe in your hotel room. Carrying a copy of your passport is ok.
4. Try not to stand out as "the rich tourist". The less the better. Leave expensive jewelry at home. Don't walk around with your camera around your neck.
5. Be careful at night, and don't go down deserted streets.
6. If you do get held up--don't resist.
* In Argentina, a pick pocket scheme involves a group of two or three people, one who squirts some sticky substance on you and two others who try to help clean you up as they pick your pockets. So beware and if they try to help you clean just say "no gracias" and don't let them move you into a more isolated area.
Here's another video on travel tips and safety: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N23n37Twrw&feature=related
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Knowledge is Power
When traveling internationally, it is important to remember that different electrical currencies exist and that not all outlets accept the same type of plug in...so knowledge is power. The following link lists different currents and electrical outlet usages worldwide in an easy to find chart by country. I like this resource because it also talks about specific cities on the grid, in the note section for that country. It will tell you what adaptors and are needed and even shows pictures. It also talks about the fact that you may need an electric converter. So make sure before you travel that you do your research and know what type of power will be available and what power accessories may be needed.
http://electricaloutlet.org/
http://electricaloutlet.org/
Monday, June 18, 2012
Weather: Being in the Know means more math
It's important to do a little research when traveling, in order to know what to expect as far as temperatures and to know what to pack. When you travel internationally as a typical Westerner, you may also need to refresh your Celsius to Fahrenheit equations. So I found the easiest was to try and remember that 20 degrees Celsius in equal to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. From there, each degree C is an additional 1.8 degrees F. So 24 degrees C equals 75.2 and 27 degrees C equals 80.6.
Here's an online converter in case the math is too tough :) http://www.metric-conversions.org/temperature/celsius-to-fahrenheit.htm
Since Brazil is South of the equator when I travel there this summer, it will be during their winter. Typical temperatures are around 20 degrees C with occasional dips below 15 degrees C. To find out more check out: http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Rio-de-Janeiro,Brazil
Argentina is much cooler. June and July are the coldest months with a average low temperature dipping to 7 degrees Celsius (45 F). Yikes! http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Buenos-Aires,Argentina Good thing I checked this out otherwise I would have totally been unprepared with just beachwear for those cool evenings!
So as always...do your homework before you go!
Here's an online converter in case the math is too tough :) http://www.metric-conversions.org/temperature/celsius-to-fahrenheit.htm
Since Brazil is South of the equator when I travel there this summer, it will be during their winter. Typical temperatures are around 20 degrees C with occasional dips below 15 degrees C. To find out more check out: http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Rio-de-Janeiro,Brazil
Argentina is much cooler. June and July are the coldest months with a average low temperature dipping to 7 degrees Celsius (45 F). Yikes! http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Buenos-Aires,Argentina Good thing I checked this out otherwise I would have totally been unprepared with just beachwear for those cool evenings!
So as always...do your homework before you go!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Too much math: Figuring out the currency exchange dilemna
Traveling out of the United States usually involves some knowledge of currency exchange and math. According to the exchange site xe.com. "Exchange rates fluctuate based on economic factors like inflation, industrial production and geopolitical events."
In most cases the best exchange rate for foreign travel comes from ATM's. However, because I've gotten freaked out by the security warnings I've read about Brazil including tourists being targeted for robberies after visiting an ATM, I decided that I should maybe get some money exchanged before I arrive. Especially since I'll be traveling by myself, I want to reduce the risks (and calm my nerves a little more) so I started checking out my options. What I quickly discovered was that there was a lot more math involved than I first anticipated and the decision might not be easy.
First I started with my own bank. Even though the first representative told me that I couldn't get money exchanged there, another request on another visit yielded a different answer. Apparently they must not get asked this very often, as this representative had trouble finding the information online and wasn't really sure about the fees. But eventually, I was told that there was a $60 dollar fee (which later was reduced to $40) for any order, no matter how much money I was exchanging. They obviously didn't do this often as the teller had trouble finding the information on their intranet. Later when I went back for the third time to double check on whether or not the exchange rate would be at the market value or the business value, she had trouble finding it again. This question resulted in a phone call to their main office where she was told that the bank was in the process of redoing their system and that now all transactions should just be done online by the customer through a third party site: www.ezforex.com Here's how that broke down...
I was trying to figure out what I'd get for $200. The exchange rate was less than market value. Plus I'd have to pay shipping fees. So for $216.19 (on 6-18-2012) I'd get 365 Brazilian Reals. If I type in 365 Brazilian Reals into today's market exchange converter at http://www.xe.com/ucc/ that translates as $177.05 (a difference in US Dollars of $39.14).
Then I checked with AAA. For orders under $1000 they charge $15 and need a 2-day shipping. AAA link to currency exchange and fees. I have to call back to see what type of exchange rates they offer. Their office runs on bankers hours, so they were not available on Sunday.
There is a Travelex currency exchange at the MSP airport. Here's where it get's tricky with the math.
For order under $350 there is a $9.95 service fee for exchanging money. You also are buying the currency at a lower rate. When I called on Sunday, June 17, I was quoted the rate of 1.76 Brazilian Real. The market rate however for the same date was 2.05159. You could exchange any left over money upon return at the business rate (lower than market) and the $9.95 fee.
If I exchanged $350 than I would pay the fee for the initial exchange, but would not have to pay it on the way back. And I could get the market value upon the return for what was left.
If I did $500 then there was no service fee either direction and I would get market value for what was left on the return. But would still have the lower rate on the way. Here's how that breaks down.
$100 at Travelex would get me 176 BRL (Brazilian Reals) The market value should get me approximately 205.16 BRL. So I'm losing about 29.16, which converted back at market value is approximately $14.21 USD (US Dollar). Tag on the $10 fee and that means that I'm losing almost 25% of my original amount. So obviously it doesn't really pay to do this option. (This is assuming I use up all the converted money so I don't have to do the conversion on the way home.)
If I do $350 that means I lose $49.74 in the conversion and still have the $9.95 fee so that would make it $59.74. The $500 would be $71.05.
A side note is that Travelex recommends ordering a week ahead of time so they can make sure they have enough on hand, otherwise, their currency is on a first come first serve basis.
There are several sites online that deal with money recommendations. I agree that using the ATM in those foreign countries probably makes the most sense. However, if you're looking at getting some before you go to just have on hand to get started--be prepared to do the math and know you will have to pay a hefty fee for that convenience. Here's another website with further recommendations on money your money in Brazil: http://www.rioholiday.com/Money-Management-Trip-Rio-Brazil.htm
Tips for using ATMS internationally: http://www.ihatetaxis.com/advice/foreign-atm-machines/
In most cases the best exchange rate for foreign travel comes from ATM's. However, because I've gotten freaked out by the security warnings I've read about Brazil including tourists being targeted for robberies after visiting an ATM, I decided that I should maybe get some money exchanged before I arrive. Especially since I'll be traveling by myself, I want to reduce the risks (and calm my nerves a little more) so I started checking out my options. What I quickly discovered was that there was a lot more math involved than I first anticipated and the decision might not be easy.
First I started with my own bank. Even though the first representative told me that I couldn't get money exchanged there, another request on another visit yielded a different answer. Apparently they must not get asked this very often, as this representative had trouble finding the information online and wasn't really sure about the fees. But eventually, I was told that there was a $60 dollar fee (which later was reduced to $40) for any order, no matter how much money I was exchanging. They obviously didn't do this often as the teller had trouble finding the information on their intranet. Later when I went back for the third time to double check on whether or not the exchange rate would be at the market value or the business value, she had trouble finding it again. This question resulted in a phone call to their main office where she was told that the bank was in the process of redoing their system and that now all transactions should just be done online by the customer through a third party site: www.ezforex.com Here's how that broke down...
I was trying to figure out what I'd get for $200. The exchange rate was less than market value. Plus I'd have to pay shipping fees. So for $216.19 (on 6-18-2012) I'd get 365 Brazilian Reals. If I type in 365 Brazilian Reals into today's market exchange converter at http://www.xe.com/ucc/ that translates as $177.05 (a difference in US Dollars of $39.14).
Then I checked with AAA. For orders under $1000 they charge $15 and need a 2-day shipping. AAA link to currency exchange and fees. I have to call back to see what type of exchange rates they offer. Their office runs on bankers hours, so they were not available on Sunday.
There is a Travelex currency exchange at the MSP airport. Here's where it get's tricky with the math.
For order under $350 there is a $9.95 service fee for exchanging money. You also are buying the currency at a lower rate. When I called on Sunday, June 17, I was quoted the rate of 1.76 Brazilian Real. The market rate however for the same date was 2.05159. You could exchange any left over money upon return at the business rate (lower than market) and the $9.95 fee.
If I exchanged $350 than I would pay the fee for the initial exchange, but would not have to pay it on the way back. And I could get the market value upon the return for what was left.
If I did $500 then there was no service fee either direction and I would get market value for what was left on the return. But would still have the lower rate on the way. Here's how that breaks down.
$100 at Travelex would get me 176 BRL (Brazilian Reals) The market value should get me approximately 205.16 BRL. So I'm losing about 29.16, which converted back at market value is approximately $14.21 USD (US Dollar). Tag on the $10 fee and that means that I'm losing almost 25% of my original amount. So obviously it doesn't really pay to do this option. (This is assuming I use up all the converted money so I don't have to do the conversion on the way home.)
If I do $350 that means I lose $49.74 in the conversion and still have the $9.95 fee so that would make it $59.74. The $500 would be $71.05.
A side note is that Travelex recommends ordering a week ahead of time so they can make sure they have enough on hand, otherwise, their currency is on a first come first serve basis.
There are several sites online that deal with money recommendations. I agree that using the ATM in those foreign countries probably makes the most sense. However, if you're looking at getting some before you go to just have on hand to get started--be prepared to do the math and know you will have to pay a hefty fee for that convenience. Here's another website with further recommendations on money your money in Brazil: http://www.rioholiday.com/Money-Management-Trip-Rio-Brazil.htm
Tips for using ATMS internationally: http://www.ihatetaxis.com/advice/foreign-atm-machines/
Safety: Food
One of the common questions that occurs with foreign travel is the issue of food safety. Here's some documentation on food safety tips for traveling to Brazil and Argentina:
http://www.brazil-travel-northeast.com/brazil-food-health.html
About Water safety:
http://gobrazil.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/Drinking-Water-Safety-in-Brazil.htm
http://www.brazil-travel-northeast.com/brazil-food-health.html
About Water safety:
http://gobrazil.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/Drinking-Water-Safety-in-Brazil.htm
Buenos Aires Research
Up next...facts from the World Book Encyclopedia from the last city on my South American tour...Buenos Aires!
Buenos Aires is the largest city of Argentina and is also the capital. Population is listed as 2,776,138; met.area 11,460,575. About 1/3 of Argentines live in this metropolitan area. The name comes from the Spanish for "fair winds". "Early Spanish sailors named the harbor at the site for the patron saint of fair winds, Nuestra Senora Santa Maria del Buen Aire (Our Lady Saint Mary of the Fair Wind).
Plaza de Mayo, in the oldest part of Buenos Aires, is the city's hisotry and political center. It is in this area that you can find the Casa Rosada (Pink House) where the office of the presdient is located. "Through the years, the Plaza has been a forum for protests."
There are several "barrios" (residential neighborhoods). San Telmo is one of the oldest. "Originally the home of the city's leaders and upper classes, it now attracts artists, tango dancers, and antique dealers." there is also the "colorful" barrio, La Boca, "known for its brightly painted houses and excelent Italian restaurants." Recoleta has a "European feel" while Palermo "is a neighborhood of gardens, mansions, and parks." The Colon Theater downtown "ranks as one of the world's finest opera houses." (above from page 672)
People of Buenos Aires are called "portenos" (port dwellers). About 3/4 are of Spanish or Italian ancestry. Spanish is the official language, although many also speak other languages. Many are Roman Catholic.
"The gap between the rich and the poor has become more evident. Homelessness and crime have also risen because of the city's economic troubles."
"kleading industries in the Buenos Aires area include meat packaging, food processing, and the manufacture of textiles, rubber products and electical equipment."
The period from 1880-1940 is considered Buenos Aires "Golden Age" as it became "one of the most beautiful and modern cities in the Western Hemisphere, and the cultural center of Latin America."
Buenos Aires is the largest city of Argentina and is also the capital. Population is listed as 2,776,138; met.area 11,460,575. About 1/3 of Argentines live in this metropolitan area. The name comes from the Spanish for "fair winds". "Early Spanish sailors named the harbor at the site for the patron saint of fair winds, Nuestra Senora Santa Maria del Buen Aire (Our Lady Saint Mary of the Fair Wind).
Plaza de Mayo, in the oldest part of Buenos Aires, is the city's hisotry and political center. It is in this area that you can find the Casa Rosada (Pink House) where the office of the presdient is located. "Through the years, the Plaza has been a forum for protests."
There are several "barrios" (residential neighborhoods). San Telmo is one of the oldest. "Originally the home of the city's leaders and upper classes, it now attracts artists, tango dancers, and antique dealers." there is also the "colorful" barrio, La Boca, "known for its brightly painted houses and excelent Italian restaurants." Recoleta has a "European feel" while Palermo "is a neighborhood of gardens, mansions, and parks." The Colon Theater downtown "ranks as one of the world's finest opera houses." (above from page 672)
People of Buenos Aires are called "portenos" (port dwellers). About 3/4 are of Spanish or Italian ancestry. Spanish is the official language, although many also speak other languages. Many are Roman Catholic.
"The gap between the rich and the poor has become more evident. Homelessness and crime have also risen because of the city's economic troubles."
"kleading industries in the Buenos Aires area include meat packaging, food processing, and the manufacture of textiles, rubber products and electical equipment."
The period from 1880-1940 is considered Buenos Aires "Golden Age" as it became "one of the most beautiful and modern cities in the Western Hemisphere, and the cultural center of Latin America."
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Argentina research
In a continuation of preparing for my trip to Brazil and Argentina, the following notes were taken from the 2012 World Book Encylopedia.
Argentina is the second lartgest country in area in South America (Brazil claiming the largest) and is the eigth largest country in the world. The Andes Mountains can be found along the western border. Patagonia, "a bare windswept plateau" can be found in the southern region while the Pampas, the "fertile, grassy plain, lies near the center". (page 646)
There are 23 provinces and Buenos Ares Federal District. Buenos Aires is not only the capital city, but is also the "largest city, the main port, and the cneter of business, culture, and trade."
Most Argentines have Italiain or Spanish ancestry while the indigenous groups now represent "only a small portion of the population." Nearly all Argentines speak Spanish and are Roman Catholic.
Argentina declared their independence in 1816 from Spain.
Beef, corn, soybeans, when and farm processing/manufacturing are important commodities. They also tap enough petroleum to meet their own needs. Meat and grain exports brought wealth to the country and by "the late 1920's, Argentina had become one of the richest nations in the world...but economic decline, political instability, social conflict, and violence hapmpered Argentina's progress for the last half of the 1900's."
Government
A democratic republic with independent executive, legislative, and judicial brances. They have a President, Vice-President (which serve 4 year terms, no more than 2 terms in a row) and a Cabinet appointed by the President. There is a 72-member Senate (3 from each Province who serve 6 year terms) and a 257-member Chamber of Deputies (elected in part every two years for a four year term).
(All of the above from page 646)
Each province has an elected governor. Citizens 18 and up are "required to vote and may go to prison if they fail to do so." The President appoints the judges for the Supreme Court of Justice (page 647)
People
About 1/3 of Argentines live in Buenos Aires and its suburbs.
The indigenous population "is small compared to that of other Latin American countries". The main indigenous languages spoken there toda are Guarani, Quechua, and Tehuelche.
Argentina has one of the largest Jewish populations in the Americas.
Because of the large Italian heritage of many of its residents, many Argentines understand Italian "even if they do not speak it fluently. Argentina's urban population has become increasingly familiar with English, and Entglish and French are part of the high school curriculum."
(above section taken from page 648)
Suburban slums and shantytowns are present. Many Argentine cities resemble Spanish ones with a main square or "plaza" around which the rest of the city was built.
Large, wealthy ranches called "estancias" can be found in rural Argentina. So too can the poor farmers living in adobe (mud packed) huts. "Guachos" or cowboys in the 1800's caught wild cattle and horses. Many were "mestizos" or people of mixed European and Indian ancestry. This "romantic figure...became part of Argentine folklore...and now work chiefly as ranch hands on estancias."
Clothing is vaired. In the urban areas, trends follow those of Paris and other Western capitals. Ponchos and other traditional gaucho clothing can be found. In northwestern Argentina, "clothing sometimes resembles that of Bolivian and Peruvian Indians" (ie derby hats and ponchos).
Food and Drink
Quality beef is no surprise. "Asado" (barbecue or roast) is perhaps "the most typical Argentine method of cooking meat..roasted on an open-air grill called a "parilla" or on large spits over a fire."
Empanadas, or filled pastries, are a traditional appetizer or snack. Italian influences are also abundant in forms or ice cream, pasta and pizza.
A common dessert: "dulce de leche" (milky caramel) and "alfajores" (two cookies with a filling like dulce de leche).
Dinner is "late" compared to US traditions. Typically, breakfast is served until 10 am, lunch between noon and 2:30 pm and dinner after 9 pm. It is not uncommon to see young children at dinner at midnight.
La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, and San Juan are "notable wine-growing regions". Malbec is unique Argentine red wine.
Mate is a popular tea "made from the leaves and shoots of themate or yerba mate plant. "People gather and pass a gourd filled with mate around the table, each person sipping through a metal straw. The sharing of mate is an expression of friendship."
Recreation
Soccer is the most popular sport in Argentina. Also popular are basketball, rugby, horse racing and auto-racing.
June 9th is their National Independence Day. Another holiday is May 25 which recognizes the anniversary of teh 1810 revolution "when citizens of Buenos Aires set up an independent government."
Education
most Argentines 15 and older can read and write. Free public elemenary and high school education is provided. There are also private tuition based schools. All children aged 5-14 must attend school.
There are approximately 80 Universities (about half are public).
(Above section comes from page 650)
There are a number of public and private technical and vocational schools.
Religion
More than 90% are Roman Catholic however, fewer than 20% of urban Catholics regularly practice their religion. "In some provinces, such local customs as "spiritualism" (a belief in the ability of the living to communicate with the dead) and honoring the dead have become intertwined with Catholic beliefs.
Argentina also has "a small population" of Protestants, jews and Muslims.
Arts
The Colon Theater in Buenos Aires is home to the National Ballet, National Opera, and the National Symphony. There are also several professional theatres.
Tango is the national music and dance of Argentina. It combines African and European influences. It originated in the late 1800's in the Buenos Aires region. "Initially considered a low-class art form, tango eventually spread to such fashionable cities as Paris and New York City, where it gained popularity and refinement." Sometimes the tango is accompanied by as few as two musicians and other times by an entire orchestra. The most common instruments used are a piano, a violin, and a "bandoneon" (a kind of orchestral accordian). "Lyrics are typically sad and nostalgic". And "tango nuevo" included influences of classical and jazz music.
(the above section came from page 651)
"Guachesca Poetry..describes guacho life and satirizes politics of the time"
Land
Antarctica is only about 600 miles from the southern most tip of Argentina, while the northern most tip is "nearly tropical". (above from page 652)
Economy
Service Industries like government service, financial and insurance services, retail trade, tourism and transportation account fro about 1/2 of Argentina's GDP and employ about 2/3 of the country's labor force.
"International tourism has gained importance since the early 2000's."
(above section is from page 654)
In 1991, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uraguy created a trade association known as Mercosur (Southern Common Market) which "seek to integrate their economies and form one commone South American market." Since 1991 other countries have become members.
"Dozens of television stations broadcast in Argentina. A majority are privately owned. There are hundreds of radio stations, including private, national, provincial, municapl, and university stations."
There are many internet cafes and cable satelite tvs are common. More than 150 newspapers are published in Argentina.
Two major indigenous groups were the Diaguita and the Guarani who resisted colonization until 1580 when the Spanish secured Buenos Aires. "Mestizos" are individuals of Spanish and indigenous anscestry.
(above section from page 655)
In 1776 the Spanish created the Viceroyalty of La Plata which included present day Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay as well as parts of Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile. Buenos Aires became the capital of the viceroyalty.
In 1806 and 1807 Buenos Aires residents defended their city (without help from Spain) and prevented a British overtaking. This success "increased their confidence in gaining freedom from the mother country." So during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe when the Spanish were fighting the French, Buenos Aires "made a move torward indenpendence." On July 9th, 1816 they officially declared their independence calling themselves the "United Provinces of the Rio de le Plata"or simply "United Provinces of La Plata".
In 1826 Argentina's national assembly named a President who then resigned in 1827. (Preceeding section from page 656) Then it was under a dictatorship from 1829 to 1852. A series of unrest continued with governmental and Provincial dealings. In 1860 the country of Argentina was named (coming from the Latin word for silver).In 1826 President Mitre was elected and "Argentina entered a prosperous and stable period that lasted nearly 70 years...Between 1880 and 1930, Argentina ranked as one of the world's weathiest nations." There were reform movements during the late 1800's and early 1900's, miltary dictatorships started during the 1930's with a coup. "The Supreme Court declared the coup lawful, clearning the way for military regismes to rule the country on and off for the next 50 years."
Juan Domingo Peron was elected President in 1946. "he helped the working class by promoting union growth and workers' rights legislation." He suspended freedom of press and of speech. "His second wife, Eva duate de Peron, played a key role in developing support for her husband. Known popularly as Evita, she worked to strengthen the voice of Argentine women and the poor until her death in 1952." During his second term he "lost support" of the Roman Catholic Church (from page 627) when he started "limiting its authority". There were "large debts, high inflation, and stagnant productivity" as well as revolts. He eventually resigned and went into exile. Military leaders once again took control until Peron returned and was elected president in 1973. When he died in 1974 his wife took over becoming the first woman president in the Western Hempisphere.
More civil unrest continued with the "dirty war" brought forth a "paramilitary death squad, unopposed by the state, silenced critics and opponents of the regime." It is estimated that 30,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, and executed without trials becoming known as "deaparecidos" (the disappeared).The late 1990's still had some rebellions but also some economic growth unfortunately, "poverty rose, standards for education and health fell, and the unemployment rate neared 20 percent." Financial crises in other countries in the late 1990's didn't help. (Preceeding section from page 258) Then came the "worst economic crisis in Argentine history" in 2001 resulting in bank rushes, violent demonstrations, and the loss of faith in "democratic institutions". There was yet another presidential resignation followed by a two week stretch that say two acting presidents and one interim president in office. A new president took office in 2003 and in 2004 the Argentine economy had "showed some signs of recovery". In 2007 another wife took the presidency and in 2010 Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage.
(above section from page 659)
Argentina is the second lartgest country in area in South America (Brazil claiming the largest) and is the eigth largest country in the world. The Andes Mountains can be found along the western border. Patagonia, "a bare windswept plateau" can be found in the southern region while the Pampas, the "fertile, grassy plain, lies near the center". (page 646)
There are 23 provinces and Buenos Ares Federal District. Buenos Aires is not only the capital city, but is also the "largest city, the main port, and the cneter of business, culture, and trade."
Most Argentines have Italiain or Spanish ancestry while the indigenous groups now represent "only a small portion of the population." Nearly all Argentines speak Spanish and are Roman Catholic.
Argentina declared their independence in 1816 from Spain.
Beef, corn, soybeans, when and farm processing/manufacturing are important commodities. They also tap enough petroleum to meet their own needs. Meat and grain exports brought wealth to the country and by "the late 1920's, Argentina had become one of the richest nations in the world...but economic decline, political instability, social conflict, and violence hapmpered Argentina's progress for the last half of the 1900's."
Government
A democratic republic with independent executive, legislative, and judicial brances. They have a President, Vice-President (which serve 4 year terms, no more than 2 terms in a row) and a Cabinet appointed by the President. There is a 72-member Senate (3 from each Province who serve 6 year terms) and a 257-member Chamber of Deputies (elected in part every two years for a four year term).
(All of the above from page 646)
Each province has an elected governor. Citizens 18 and up are "required to vote and may go to prison if they fail to do so." The President appoints the judges for the Supreme Court of Justice (page 647)
People
About 1/3 of Argentines live in Buenos Aires and its suburbs.
The indigenous population "is small compared to that of other Latin American countries". The main indigenous languages spoken there toda are Guarani, Quechua, and Tehuelche.
Argentina has one of the largest Jewish populations in the Americas.
Because of the large Italian heritage of many of its residents, many Argentines understand Italian "even if they do not speak it fluently. Argentina's urban population has become increasingly familiar with English, and Entglish and French are part of the high school curriculum."
(above section taken from page 648)
Suburban slums and shantytowns are present. Many Argentine cities resemble Spanish ones with a main square or "plaza" around which the rest of the city was built.
Large, wealthy ranches called "estancias" can be found in rural Argentina. So too can the poor farmers living in adobe (mud packed) huts. "Guachos" or cowboys in the 1800's caught wild cattle and horses. Many were "mestizos" or people of mixed European and Indian ancestry. This "romantic figure...became part of Argentine folklore...and now work chiefly as ranch hands on estancias."
Clothing is vaired. In the urban areas, trends follow those of Paris and other Western capitals. Ponchos and other traditional gaucho clothing can be found. In northwestern Argentina, "clothing sometimes resembles that of Bolivian and Peruvian Indians" (ie derby hats and ponchos).
Food and Drink
Quality beef is no surprise. "Asado" (barbecue or roast) is perhaps "the most typical Argentine method of cooking meat..roasted on an open-air grill called a "parilla" or on large spits over a fire."
Empanadas, or filled pastries, are a traditional appetizer or snack. Italian influences are also abundant in forms or ice cream, pasta and pizza.
A common dessert: "dulce de leche" (milky caramel) and "alfajores" (two cookies with a filling like dulce de leche).
Dinner is "late" compared to US traditions. Typically, breakfast is served until 10 am, lunch between noon and 2:30 pm and dinner after 9 pm. It is not uncommon to see young children at dinner at midnight.
La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, and San Juan are "notable wine-growing regions". Malbec is unique Argentine red wine.
Mate is a popular tea "made from the leaves and shoots of themate or yerba mate plant. "People gather and pass a gourd filled with mate around the table, each person sipping through a metal straw. The sharing of mate is an expression of friendship."
Recreation
Soccer is the most popular sport in Argentina. Also popular are basketball, rugby, horse racing and auto-racing.
June 9th is their National Independence Day. Another holiday is May 25 which recognizes the anniversary of teh 1810 revolution "when citizens of Buenos Aires set up an independent government."
Education
most Argentines 15 and older can read and write. Free public elemenary and high school education is provided. There are also private tuition based schools. All children aged 5-14 must attend school.
There are approximately 80 Universities (about half are public).
(Above section comes from page 650)
There are a number of public and private technical and vocational schools.
Religion
More than 90% are Roman Catholic however, fewer than 20% of urban Catholics regularly practice their religion. "In some provinces, such local customs as "spiritualism" (a belief in the ability of the living to communicate with the dead) and honoring the dead have become intertwined with Catholic beliefs.
Argentina also has "a small population" of Protestants, jews and Muslims.
Arts
The Colon Theater in Buenos Aires is home to the National Ballet, National Opera, and the National Symphony. There are also several professional theatres.
Tango is the national music and dance of Argentina. It combines African and European influences. It originated in the late 1800's in the Buenos Aires region. "Initially considered a low-class art form, tango eventually spread to such fashionable cities as Paris and New York City, where it gained popularity and refinement." Sometimes the tango is accompanied by as few as two musicians and other times by an entire orchestra. The most common instruments used are a piano, a violin, and a "bandoneon" (a kind of orchestral accordian). "Lyrics are typically sad and nostalgic". And "tango nuevo" included influences of classical and jazz music.
(the above section came from page 651)
"Guachesca Poetry..describes guacho life and satirizes politics of the time"
Land
Antarctica is only about 600 miles from the southern most tip of Argentina, while the northern most tip is "nearly tropical". (above from page 652)
Economy
Service Industries like government service, financial and insurance services, retail trade, tourism and transportation account fro about 1/2 of Argentina's GDP and employ about 2/3 of the country's labor force.
"International tourism has gained importance since the early 2000's."
(above section is from page 654)
In 1991, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uraguy created a trade association known as Mercosur (Southern Common Market) which "seek to integrate their economies and form one commone South American market." Since 1991 other countries have become members.
"Dozens of television stations broadcast in Argentina. A majority are privately owned. There are hundreds of radio stations, including private, national, provincial, municapl, and university stations."
There are many internet cafes and cable satelite tvs are common. More than 150 newspapers are published in Argentina.
Two major indigenous groups were the Diaguita and the Guarani who resisted colonization until 1580 when the Spanish secured Buenos Aires. "Mestizos" are individuals of Spanish and indigenous anscestry.
(above section from page 655)
In 1776 the Spanish created the Viceroyalty of La Plata which included present day Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay as well as parts of Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile. Buenos Aires became the capital of the viceroyalty.
In 1806 and 1807 Buenos Aires residents defended their city (without help from Spain) and prevented a British overtaking. This success "increased their confidence in gaining freedom from the mother country." So during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe when the Spanish were fighting the French, Buenos Aires "made a move torward indenpendence." On July 9th, 1816 they officially declared their independence calling themselves the "United Provinces of the Rio de le Plata"or simply "United Provinces of La Plata".
In 1826 Argentina's national assembly named a President who then resigned in 1827. (Preceeding section from page 656) Then it was under a dictatorship from 1829 to 1852. A series of unrest continued with governmental and Provincial dealings. In 1860 the country of Argentina was named (coming from the Latin word for silver).In 1826 President Mitre was elected and "Argentina entered a prosperous and stable period that lasted nearly 70 years...Between 1880 and 1930, Argentina ranked as one of the world's weathiest nations." There were reform movements during the late 1800's and early 1900's, miltary dictatorships started during the 1930's with a coup. "The Supreme Court declared the coup lawful, clearning the way for military regismes to rule the country on and off for the next 50 years."
Juan Domingo Peron was elected President in 1946. "he helped the working class by promoting union growth and workers' rights legislation." He suspended freedom of press and of speech. "His second wife, Eva duate de Peron, played a key role in developing support for her husband. Known popularly as Evita, she worked to strengthen the voice of Argentine women and the poor until her death in 1952." During his second term he "lost support" of the Roman Catholic Church (from page 627) when he started "limiting its authority". There were "large debts, high inflation, and stagnant productivity" as well as revolts. He eventually resigned and went into exile. Military leaders once again took control until Peron returned and was elected president in 1973. When he died in 1974 his wife took over becoming the first woman president in the Western Hempisphere.
More civil unrest continued with the "dirty war" brought forth a "paramilitary death squad, unopposed by the state, silenced critics and opponents of the regime." It is estimated that 30,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, and executed without trials becoming known as "deaparecidos" (the disappeared).The late 1990's still had some rebellions but also some economic growth unfortunately, "poverty rose, standards for education and health fell, and the unemployment rate neared 20 percent." Financial crises in other countries in the late 1990's didn't help. (Preceeding section from page 258) Then came the "worst economic crisis in Argentine history" in 2001 resulting in bank rushes, violent demonstrations, and the loss of faith in "democratic institutions". There was yet another presidential resignation followed by a two week stretch that say two acting presidents and one interim president in office. A new president took office in 2003 and in 2004 the Argentine economy had "showed some signs of recovery". In 2007 another wife took the presidency and in 2010 Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage.
(above section from page 659)
Monday, June 11, 2012
Learning the Lingo
As part of any trip to a foreign destination, it is important to research not only the nonverbal customs (like ettiquette) but also research some basic verbal customs in order to attempt some basic communication in the native language.
I found a few resources that would help me with some basic Portuguese.
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides
I found a few resources that would help me with some basic Portuguese.
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides
Iguacu Falls (Brazil and Argentina)
Bordering both Brazil and Argentina are the Iguacu Falls, an amazing system of waterfalls featuring the Iguacu River. This ranks among the major tourist attractions of South America. It consists of 275 individual waterfalls separated by forested islands. "It has a total combined width of about 2 miles" (page 50)and "plunges about 237 feet down a series of ledges". "The falls and the surrounding forests and wildlife are protected by national parks in both Brazil and Argentina." It is accessible by foot on catwalks (elevated walkways) on both sides of the river, by boat or by plane.
Paraty Research
Paraty is 125 miles Southwest of Rio de Janeiro and is our first stop after Rio in a multi-city adventure. Although the World Book Encyclopedia did not have information on this particular Brazilian city, I did find some other resources to include here, including the fact that it made Trip Advisor's 2012 Travel Choice list:
The city is apparently named for a local swamp fish. According to trip advisor, the "small colonial town's center is a national historic monument with well-preserved buildings on its pedestrian-only streets. It also apparently has monkeys that are known to roam the cobblestone streets.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303503-Paraty_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro-Vacations.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/brazil/the-southeast/paraty\
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303503-Paraty_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro-Vacations.html
It looks like there is plenty to do here.
Adventure tour Resources:
http://www.infoparaty.com/en
http://www.paratyexplorer.com/
The city is apparently named for a local swamp fish. According to trip advisor, the "small colonial town's center is a national historic monument with well-preserved buildings on its pedestrian-only streets. It also apparently has monkeys that are known to roam the cobblestone streets.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303503-Paraty_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro-Vacations.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/brazil/the-southeast/paraty\
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303503-Paraty_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro-Vacations.html
It looks like there is plenty to do here.
Adventure tour Resources:
http://www.infoparaty.com/en
http://www.paratyexplorer.com/
Sao Paulo Research
Continuing my South American trip research, the following information about Sao Paulo cames from the World Book Encyclopedia.
Sao Paulo is Brazil's largest city and one of the world's largest as well in terms of population. (10,434,252; met. area pop. 17,878,703)
In 1554, Jesuit missionaries from Portugal founded Sao Paulo as an American Indian mission. "It remained a small town until the mid-1800's, when it became the commerical center of Brazil's booming coffee industry." (page 117) Investments were made in other industries. "Today, the city and its surrounding area account for about half of Brazil's total industrial output."
Two rivers flow through the city; the Tiete and Pinheiros rivers.
The center of the business distric is called "The Triangle" which dates back to the 1500's "when three mission buildings that stood in the area were connected by paths that formed the shape of a triangle."
(all above from page 117)
Sao Paulo has several parks, the largest of which is "Ibirapuera Park" which houses a monument to the "bandeirantes" (pioneers) of Sao Paulo.
Because of the rapid population growth, many homes have neither running water nor appropriate sewer systems. "Other problems include air pollution, overcrowding, and traffic congestion". (page 118) Improvement projects and construction of commercial and recreational facilities outside the central part of the city have been created in an attempt to improve these conditions.
People of Sao Paulo are called "Paulistanos" and are reflected by a heritage rooted in Germany, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Portugal, Spain or Syria. Some African and some American Indian ancestry can also be found.
The city has more jobs and higher wages than other areas of Brazil. Poverty is still a major issue. "More than half the families have a monthly income of less than $150. Many of these families live in slum areas called "corticos"
Most of the city's people are Roman Catholic although Protestants and followers of African religions can also be found.
The University of Sao Paulo is the largest university in Brazil. Sao Paulo's Municipal Library is one of the largest libraries in South America.
The Butantan Institute has become famous for its development of snakebite serums.
(all of the above from page 118)
There are also several multinational companies who have headquarters in Sao Paulo.
Sao Paulo is Brazil's largest city and one of the world's largest as well in terms of population. (10,434,252; met. area pop. 17,878,703)
In 1554, Jesuit missionaries from Portugal founded Sao Paulo as an American Indian mission. "It remained a small town until the mid-1800's, when it became the commerical center of Brazil's booming coffee industry." (page 117) Investments were made in other industries. "Today, the city and its surrounding area account for about half of Brazil's total industrial output."
Two rivers flow through the city; the Tiete and Pinheiros rivers.
The center of the business distric is called "The Triangle" which dates back to the 1500's "when three mission buildings that stood in the area were connected by paths that formed the shape of a triangle."
(all above from page 117)
Sao Paulo has several parks, the largest of which is "Ibirapuera Park" which houses a monument to the "bandeirantes" (pioneers) of Sao Paulo.
Because of the rapid population growth, many homes have neither running water nor appropriate sewer systems. "Other problems include air pollution, overcrowding, and traffic congestion". (page 118) Improvement projects and construction of commercial and recreational facilities outside the central part of the city have been created in an attempt to improve these conditions.
People of Sao Paulo are called "Paulistanos" and are reflected by a heritage rooted in Germany, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Portugal, Spain or Syria. Some African and some American Indian ancestry can also be found.
The city has more jobs and higher wages than other areas of Brazil. Poverty is still a major issue. "More than half the families have a monthly income of less than $150. Many of these families live in slum areas called "corticos"
Most of the city's people are Roman Catholic although Protestants and followers of African religions can also be found.
The University of Sao Paulo is the largest university in Brazil. Sao Paulo's Municipal Library is one of the largest libraries in South America.
The Butantan Institute has become famous for its development of snakebite serums.
(all of the above from page 118)
There are also several multinational companies who have headquarters in Sao Paulo.
Rio de Janeiro Basics
Continuing my research in preparation for my upcoming trip to Brazil and Argentina, I am documenting some interesting information about some of the Cities I will be visiting on this trip. The first city I will be stopping at is Rio de Janeiro. The following comes from the 2012 World Book Encyclopedia:
Rio de Janeiro is a populous state in the country of Brazil and the capital of the state is the city of Rio de Janeiro. The population of Rio de Janeiro is 5,857,904 with a met. pop of 10,894,156 makes it the second largest city in Brazil with Sao Paulo with the most (page 344). It is one of the "chief seaports of South America".
The Tupi Indians had settlements near Guanabara Bay and were there when the Portuguese explorers arrived in 1502. Brazil had been "claimed" by Portugal in 1494. The French established a settlement in 1555 until the Portuguese drove them out in 1567.
Portuguese prospectors found gold in southern Brazil during the 1690's which then attracted many settlers to Rio in the 1700's. In 1763 Rio became the capital of not only Brazil but also the Portuguese Empire. It held this title until 1821. In 1822, Brazil became independent and Rio was named the capital. Brasilia replaced Rio as capital in 1960.
Rio is one of 12 Brazilian cities scheduled to host the 2014 World Cup soccer competition, but even bigger, Rio has been chosen to host the 2016 Olympics.
Heavy rains caused deadly landslides in April 2010. "Government officials said that hundreds of people, mostly residents of Rio's slums, were killed and that thousands were left homeless." Then in January of 2011 more mudslides occurred killing more than 800 "in neighboring towns north of Rio".
(All above from page 346).
What the World Book Encylopedia doesn't tell you, is that Rio has a large crime rate and that safety precautions need to be adherred to perhaps more strictly here than in some other tourist destinations of the world. I'll cover this in a separate entry.
Rio de Janeiro is a populous state in the country of Brazil and the capital of the state is the city of Rio de Janeiro. The population of Rio de Janeiro is 5,857,904 with a met. pop of 10,894,156 makes it the second largest city in Brazil with Sao Paulo with the most (page 344). It is one of the "chief seaports of South America".
The Tupi Indians had settlements near Guanabara Bay and were there when the Portuguese explorers arrived in 1502. Brazil had been "claimed" by Portugal in 1494. The French established a settlement in 1555 until the Portuguese drove them out in 1567.
Portuguese prospectors found gold in southern Brazil during the 1690's which then attracted many settlers to Rio in the 1700's. In 1763 Rio became the capital of not only Brazil but also the Portuguese Empire. It held this title until 1821. In 1822, Brazil became independent and Rio was named the capital. Brasilia replaced Rio as capital in 1960.
Rio was developed from a fort established by the Portuguese
soldiers in 1565. The Portuguese
named the settlement after the name of the Bay. Rio de Janeiro is “River of January”. Today, Brazilians also call it Cidade
Maravilhosa (Marvelous City).
There are two famous landmarks of Rio. One of the landmarks
of Rio is Sugar Loaf Mountain which lies on Guanabara Bay, on the Atlantic Ocean. This landmass rises 1,325 feet and is
accessible via a Cog railway in Corcovado. And the other is the huge statue of
Christ the Redeemer “Cristo
Redentor”.
Two of the most famous beaches of Rio are Copacabana and
Ipanema.
People of Rio de Janeiro are called “Cariocas” possibly from
the South American Indian term for “white man’s house”.
“Most of the city’s people belong to the Roman Catholic
Church. Many Catholics also
participate in Macumba religious ceremonies. Follwers of Macumba pray to divine beings identified both
with Christian sains and with the gods and goddesses of certain African
religions. On New Year’s Eve,
hundreds of thousands of Cariocas crowd the beaches for candlelit Macumba
ceremonies that honor the sea goddess lemanja.” (page 345)
Maracana Stadium is located in Rio and is one of the world’s
largest sports arenas.
Carnival is world famous in Rio and features “four days and
nights of parades and dancing in the street” (page 346).
“Rio’s schools, libraries, and museums make the city the
leading cultural center of Brazil.”
The National Museum is in a palace that was the home of
Brazil’s Portuguese royalty in the 1800’s.
The Theatro Municipal was built in the early 1900’s and is
based on the Palais Garnier (the famous Paris opera house).
Transportation options are abundant in Rio with highways,
railroads, two major airports, a ferry, and public transportation including
buses and subways.
Rio is one of 12 Brazilian cities scheduled to host the 2014 World Cup soccer competition, but even bigger, Rio has been chosen to host the 2016 Olympics.
Heavy rains caused deadly landslides in April 2010. "Government officials said that hundreds of people, mostly residents of Rio's slums, were killed and that thousands were left homeless." Then in January of 2011 more mudslides occurred killing more than 800 "in neighboring towns north of Rio".
(All above from page 346).
What the World Book Encylopedia doesn't tell you, is that Rio has a large crime rate and that safety precautions need to be adherred to perhaps more strictly here than in some other tourist destinations of the world. I'll cover this in a separate entry.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Visa's In and Research has started-Basics of Brazil
Woohoo!! I got my Visa today. It came to my house yesterday but since I wasn't there to sign for it, it went back to the post office. So last night I was able to go online and either request to have it delivered today or to notify them that I would pick it up directly from the Post Office. I choose the later and after turning in my receipt, vouching for my name and address, my passport with the Brazilian Visa was in my possession. So exciting!
Because Brazil was on my mind, I decided to head back to the library and pick up the items that had come in from the inter-library loan. I had a little extra time, so pulled out the World Encyclopedia and decided to start my documentation research on Brazil and Argentina. Since I received the Brazilian Visa today I decided Brazil should be up first. Here's some items I wanted documented:
BRAZIL
People and land
Brazil is the largest country in South America. It makes up nearly half of the continent's land mass and has about as many people as all other the other countries of South American nations combined. "Overall, it ranks 5th in both area and population."
About 80% of Brazilians live within 200 miles of the Atlantic Coast. "The forests, rivers and mountains of Brazil have long hindered travel inland, and the country's vast interior remains little developed." The world's largest tropical rainforest sprawls across the northern part of the country while dry plains extend across the northeast.
The Capital is now Brasilia, although Rio de Janeiro has also been in the past. Brasilia was built about 600 miles from the coast "in order to draw people inland".
Sao Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world in terms of population and is Brazil's chief commercial and industrial center.
Rio de Janeiro (sometimes just called Rio) is one of the most densely populated cities in South America and is known throughout the world for its "breathtaking coastlines, exciting nightclubs and colorful festivals."
About half of Brazilians of European ancestry (mostly German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish). Many others are "mixed African and European ancestry, and some are entirely of African decent." Indigenous Brazilians form less than 1% of the population.
Economics
Brazil produces about a third of the world's coffee crop as well as produces varies agricultural items such as bananas, cacao beans, corn, cotton, sugar cane and soybeans. Nuts and timber supplies come from the forests and industrial minerals are also mined. "Brazil has one of Latin America's largest steel plants, and the manufacture of metal products is the nation's cheif industrial activity." Brazil also is one of the world's leading countries in automobile manufacturing.
"In spite of Brazil's productive economy, the great weath of some Brazilians contrasts charply with the great poverty of others. A small number of landowners, executives, and government leaders live in luxury. A small but fast-growing group of middle-class Brazilians including business managers, government workers, and teachers, live comfortably. But most Brazilians are poor."
(all above: W.B.E 2012 page 567)
MISC:
Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in Latin America.
Brazil has more Catholics than any other nation.
Brazil has 26 states and 1 federal district.
Brazil's federal government has 3 branches:
Executive branch headed by a President
Legislative branch called the National Congress
Judicial branch (court system)
Constitution dictates all adults 18-70 who can read and write must vote. It is voluntary for those that can't read and write and for those aged 16-18/over 70. (Drafted soldiers serving their required period of miltary service may NOT vote).
(this section above: WBE 569)
(above from page 586)
Because Brazil was on my mind, I decided to head back to the library and pick up the items that had come in from the inter-library loan. I had a little extra time, so pulled out the World Encyclopedia and decided to start my documentation research on Brazil and Argentina. Since I received the Brazilian Visa today I decided Brazil should be up first. Here's some items I wanted documented:
BRAZIL
People and land
Brazil is the largest country in South America. It makes up nearly half of the continent's land mass and has about as many people as all other the other countries of South American nations combined. "Overall, it ranks 5th in both area and population."
About 80% of Brazilians live within 200 miles of the Atlantic Coast. "The forests, rivers and mountains of Brazil have long hindered travel inland, and the country's vast interior remains little developed." The world's largest tropical rainforest sprawls across the northern part of the country while dry plains extend across the northeast.
The Capital is now Brasilia, although Rio de Janeiro has also been in the past. Brasilia was built about 600 miles from the coast "in order to draw people inland".
Sao Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world in terms of population and is Brazil's chief commercial and industrial center.
Rio de Janeiro (sometimes just called Rio) is one of the most densely populated cities in South America and is known throughout the world for its "breathtaking coastlines, exciting nightclubs and colorful festivals."
About half of Brazilians of European ancestry (mostly German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish). Many others are "mixed African and European ancestry, and some are entirely of African decent." Indigenous Brazilians form less than 1% of the population.
Economics
Brazil produces about a third of the world's coffee crop as well as produces varies agricultural items such as bananas, cacao beans, corn, cotton, sugar cane and soybeans. Nuts and timber supplies come from the forests and industrial minerals are also mined. "Brazil has one of Latin America's largest steel plants, and the manufacture of metal products is the nation's cheif industrial activity." Brazil also is one of the world's leading countries in automobile manufacturing.
"In spite of Brazil's productive economy, the great weath of some Brazilians contrasts charply with the great poverty of others. A small number of landowners, executives, and government leaders live in luxury. A small but fast-growing group of middle-class Brazilians including business managers, government workers, and teachers, live comfortably. But most Brazilians are poor."
(all above: W.B.E 2012 page 567)
MISC:
Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in Latin America.
Brazil has more Catholics than any other nation.
Brazil has 26 states and 1 federal district.
Brazil's federal government has 3 branches:
Executive branch headed by a President
Legislative branch called the National Congress
Judicial branch (court system)
Constitution dictates all adults 18-70 who can read and write must vote. It is voluntary for those that can't read and write and for those aged 16-18/over 70. (Drafted soldiers serving their required period of miltary service may NOT vote).
(this section above: WBE 569)
President, elected by the people, serves a 4-year term and
can not serve more than 2 terms in a row. Brazil’s congress consists of 81
Senators (3 from each state who serve 8 years) and 513 Deputies (the number of
which is determined by the states population but is at least 3 and these
Deputies serve 4 years in the Chamber of Deputies). Each state has an elected governor and the Brazilian
President appoints the governor for the federal district. There are a number of political parties
including 4 larger parties.
Brazil has the largest Military force in Latin America. Brazilian men between 18-45 may be
drafted for a 1-year service.
(Page 569)
Rio capital was moved in 1960 to Brasilia
Brazil declared itself independent in 1822
3 main ethnic groups:
1) People of African decent (from slaves brought over to work the coffee plantation after the early Portuguese unsuccessfully tried to make the Indians work) about 6%
2) People of European decent (over 50%)
3) Mixed Ancestry
1) People of African decent (from slaves brought over to work the coffee plantation after the early Portuguese unsuccessfully tried to make the Indians work) about 6%
2) People of European decent (over 50%)
3) Mixed Ancestry
a.
“caboclos” (people of mixed Indian and European
decent)
b.
“mulattoes” (people of mixed African and
European decent) about a total of 40% of the Brazilian population
4) Asian and Indian account for less than 1%
5) The Indian population is around 700,000 and are mainly in the Amazon Region
4) Asian and Indian account for less than 1%
5) The Indian population is around 700,000 and are mainly in the Amazon Region
“Racial discrimination in Brazil is less wide-spread than in
many other countries with people of several ethnic groups. But Brazilians of European descent have
had better educational opportunities.
As a result, they hold most of the higher jobs in government and
industry.”
Almost all of Brazil’s people speak Portuguese, Indian
groups in the Amazon region still use their traditional languages.
(above page 572)
“In general, the people in rich, industrialized southern
Brazil have a higher standard of living than the people in the more rural
northeast and the largely undeveloped Amazon forest area.”
“An increasing number of middle- and upper-class Brazilians
are buying homes in North American-style gated communities (housing
developments with restricted access) that provide some protection from crime.”
Poverty is wide spread. “Like most large North American cities, Brazil’s big cities
face such problems as overcrowding, poverty, and slums.”
The term for a Brazilian slum is “favela”. In some Brazilian cities, as many as
30% of the people live in slums which lack sewers and running water, so many
suffer from disease and malnutrition.
(above page 573)
Rio has nearly 300 favelas. The crime rate is high. “Many poverty-stricken parents abandon
their children because they cannot feed them. Every day, millions of children in Brazilian cities must
beg, steal, or work long hours to get enough money to survive. Many of these children have no homes. They sleep in doorways, on benches, or
under trees.”
“The Brazilian government has torn down a number of favelas
and replaced them with low-cost public housing. Public youth centers have taken in many abandoned
children. But poverty remains a
major problem.”
Most rural Brazilians work on large plantations or ranches.
Some have small farms. Most have
very little money and struggle to feed their families.
CLOTHING
Clothing is similar to what you’d see in the United States
or Canada on warm days. Some women
in Bahia of African decent might wear colorful long skirts, bright blouses and
many bracelets and or necklaces.
Gauchos (southern Brazilian cowboys) wear ponchos, baggy trousers called
“bombachas” and wide-brimmed felt hats.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Urban farmer’s markets called “feiras” offer fresh fruits,
vegetables, grains, meat, cheese and fish. Fried meat pastries and sugar can juice are popular
here. In the rural areas or poor
sections of town, beans “cassava” (starch root) or “manioc”, and rice are
staples.
“Feijoada” is Brazil’s national dish which is black beans,
dried beef and pork.
There is a strong African influence in Brazilian food found
in Bahia. So there you would find
dishes with bananas, (page 574 continuing on with 575) coconuts, fish, palm
oil, and hot peppers.
Southern Brazil is known for “churrasco” charcoal-broiled
meats.
Coffee is the “chief drink” although you can also find many
“batidas” (sweet fruit beverages made with rum), beer and a tealike drink
called mate.
RECREATION
“Thousands of people flock to Brazil’s broad, white beaches
on weekends. Many Brazilians enjoy
fishing, skin diving, swimming and boating.”
Futebol (what we call soccer in the U.S.) is the country’s
favorite sport evidenced by it’s “thousands” of soccer teams.. The world’s largest soccer stadium is
found in Rio—Maracana Stadium. Pele
is a famous Brazilian soccer player known as one of the world’s greatest. Also popular are automobile racing,
basketball, volleyball, and horse racing.
There are a number of “colorful” festivals in Brazil. The most famous is Carnival, which is 4
days before the Christian observance of Lent. Singers, dancers, and bright colorful floats can be found
parading through the streets during this massive celebration.
RELIGION
75% of the population is Roman Catholic (in part due to the
introduction by the Portuguese colonists). “However, many Catholics in Brazil
do not actively practice their religion.”
Some Brazilians, mostly people of African and mixed ancestry
practice local religions such as “macumba” and “candomble” which combine
Catholicism and African spiritual beliefs.
15% of the population are identified as Protestant.
There are a small number of Buddhists and Jews here.
EDUCATION
Most of Brazil’s adults can read and write. Brazil has a free public elementary
school system. Law requires children
from ages 7-14 (page 575 above continuing with page 576) to attend school but
the law is not necessarily enforced.
Many rural areas lack schools and teachers so in some cases the
government broadcasts instruction over the radio or in other areas are lead by
volunteer University students. Public high schools are free but most high
schools are private and charge tuition (many of which are fun by the Catholic
Church). There are about 65
colleges/universities in Brazil.
ARTS/MUSEUMS/NOTABLES
* The National Library in Rio is South America’s largest
library.
* The National Museum in Rio ranks among the best natural
history museums in South America.
*Rio’s Botanical Garden is one of the world’s largest
Butantan Institute of San Paulo produces lifesaving
snakebite serums distributed world-wide.
(page 576)
MISC:
Major Indian Groups native to Brazil: Guarani and Tupinamba
Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics, the first time a
South American city has been chosen.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was elected in 2002 and 2206 and
his policies have combated poverty, and focused on economic growth and social
services.
Dilma Rousseff, Predient da Silva’s chief of staff from 2005
ro 2010 became Brazil’s first female President in January 2011.
Also in January of that year mudslides occurred from
flooding in Rio de Janeiro state and killed more than 800 people.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
First research stop at the library
Today I popped into my local library to do a little research and gather some resources for my upcoming trip to Brazil and Argentina. First up was to check out some cassettes on basic Portuguese and Spanish. I took Spanish back as a freshman but never was very good at it as 1) I'm not an auditory learner and 2) I kept throwing in high school French from the two years of study just prior to starting college. I did try and take one review semester of Spanish as an adult about 5 years ago since as an instructor I can get free credits at our college. But I feel that I've lossed that again too.
Hopefully the Spanish will come back quick enough. Trying to learn Portuguese is going to be a brand new experience for me. I know I won't be able to pick up a great deal of either language, but want to just have enough to get through some basic expressions--enough to at least make an attempt. The "ugly American" tourist not knowing any words and expecting everyone to speak English to him or her eminates fear and motivates me to do my best in combating this all too true stereotype. Also, seeing as I teach Intercultural Communication where we discuss tourist protocol, I really want to try and demonstrate that I practice what I preach. So these two language cassette packages were the first items I picked up.
I also put in a request for a few items on reserve that will be brought to this library from others in their networked system. Coming in for me are the following books:
Evita: The Real Life of Eva Peron
Evita: In my Own Words
Brazil: Guide to the People, Politics and Culture by IN FOCUS
Rio de Janeiro by Rum & Reggae
Culture Shock: A Guide to Customs and Etiquette Argentina
Two DVD's were ordered as well:
Duy Maxa's World Exotic Places: Agentina
7 Days: Brazil Experience an indepth 7 day sightseeing Video Tour
I also decided that I was going to come back to do a little research from the World Book Encylopedia's here since I know I'm probably going to need some data for any kind of powerpoint or formal presentation.
But before I do too much background research, I need to finish up my visa application and get that to the Consulate. If you haven't read that blog entry already, check it out here:
Hopefully the Spanish will come back quick enough. Trying to learn Portuguese is going to be a brand new experience for me. I know I won't be able to pick up a great deal of either language, but want to just have enough to get through some basic expressions--enough to at least make an attempt. The "ugly American" tourist not knowing any words and expecting everyone to speak English to him or her eminates fear and motivates me to do my best in combating this all too true stereotype. Also, seeing as I teach Intercultural Communication where we discuss tourist protocol, I really want to try and demonstrate that I practice what I preach. So these two language cassette packages were the first items I picked up.
I also put in a request for a few items on reserve that will be brought to this library from others in their networked system. Coming in for me are the following books:
Evita: The Real Life of Eva Peron
Evita: In my Own Words
Brazil: Guide to the People, Politics and Culture by IN FOCUS
Rio de Janeiro by Rum & Reggae
Culture Shock: A Guide to Customs and Etiquette Argentina
Two DVD's were ordered as well:
Duy Maxa's World Exotic Places: Agentina
7 Days: Brazil Experience an indepth 7 day sightseeing Video Tour
I also decided that I was going to come back to do a little research from the World Book Encylopedia's here since I know I'm probably going to need some data for any kind of powerpoint or formal presentation.
But before I do too much background research, I need to finish up my visa application and get that to the Consulate. If you haven't read that blog entry already, check it out here:
Visas--Adventures not for the Procrastator
Wow. Researching and applying for visas are not for the faint of heart. I certainly have learned a lot about this process in getting ready for my Brazilian adventure. Here's a little bit of advice and a few stories about what I now know.
The first rule I learned, is there is no consistent rule to follow except my TIp#1: Do your research ahead of time! While some countries do not require U.S. citizens to have a visa, others do. Some allow you to get the visa at the point of entry (ie the airport or at the border) and some just charge an entrance fee like Argentina ($131 in 2012 but allows me multiple entries for 10 years and can be paid in US Dollars, with a credit card, or traveler's check). Some countries require visas to be obtained in advance of your travel. Attempting to enter China without a Again, different countries seem to have some different requirements.
In some cases, you must go to the Embassy in person, in others you can only mail it. Yet others allow you both options or in some cases, a third party may bring it in for you. Each country has their own list of what is needed as documentation for their visa. Some countries require birth certificates, others require a driver's license or utility bill. Some require a travel itinerary, a sponsor letter, letter of invitation, a hotel reservation or proof of a purchased plane ticket. Others require proof of certain vaccinations and some won't allow you entry if you've visited certain countries prior to your visa application or if you are not with an "approved" travel group (Bhutan). You may be asked to provide a passport photo. Mailing away your valid passport (usually has a requirement of a certain number of valid months left on your current visa and/or a certain number of blank pages left in your passport). And of course the fee (which can also have specific requirements on how it is paid--Brazilian visa application accepts only United States Postal Office money order checks).
I had no idea how expensive it was going to be to get my visa (nor did I realize how complicated it was). I'm an educated woman, and it still took me a couple of days to make sure I had done all my research and completed the application as it was meant to be, because if I didn't, it wouldn't go through and there would be an incredible delay and further expense. I'll give you an example of the process I had to take to get my Brazilian visa, break down some of the expenses for you and then give you a few other examples from other countries I found while doing my research.
To obtain my visa for traveling to Brazil I could either pay a company to do my visa or I could do it myself and save some money. The travel company I was going with had an account with a visa company that would offer a "discounted rate" of $63 plus all the expenses of mailing the material to them and back at higher rates. So I decided to do it myself as I figured it would save my almost $100.
Tip #2: Doing the application yourself is cheaper but you MUST be very careful and you must follow all directions.
First I did an online search and found out that Brazilian visas were only granted by the Brazilian Embassy and Consulate and that there were 8 offices that governed different "jurisdictions" http://www.brazil-help.com/brazil-emb-consul.htm. Minnesota is covered by the Chicago Consulate General of Brazil. So although I had to fill out the online application for that particular consulate I found the directions at the Los Angeles Office to be more user friendly, so I would refer back to them. Unfortunately I didn't find that resource until I was almost done.
There are different types of visas and what I would be applying for was the tourist visa, otherwise known as a VITUR. After filling out the online application (4-5 pages long) I would get a receipt called a "Protocolo" of my online visa request form. From there I had to make sure I had all the required documents to go along with my application. Here's the itemized list: http://chicago.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/vitur.xml
Tip #3: Spend the money to get a real passport photo to use as your visa photo if a photo is required. In my case it was. By the time you try and use one of your photos and get it to the exact size face in the exact size frame with the right type of background and color density it just isn't worth it. Passport photos are more easily available these days and have come down quite a bit in price. I got two photos for $10.
TIP #4 (as learned from the Los Angeles site): Do not staple or tape the secondary passport photo to the Protocolo form. Instead, write your last name on the back and then GLUE it to the square identified on the form. For Brazil, the visa could be mailed, dropped off in person, or through a third party (travel agency or visa agency). As mentioned I found it to be cheaper to mail then go through a company. If I lived within commuting distance to Chicago it would have been cheaper to go personally, but that was not an option for me.
TIP #5 Make sure you keep a copy your receipts which you can then use to track your visa progress. Since my one and only passport was leaving my possession, this allowed me to verify that it did indeed reach the Consulate office (Thursday, May 31 at 4:00 pm). And will allow me to anticipate it's arrival (The Chicago Consulate requires the application to be mailed through the United States Postal Office using Express Mail which is overnight.) This also requires a signature, so it ensures that the package won't be left outside to get damaged in unfavorable weather or left to get into the wrong hands.
Above you can see all the material that was mailed to the Consulate for this one visa. All together it turned out to include over 15 pages of material:
4-copy of online visa application
2-copy of plane ticket receipt
4-page of Intrepid Itinary
1-copy of MN driver's license
1-actual PROTOCOLO (visa receipt)
1-passport photo glued to above protocolo
1-actual passport
2-express mail envelopes with prepaid and completed delivery and return delivery receipts
Phew! Let's hope everything was done properly, that it goes well at the Consulate office and that it makes it home safely.
The first rule I learned, is there is no consistent rule to follow except my TIp#1: Do your research ahead of time! While some countries do not require U.S. citizens to have a visa, others do. Some allow you to get the visa at the point of entry (ie the airport or at the border) and some just charge an entrance fee like Argentina ($131 in 2012 but allows me multiple entries for 10 years and can be paid in US Dollars, with a credit card, or traveler's check). Some countries require visas to be obtained in advance of your travel. Attempting to enter China without a Again, different countries seem to have some different requirements.
In some cases, you must go to the Embassy in person, in others you can only mail it. Yet others allow you both options or in some cases, a third party may bring it in for you. Each country has their own list of what is needed as documentation for their visa. Some countries require birth certificates, others require a driver's license or utility bill. Some require a travel itinerary, a sponsor letter, letter of invitation, a hotel reservation or proof of a purchased plane ticket. Others require proof of certain vaccinations and some won't allow you entry if you've visited certain countries prior to your visa application or if you are not with an "approved" travel group (Bhutan). You may be asked to provide a passport photo. Mailing away your valid passport (usually has a requirement of a certain number of valid months left on your current visa and/or a certain number of blank pages left in your passport). And of course the fee (which can also have specific requirements on how it is paid--Brazilian visa application accepts only United States Postal Office money order checks).
I had no idea how expensive it was going to be to get my visa (nor did I realize how complicated it was). I'm an educated woman, and it still took me a couple of days to make sure I had done all my research and completed the application as it was meant to be, because if I didn't, it wouldn't go through and there would be an incredible delay and further expense. I'll give you an example of the process I had to take to get my Brazilian visa, break down some of the expenses for you and then give you a few other examples from other countries I found while doing my research.
To obtain my visa for traveling to Brazil I could either pay a company to do my visa or I could do it myself and save some money. The travel company I was going with had an account with a visa company that would offer a "discounted rate" of $63 plus all the expenses of mailing the material to them and back at higher rates. So I decided to do it myself as I figured it would save my almost $100.
Tip #2: Doing the application yourself is cheaper but you MUST be very careful and you must follow all directions.
First I did an online search and found out that Brazilian visas were only granted by the Brazilian Embassy and Consulate and that there were 8 offices that governed different "jurisdictions" http://www.brazil-help.com/brazil-emb-consul.htm. Minnesota is covered by the Chicago Consulate General of Brazil. So although I had to fill out the online application for that particular consulate I found the directions at the Los Angeles Office to be more user friendly, so I would refer back to them. Unfortunately I didn't find that resource until I was almost done.
There are different types of visas and what I would be applying for was the tourist visa, otherwise known as a VITUR. After filling out the online application (4-5 pages long) I would get a receipt called a "Protocolo" of my online visa request form. From there I had to make sure I had all the required documents to go along with my application. Here's the itemized list: http://chicago.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/vitur.xml
Tip #3: Spend the money to get a real passport photo to use as your visa photo if a photo is required. In my case it was. By the time you try and use one of your photos and get it to the exact size face in the exact size frame with the right type of background and color density it just isn't worth it. Passport photos are more easily available these days and have come down quite a bit in price. I got two photos for $10.
TIP #4 (as learned from the Los Angeles site): Do not staple or tape the secondary passport photo to the Protocolo form. Instead, write your last name on the back and then GLUE it to the square identified on the form. For Brazil, the visa could be mailed, dropped off in person, or through a third party (travel agency or visa agency). As mentioned I found it to be cheaper to mail then go through a company. If I lived within commuting distance to Chicago it would have been cheaper to go personally, but that was not an option for me.
TIP #5 Make sure you keep a copy your receipts which you can then use to track your visa progress. Since my one and only passport was leaving my possession, this allowed me to verify that it did indeed reach the Consulate office (Thursday, May 31 at 4:00 pm). And will allow me to anticipate it's arrival (The Chicago Consulate requires the application to be mailed through the United States Postal Office using Express Mail which is overnight.) This also requires a signature, so it ensures that the package won't be left outside to get damaged in unfavorable weather or left to get into the wrong hands.
Above you can see all the material that was mailed to the Consulate for this one visa. All together it turned out to include over 15 pages of material:
4-copy of online visa application
2-copy of plane ticket receipt
4-page of Intrepid Itinary
1-copy of MN driver's license
1-actual PROTOCOLO (visa receipt)
1-passport photo glued to above protocolo
1-actual passport
2-express mail envelopes with prepaid and completed delivery and return delivery receipts
Phew! Let's hope everything was done properly, that it goes well at the Consulate office and that it makes it home safely.
The travel bug bite that just wouldn't go away
It seems like a long time since I've traveled internationally. Lately, it seems I have been preoccupied with teaching online. When I have traveled it was to econference around the United States. This has also been very enjoyable as I recently discovered I only have 5 more states to get to in order to have visited all of the "fifty nifty United States". As much as I loved Beale Street in Memphis, indoor skydiving in Denver, playing ukulele in St. Pete's Beach, and sampling the local brews in Portland, there was still a deeper longing to to international.
For my 40th birthday I traveled with some friends to Jamaica and the following January took my first cruise which brought me to 5 new Caribbean coutries (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Bon Aire, Grenada and Aruba). I'd also taken a couple of winter vacations to Mexico. However, staying at an all-inclusive and being on a cruise ship, just wasn't the same and in a way, I almost didn't feel like it "counted" as international travel.
My first international travel experience came when I was a freshman in college. It was an organized study-abroad spring break trip from Brainerd Community College (now Central Lakes College where coincidentally I am employed). My friend and I signed up for the trip under the art credits. (At that time there were several ways students could get credit for going on this trip and although you had certain requirements you needed to fulfill for your particular discipline, all the opportunities were available to all students. This is a system I still think is very beneficial.) Although it was billed as "the London trip" it really included a much broader opportunity to explore England and even Scottland (yes I looked for the Lochness Monster but just didn't see him!)
Then during the summer in between my sophomore and junior year of college, two friends and I backpacked through Europe. We had so much fun and made so many memories that we did it again two years later. We were fortunate to take advantage of exchange student connections we had made in school and ended up getting real local experiences through home stays with friends or family connections. This also helped our "poor college student budgets". On those nights when we weren't able to stay in homes, we would be at a hostel or in dire cases of trying to save money--on an overnight train. We loved the flexibility that our student Eurorail pass allowed and took full advantage of it. We hit many countries, saw many amazing world landmarks and made fabulous memories we still cherish today.
I had a bit of a dry travel spell in the late nineties and then finally got back on track in 2004 when I accompanied a colleauge on their service learning trip to Guatemala. This was my first experience to an underdeveloped nation and was really an eye-opener to me. It was also where I first discovered the power of digital storytelling--but that's another blog. Another fun international digital story happened
shortly after that trip, when I went to Norway as the maid of honor for a friend who was getting married there. After that was an amazing family adventure to Egypt. This was the last trip that I felt was more "real" and for which I am again longing.
All in all, I figure I have been to 35 countries, and 5 continents--not enough to quench my travel desires. So this when I realized that summer school wasn't in the cards for me, I decided it was time to take my next big adventure. Making the decision where to go was daunting but I knew I wanted to hit another continent. What actually decided it for me was a discounted tour with a company who's email list I'd been on for the last couple of years. And like that, I was committed to going. "The best of Brazil and Argentina" it is!
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/GPKD#overview
For my 40th birthday I traveled with some friends to Jamaica and the following January took my first cruise which brought me to 5 new Caribbean coutries (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Bon Aire, Grenada and Aruba). I'd also taken a couple of winter vacations to Mexico. However, staying at an all-inclusive and being on a cruise ship, just wasn't the same and in a way, I almost didn't feel like it "counted" as international travel.
My first international travel experience came when I was a freshman in college. It was an organized study-abroad spring break trip from Brainerd Community College (now Central Lakes College where coincidentally I am employed). My friend and I signed up for the trip under the art credits. (At that time there were several ways students could get credit for going on this trip and although you had certain requirements you needed to fulfill for your particular discipline, all the opportunities were available to all students. This is a system I still think is very beneficial.) Although it was billed as "the London trip" it really included a much broader opportunity to explore England and even Scottland (yes I looked for the Lochness Monster but just didn't see him!)
Then during the summer in between my sophomore and junior year of college, two friends and I backpacked through Europe. We had so much fun and made so many memories that we did it again two years later. We were fortunate to take advantage of exchange student connections we had made in school and ended up getting real local experiences through home stays with friends or family connections. This also helped our "poor college student budgets". On those nights when we weren't able to stay in homes, we would be at a hostel or in dire cases of trying to save money--on an overnight train. We loved the flexibility that our student Eurorail pass allowed and took full advantage of it. We hit many countries, saw many amazing world landmarks and made fabulous memories we still cherish today.
I had a bit of a dry travel spell in the late nineties and then finally got back on track in 2004 when I accompanied a colleauge on their service learning trip to Guatemala. This was my first experience to an underdeveloped nation and was really an eye-opener to me. It was also where I first discovered the power of digital storytelling--but that's another blog. Another fun international digital story happened
shortly after that trip, when I went to Norway as the maid of honor for a friend who was getting married there. After that was an amazing family adventure to Egypt. This was the last trip that I felt was more "real" and for which I am again longing.
All in all, I figure I have been to 35 countries, and 5 continents--not enough to quench my travel desires. So this when I realized that summer school wasn't in the cards for me, I decided it was time to take my next big adventure. Making the decision where to go was daunting but I knew I wanted to hit another continent. What actually decided it for me was a discounted tour with a company who's email list I'd been on for the last couple of years. And like that, I was committed to going. "The best of Brazil and Argentina" it is!
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/GPKD#overview
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
GRIOT CONNECTIONS
GRIOT: A storyteller, historian, entertainer, and change agent
CONNECTIONS BETWEEN:
Student and Student
Student and Teacher
Student and Concepts
Concepts and Real World
Real World and Self
Self and Future
Future and Growth
Growth and Service
Growth and Life-Long Learning
Just a Few Digital Story Comments from IC Class
Digital stories told from a first hand experience have impact and help promote credibility as an instructor and foster engagement in the classroom. But instead of just talking about it myself, I’ll let my students speak to the power they seem to have in the classroom and why I want to develop more of them. Here are just some of my students’ comments about the impact of these type of learning objects:
I believe those types of videos open my world to things I have not experienced and probably will never experience, but it is valuable to know of their existence. They have definitely put new wrinkles in my brain. They show the caring of the instructor to expand our horizons and develop our communication world.
In all the videos you've had us watch, I feel that I've become more aware of PEOPLE, in general. You don't know peoples history, or what has happened to them. Sometimes you don't know about their culture enough to know that, their culture is WHY the do what they do. I feel like I was connected to you as an instructor also, because if you didn't put some of your own personal reflection into it, it would just be a video not part of YOUR class. I really enjoyed all the videos.
The videos definitely make the class more fun. Not only are they very fascinating to me but they help me remember and feel more connected to the concepts.
The videos have helped to put the concepts into perspective and really get a better feel for the other cultures. They also stick in my memory better.
I LOVE THE VIDEOS! They do make me feel like i understand other people much better, and they give me a more personal and connected feeling. I enjoy them.
I love having the videos in class. Since this is an online class I feel that is more difficult to take in all the information on my own. When I watch the videos it's almost like I have an instructor teaching me.
I feel like I am connected to the people in the video. That I can see the issues through their eyes, feel what they feel, and get a real "handle" on the reality of how different cultures influence all of us to some extent.
The videos have been great! I would love to go to the places that you have seen and did feel more connected to you because of that. They are truly a great way to learn. They are a great way of bringing us to somewhere that we may never visit and learn more about it.
They help me feel more connected to the real world by making me realize that there are so many different languages, accents, and cultures. They have helped me be more open to learning about others.
I enjoyed watching about these events rather than reading about them. I feel it gives them more impact and absolutely helps me connect more with the concept. The personal touches makes it easier to connect with you as a person.
I think the videos in general all help make the information more real. For me when you add real people I can see it just makes the info more important and therefore more memorable to me.
The videos bring the content alive. In some cases we are not able to experience the traditions, religions, and cultures of the individuals portrayed in the videos
They do a great job of showing that the stuff we are learning actually happens in real life.
These videos aided me in keeping a global and open mined look on the topics being discussed.
I think that it helps me think outside of the box, and look at things from a different point of view. It helps me be more open to other ideas.
The videos are the most exciting! I feel better connected to the concepts as well as to you our instructor. Sometimes when you take a class all you get is a name and names are great but it's nice to know that our instructors are people too and that they lead exciting, fun lives. I feel like the videos that you have posted make more aware of the world around me. I have learned a lot about not only people in general but culture as well because of the videos that are posted to us each week.
I think this really helps with connecting me to the concepts in class, you as the instructor and to he real world. It helps us to see and hear what's going on in the world, not just hear about it. Also, with you at the one mosque it helps see your interests and how adventurous you are as our instructor, therefore making it more fun for us as a class.
I love the videos! I think it's a bonus of an online class and without a doubt they make me feel more connected to the teacher and the rest of the class. I also enjoy being able to experience an almost first hand experience about what I'm learning about.
I feel as though the videos have helped bring everything together for me. I am a visual learner and these videos help all the concepts that I have been reading come together right before my eyes.
I think that I definitely felt more connected and I think that it is wonderful that you share these things with us. Sometimes it is hard to relate to a teacher in an online class but when you integrate your life experiences into our learning it helps make this impersonal online class an easier experience.
These videos have helped me to connect to the world more rather than just my community. I look to you as a person who has seen more of the world than I will ever probably see, so I am thankful our paths have crossed and I am able to learn from your experiences. The videos make it easier to see and understand things we can't physically touch, having pictures or video is so much more powerful when added to the written word.
I believe those types of videos open my world to things I have not experienced and probably will never experience, but it is valuable to know of their existence. They have definitely put new wrinkles in my brain. They show the caring of the instructor to expand our horizons and develop our communication world.
In all the videos you've had us watch, I feel that I've become more aware of PEOPLE, in general. You don't know peoples history, or what has happened to them. Sometimes you don't know about their culture enough to know that, their culture is WHY the do what they do. I feel like I was connected to you as an instructor also, because if you didn't put some of your own personal reflection into it, it would just be a video not part of YOUR class. I really enjoyed all the videos.
The videos definitely make the class more fun. Not only are they very fascinating to me but they help me remember and feel more connected to the concepts.
The videos have helped to put the concepts into perspective and really get a better feel for the other cultures. They also stick in my memory better.
I LOVE THE VIDEOS! They do make me feel like i understand other people much better, and they give me a more personal and connected feeling. I enjoy them.
I love having the videos in class. Since this is an online class I feel that is more difficult to take in all the information on my own. When I watch the videos it's almost like I have an instructor teaching me.
I feel like I am connected to the people in the video. That I can see the issues through their eyes, feel what they feel, and get a real "handle" on the reality of how different cultures influence all of us to some extent.
The videos have been great! I would love to go to the places that you have seen and did feel more connected to you because of that. They are truly a great way to learn. They are a great way of bringing us to somewhere that we may never visit and learn more about it.
They help me feel more connected to the real world by making me realize that there are so many different languages, accents, and cultures. They have helped me be more open to learning about others.
I enjoyed watching about these events rather than reading about them. I feel it gives them more impact and absolutely helps me connect more with the concept. The personal touches makes it easier to connect with you as a person.
I think the videos in general all help make the information more real. For me when you add real people I can see it just makes the info more important and therefore more memorable to me.
The videos bring the content alive. In some cases we are not able to experience the traditions, religions, and cultures of the individuals portrayed in the videos
They do a great job of showing that the stuff we are learning actually happens in real life.
These videos aided me in keeping a global and open mined look on the topics being discussed.
I think that it helps me think outside of the box, and look at things from a different point of view. It helps me be more open to other ideas.
The videos are the most exciting! I feel better connected to the concepts as well as to you our instructor. Sometimes when you take a class all you get is a name and names are great but it's nice to know that our instructors are people too and that they lead exciting, fun lives. I feel like the videos that you have posted make more aware of the world around me. I have learned a lot about not only people in general but culture as well because of the videos that are posted to us each week.
I think this really helps with connecting me to the concepts in class, you as the instructor and to he real world. It helps us to see and hear what's going on in the world, not just hear about it. Also, with you at the one mosque it helps see your interests and how adventurous you are as our instructor, therefore making it more fun for us as a class.
I love the videos! I think it's a bonus of an online class and without a doubt they make me feel more connected to the teacher and the rest of the class. I also enjoy being able to experience an almost first hand experience about what I'm learning about.
I feel as though the videos have helped bring everything together for me. I am a visual learner and these videos help all the concepts that I have been reading come together right before my eyes.
I think that I definitely felt more connected and I think that it is wonderful that you share these things with us. Sometimes it is hard to relate to a teacher in an online class but when you integrate your life experiences into our learning it helps make this impersonal online class an easier experience.
These videos have helped me to connect to the world more rather than just my community. I look to you as a person who has seen more of the world than I will ever probably see, so I am thankful our paths have crossed and I am able to learn from your experiences. The videos make it easier to see and understand things we can't physically touch, having pictures or video is so much more powerful when added to the written word.
WINDOWS & MIRRORS EXPLAINED BY KARI
Windows and Mirrors
Emily Style’s theory uses the analogy of windows and mirrors to help us make connections. We can use the theory to connect to people or to material. Often I'll use this as an assessment technique for content I give in class to help you connect more personally to the class concepts . In general, the theory helps you find similarities and understand differences between you and another
perspective.
There are two major pieces to this theory: mirrors and windows.
We know mirrors as objects that when looked at reflects back to you an image of yourself. In this theory, a "mirror" does the same thing. When looking at a particular experience, if it is something similar to what you have experienced then it is said to be a personal mirror for you. When looking at a piece of information, if it is something familiar and you can connect with it personally, than it is most likely a justifiable mirror.
A Window in the traditional sense is an object that you look through in order to see something that is distant from yourself, something outside of yourself. So in terms of the theory, a "window" describes an opportunity to do the same, to see something outside of yourself. Theoretical windows provide a new perspective on the world. In some cases it might be a viewpoint that is different than yours or in other cases it might actually introduce you to a viewpoint or experience that is totally brand new to you.
It is said that we can find both windows and mirrors in most situations. This is because people share some basic commonalities in just being human. However, we are also all different and have our own worldview shaped by our personal experiences, values, beliefs, and enculturation. Although at first it may appear that the windows and mirrors theory is simply a dichotomy which polarizes our viewpoints, upon further reflection you will hopefully discover that it is a way of truly helping us explore the middle areas of that spectrum. We are not just the same or different from another human being—it is the how and the whys that this theory makes us address.
For example, I grew up in Brainerd and Sara grew up and still lives in New York City. There are windows and mirrors to our experiences of growing up where we did. I took driver's education classes in 10th grade and had my own car by 11th grade." So when Sara says "she's never driven a car because it's cheaper to take taxi's or subways around town", that's a window to me. I know what taxis and subways are, but that is a different experience than what I know.
When Sara says her favorite meal at her local deli is "baked potato knishes followed by babka cakes for dessert", that too is a window because I don't know what potato knishes are, nor do I know what a babka cake tastes like. In this case, I'm being introduced to something new by defining it as a window.
However, when Sara explains that she was "involved in her high school music program and that they traveled around for music competitions", I personally could identify with this because I too was in high school choir and we competed in three national choir competitions the three years I was involved at the high school level. Since that was something similar it can therefore be justified as a "mirror".
In some instances, a single event can be both a mirror and a window. Sara and I have both attended a Musical Production on Broadway in New York (mirror). I saw "The Lion King" and she saw "Wicked" (window--since I have not seen the how Wicked). Another example, Sara and I graduated from high school at age 18 (mirror). But Sara hated her senior year and I loved my senior year (window).
Once you identify the actual events as windows or mirrors you can go deeper and explore the emotional connections. Trying to understand how the other person feels and actually becoming empathetic to their emotions is an important interpersonal and intercultural communication skill. Empathy is an important part of being "other- oriented"--a key skill for being a good communicator. The windows and mirrors theory can help us develop this skill. But we must also be careful in how we express our empathy because not all situations are equal. So we need to be sensitive to that and how we communicate it.
The most important step in this process is the explanation of why something is a window or a mirror. Being able to support your opinions is part of the process. So know that you will need to do more than just state something as a mirror or a window, because this is where the true learning and connections are made.
It also helps us prevent using "allness" and "polarization".
"Allness" is the false assumption that we can know all there is to know about a subject. It often results in the use of “allness terms”: (everyone, no one, everywhere, nowhere, always, never, totally, etc.) Have you ever heard someone say "We're totally alike" or "I know them better than they know themselves."? How about, "We have nothing in common"? Those statements are probably not 100% accurate. The windows and mirrors theory could be used to prove why they aren’t true.
"Polarization" is seeing subjects in complete extremes. Some examples include: fat/skinny, black/white, good/bad, right/wrong. It can often be dangerous as it doesn't allow for options in between where a lot of people and ideas really fall. Often polarization is dangerous as it perpetuates faulty or hurtful stereotypes. Think about the young student who looks in the mirror and thinks because they aren't skinny that they are "fat". There's a lot of life that happens in between extremes and forcing people or ideas to just one extreme or the other is not necessarily accurate or healthy. So again, the windows and mirrors theory can help us break this down to see and connect to subjects on a more personal and more meaningful level.
Monday, February 20, 2012
ITC Open education resources -OER
Sharing resources
Teaching learning resources in public domain which have been released which permits use or re-purposing
Dates back to David Wiley open content 1998
Wikipedia
MIT project
Blackboard developing one - Giving the information away for free but commercializing service around it
Massively online open courses
Edumook
Stanford 1200 students (on artificial intelligence)?
Creative commons
License
Choose a license
Use logo
Publish
Citation statement
Finding an OER and some other sites
Flickr
merlot
MIT Open courseware
Open course library
Wikipedia
ITC Online web tools
Stephanie easteps1@nku.edu
Free resources to enhance classes
Audacity, wimba, vocaroo,
Dipity
Eye jot
Jing
Try to do an audio or video introduction, better to do the video
Gives you a establish a report with the students early on
Make students create own audito or video introduction
Might be some issues with vocaroo like need an account but might be good to have another option
Audioboo had embedding options easy way to encore orate audio.
She uses Jing for screen capture five minute limit for free accounts.
Jing now has screen captioning
Screen O cast 12 dollars for pro account
Audio discussion board that is free which engages students in a different way threaded "Voicethread"
4 presentations under free account with Voicethread. Use with what type of learner style came up as highest for you. You can webcam, type, audio, or phone call in your answer. Each type or by small group
Interactive timeline created with Dipity
Time toast also is a timeline program
Dipity allows you to embedd a video, time toast does not right now.
Could do from a collaborative project. Multiple ways to view the same material or content.
IssU ??? Flash book?
StudyMate reforms information into educational games flash cards, pick a letter, crosswords, etc.
"challenge" Is like jeopardy.
StudyMate is a commercial product
Study stack is free, students can choose by game type
Have students create a wiki
Pb works or google docs for collaboration
Slide rocket for another audio over PowerPoint
Excel for immediate feedback choice exercises (boy scout/girl scout gender bias)
Survey did you enjoy it and did you learn from it, to what degree did you feel this made you more connected
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