Vinícius L. Marques

End of motivation...

2008-02-08T04:47:00.000-08:00

Almost at the end of my exchange, the relation between cost and benefit got to a huge difference. A consumed relation, my dissatisfaction with the fail communication between AIESEC and MDK, those last weeks happened things that, for me, meant the end of some relations.

Parallel to my exchange, I had several activities out of MDK, including by their own arrangements. Those activities gave me great satisfaction, that, besides the experience and learn, I obtained the opportunity to work on my personal projects and to get valuable pieces of advice. During almost all the beginning of my exchange it was about those activities and projects. Ah, other important thing to stand out is that I was studying Polish and it was going very well, what made me excited.

With the progress of my projects and after meetings in MDK, I began to have more activities and finally I put in my practice cultural workshop. These changes could not have come in better time, bringing new and interesting things. Still yes many misunderstandings and with little time left. That made my motivation gets to the limit, but still willing a good closing. But then take place the wicked carnival party. When the idea appeared, I admit that liked a lot and, assisting to the requests of MDK, I organized 4 Cd of Brazilian music, including a lot of samba, a DVD of the Carnival’s parade in Rio of last year, ideas for workshop of musical instruments and masks for the children and I was very cheerful with the idea of showing how that party happens in Brazil. In the day, lots of dancing, a lot excitement, costumes, children and well decorated saloon. Everything begins with drums and guitar playing live samba, the parade being presented in a screen and, later, me welcoming in Portuguese. But that was only the beginning and afterwards 80% of the music were Latin, but no Brazilian. From Rick Martin to Shakira. From La Bamba to Mambo Number 5.

That not just annoyed me but also embarrassed me and created a great aversion to a cultural center that doesn't respect a foreigner culture. From that moment all my motivation ended and as my internship is finishing, I will just concentrate on to do my work and to return to Brazil with that learning.

I learned what not to do.

Happily my cultural workshop goes well, besides with possibilities of more activities extra MDK.

Resting only one week to meet my family, I keep going.

My way!

2008-01-29T02:14:00.000-08:00

The workshops on intercultural relationships are my largest pride and with more pride that I attest the success of the first stage. The happiness that this workshop gave me is due to a conjunction of reasons that were blocking my life here in Poland.

That workshop is totally related to my knowledge field and focused directly in the initial job by which I came for this exchange. Is impressive how long it took of planning before actually get to the practice, and also for that wait and expectation is very pleasant to see everything taking place and in a very positive way. The first stage of the workshop was accomplished in two dates, Friday and Tuesday, the first with a larger amount of foreigners, that was very rich for the discussions. Tuesday, even without foreigners, it got much more results than expected and obtained a satisfactory result. Today, Tuesday, begins the second stage of the workshop and the expectation is that most of the people keep frequenting and new faces join the group.

Besides the positive repercussion and of my largest intimacy with the subject, that workshop marked me for having happened on my way and with my planning, with the objective of really doing a deep work without superficial intentions and leaving a concrete modification here. The first stage, in spite of its introductory characteristic, had a mass participation, something not so simple in Poland, where people are more closed. It was very interesting to see the way it took the discussions, mainly the different approach among the various present nationalities. Following the wave of larger activity, this week will have a celebration of the Carnival in Rio, with activities for children and parents happening at the main building of the cultural center. The objective is a very lively event, with a lot of music, activities and a bit of culture. Next week a Brazilian dinner and I still have to plan and execute a video that is taking out my sleep. I want that video to be well elaborated, but the ideas are very poor till now.

In proportional way to my excitement with my activities, also misunderstandings appear with Agnieszka. If on one side I like her a lot, her ideas and love to her activities, in other hand I have a great understanding difficulty in the professional field. Even with a larger opening since weekly meetings are happening, the situation continues very delicate and for that reason I think am concluding the exchange in an appropriate moment. Besides the understanding lack I feel in her a great hardness on dealing with people associated to her incapacity of effective communication. All this turns to complicate the relation and solving problems. Whenever something no drifted or unpleasant it happens, she doesn't become just upset as she escapes from the problem not talking and also transferring professional relationships for a personal extent. In this scenery I care to avoid any problem, and if some show up, I try to make clear the situation. Another thing is that I look only professional conversations with Justyna, more flexible, good listener and professional.

I want to write more about my routine here, but the lack of time for that doesn't allow me. Besides being working more, in my spare times send news for the family and friends, I plan my trip, I make shopping, I wash my clothes, I cook and other things. In spite of being living out, the life continues and certain activities are inevitable. I intend to have time this week to dedicate to the texts, but writing in English is always hard, so I cannot promise.

Remaining less than 20 days to meet with my family, I proceed.

Intensity

2008-01-22T05:01:00.000-08:00

I’m in a very paradoxical moment here in Poland. If on one side the longing is immense and I really want to return to Brazil, on the other hand the events here are running over and more and more I feel satisfied. As I said in my first postages, the things here in Poland seems to take a long time for trust and planning to happen. But they happen.

I have two important things to tell: One about a personal culture shock and how a good conversation can change the whole direction of the exchange and the other is my workshop of cultural relationships. This last one had its first phase on Friday and will happen again on Tuesday for those that could not attend on Friday; therefore I will leave to write on that later.

I came here with certain luggage of relationships among cultures and I came across situations that proofed that shock. I think I worked out well with most of them and once again I could prove that front a different society, the honesty on what you think, feel and act is very important to avoid attrition and misunderstood. The cultural center that I came to work was not very well prepared by AIESEC and therefore there was not a plan of activities for me, but an anxious and open organization for activities. If on one side that opening is good, for another it is of great difficulty. For a person recently formed as me, or students, as most of the members of AIESEC, to come to a distant country, with other language, culture and needs is almost impossible to create workshops and activities in a flash. I came anxious, lively and looking forward participate in everything, but without a plan it is complicated to make the work goes on.

After some random days, participation in scattered activities and disconnected ideas, the things went slowly and small results blunting. When finally I got to plan and put in practice my cultural workshop, I had a meeting to discuss those subjects over the exchange. It was then that several disconnections of thoughts was shown up and we decided to reset all the relationship. I committed myself to look for more activities and partnerships out of the cultural center and them committed the inclusion and opening of more events related to the theme. It is then the work won another rhythm. I got very excited to see results appearing, I went much more required for activities and in compensation I gave much more effective feedbacks.

I don't know if for irony or by chance, the end atmosphere already hovers in the air. In less than one month I travel to meet of my family in Europe, followed by 10 days traveling to return for two more weeks of closing. After that my exchange ends officially. I’ll still be in Europe traveling for some countries. I go back a last time to Warsaw to a goodbye party, to close my suitcases and to return mine so loved Belo Horizonte. The nostalgia here reigns, but I am sure of the cry in the last hour in this city, that without expecting, I was surprised. I learned and I taught... Laugh and cried... I grew.

More sentimental than me?

2008-01-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

So it is Christmas... No matter how much Christmas nowadays is more as a commercial date, for me it is very important. Religion apart, the importance is to be with your family and friends, a moment to leave of scene and to dazzle with what happens around. A moment to see your parents laughing and having fun, the mess in the kitchen, all speaking loudly, wine, presents. You steal some nuts before the dinner and eat calmly while the scene is uncoiled in front of you, and so you smile. A satisfied smile, thanking for everything of good that you have in your life, and still with that stupid smile in the face, remind of several fantastic moments that you had during the year. Christmas for me is an interior preparation for the New Year. It is when you eat a lot, sing, speak loudly, drink wine and appreciate the family and friends company. After evaluating the good things of the year, think about your plans for 2008.

Here in Poland, far away from the friends and family, the reflexive part was the most important. I was invited to spend the native Christmas with the family of Justyna and the lunch of the 25th with the Agnieszka’s family. Besides all the wonderful food, that actually I need to learn how to do some of them, the atmosphere was very pleasant. The first tradition to be outstanding is that in the Christmas eve the dinner should be composed of 12 different meals. However before the dinner they share a Host that all wish something individually to each other, a beautiful and good experience to practice my polish. Also have the exchange of presents, and even I got mine (=]), and Christmas songs, and once again I could join “Dzisiaj w Betlejem”. In the Christmas eve it is not allowed to eat meat, only fish, but in the lunch of the 25th it is already allowed.

It was a great opportunity for me and I’m very thankful to Justyna and Agnieszka for providing me that. But during the celebrations I couldn’t avoid missing my family. I tried to send message for some people, I also received some. It is then that the reflection takes control and you evaluate your 2007. People that I knew, studied, work, trips and the most important, my plans for 2008. It is important to go though that moment and leave the New Years Eve only to celebrate.

It is once again, that I thank my family and friends simply for being their selves. I thank for all messages that I received, from Poland, Brazil and other countries. Be sure that my Christmas was very happy thanks to excellent life I have and to the plans and expectations for the year that is born.

As it had already commemorated my birthday before, on the 26th I spent my time on internet talking with relatives and friends. Nostalgic moments that passed in a flash.

28th I departed to Paris to spend the turning of the year. I was in the friends' of Emilia apartment, with Kamil, Dorota and Bela, the last one from Belo Horizonte. I met some people, including Dillon, an American. I saw the rest of Paris that didn’t have time to see the first time and I got ready for the turning. On the 31st arrived Thalyta, also from Belo Horizonte, that joined us to the party. A lot of wine and cheese in the preparation, then, we went to the Eiffel tower, where we saw the fires, drank champagne and sang in Portuguese. After we went to a party in the house of an AIESEC’s alumni, with people of all over the globe. In the end we still stopped in a Irish PUB. It was an excellent night, but the best part was the one that was at phone, talking with my family and friends that were together making the traditional New Year's Eve party in my house, what only reinforces the bows among my friends and my family, something that makes me extremely happy.

In the trip back I almost lost the flight, but in the end I got here fine.

I wish that all you make your life as you to want in 2008.

To all:

Feliz Ano Novo!

Happy New Year!

Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!

Bonne Année!

Yummy... What sauce is that?

2007-12-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

My first culture shock here, was the food... Maybe coz I eat too much and am fascinated with different sorts of food, when coming here, I could see that is not simply the ingredients and spices that makes the food of the place. Of course, my first shock was with the kind of food, soon after arriving at the airport I was picked-up by Karolina and taken for a traditional restaurant, that have Pieroge as specialty, something half undecided among pastel, ravioli and guiosa. Besides the meal with varied stuffing, comes a sauce as side dish. Yummy... What sauce is that? Pig fat, with bacon. Yummy... Without much reaction I eat, and that was quite good, heavy, but good indeed. Ah, and for drinking... Beetroot soup. It’s not an entrance, it’s to drink, accompanying the food.

Ok, different tastes aside, Polish cuisine has very good things, no matter how different they are. My problem was not the flavor, of that I liked, a lot. My problem is the schedules. They begin the day with breakfast, after some time they have a second breakfast. Half day, one hour, two hours... It’s only at three in the afternoon, they have dinner. Yes, dinner... Lunch doesn't exist here. After dinner the rest of the day is filled of snacks or a supper much later. I am keeping my Brazilian meals’ schedule, but when I have to work, in their schedules, I admit that pass some hard times. As I said before, the food is good, but it be recognized for the mushrooms, present in almost everything and very cheap, and the red fruits, the most varied, in juices, jellies, teas, cookies, yogurts and what else you can imagine. A true pleasure I have here. Up to now, for me, Poles eat badly, about their schedules, which a lot of times, not even that, they respect.

Continuing my daily routine, repair that all around the city, plaques and memorials, in honor to the soldiers and war heroes, appear always with flowers and candles. In any corner, when there isn’t flowershops, there is somebody selling them in the street. Almost equal the amount of botecos in Belo Horizonte... And wherever you go, somebody will be with flowers in their hands. In the supermarkets a special section of candles exists. Big, small, simple or full of decorations, the candles deserve prominence place in Carrefour. That was something that I found very interesting and beautiful, but I believe that will disappear after some time, with youths that won't render homage to a war that seems so distant, even with the present marks in Warsaw. A city totally rebuilt, hurriedly, for a communist system that needed to show power. Power, not design! Buildings, those are similar to concrete blocks, around the city, dividing space with buildings that were raised with fidelity to the previous model. And now, dazzled with the capitalism, the city mix medievalism with communism with announcement and fast-food. In some parts that remain loyal to the history, shows itself beautiful, however the city itself is of very bad taste. Of course nothing in the world will ever get close to the most ironic scene and, why not, cruel of seeing, in Prague, the museum of communism in the second floor of a building, whose first floor is composed by a big, and good-looking, McDonalds.

Well fed and familiarized with the city, I am going to parties! Warsaw has an enormous amount of bars, pubs and nightclubs, which work everyday. As well as this amount, is the variety. You can choose among the most several options of places, what actually is very important. It’s better to choose carefully what wants to hear, therefore the common nightclubs play everything, really everything! In common nightclubs in Warsaw there is any gauge about the order of the music that can jump from hip-hop to sixties, from house to salsa. If you are not willing to take some shock or deceptions during the night, best to choose some that plays a specific style. For those that comes here, I recommend the Sheeshaa bar, an Arab house, that has a very cool style and a very good Arab house music.

I have very more things for write, but I ended up prolonging a lot and I will leave the rest for later. Just some more things worth being registered:

• I celebrated my birthday, earlier, in an Irish Pub. Would like to thanks AIESEC that was present, even with the invitation on top of the hour, and they still took presents! =) I like this Irish Pub a lot, besides a very good atmosphere and Guinness, they let me to take my bottle of cachaça there. For me, that have the habit of doing a big party in my birthday, it was very good, besides being far away from my friends and family, my polish crew was present and had a great time! =)

• In the last weekend was Christmas’ conference of AIESEC UW. Amazing! I really liked the intention and when it get back to Brazil I will implant this in the @BH and even among my friends. It is very good the atmosphere there and it even had a Brazilian, me, singing a Polish Christmas’ coral! Some thing like this:

”Dzisiaj w Betlejem | wesoła nowina,

że Panna czysta | porodziła Syna.

Chrystus się rodzi,

nas oswobodzi,

Anieli grają,

Króle witają,

pasterze śpiewają,

bydlęta klękają,

cuda, cuda ogłaszają.

...”

For you all:

Feliz Natal!

Merry Christmas!

Wesołych Świąt!

Summarizing the conference and consequences

2007-12-03T01:44:00.000-08:00

The national conference of AIESEC in Poland happened from 21th till 25th. Unhappily I had to return in the morning of 24^th, for Warsaw, in order to attend my speech in the Congress on multiculturalism. I say unhappily because the conference were very important for me.

Before anything else, I want to leave a very big and happy ‘Thank you’ to the local Committee of AIESEC in the University of Warsaw, especially to president, Ewelina, which covered the costs of the conference so that I could go. I already made it personally, but it is worth to stand out cause for the importance of the conference had. Now it is better to explain that whole importance, right?

Well, good part of it are tied up to my reasons of coming for Poland, which is, besides having an international experience, to improve my English, to make contacts and to have fun, mainly to learn on the operation of cultural center, activities, income and everything else, so that it can apply in my project and also to return to Brazil with an idea more clear to proceed. During the first day of the conference, attending to the leaders track (The conference is divided among new members, leaders and those that are getting ready to exchange) I could participate in several dynamics and workshops that allowed me to discover my strong and weak points, and develop myself. After that, in the second day we had an excellent lecture with Derek Smith, CEO of UBS in Poland, who committed to be later in the party. We also had more workshops about organization and planning.

In the end of the second day, I had the opportunity to talk little with Derek and to speak of my project, uncertainties and general subjects. He invited me to talk before the party, to explain my project better and it happened like this. We talked per hours, and I could have a very prepared person's opinion. I received praises and critics, suggestions and questioning. After that, we went to the party, but later on that night I couldn’t sleep with my head filled of ideas and plans.

In the third day, my last one, we had trainings with professionals of big companies as Delloite, Mars, PriceWaterhouseCoopes, Millenium Bank, Bank Pekao ING, P&G, among others. The subjects were very varied and I could set up the day in the way that seemed more interesting. After much training, on that moment already addressing all learning for my projects, I concluded my participation in the conference more than satisfied. I met many interesting, funny and cool people. Poles that I intend to visit and even a Portuguese guy, Nuno, that will host me if a get to Lisbon in the trip I intend to do.

Back to Warsaw, I had little time to rest and went soon to the Congress in which I would talk about multiculturalism and as how it works in the Brazilian society. Much less serious than I imagined, it was much easier. A very interested public that made things flow a lot. In the beginning I introduced explaining the origins of the Brazilian society to the current moment, so that they understood the complexity of the scenery. After that the speech became a conversation where the people, very curious, asked and add things. Some very difficult questions, hard to find answering for someone unprepared like me, but I believe that I did good. Now I have to write everything that was discussed in the lecture, in English, because they intend to publish an edition of the Congress.

In the subsequent days I defined some position that AIESEC proposes and that only now I could saw the great importance. Felipe Mattos is my mentor, somebody that will help me to reach my objectives, listen, criticize and understand me, and Luciana Pego is my coach on my project of the cultural center. I am sure that I made an excellent choice and now I intend to see the results sprout. I am much busier now, when I am not working, I am in my projects. When I am not in my projects, I am having Polish classes. Twenty-four hours is not enough!

Very concisely it’s that, read the implied senses.

In the next post, when I have time, I intend to speak of the culture shock, jam, heater, sixties, urban kindness, sex, flower, candles and red fruits. Maybe more, maybe less.

Cześć!

P.s.: I already miss Samuel and his accent. And tomorrow, Ahmed is leaving. =(

From where should I begin?

2007-11-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

It is impressive how four days can change life completely. It can seem exaggeration or that I am trying to force a situation, but it is not. Or at least I believe that not. So much that nor even know for sure through where to begin and I will divide everything that I have to speak in more than a post. However, before beginning I want to speak that I understood Lucas' request. I also had sense lack of that. In the beginning I was facing the blog as restricted just to the subjects of my work, but there are so many interesting things here, and in one way or another makes me grow, so find valid to speak. My larger problem is time. Not that I have too much work, but I also have my personal projects to prepare, and being here alone, everything is for my own business. Now I see, that to merge work and personal needs, as cooking, cleaning, washing, buying and a lot more other activities, it is extremely complicated.

It is not simply to sit down and to eat as I used to do in Brazil. Now I have to buy, prepare, eat and later clean. As well as I do with the clothes, room and everything else. Besides, when I’m going to the other building of MDK to use the internet, there is always a thousand things to solve, I end lost. Now I changed my plans and I try to prepare everything that I have to do before, so I can be more efficient when using internet. MSN is another problem, I always find friends and family, impossible not to talk, and by doing this, the time continues passing and just a few accomplished things.

Then if it is for accomplishing, we will speak about the changes. The first thing I need to write about, is that I receive the news that two trainees who were here in Warsaw are going away. Ahmed, of Tunisia, and Samuel, of Nigeria. Two people that it maintained very close contact and that I will miss a lot. Samuel already left, yesterday in the morning and Ahmed, somebody that I could talk about everything that happened, is leaving at the beginning of December, and as I said previously, I ended up discovering how Tunisia and Brazil are similar. And there is more, soon, in the final of December, Daniel, of Romania, it will also be leaving. It is normal that rotation of trainees, but nevertheless it is very complicated of undergoing digestion. This week arrives a new trainee of Serbia and Montenegro, and in December a trainee from Mexico. One of the things that AIESEC teaches you for sure, is to say “see you”, not good-bye. All are contacts that I will maintain and that intend to meet again in this life.

And among that rotation, I keep going, knowing that "soon" will be my time of returning.

For now I will only write about that so it don’t get so extensive, but I promise that in the next post you will hate me for the absurd size and probably, the few that visit my blog, won't have patience to read.

Do zobaczenia!

Improving

2007-11-19T04:50:00.000-08:00

After the unexpected frustration, the changes and all preparation, the second presentation was a thousand times better than the first! I still think I can get a lot better, but I reached my objective, did revert the situation and accomplish a good work. In the end of the presentation the group all was together, they gave me a CD of Polish rock band as present and said about their interest in participating in a group that I plan to set up to attend films, to do workshops and discussions about cultural diversity.

I want to do that for quite a long time, but it is complicated to arrange a good schedule for all. The people here have many commitments. Youths pass good part of the time in the schools and when they are out, have music class, languages, dance and other a thousand things. In my point of view, something not really healthy. They should take advantage more the youth. But, give a big wellcome to the capitalism!

Planning’s apart, Lets speak about practice! Tomorrow I am going to Pilawa, a close city of Warszawa, to participate in some workshops and to get to know Lucznica Academy. This is a place with several workshops and activities that involve, mainly, recycling and sustainable products. Besides my personal learning, I hope to know the operation better and to apply that new knowledge back to Brazil. They have a workshop about paper recycling, which can be interesting for the NGO ‘Casa Azul’, besides several workshops that can be applied. However, my main interest is to see the operation of social organs. After all, my project continues stopped and who knows with my growth here I can manage to do him and leave the paper.

Another important event is the speech that I will have. Speaking for an audience of masters and doctors is not simple for a recently graduated. Ok, the subject that is a strange theory for them, for me it is practical. But it still gives a chill in the spine. This weekend I passed thinking and preparing. Today it is probably my last day to prepare, therefore tomorrow I will go to Pilawa and if everything runs how planned, on Wednesday I will go to an AIESEC’s conference. If this happen, I won't have time for more rehearse, besides I will have to leave the conference before the end and return to Warszawa. With that additional cold, as if it was not enough the Polish winter, I proceed my week.

Shit happens =P

2007-11-14T07:09:00.000-08:00

Finally, my first deception happened!

After my first meeting with a group of adolescents, believing that it would be much easier cause it would be in English, I took my first bucket of cold water in the face. I forgot of when I was an adolescent, much more critical (if that is possible) and less pro-active.

The thing is that during all my presentation about Brazil, I could feel that was a boring for them. Before beginning they were very thrilled, awaiting the beginning, and maybe for the great expectation, it didn't show up so attractive for them. But that was in the first encounter, with half of the group. Tomorrow, Thursday, I will have a new meeting, with the other half and, for me, a second chance of correcting everything that I did wrong. After the first experience I talked with my workmates, Justyna and Agnieszka. Some good pieces of advice, some good researches and now I am really motivated, willing to revert the terrible impression.

Children are easier to entertain and besides, with Agnieszka and Justyna translating, they got a communication much more active. In my next encounter, with the teenagers' other half, I imposed myself to the goal of having an excellent presentation. I changed some things, I added other, but I have, mainly, to change my posture and to look after their feedback and participation. I hope soon can send good announcement about this.

But not only of bad news that post will be filled out. I have pride to tell you that on November 24, I will participate in a Congress on multicultural society, as lecturer. It will be a task that demands much more from me, because the public will be of students and professors of master and doctor degree. How will it be?

First, late, impressions

2007-11-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

Cześć!

Sorry for take so long to post, but I couldn't even imagine how hard would be to post here. But I also think that I chose the right moment for sharing my first impressions about my work here in Poland.

For the beginning I will write a little bit about Młodziezowy Dom Kultury, aka MDK. Only having my limited notions and knowing only Brazilian cultural institutions, I was, by the time a got here, really impressed about the structure they have. The main building has various rooms for a big diversity of activities, including a room with very new computers and a salon for concerts. As many of you already know, I'm in a new MDK's building, placed in Fabryczna Street, or even better 'Ulica Fabryczna', and that's how they call the building: Fabryczna. This place have three big rooms for workshops, one office, my "bedroom", one kitchen, that is also used as a laboratory, and a few toilets (Including one with shower, of course).

In my daily activities, I have a closer contact with Agnieska and Justyna, with is really good, cause beyond their on workshops, they participation on MDK's decisions. Both speak English and are always trying to help me in everything that I may need, and it's with them that I'm planning most of my activities.

On MDK's main building there are some fix classes, as music, dance and plastic arts, as well as classes in the schools, external places and in Fabryczna. In this new place, where I live, the activities are most for children but there are more assorted as possible, going through fairytales, ecology, physics and chemistry experiments and even basic architecture.

Many times MDK is a complement for school education, so some teachers look after some special activities for theis students. By this, and after some school visits, I realised that the Polish education is quite complete and omnibus, and by this extra-class works the catch the interests of the children and make them comprehend and get to know in witch way they can change the world around. That's really important here, in a country that was rebuilted, but it's also relevant for countries as Brazil, even not destroied, that still needing some rebuilting.

All this experiences are really rewarding, but just to be here I already see some impact of my presence. People that don't speak english are usually shamefaced to communicate, and those who speak try their best to do it. I yet heard a few people saying that they must improve their english, and for me that's a positive impact. For older people is understandable that is hard, but they still seeking me to show their jobs, culture and asking (at least trying) all the time. For that reason I always try to bring new things, show different stuffs and of course always accepting invitations for anything.

Along with this, I can also see big differences, including the working style. But I must say that is a personal opinion and way of understanding, what doesn't make much difference when incompatibilities happen. The important thing is that I know that I'm here to work as well as to learn, so I always try to thorough knowledge of this situation. But, for don't lie, I still think that they plan in excess and that's why I'm slowly trying to find my path. Another important thing is the lack of dialogue between AIESEC in Poland and MDK. AIESEC let some hiatus about my activities here and the real necessity here. The positive view of this lack, despite that I spent my first 15 days here just following other's activities and planning, is that now I will start something that I planned together, with MDK's and mine view, something important for me and that attend MDK's needs.

Oh! Now I should write about my firsts activities. Till now, my activities are focused in children. When their are for children around 7 years, we work mostly with music, dancing and images, but by request of the teacher, we'll start to plan things around their interests and studies, in other words, biodiversity, weather and culture. Even with a very ample education, Brazil's image still restricted, at least here, among Polish people, is a little different and they now quite a few, but yet don't have a clue how big is my country and how diverse it can be. Well, about the activities for children around 12 years, we began if a general presentation about Brazil. Their knowledge was larger and they showed up really interested, always making questions and comments. Both have been really gratifying, but the fact that they are too young and don't speak a good English made me, sometimes, fell powerless and believing that I could do much more if I had understood their comments not needing translation.

That's the reason I'm keeping searching for someone to teach me Polish. I already understand a few words and sometimes I can get the main idea of what they are talking, but of course it still very confusing for me. This is not the only motive of my anxiety for working with youth, but as well as to do a function that's not only about Brazilian culture.

I'm seeking for something more close to the initial prospect about this program: "All different, all equal", with major on integrate a diverse world and explain a cultural understanding for a peaceful future. I believe that this area will be much more rewarding for me and for a lot more important for Poland. Not saying that they have anything against different cultures, contrariwise, after suffering a lot with the lack of tolerance on the Second World War, I see that the more important thing for them is the mutual comprehension. But it isn't easy and from a short time before, Poland was a much closed country and after taking part on de European Union, about 4 years ago, they stated to recieve a lot of foreigners. And even being very open minded on theory, in practice it's very different. Children that only knew about black people from Television and books, when suddenly see in the streets grow curious and startled, as well as adults, but those know to control their feelings for not constrain anyone. And that spread to Asian and Arabic people, but they are much more presents here in Warsaw nowadays. Also similar Caucasian people may feel this around some different habits or attitudes, as me. I really want to work with this issue and have already some meetings with schools and youngsters, and we are planning some open activities in MDK.

Well, those were a few of my first impressions. I waited a lot to make sure of what I'm writing and hoping that this post can help me with ideas and plans to future activities.

I want to advance some special thanks for everybody in MDK, mainly for Agnieska and Justyna, those who are offering me all support that I need; To my family that even far away hold a very close contact and have been my discharge valve for all my stress; To Lú who helped me and still helping with many ideas and reasonable comments about my work here; To my friends from Brazil, Marcos, Igor, Hamilton, Daniel, Lucas and Bruno, that are always telling me news and useless things to lower my nostalgia; To Asia and the trainees that have been my joy here in Warsaw and all to all those that are part of this trip, from here, Brazil or other country, I'm not gonna write any more names cause the time here goes really fast and my memory is incredibly weak.

And as we say in Brazil: Vamos que vamos, que rapahard é sweet mas num é soft não!

2007-10-12T03:37:00.000-07:00

Hello world!

Well, Here I am, in Poland!

This blog will be to share things about my traineeship here and that's the reason to be in English!
In my old photo-log I will be sending more useless information and funny facts... Probably in Portuguese... But here will be about my work, development and other relevant information!

I got here in Poland yesterday, so it's to soon for a post! Shortly a real post will come. Just for advance, Poland is really beautiful and, of course, cold! =)

That's all for now...
Welcome!
Bem vindo!
Witaj!