Brazil – Day 5

I’m nearly there – only two more days after this one. Although, when I’ve finished, I’m probably going to try and write about the Big “E”s (that makes more sense if you had had it explained to you)! I will explain it though – in a few days time, and try and explain the rationale behind the way that I’m starting to think as a result of this Brazil experience.

We started Day 5 with a group reflection time. Now, I’m not good at all the ‘touchy, feely’ stuff … and I’ve never really enjoyed ‘sharing!’ BUT, I have to say that the group times we spent in Brazil were generally pretty rewarding, and we touched on some really good issues in a supportive way. The Leaders Quest guys were obviously well trained in leading this type of thing and allowed us to contribute as much or as little as we wanted. I got more out of the sessions than I normally would I think!

We first had to create a rich picture. Something that expressed what we were seeing, feeling, thinking from the quest so far. We then talked about our pictures in groups and we talked together as a bigger group. Below is a picture of my rich picture (the one on the right) and Justin’s rich picture (the far superior one on the left)! Not being a natural artist (although some may argue otherwise), I struggled somewhat with the drawing element, and chose to go with a more doodle based approach!

Mine basically talked about the experiences we’d had so far, and the fact that they were underpinned with the new relationships we’d encountered and started to develop! (If you can decipher that from what I’ve drawn, you’re a better man than me)!

The room we had the session in was pretty cool – it was a space called The Hub. They had a swing!! it also had lots of wall space that was eventually covered with everyone’s pictures. There was real feeling of ‘what next?’ during this session – and already a question about how we were going to take these ideas and thoughts and experiences home with us …

After we finished the session we headed up into the countryside (a different part to Day 3) and went to visit Kaka Wera, the leader of the Instituto Arapoty. This Institute is set up to help with the loss of culture of the native Guarani people (sometimes referred to, wrongly, as Indians). The traditional methods of the Guarani people – from tribal dancing to storytelling with music are used to help educate people in and preserve the customs of the Guarani people. The day was fascinating, and after (yet another) mammoth lunch we had a tour of the site. We got to take part in a tribal dance – something my tutor group will be doing on the first day back (they’re going to love it), and we also got to listen to a story. A really simple story, but beautifully told. I was transfixed! We then made a rather hasty departure to head to Estadio Morumbi for the football – Sao Paulo vs Goias!!!

As I just mentioned, we then went to the football. This was a bonus activity that we had negotiated for ourselves!! (and how lucky were we). It was a fab experience, and the fact Sao Paulo won 3-1 over Goias made it all the better. We were sitting in a relatively quiet part of the stadium, and the atmosphere was amazing even there. (I don’t really want to say it, but it may have even been better than the Walker’s Stadium). We really enjoyed it. I was most impressed with the fact that they served drinks, lollipops and popcorn at your seat! You didn’t even have to stand up! I was also amused by the fact that toilet paper was being distributed at the entrance to the toilets (a couple of sheets each), presumably to prevent people from throwing it on the pitch!!

Most important thing from Day 5 – Difficult, day 5 was a day where I experienced rather than took an active part. I was quite tired (which is worrying in itself), and I never quite got in the zone. I loved the storytelling, and I guess the natural and genuine enthusiasm with which the story was told (even in the teller’s second language) should tell me that passion is important! Something that was underlined by the Sao Paulo fans!!