Secrets On Traveling

Dedication

This e-book  is dedicated to my mom Shirley Marie Servance, who lost her battle with multiple myeloma on 03/28/2020. She was a great mom, accomplished playwright,author of several books, inventor and talented vocalist. She always encouraged me to write and I did but I never decided to publish anything until now. She did not like traveling on planes or ships but she never discouraged me from doing so. After recovering from a stroke and brain aneurysm 2 years ago, I realized it would be awhile for me to travel like I used to so I decided to write about it while in recovery. My mom went with me to every check up  until she went to the hospital on 03/08/2020.In her last book she dedicated it to my siblings and I.Thanks, mom as you look down on me from heaven,I love you!

                                            

                                                     ABC’s To Traveling            

                                              

                                    

                                                  

When I was a boy, my parents would tell me and my siblings,” they were going to take us to  Baton Rouge Louisiana, my grandmother’s birth place. We lived in Houston,Texas 45 minutes from Galveston, mom’s hometown. Dad’s was from the country near Dallas! Naturally since we were closer to Galveston we visited my mom’s parents  and the beach often.

As years passed, dad and promised us a vacation to Baton Rouge but it never happened. SInce they  worked all the time,when they took their vacations from work,those 14 days were spent on resting or running personal errands! Our road trips consisted of trips to Galveston on weekends and our yearly family reunions in Dallas.

During college I took destiny in my own hands! I would hop in the car with one college buddy and go as far as Louisiana  and go to the local casinos! That still didn’t quench  my thirst of hitting the road. I started renting cars and visiting near - by cities and if one of my buddies was available,I would  go alone. I realized there is so much in this world I need to see! Other than money I am not letting no one or nothing stop me from going where I want to go! Seeing the world was my  mission! You are never too old or handicapped to travel.

 Smart Travel

      I have devised the  fail safe rules for smart travel. If one follows these rules, I guarantee one will enjoy and get more than what they paid for? I have come up with 10 Rules Travel and will speak on them individually. I have learned these rules  in over 15 years I have been traveling internationally.

     I have not been everywhere but I always had a purpose to travel the places I've been. It does not matter why you travel? It does matter if you did? I know people who have never passed the “corner store” in their neighborhood. There are so many ways you can learn about another place. Before the internet we had  Britannica Encyclopedias and local libraries. Actually  my desire to travel started in elementary school. When I was in the 6th grade we were reading about Carnaval in Brazil. After looking at the beautiful pictures of the people , costumes and delicious food my desire for international travel started.

    Now, I  know where? I have to figure out how? In my foreword I mentioned that my parents were travelers? That conversation seldom came up at the dinner table so traveling by encyclopedia was the way to go at the time! Let me tell you there is no substitute to actually being there.

   

     I have been a substitute teacher for 17 years. I tell the students to travel if they can, other than” Coachella “or “Lil Wayne World Tour!” Those events may be exciting to young people but traveling is an education you can’t get in the classroom. In college I was a pre-med major  with a  minor in pre-law. I knew deep inside I wanted to use me in a different way! I was called into the ministry at 29 years old! I especially enjoyed doing local outreach projects( working with the homeless or troubled youth!). Along with my desire to travel abroad was my desire to do outreach abroad.

My quest for ministry abroad has taught me life’s many  lessons such as, how unique all our customs and religious beliefs are or how to feel safe about traveling after 911? I decided to write this ebook to inspire, inform or educate  one on traveling based upon my experiences. Since my focus is doing mission work in Brazil, my experiences come from those trips!

                                     Paris

My very first time  flying was to Paris, a 10 hour flight for 7 nights! It was also after 911  and 2 weeks after  Richard Reid AKA, The Shoe Bomber unsuccessfully tried to detonate a bomb in his shoe on American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris to Miami. These two events changed air travel safety precautions for Modern Day Society! Security! Security! Security! Need I say more?

Anyway, before I went  to Paris, a good friend of my mother’s, who has traveled to Paris, Africa and other places said, “ Get into the city, not the people…..”. I kept that in mind while on the plane. Paris is known for the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre Museum and Unfriendly people?

I purchased a package which included; roundtrip airfare, hotel stay for 7 nights, shuttle service to the hotel from the airport online for $899. The hotel room was nice but small in an office building named Waldorf Astoria.  I had the basic amenities. had warm water and free continental breakfast. The breakfast consisted of; (1) cup of coffee ,tea or orange juice, bread or toast, orange and choice of jams?  You can purchase traditional breakfast if you like. For Lunch and dinner you are on your own? Overall I liked my room!

Now that you have  settled into your hotel  room and checked with the concierge about your amenities and attractions nearby, it's time to go exploring! Depending on the time you checked in your hotel, you may want to get something to eat first! Usually you will find advertisements from local eateries in the lobby. If not ask the concierge does he/she have any suggestions?

Since I am single I prefer to travel alone. Thanks to social media, I usually make friends in  the cities I visit. Paris was the first time flying and my first time abroad! The use of social media was relatively new, only the bold and courageous tried ? Unfortunately, I knew no

One in Paris nor did I speak French? 

By nature, I have an adventurous spirit and like exploring new territory? Of course , Paris was new territory and never  been there? I arrived in Paris early in the morning and already had breakfast on the plane. I missed  my free continental Breakfast so lunch was next.

While at Charles De Gaulle airport I was looking for the Shuttle that was reserved by my travel agency to take me to my hotel. The driver had a 6” x 24” sign with my last name in bold print! It was not until  my third trip around the lobby that I saw the driver holding a sign with my name! I let the driver know that I was that person.He politely said, ``We were waiting for you!” I apologized to all the passengers on the shuttle, 3 couples  and myself. I was the last person being dropped off at my hotel.

Paris is divided into districts such as; a. Theater ( cinema, stage) b. Shopping c.  Restaurants  etc. Actually you will have access  to everything but each district has its own specialty? My hotel was in the Theater district which included the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is the 4th most photographed landmark in the world. It was expected to last 20 years but it's over 120 years old. It was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Paris’s  Independence dayI did not know that until after 3 days of looking for it! I was not interested in French cinema  or American  movies  in French. I had to find the Eiffel Tower. 

The next thing a person  needs to learn is how to use public transportation i.e., buses, subway systems and the railcars. Being inexperienced and solo  one will have some challenges? First you have to deal with the language barrier. Most French people do not know English  and the ones that do don’t care about using it unless it is part of their job? Usually people working in the tourism industry speak english and will be happy to assist english speakers? If you are courageous enough as one of the locals, “ Do you speak english?” and go from there.

I did not venture out to go to the Eiffel tower until Day 2. My method of transportation was the subway. You can purchase a metro pass that gives you use of the subway. Paris subway is similar to any metropolitan city in the states that have one. Once on the train pay attention troute 

At the upper part of the train. If you read the route it will tell exactly where you are.

I  purchased a  good metro pass for a week (duration of my trip)! I had access to the city bus and subway train . Other cities may have different systems on gaining access. Now I am ready to go see this historical landmark I read so much about so, I thought? The problem is  I did not know when you want to go to a particular place in Paris, it is usually on the opposite side when you get off. After three attempts (3 days),I located the Eiffel Tower. It was grand and as tall as the sky! After I purchased my ticket, I chose to take the stairs instead of using the elevator.Use common sense regarding wherever you travel? Their laws are different from US laws and most countries are impartial to Foreigners! Not  Not every US attorney is familiar with international law. Think about the consequences of everything that could happen!

                                       

                                            “Mona Lisa” 

I think the next thing people want to see is that famous picture of Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum by Leonardo da Vinci  in 1503. You get  your tickets online or through  your travel agency? The prices vary because you have many tours to select. On my visit my tour was instructed to use cameras with a flash because it could damage the painting? That did not stop some people from flashing away! I pulled out  my camcorder and video the event!

The Louvre was built around Napoleon Bonaporte’s apartment  which is a museum within itself! 

I can find your way around the museum because it is divided by sections. For example you want to find about the history of Paris you go to the history section. If you want to find out about  science, go to the science department . This also  applies if you want medical or architectural information.

There are several restaurants and gift shops in the museum. Yes they are expensive, so eat a snack before you go.

Paris is the fashion capital of the world. You have to be part of the elite or have bling  bling to get invited to any runway shows!  And of course you will find great restaurants and jazz clubs in Paris. At night you will understand why it is the City of Lights! Paris should be on everyone’s bucket list. Not the best place for a single person but worth the visit.

Since Paris was my first trip abroad, abroad I stayed in the area of my hotel. I did not have enough experience traveling alone to venture out. It was the safest thing  to do? Even the experienced travelers can end up at “ The wrong place at the wrong time!  Please Be Safe!

         

                        

                       Rules

Rule # 1. A smart  traveler saves money

Rule # 2. A learn the language where you are visiting.

Rule # 3.  Know the customs and laws where you are visiting.

Rule # 4. Know your currency?

Rule # 5. Use an official instead of Uber?

Rule # 6. Know the cheaper markets!

Rule # 7. Be Safe !

Rule # 8. Be Adventurous

Rule # 9. Know the food.

Rule # 10. Always have fun! 

  

                 Rule # 1: A smart Traveler saves Money!

Everyone wants to save money any way you can. The same applies to traveling! The airlines charge you for everything! They charge for the airline tickets to wi-fi. Delta Airlines  offers free wi-fi and  Spirit is testing free wi-fi out!Before buying your airline tickets. Find what all your perks are?

You will find most of the information on the airlines website. The website will tell you what the luggage requirements or what meals are free. They charge for most alcoholic beverages unless you are sitting in the business section. In my opinion on short flights buying a seat in the business section is a waste of money! You can use your savings to buy more souvenirs or to do more shopping.

On International flights some airlines  let you bring on 2 carry on luggage free, provided you meet the size specifications ! Your baggage can’t  exceed 22 linear inches ( 114 cm). Your size limit is 22” x 14” x 9”or (56x 35x 23 cm). Some airlines weigh it and charge at least $20. This  is why it is important to get this straight before you board  the plane.

The time your  flight leaves, determines whether your meals will be hot or cold? If you have a morning flight from Houston to Miami which takes about 2 hours you will probably get a cold breakfast and coffee? If you transfer to your international flight  your meals get more exciting! Your lunch could be a  submarine sandwich with  chips and drink . Dinner will be a hot cuisine of your choice ? It also depends on the airline country of origin because their native foods may be on the menu? Be in the mood to try something different! Ask the flight attendant for any recommendations if you are undecided. There may be a charge for additional snacks or beverages the flight attendant will let you know?

Usually when flying international  you are given  a  personal kit,consisting of eye patch for both eyes when sleeping,   small pillow, blanket, disposable toothbrush, toothpaste a comb, earplugs and sometimes responsible razor.This is really handy when you have a long flight with a layover.You can freshen up on the plane? I suggest you buy your own earphones and universal jack because airlines charge for one?

You can bring your own snacks in a carry-on bag. I suggest  bringing a bag bag that you can get to easily. Be considerate of other passengers regarding the smell of crunching your food! Try not to make noise with open beverages when people are trying to sleep? Candy  or mint wrappers can be a  nuisance at sleeping times. I am not a sleeper but I do think of passengers when I am active. 

One year I was going to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I had a 12 hour layover In Lima, Peru. This was after an overnight in Miami to catch my international flight the next morning ( I will talk about layovers later?). Once I boarded my international flight the guy next snored the entire flight to Peru, I did  not enjoy that flight sitting next to him but i was stuck! I am a very tolerant person and I don’t like to complain? Maybe I should have said something to the flight attendant?

                                                   Ticket Purchases

Since everyone has access to the internet purchasing airline tickets or vacation packages has become so convenient and cheap! You still need to know the secrets to; how?when and where?

My first trip to Paris was a package deal. I purchase my vacation from www.europeexpress.com. I got 7 days and nights in Paris for $899.That for roundtrip airfare,shuttle, hotel with complimentary breakfast. I thought it was a good deal!

Online sites are very good and it is best to establish a relationship with any agent you talk to because they will tell you the  do’s and don’ts. For airfare to Brazil  I either use www.brol.com or www.justfly.com. I established a repertoire  with brol.com because I use them most! This comes in handy if you need to alter your schedule which can save a couple of hundreds of dollars!

When: In my experience I found the airfare tickets are cheaper on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and Sundays and  Mondays for return flights! Also airfare is cheaper during off seasons ( US ). I usually pay about $1000 during summer months ( US ).

On www.Farecompare.com  you compare prices  of  over a dozen airlines simultaneously! Some sites you can compare are; cheapoair, expedia, travelocity, priceline, orbitz or 85off. You don’t have to use your gas or get in traffic to do this. It is all done in the comfort of your home with a simple click of your mouse. Most of you SAVE! SAVE! SAVE $$$!

                   Brazil have 4 seasons just like the USA but different times of the year;

Summer: January - March

Spring: October - December

Autumn: April - June

Winter: July - September

It is also helpful t

o meet a trustworthy person or family that has an extra room you can rent for  a reasonable fee. That way you will save on your hotel  bill? I have a good friend in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil whose best friend's boyfriend is single and has an extra bedroom he rents to  me for over a month,saving me at least $1000 when I visit.

     Hotels vs Hostel

Hotels 

Hotels for the most part are safer! I would suggest couples or families stay in a  nice and  affordable hotel. Most sites offer hotel, air and car rentals. Make sure to know exactly what you are getting for your package? Always, remember caveat emptor or  buyer beware! 

The goal is to get the most for your money! Realistically don’t expect 5 star treatment at a 1 star hotel! On my Paris Trip my hotel was rated 3 star  but I was pleasantly surprised! Although it was smaller than I thought, so was my pocket book!lol!I had hot water  and housekeeping in my room every morning. Coffee and bread for breakfast. The concierge was polite and professional.

Again, you will find your best deals online. You can book your hotel and car rental at the same time and on the site you book your flight. You can also save additional money if you get a package deal! On most sites you have to pay in advance,however on www.booking.com you make your reservation then pay once you arrive.

Hostels

Hostels are very different and very cheap? I recommend hostels for single people and backpackers. You will find one in any neighborhood in the city when traveling abroad. Again you can find them online. Reading the reviews is helpful when selecting one. I stayed at hostels  my first couple of visits to Rio de Janeiro.They are good for meeting people and you can explore the place with. You can forget about getting much sleep because someone is always up. The staff is usually courteous and helpful. A traditional breakfast is included for  you free? You can use their kitchen if it is available? Unless you rent a private room you will have a  community bathroom. Some of the dorms are coed so don’t be surprised on what you see?

Beds rent from $10-$15 nightly  and  private rooms are $35-$59 nightly? After I was introduced to  my friend with the extra room at his apartment I would rent it during my visit in Rio. His apartment is in  a nice neighborhood , a 5 minute walk from the beach with a shopping mall across the street! Vacation Rentals  are another option as far as lodging. You have your privacy and it has the home life environment. I think this is becoming the trend for vacationers. It is really economical for families.

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            Major Holidays in  Brazil in 2019

                                     01/01          New Year’s

                                     03/04 - 05   Carnival

                                     03/06           Ash Wednesday

                                     04/19           Good Friday

                                     04/21           Easter

                                      05/01           Labor Day

                                      05/12            Mother’s Day

                                      06/16            Valentine’s Day

                                      06/20            Corpus Christi

                                      07/09            State Rebellion Day ( Sao Paulo only)

                                      08/11             Father’s Day

                                       09/07             Independence Day

                                       10/12              Lady of Aparecida

                                       10/25              Civil Servants Day

                                       11/02               All Soul’s Day

                                       11/15               Republic Day

                                        11/20                Zumbi dos Palmares

                                        12/25                Christmas

                                                    Carnaval In Brazil

Brazil has the largest carnaval in the world! It is also one of the most dangerous or most most expensive time to travel to Brazil. The largest celebrations are found in Rio de janeiro and Salvador da bahia. Rio’s celebration officially lasts 3 days  and Salvador’s celebration lasts 5 days.

              I have never been in brazil during carnival time mainly because it is expensive! All my friends in Brazil tell me not to visit during that time mainly because of increased crime activity during that time. In this case I have followed their advice. I believe all they say on  what goes on during carnival. Most of them stay home during carnival as well! Carnaval starts the Friday before Ash Wednesday.

              During carnaval the working class can escape from their daily routine and imagine that they come from royalty which is why they have  masks and elaborate costumes. There is a  movie on youtube titled “ Black Orpheus'' which takes place during carnival. It is  also a love story like Romeo and Julieth made in 1959. In this movie you see brazil in “ raw’ form. You will see some of the beautiful landmarks or the costumes. Poor people save their money all year to buy costumes to be in one of the many parades going on . There is a Samba dance competition and the teams rehearse year round preparing for carnival. Each year there is a theme for the carnival. The floats and costumes are designed according to them! The samba teams compete for trophies and bragging rights. The people  in Brazil are happy during Carnival. Brazil depends on tourists to boost their economy during carnival. With proper licenses and permits everyone in Brazil makes money. Of course a lot of scams take place during Carnival.

  

                                                          Religions of  Brazil

Since I am a minister I wanted to pass out bible tracts about salvation until my friend warned me that  passing them out in the tourist  area was frowned upon.  Of course that didn’t stop me because that’s my calling to share the gospel with everyone  everywhere! I was bold enough to preach on the beach, besides no one understood English! I could have gotten arrested although I was in a majority Catholic country? I did this as I was led once I left my friend’s youth group from her church.

Roman Catholics- the largest population since the beginning of the 16th century.

      Northeast- 79.9%

       South- 77.4%

       Center West- 69.1%

       State of Piaui- 87.93%

       Rio de Janeiro- 45.19%

Protestants- 2nd half of 19th century 22.2% .According to the 2010 census there were 44 million members.

Orthodox-  131,571 members

Jehovah Witness- 767,449

Spiritist

African Indigineous Religion

    Comdomble- was practiced by slaves before their arrival to brazil. Nowadays you can find it being practiced in Salvador, Recife or Rio de Janeiro. If you hear rhythmic drums on the block you may hear the drums of candomble?

    Umbanda

    Yoruba

Buddhism- 215,000

Judaism- 120,000 

Islam- 1.5million  over 150 mosques  

                     

                                       Brazilian Foods

One of my favorite foods in Brazil is  Acaraje’. It is like a hush puppy formed in a ball filled with corn,shrimp and black eyed peas and it is delicious! It is considered a street food. You can find it anywhere in Brazil including the beach. It originated  from Nigeria. Brazilians love Feijoada , it is  a stew made of beans,beef and pork.It originated from Portugal. Not only is their culture mixed so is their food! Another one of my favorite dishes is Arroz e feijao(beans and rice) however, most Brazilians eat black beans.It is popular in Rio de janeiro, Rio Grande  do Sul  and Santa Catarina.

Moqueca is a seafood dish consisting of fish shrimp tomatoes, garlic lime and all other seafood ingredients. This is great for seafood with no allergies! Cooked crab with tomato sauce can be found at any restaurant in Rio.  Don’t  be surprised to find french fries or  file’ a Osvaldo Aranha offered as a side on any meal, especially in Rio. Another popular street food is  bolinhos de bacalhau or (fried cod balls) from Portugal. In São Paulo you  virado a paulista, made with rice, tutu de feijao,kale and pork. Vatapa is a brazilian dish consisting of  bread ,shrimp coconut milk and  grounded peanuts,  and palm oil  in a creamy paste.

If you don’t know portuguese you can select your food by remembering three portuguese words; 1. Frango (chicken) 2.Carne (beef) 3. Camaron (shrimp). This way you will have an idea what the main ingredient is in your meal. The rest is done by experimenting until you find the foods you like. You can start practicing on your flight to brazil when you choose your meal. The meal on the airplane gives your palate a taste of what to expect when you arrive in brazil!

                       

                            Rule # 4: Beware of Scammers   

You will find scammers everywhere! You will find them at the corner store, in the parking lot of your favorite mall and online etc. When you travel abroad in 3rd world countries many of their laws are  laxed  which make tourists their targets! Just think you  have a different language, different customs and different laws which gives the scammer “ home field advantage.

On netflix, there is a docuseries called Scam City  featuring Connor Woodman produced in 2012. He would travel all over the globe to expose scams! Scams such as pickpockets,prostitutes, fake antique dealers, cab drivers giving counterfeit money for change or  card tricks on the main streets were seen in almost every country he visited. Every  person who travels abroad should see these docuseries. Many of the scams are the same everywhere but in 3rd world countries they depend on  the american dollar and euro to survive therefore they are more sophisticated in their execution! Most scammers work in groups and the big boss is the one making the money.  All scammers know who the bosses are, newcomers are dealt in a way that they won’t forget! They say,” If it’s too good to be true?It is! ” This rule should be used to avoid most scams. Some scams can become violet and life threatening! Just learn to say No and mine your business. 

In the night clubs you can run into bartenders forcing you to buy more drinks you should or can afford! They will have crooked cops working for them to make you pay your bill or else?The prostitute is waiting to put something in your drink so she can rob you? It's best to hang around other tourists,” Safety is in numbers!” 

Another scam to watch for is a taxi driver taking  longer routes to get to your  hotel or destination. One should find what company is the official taxi company for the city and use them or public transportation! It is best to get about $100 in their currency to cover cab fare and  a snack at the airport. Don’t exchange all your money over because the  airport’s fees are higher. The best place to get a good exchange rate for your currency  is the local banks. The local cash exchange stores all have different rates!

Most retailers do accept US currency , major credit cards and debit cards but don’t be surprised if they don’t because of counterfeiting! I purchased my flight to Brazil during  Olympics 2016 in Rio on a debit card without problems! I think you may have problems with traveler’s checks due to counterfeiting? You can check with the local banks to find out what are acceptable forms of payments? In Brazil the surcharge for an ATM transaction  plus your bank fees?

RULE #5 ? Knowing when using Uber or a Taxi?

I think everyone agrees, riding an Uber vehicle is cheaper than a taxi?

Is it safer or is more reliable when abroad? I have recently started relying  on Uber  for transportation after I lost my car in Hurricane Harvey in Houston ,Texas on 08/25/16. Personally I like using the service in my hometown. Most  of the drivers have been  safe, honest and helpful! Will they be the same in Brazil, Paris or Mexico? I don’t know? 

When in Brazil my friends recommend using Uber . They are used to riding taxis, public transportation or motorcycle  rides because jobs are scarce and cars are expensive there. I have mentioned earlier what to watch for when riding a taxi such as; taking longer routes, counterfeit change or kidnappings ( God Forbid)! One should avoid these situations when using Uber. All Uber drivers are Independent Contractors as well. The positive thing is you can keep track of them on your app and if something happens to you the authorities can locate you by pinging your phone? 

Taxi driver’s should have their licenses shown on the upper right side  of the meter near the glove department and the office will know how to track the driver and their activities. Uber drivers are supposed to have the ID’s shown in the same way but some don’t  and it is not mandatory. Uber is constantly improving how the are doing things but right now when I am abroad I will continue to use their official Taxi service.

               Rule # 6 : Knowing How to Shop?  

Shopping in the duty free( no taxes) stores  can be just as expensive t in regular stores or at the market. Do you know what item is a bargain or not? What is real or not?

If your hotel is in the tourist area, most likely you will pay more for things than in a neighborhood store? Remember the merchants count on tourists to help their bottom line. Do tourists have the money so they can charge what they want for an item?

Souvenirs will always be cheaper at the marketplace. Most  of the vendors are solo business owners so you can bargain with them. Buy your groceries from the local grocer. If you try to shop for or eat American style you will pay American price! Changing  your diet will not hurt a week or so? If you have a curious palate  you can eat other foods without problems.

If you shop in the Malls, you will find American products and Mcdonal’s a Subway, just keep in mind it will be considered a luxury and more expensive than the local merchants.You get snacks from food carts on the streets are at a sandwich shop. In Brazil a girl will enjoy a  Big Mac alone and feel special. In the US a guy will be considered cheap! Window shopping is the same everywhere and it is Free!

                            Rule # 7 Stay Safe!

This rule is simple and should be im-beded in your heart. Stay Safe! Stay

                                                                     Health Check

Before you travel one would want to be as healthy as possible!  Make sure  you have your 

current shots according to your age group and CDC.You can find the shot schedules online and on the cdc website.  Next research the place you are visiting to find out if there are any viruses or fever outbreaks in that region and get a vaccine that will prevent it.

I know in Brazil Dengue fever is common. The vaccine given to prevent  dengue fever is Dengvaxia for 9-45 yrs.old? The World Health Organization recommends it to be given to people with confirmed cases of dengue fever. I remember a few years ago dengue fever hit Rio De Janeiro, Salvador Da Bahia and many rural areas in Brazil hard. I did not travel to Brazil until after the Ban was lifted.

In 2016 there was the Zika virus that's spreading both in the US and abroad. Fortunately, I was not affected by it when I was in Rio during the Olympics! Today in 2020 it is the Coronavirus! The best thing to do is to take all recommended precautions , wash well and pray! Know where the free clinics  are in the city you visit also. Check to see is a policy or fee for treating foreign patients. Not every public facility welcomes foreigners. The places where set up for  the poor in those areas and they feel foreigners could afford to pay for their services?

            

                  Travel During COVID- 19 Pandemic

The whole world is at a standstill! Governments had shut down! Airlines  have stopped flying.Economies everywhere have come to a halt! The best advice is to stay put until this Pandemic has ended, I am sure  it will? Before we had Ebola, SARS and the endless malaria type diseases.If your job still requires you to travel, find other ways to get to your destination. Choose a mode of transportation that you don’t  have to be around a lot of people. One thing for sure is no matter where you are, one is advised to continue practicing “social distancing” and wearing masks. I feel this is our new normal?

CDC works globally to limit human-to-human transmission of COVID-19, minimize the impact of COVID-19 in vulnerable countries with limited preparedness capacity, and reduce threats that pose current and future risk to the United States. Globally, CDC works to:

• Strengthen capacity to prevent, detect, investigate and respond to local COVID-19

• Mitigate COVID-19 transmission in the community, across borders, and in healthcare facilities

• Support governments, nongovernmental organizations, and healthcare facilities to rapidly identify, triage, and diagnose potential cases to improve patient care and minimize disruptions to essential health services

• Address crucial unknowns regarding clinical severity, extent of transmission and infection with support for special investigations and other forms of cooperation between CDC and country partners

• Ensure readiness to implement vaccines and therapeutics when available

Since 2015, CDC has been a key implementing partner of the USG Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). GHSA investments have helped countries build national capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. These investments and partnerships have laid foundations to rapidly and effectively prepare for emerging threats, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons learned from addressing HIV, influenza, Ebola, dengue, Zika, and many other viruses are being applied to the COVID-19 response.

As the world is “ opening up”  everyone should be health and safe conscious. Before you travel anywhere check the number  of cases of  and deaths of COVID - 19 places have? Always travel with  your own sanitizer and masks. Even sanitize your own seat on the plane, your seat could be the one the cleaning staff missed or  didn’t thoroughly clean. Just remember before COVID-19 sometimes the airlines did a half ass job on cleaning from the cockpit to the toilet! How could they not, considering how busy they are  especially when their main concern is the bottom line?Right? This doesn’t matter whether are not your seat is in 1st class or economy? Just face it COVID-19 has changed everything ! Even when you return from your trip it is recommended that you self quarantine 1-14days to see if you have contracted the disease while you were away. Because of COVID-19 we can not worship the way we used to or give our loved ones a proper funeral.I feel that this man made a disease with a spiritual message, “Get Right with God!” The world is now in the pre- armageddon. Covid-19 will be with us for a while, many doctors are saying it may take up to a year before there will be a vaccine for it? Before one travels abroad they need to check with the CDC to see if their destination has any travel advisory and most likely there will be?  Face it! Wearing mask and social distancing will be our new  new normal for awhile.

                                            

                          

                   Rule#2 : Learn the Language

There are so many ways to learn the language of another country. There are apps you can use such as Speak and Translate you can get  it free from google play store. There are software such as Rosetta Stone which is expensive? You can purchase at any airport or on amazon. You can also find downloadable programs such as Before You Go? 

Amazon has a translator device called  Smart Translator with bluetooth features for 21 languages for about $9.

Since my goal is to  move to Brazil and do full-time ministry Portuguese needs to be my second language? After 6 trips to Brazil my portuguese should be much better. The problem I am having is that all my brazilian friends tell me to teach them English and they don’t  have time to teach me Portuguese, so I wing it! My roommate in Brazil told me “ the best way to learn portuguese is to hangaround the “ cariocas ( natives of Rio de janeiro)?” My longest stay has been 5 weeks.  My next goal is to spend the whole summer there before I move there.I don't plan on being a fluent speaker in 3 months but I will be more conversational? Using words other than hello and goodbye?

              

                   Characteristics of informal Brazilian Portuguese[edit]

The main and most general (i.e. not considering various regional variations) characteristics of the informal variant of BP are the following. To be noted that these characteristics are also present in other varieties of Portuguese:

• dropping the first syllable of the verb estar ("[statal/incidental] to be") throughout the conjugation (ele tá ("he's") instead of ele está ("he is"), nós táva(mos/mo) ("we were") instead of nós estávamos ("we were"));

• dropping prepositions before subordinate and relative clauses beginning with conjunctions (Ele precisa que vocês ajudem instead of Ele precisa de que vocês ajudem);

• replacing haver when it means "to exist" with ter ("to have"): Tem muitos problemas na cidade ("There are many problems in the city") is much more frequent in speech than Há muitos problemas na cidade.

• lack of third-person object pronouns, which may be replaced by their respective subject pronouns or omitted completely (eu vi ele or even just eu vi instead of eu o vi for "I saw him/it")

• lack of second-person verb forms (except for some parts of Brazil) and, in various regions, plural third-person forms as well (tu cantas becomes tu canta or você canta (Brazilian uses the pronoun "você" a lot but rarely uses "tu", except in some states such as Amazonas and Rio Grande do Sul, in the latter "você" is almost never used in informal speech, with "tu" being used instead, using both second and third-person forms depending on the speaker)

• lack of the relative pronoun cujo/cuja ("whose"), which is replaced by que ("that/which"), either alone (the possession being implied) or along with a possessive pronoun or expression, such as dele/dela (A mulher cujo filho morreu[16] ("the woman whose son died") becomes A mulher que o filho [dela] morreu [17]("the woman that [her] son died"))

• frequent use of the pronoun a gente ("people") with 3rd p. sg verb forms instead of the 1st p. pl verb forms and pronoun nós ("we/us"), though both are formally correct and nósis still much used.

• obligatory proclisis in all cases (always me disseram, rarely disseram-me), as well as use of the pronoun between two verbs in a verbal expression (always vem me treinando, never me vem treinando or vem treinando-me)

• contracting certain high-frequency phrases, which is not necessarily unacceptable in standard BP (para > pra; dependo de ele ajudar > dependo 'dele' ajudar; com as > c'as; deixa eu ver > x'o vê; você está > cê tá etc.)

• preference for para over a in the directional meaning (Para onde você vai? instead of Aonde você vai? ("Where are you going?"))

• use of certain idiomatic expressions, such as Cadê o carro? instead of Onde está o carro? ("Where is the car?")

• lack of indirect object pronouns, especially lhe, which are replaced by para plus their respective personal pronoun (Dê um copo de água para ele instead of Dê-lhe um copo de água ("Give him a glass of water"); Quero mandar uma carta para você instead of Quero lhe mandar uma carta ("I want to send you a letter"))

• use of aí as a pronoun for indefinite direct objects (similar to French 'en'). Examples: falaí (fala + aí) ("say it"), esconde aí ("hide it"), pera aí (espera aí = "wait a moment");

impersonal use of the verb dar ("to give") to express that something is feasible or permissible. Example: dá pra eu comer? ("can/may I eat it?"); deu pra eu entender ("I could understand"); dá pra ver um homem na foto instead of pode-se ver um homem na foto ("it's possible to see a man in the picture……. Wikipedia

  Brazil

My first time visiting Brazil, l was going to celebrate my 43rd  birthday! After all, I already saw Paris 5 years earlier, so  my thirst was to see another country? I googled all I could in Brazil! Rio  and Salvador  de Bahia got my attention! I  booked a 2 night and 3 day trip to Rio! I was so excited! After realizing I did not know basic portuguese , I joined a language exchange site at www.interpals.net and it was free! I met a young lady from Salvador and she invited me to her city. I  agreed to visit so i extended  my birthday celebration  another week! I booked both trips through brol.com. I decided to stay in a hostel in Rio through Hostelbookers.com  called Tupiniquim Hostel Rua Paulo Barreto,79 Botafago, Rio de Janeiro Brazil. I  thought I knew  how to catch the public bus there. The driver told me I have to catch a taxi once I get to a certain block. I overpaid my bus fare. It was $ 3.75 Reais , I put in $5 reais because I did not have exact change?

      

One of my favorite places to travel to Brazil  is Rio De Janeiro ( called “The River” by Brazilians)! To date I have been there 6 times. I was there during the “2014 World Cup”  and the “2016 Olympics”! Now I consider myself an experienced traveler.My first visit was  in 2007. I always dreamed of visiting Brazil as young as 12 years old. I read about Brazil in Social Studies and decided I would visit one day?

That did not happen until the age of 43 with a trip to Paris under my belt.  I have changed between the ages of 12 and 43. I became a minister at age 29 and see life totally different.  My interest in Brazil is to do mission work now!

After doing research on Brazil ,  I was impressed that they had the second largest population of people of african descent next to Nigeria  and they were the only latin country that spoke portuguese derived from Portugal. The African ancestry comes from Angola Africa! Their native language is portuguese  as well. Their currency is real, pronounced “real” or “ hey al” and the plural form is reais ( hey- ice).

The “worst “ thing you want to do is exchange all your money, all your money ( dinheiro - portuguese ) the exchange rate will be higher than the local money exchange stand, bank or western union. Of course  you will have good snack money or cab money so you can exchange at the airport. I would suggest exchanging $100 U.S. ( half that will go on cab fare). Sometimes,the cab driver will have changed but you have to exchange the rate so they don’t cheat you?In most countries yellow cabs are the official taxis so there is some  safety there? Check at the car with the information booth or car rental station for fare rate. Sometimes the car rental station has a taxi company they work with “if you can trust them”?  Once you walk outside the corridors of the airport you become fair game for the PREDATORS!

Tunipiquim Hostel was located in the  neighborhood  of Botafogo. Botafogo also refers to a Latin American ballroom dance move, named so because the area of Botafogo. It is also considered a  middle class  beachfront community. The nearest favella was blocks  and a climb up the mountain! I reserved a private room with my own bathroom with a shower.  The room itself was clean and the water was lukewarm. I only paid $30 a night. A young man named Ricardo,  Knocked on my door and asked, “ Do you want to go on the favela tour?” I asked, “ I asked when are you leaving?” He said,” in 5 minutes!” I said, “ok i’ll be ready!”

  

                                       

                                                    Brazil:  A Country Upsidedown

Brazil  pride itself on being a country without racism but that is far from the  truth! It is called a country of “ racial paradise”  because of their claim of no racism. Brazilians are considered to be mixed, the population is over 50% with people  of African descent. When the slaves arrived in Brazil, they brought their culture and religion which is why Salvador da Bahia is heavily populated with  people of african descent.  Actually, Brazil abolished slavery in 1888 while the United States abolished it in 1861. In the millenium  America is still a country of racial inequalities however thanks for laws such as the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and Affirmative Action minorities have a chance at the “American dream.”

Personally I haven’t experienced  racism in Brazil until one of my recent trips! The only advantage I have there is that I am an American. I am judged by my pocket book and not my color? Unlike the balck brazilians they experience some type of racism everyday,like I would in America! Even today the brazilian government wants the world to think Brazil is full of Europeans instead of people of african descent. You  will rarely see magazines with black models or people on the cover unless they are famous? To brazilian media supermodel Giselle Budchen who is of european descent or white represents beauty to  them fortunately, Andrea Lima represents the mixed or pardo brazilian ( different ethnicities? I was last in Brazil in 2016 during the olympics. Most of all the black brazilians on the magazine covers were athletes??  Professor Louis Gates Jr. of Finding  Your Roots on PBS did an accurate documentary in 2011 on  Blacks in Latin America.

In the episode on Brazil, he explained how Brazil became a racial paradise. He talked about an African slave named Chica Da  Silva who was freed by her master/ lover on Christmas eve before his death. She and their 13 children became a very wealthy family and were accepted in brazilian society. Professor Gates  stated that  Chica Da Silva could almost  escape her blackness in Brazil unlike in American during that time period. Many people  would say Brazil has an economic problem instead of a race problem however I feel those issues work together. It appears that the darker Brazilians are either underemployed or unemployed ( sounds familiar?). Professor Gates stated that  if Brazil passes an Affirmative Action Bill things will improve for the poor.

Brazil is also known for its government and law enforcement being corrupt.

There were 6 of us including the guide, 2 females and 4 males.The girls were from Switzerland, 1 guy was from China, another guy was from England, Ricardo was a cariaco( native of Rio) and I from America ! After walking 5 blocks the scenery changed! We were no longer looking  at apartments , condos and newstands, instead we were looking at hills, mountains and forest! Many of the locals, casually to shabby dressed were going to and fro.We finally reached the “favella”.When we arrived at the center of the favella as people walking are driving by our guide, Bernado said, “ Today is a good day, sometimes , its shooting and police! “ Someone asked, was it ok  to take pictures? He replied, “ yeah, they (drug Lords) know we bring tourists here”.

As  we reached the entrance of the favela, 2 teenagers with 38’s met us and spoke to our guide in Portuguese! After they finished talking they signaled to us it was ok to go. Bernado explained to us no one gets through unless they do it! He told us the teenagers were called “ soldiers who are there watching dogs here!” Each level on the hill we would approach  2 soldiers! Finally to the top watching the Christ the Redeemer statue on its mountain and a concrete soccer court. As you look down you can see Copacabanna beach and Sugar Loaf as they were separate cities ! 10 minutes later 2 men came out armed with AK47’s. Ricardo and a friend of his who lived there said, “ they ( the drug dealers) want us to go now! We spent 3 hours in the favelas! The residents were busy carrying out their daily activities. I think I saw the worst part of Brazil  as  a “reality check”in a place known as paradise! That was enough sightseeing of the favella for me! Now it was time for the sunny beach. Once I arrived at my room I showered and went to sleep! The following morning I went downstairs and had the complimentary breakfast. Breakfast consisted of  bread, cheese, jam, coffee, fruit , brazilian black beans, rice and orange juice! I talked to the guests that I went on the tour with but everyone had their own agenda so I had to see Rio solo !  I went to the mall first which was about a 15 minute walk  or you catch a bus every 10 or 15 minutes!

Since I was going to meet my friend Val in Salvador da Bahia, I did not want to wear myself out! I walked to Copacabana beach (mistake!) It took me 30 minutes to get there! I was too tired to enjoy the white sandy beach, next time  I am riding the bus. I was hungry so I had a slice of pizza and a coke! Their  pizza was thin and it cost $10 reais a slice, twice as much as US pizza. If you go to a buffet restaurant  they weigh the plate full of food then subtract the weight of the plate. Their buffet is $1.99 - $5.99 reais / lb. Food is cheaper in the barrios than in the tourist area.

After checking out of the hostel , I flagged a taxi to the airport for my flight to Salvador. I could have caught the bus but I had too much luggage. My friend Val said she would meet me at the airport. The flight lasted 1 hour, Salvador is about  500 miles away from Rio.

After getting my luggage, I went up to the lobby to look for my friend. This was our first time meeting in person so I was anxious to see  her! We communicated via webcam so I knew how she looked but after several rounds in the  lobby I did not see her. I went back where I started and a young lady  came toward me. Immediately, I recognized her and I said” Val?” She replied, “ yes!” We hugged each other and rented the taxi she had waiting. She knew where my hotel was so she rode with me.

The hotel was more like apartments, I had a kitchen with a regular sized refrigerator and nice stove and microwave! Val’s recommendation was on point! I gave Val a list of the places I wanted to visit. Why was I there? She knew enough english to understand me. She saw that I had wanted to visit a community center? She said, “ there is one near my house” I said great!”

After I unpacked and showered we went out to dinner. We met the next day to go to the community center which was a few houses down for her home. She introduced me to her family. They were very nice people! The director at the community center was very cordial. She invited me to stay for their “ capoeira” ( brazilian style of martial arts practiced by slaves disguised as a dance) demonstration! The kids wanted me to participate but I was not dressed! Our timing was perfect to witness the capoeira demonstration.  After visiting the community center we went to the beach and had lunch, I can get used to the laid back lifestyle of brazil!  We had Acarajé,a black-eyed bean pattie that is deep fried and served steaming hot. It usually has  prawns (shrimp) inside and is served with an optional chili oil and juice and coconut water. You can get coconut at a food stand  from a street vendor for $1. They cut a hole in the top of the coconut and put a straw in it! The complimentary breakfast buffet at the hotel was 1st class! I had all their traditional food and desserts! I went to restaurants near the beach. I ate mostly   seafood, it made me feel at home! I had blackened Tilapia, fried shrimp,salad and a caipirinha (brazil’s signature drink). It was all to die for $25 reais for 2 people.

Their local stores were small and had all most items you would need. American food items would cost a little more because it was “foreign.” Lotion, razors , hair cream and sunscreen was expensive, especially in the tourist area.

I found it best to get souvenirs at the end of your trip unless you come with something unusual for a special person( face it people don’t appreciate souvenirs anymore!). Usually things are cheaper at the market or the malls or beach. You should use extra funds on yourself!

Being a paralegal myself, I am  familiar with Texas laws since it is my home state. Basic laws are the same in most places! Saying this I know nothing about bazilian law but I do use common sense. For the most if something is against the law in Texas , I assume it is wherever I am at? The best thing to do is to assume you are in your home state! Common sense will keep you out of trouble! You know stealing is a crime  here rest assured it is all over the world. The consequences or punishment for  stealing is much  different than in 3rd world countries! If you took off all your clothes on a beach you know it is forbidden, you will be ticketed or arrested. 

In Rio, to my knowledge there is only 1 nude beach(prair) called Prair do Abrico in Grumari in the neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca.

                                                 Customs

Brazil has a lot of customs. Brazilians are very laid back ,unlike in the U.S . always in a rush to be somewhere? The proper business attire is from casual to casual dress unlike in the US suit and tie? Brazilians love strong sweet coffee served in small cups but they are potent! The average brazilian  prepares coffee with boiling hot water and a coffee grind strainer cup. Coffee makers and Espresso machines are too expensive there! They drink coffee several times a day both socially and at home. They like having light  breakfast  consisting of fruit, beans , bread ,coffee and juice .They like big lunches and light dinners. A big mac from Mcdonald’s is considered a luxury and it costs up three times more than the U. S.’s. When you go to their supermarkets you will find small push baskets because they only buy what they need and can afford! 

Socially, you will find them very outgoing. Females will greet men with a kiss cheek to cheek without thinking they want to sleep with them. Brazilian women are beauty conscious because of the stigma the world has put on them for the country where the  “ most beautiful women are”? Not all women are prostitutes and not all men drug dealers? Prostitution is illegal but tolerable as  long as they advertise their business nor can the operate a brothel. Don’t be surprised if you see MP with assault rifles especially during major world events, like The World Cup of 2014 or the Olympics of 2016.

In 2012, I was returning to the USA from Rio. While  waiting in Sao Paulo to catch my flight to the USA, my name was paged on the airport intercom, “ Mr. Servance please come to customs?” I was in line to  board my flight, and a flight attendant approached me to confirm that I heard the announcement. She gave me directions to customs. I told the customs officer, I was paged on the intercom. He asked to see my passport , looked at it ,checked the system  then gave it back and said I was fine.I went back to get in line for my flight.The flight  escorted me back to customs to make sure I was cleared. She was with me. I assumed we had plenty of time before the plan departed. They were speaking in portuguese.After they ended the conversation she explained everything to me. She said, when I  left Rio,customs never stamped  my passport so I was still to have been in Rio. According to my Visa I can stay for 6 months before leaving. I was still on the “ manifest” in Sao Paulo so I wanted to make sure I was there. No if I wanted to stay more than 6 months I probably wouldn’t have been missed. Rio has 6.45 million people which is 2 million less than New York City! Finally I was on the plane and it was just my luck to sit next to a snorer! He snored all the way back to the US? I did not think to ask the flight attendant for ear plugs ( Note to self: bring your own!).That’s how it is when you fly economy?

                                Major Holidays in  Brazil in 2019

                                     01/01          New Year’s

                                     03/04 - 05   Carnival

                                     03/06           Ash Wednesday

                                     04/19           Good Friday

                                     04/21           Easter

                                      05/01           Labor Day

                                      05/12            Mother’s Day

                                      06/16            Valentine’s Day

                                      06/20            Corpus Christi

                                      07/09            State Rebellion Day ( Sao Paulo only)

                                      08/11             Father’s Day

                                       09/07             Independence Day

                                       10/12              Lady of Aparecida

                                       10/25              Civil Servants Day

                                       11/02               All Soul’s Day

                                       11/15               Republic Day

                                        11/20                Zumbi dos Palmares

                                        12/25                Christmas

                                                    Carnaval In Brazil

Brazil has the largest carnaval in the world! It is also one of the most dangerous or most most expensive time to travel to Brazil. The largest celebrations are found in Rio de janeiro and Salvador da bahia. Rio’s celebration officially lasts 3 days  and Salvador’s celebration lasts 5 days.

              I have never been in brazil during carnival time mainly because it is expensive! All my friends in Brazil tell me not to visit during that time mainly because of increased crime activity during that time. In this case I have followed their advice. I believe all they say on  what goes on during carnival. Most of them stay home during carnival as well! Carnaval starts the Friday before Ash Wednesday.

              During carnaval the working class can escape from their daily routine and imagine that they come from royalty which is why they have  masks and elaborate costumes. There is a  movie on youtube titled “ Black Orpheus'' which takes place during carnival. It is  also a love story like Romeo and Julieth made in 1959. In this movie you see brazil in “ raw’ form. You will see some of the beautiful landmarks or the costumes. Poor people save their money all year to buy costumes to be in one of the many parades going on . There is a Samba dance competition and the teams rehearse year round preparing for carnival. Each year there is a theme for the carnival. The floats and costumes are designed according to them! The samba teams compete for trophies and bragging rights. The people  in Brazil are happy during Carnival. Brazil depends on tourists to boost their economy during carnival. With proper licenses and permits everyone in Brazil makes money. Of course a lot of scams take place during Carnival.

  

                                                          Religions of  Brazil

Since I am a minister I wanted to pass out bible tracts about salvation until my friend warned me that  passing them out in the tourist  area was frowned upon.  Of course that didn’t stop me because that’s my calling to share the gospel with everyone  everywhere! I was bold enough to preach on the beach, besides no one understood English! I could have gotten arrested although I was in a majority Catholic country? I did this as I was led once I left my friend’s youth group from her church.

Roman Catholics- the largest population since the beginning of the 16th century.

      Northeast- 79.9%

       South- 77.4%

       Center West- 69.1%

       State of Piaui- 87.93%

       Rio de Janeiro- 45.19%

Protestants- 2nd half of 19th century 22.2% .According to the 2010 census there were 44 million members.

Orthodox-  131,571 members

Jehovah Witness- 767,449

Spiritist

African Indigineous Religion

    Comdomble- was practiced by slaves before their arrival to brazil. Nowadays you can find it being practiced in Salvador, Recife or Rio de Janeiro. If you hear rhythmic drums on the block you may hear the drums of candomble?

    Umbanda

    Yoruba

Buddhism- 215,000

Judaism- 120,000 

Islam- 1.5million  over 150 mosques  

                     

                                       Brazilian Foods

One of my favorite foods in Brazil is  Acaraje’. It is like a hush puppy formed in a ball filled with corn,shrimp and black eyed peas and it is delicious! It is considered a street food. You can find it anywhere in Brazil including the beach. It originated  from Nigeria. Brazilians love Feijoada , it is  a stew made of beans,beef and pork.It originated from Portugal. Not only is their culture mixed so is their food! Another one of my favorite dishes is Arroz e feijao(beans and rice) however, most Brazilians eat black beans.It is popular in Rio de janeiro, Rio Grande  do Sul  and Santa Catarina.

Moqueca is a seafood dish consisting of fish shrimp tomatoes, garlic lime and all other seafood ingredients. This is great for seafood with no allergies! Cooked crab with tomato sauce can be found at any restaurant in Rio.  Don’t  be surprised to find french fries or  file’ a Osvaldo Aranha offered as a side on any meal, especially in Rio. Another popular street food is  bolinhos de bacalhau or (fried cod balls) from Portugal. In São Paulo you  virado a paulista, made with rice, tutu de feijao,kale and pork. Vatapa is a brazilian dish consisting of  bread ,shrimp coconut milk and  grounded peanuts,  and palm oil  in a creamy paste.

If you don’t know portuguese you can select your food by remembering three portuguese words; 1. Frango (chicken) 2.Carne (beef) 3. Camaron (shrimp). This way you will have an idea what the main ingredient is in your meal. The rest is done by experimenting until you find the foods you like. You can start practicing on your flight to brazil when you choose your meal. The meal on the airplane gives your palate a taste of what to expect when you arrive in brazil!

                       

                            Rule # 4: Beware of Scammers   

You will find scammers everywhere! You will find them at the corner store, in the parking lot of your favorite mall and online etc. When you travel abroad in 3rd world countries many of their laws are  laxed  which make tourists their targets! Just think you  have a different language, different customs and different laws which gives the scammer “ home field advantage.

On netflix, there is a docuseries called Scam City  featuring Connor Woodman produced in 2012. He would travel all over the globe to expose scams! Scams such as pickpockets,prostitutes, fake antique dealers, cab drivers giving counterfeit money for change or  card tricks on the main streets were seen in almost every country he visited. Every  person who travels abroad should see these docuseries. Many of the scams are the same everywhere but in 3rd world countries they depend on  the american dollar and euro to survive therefore they are more sophisticated in their execution! Most scammers work in groups and the big boss is the one making the money.  All scammers know who the bosses are, newcomers are dealt in a way that they won’t forget! They say,” If it’s too good to be true?It is! ” This rule should be used to avoid most scams. Some scams can become violet and life threatening! Just learn to say No and mine your business. 

In the night clubs you can run into bartenders forcing you to buy more drinks you should or can afford! They will have crooked cops working for them to make you pay your bill or else?The prostitute is waiting to put something in your drink so she can rob you? It's best to hang around other tourists,” Safety is in numbers!”

 

Another scam to watch for is a taxi driver taking  longer routes to get to your  hotel or destination. One should find what company is the official taxi company for the city and use them or public transportation! It is best to get about $100 in their currency to cover cab fare and  a snack at the airport. Don’t exchange all your money over because the  airport’s fees are higher. The best place to get a good exchange rate for your currency  is the local banks. The local cash exchange stores all have different rates!

Most retailers do accept US currency , major credit cards and debit cards but don’t be surprised if they don’t because of counterfeiting! I purchased my flight to Brazil during  Olympics 2016 in Rio on a debit card without problems! I think you may have problems with traveler’s checks due to counterfeiting? You can check with the local banks to find out what are acceptable forms of payments? In Brazil the surcharge for an ATM transaction  plus your bank fees?

RULE #5 ? Knowing when using Uber or a Taxi?

I think everyone agrees, riding an Uber vehicle is cheaper than a taxi?

Is it safer or is more reliable when abroad? I have recently started relying  on Uber  for transportation after I lost my car in Hurricane Harvey in Houston ,Texas on 08/25/16. Personally I like using the service in my hometown. Most  of the drivers have been  safe, honest and helpful! Will they be the same in Brazil, Paris or Mexico? I don’t know? 

When in Brazil my friends recommend using Uber . They are used to riding taxis, public transportation or motorcycle  rides because jobs are scarce and cars are expensive there. I have mentioned earlier what to watch for when riding a taxi such as; taking longer routes, counterfeit change or kidnappings ( God Forbid)! One should avoid these situations when using Uber. All Uber drivers are Independent Contractors as well. The positive thing is you can keep track of them on your app and if something happens to you the authorities can locate you by pinging your phone? 

Taxi driver’s should have their licenses shown on the upper right side  of the meter near the glove department and the office will know how to track the driver and their activities. Uber drivers are supposed to have the ID’s shown in the same way but some don’t  and it is not mandatory. Uber is constantly improving how the are doing things but right now when I am abroad I will continue to use their official Taxi service.

               Rule # 6 : Knowing How to Shop?  

Shopping in the duty free( no taxes) stores  can be just as expensive t in regular stores or at the market. Do you know what item is a bargain or not? What is real or not?

If your hotel is in the tourist area, most likely you will pay more for things than in a neighborhood store? Remember the merchants count on tourists to help their bottom line. Do tourists have the money so they can charge what they want for an item?

Souvenirs will always be cheaper at the marketplace. Most  of the vendors are solo business owners so you can bargain with them. Buy your groceries from the local grocer. If you try to shop for or eat American style you will pay American price! Changing  your diet will not hurt a week or so? If you have a curious palate  you can eat other foods without problems.

If you shop in the Malls, you will find American products and Mcdonal’s a Subway, just keep in mind it will be considered a luxury and more expensive than the local merchants.

You get snacks from food carts on the streets are at a sandwich shop. In Brazil a girl will enjoy a  Big Mac alone and feel special. In the US a guy will be considered cheap! Window shopping is the same everywhere and it is Free!

                            Rule # 7 Stay Safe!

This rule is simple and should be im-beded in your heart. Stay Safe! Stay Safe! Stay Safe! make it easy to respect another country’s laws and rules. “ When in Rome do as the Romans do!” “ If it sounds too good to be true it usually is?”

These sayings  are universal! “ Try to stay on the straight and narrow path !” “Pay attention to your surroundings and the people around you?”Locate the local police station and remember the number. Do the same for the fire station and hospital. Let your family know the hotel you will be staying at and your travel itinerary! 

For safety on the home front , don’t post your every move on social media. It’s best to post pictures when you return. Thieves are always looking for an opportunity, so don’t make it easy , especially if you live alone. Try to get someone you trust to get your mail or newspaper( remember those). 

Remember you are in another country and respect the house as if it were your own. Travel with responsible people.

Scammers are all over the world!Tourists  are their main targets (Beware, Beware, Beware! ) Common sense tells you to always be on your guard.When traveling you need to rely on your 7th and 8th sense! You are in a strange place so Trust No one not even a Pope! The more hard core the scam is the more organized and dangerous it may be. Being at the “wrong place” at the “wrong time! '' can be very costly. Most likely the scammer or criminal wins especially if you are a foreigner. If you are a thrill seeker, think of your loved ones back home. They want you to return home safely! They don’t want to get a call from the authorities that something  happened to you ! Neither do they want to see it on the news that something happened to you. ALWAYS BE SAFE!

                                          

                                

                          Romance And Adventure

                                             

                                 

                                    “ Mail Order Brides”

Since the colonial days of America, women were in short supply. Most of the men were lonely and sought companionship. Oftentimes they would send wives and girlfriends in Europe although most of the men were single particularly in Jamestown ,Virgina. Periodically the Mayor would request from England to send over suitable single women to become wives to the single men for child rearing and companionship,this was the beginning of “mail order bride!” Mail order brides help populate the colonies by having children so it was a good thing!

We are now in the 20th century where many of our lives are controlled by the internet and social media! Many people use dating sites to find a companion or  spouse? We have gone from mail order brides centuries ago to online mating! Singles from both sexes are not ashamed  to admit they have resorted to online dating and use of social media in finding companionship! I know I mentioned the use of online dating sites but I did not get too personal about it! I have used dating sites to learn about one’s language, culture and country. This caused me to travel abroad more!  

Of course being a 56 year old single male, female companionship is important which is normal. I got close to marriage in my late 30’s but that’s another story (lol!) !  Since I have been traveling abroad I met two young  ladies I wanted to marry. My chosen country of travel has been brazil ( not  for the reason one may think?). Being  an evangelist my interest is  in doing mission work. I would like to meet a young lady with the same interests, get married, live there and start a ministry together.

I have been traveling to Brazil since 2007. I try to go around my birthday in September or in the summer. As a single substitute-teacher,I have a flexible schedule to travel that way. Trust me when I engaged to my american girlfriend she would have never been able to leave Houston,Texas without her and she had 2 kids from previous marriages? 

If you are an American and dating a brazilian woman you are expected to give her 1st class treatment. She thinks you have money and can afford  expensive things, such as perfumes, chocolates or the latest i-phone so they will ask for them? If they like you they will understand they will continue to see you? If you are a local man it would be ok to have  lunch at the local sandwich  or pastry shop! They understand good jobs are hard to get there. Unlike dating the American woman, they are taught early to seek a doctor, lawyer, athlete or rapper? In Brazil you can pretend that you are rich for a while just to be able to spend money like you are or the date will not be long!

I invited a  girl out for lunch on Copacabana beach but I did not say where? We decided to meet near a popular club that closed. It took me 30 minutes to get there by bus so I left early so I could find  a reasonable place to eat lunch. I took  a $100 Reais to cover lunch and a few drinks later. I was looking for Chinese restaurant, which I usually meet my dates at. I found it but the prices had gone up and wouldn’t do everything with $100 Reais? I keep looking for a place I could afford. I saw a pizzeria and a slice of pizza would be  $10 reais and and a 12 ounce bottle  of coke was 4.64 reais so $ 30 reais  would cover lunch ( awesome!). When we met she was the same girl, I saw on the webcam so there was no  bait n switch done so it was all good! Of course, she only spoke portugese and I spoke english so we did a lot of pointing. The pizzeria was across the street from the club so I pointed there to see if she wanted to eat there? She shook  her head saying No! Back home eating pizza was normal? So signed languages the best way I knew how, where? We walked a few streets down and stopped at a brazilian buffet place. Since we were in the tourist area of Copacabana beach things were pricer than a place in the neighborhood? At this place it was  $3.99 a kilogram and some places are $5.99/kgm, they weigh  your plate of food. End the  neighborhood the buffet is as low as $1.99/kgm?There it is All you can Afford, back home it is All you can Eat! 

I got as little as possible and she was modest  as well? Our bill was $95 reais! That left me with $5 reais to get her a drink  and bus fare back to my apartment.She didn’t want a drink, she had to go back to the beauty salon she works at. I was saved by the bell otherwise I would have to work home! I was still spared of being a poor gringo or was I? That was the last time we met, I think she knew I didn’t have much money (lol!) ?

Another date told  me , “ you need  to take better care of yourself?” I asked,  “what do you mean?”  She responded, “you can use a haircut and you need better clothes.” I told her , "if you wear expensive clothes you become a target!"

                                     

                                            “The Girl from Ipanema”

Actually my girlfriend I   lived in Salvador da Bahia, about 250 miles from Rio de Janeiro. At one time Salvador de Bahia was the capital of Brazil, then Rio de Janeiro now it is Basila, Brazil. Before my first trip in 2007,  I had already booked my flight to Rio once I got to Rio, I booked another flight to Salvador to meet her. We met online for people who like other languages. As I mentioned earlier we realized we had a lot in common and she spoke some english so I decided to visit her.

Once I got to the airport in Salvador da Bahia , I began looking for her. Since we communicated  by MSN messenger and Skype, I knew how each other looked. From the video I thought she was pretty and I thought about what the bible said about Adam and Eve. When God introduced Adam to Eve, Adam said “ flesh of my flesh and bone of my bones, indicating  he knew Eve was his wife. God instructed them they can any thing of the tree of life but the forbidden fruit. The bible does not say the forbidden fruit was an apple but it says, it was pleasing to the eye!” Valquiria (not real name) was pretty and pleasing to the eye in every way!

After greeting each other in the airport, we caught a  taxi to my hotel to check in before we did anything! The hotel was like a condominium right on the beach and inexpensive with room service and a small dining room. Although I had a sandwich , chips and a coke on the plane I was hungry and it was near dinner time. I asked Valquiria where was a nice seafood restaurant , she said “not far”. It was several blocks from my hotel, walking distance great! We both  ordered a seafood platter, consisting of  fish , shrimp fries, rice and salad. The bill was only $25 US for 2 ? After walking the beach awhile I flagged her a taxi to take her which was also near my hotel. We agreed to meet at 10:00 the next day for sightseeing and lunch and off she went.

                                                          Next Day

I answered my cell phone at 8:00 that morning, it was Valquira calling to wake me up!

She said, “ bom dia, amor ! ( good morning, love in portuguese). She asked me what my plans for the day were? I told her after my shower , I was going down to the restaurant for the complimentary breakfast first then go sightseeing?  I asked what she was doing? She said'’ “ nothing?” I told her to join me for breakfast and we’ll go from there? I told her pay her taxi fare when she arrives, she said .”ok.”  Since she stayed near my Hotel on Itapua beach it would take about 10 minutes to arrive by taxi.

I was sitting at a table facing the door looking out the window at the beach , perfect view for both the beach  and the door when she arrives? She was wearing a floral sun dress  with leather sandals. She looked like a model for a Vogue Spring Catalogue! Her skin was sunburned and she had curly hair. Now I see why Brazil is called “paradise” the women are “ muita linda” ( portuguese : very pretty). Portuguese is # 4 on the love language list, Spanish is #1.

Breakfast was a celebrant  brazilian style buffet! The buffet table consisted of  fruit, cheeses , bread, deli meats,jams, brazilian black beans, rice ,juices  and of course coffee. While we were having breakfast, she asked me what places I wanted to visit?

I told her I wanted to buy souvenirs for family and friends ( although I learned after several trips abroad it's a  waste of money because people are either ungrateful or lose them?). Valquira told me their top places to go for souvenirs? One place was near the hotel and beach  or at the market in the old historic district. The plaza near the beach was pricey because of  tourists . Souvenirs in the historic district  were cheaper  and you can bargain with the merchants on prices. I decided to go to the historic district because I can “ kill two birds with one stone). I can both sightsee and buy souvenirs on the same outing! It took us an hour and 2 buses to get  to the market.

I carefully bought gifts for those special  people in my life. Mom always get one when I travel no matter what? My dad passed after my Paris trip so I did not have to get him anything! After I finished shopping we decided to go back to the hotel to put gifts away then have lunch on Itapua beach  across the  street from the hotel. Good thing she bought  her swimwear with her? We decided to eat cornbread stuffed with corn,rice and shrimp ( a local food there) . Once you sit down at the tables you have to buy food or drinks or both! The weather was pleasant for any activity on the beach, dinning, wadding or sunbathing. I indeed felt like I was in paradise.

After lunch on the beach, I went back to the hotel to get ready to  meet her family. In  most Latin American families, family is very important. Most single young ladies live with  their family until they marry. Unlike in  America , most  young people leave when they turn 18 or finish college. That trend has changed recently due to bad economies! I let her shower and dress first before myself. 

She stayed in an old neighborhood near the beach.Their apartment was small and narrow with tile floors but neat. Her mom was  very nice and spoke only  portuguese of course she interpreted for  me as I greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. An older sister’s four children also stayed there. She was the favorite and probably her mom’s “favorite “ daughter. One thing for sure they were close. I made her older brother later when his wife and their child came by later. Overall they were nice and warm. I was treated like a member of the family! After several hours with her family , we decided to go eat dinner. She asked , “ what you would like to eat?” I told her , “ I have a taste for Crepes!” Crepes are not a brazilian food but I remember how delicious they were when I was in Paris. Oddly enough she knew of a restaurant that specializes in Crepes near the beach so went there. After a delightful dinner, I walked the beach for a little while. We both were tired and decided to call it a day! We walked to the main street and flagged a taxi  down for her. I gave her enough money for cab fare home and  fare to meet me for breakfast the next day. My hotel was across the street. I am so glad she stayed close by because it  was convenient seeing her.

It was Sunday morning, although I wanted to attend a church service  of my preference I did not research it. She wasn’t a committed church goer so  I would not do anything about my   preference. Instead I called her and asked her to meet at the hotel for breakfast.

Breakfast was the same as it was the morning before. We mostly tried to learn about each other. The more time I spent with her here the more I liked her and I felt she  liked me as well. Romance was definitely in the air! It has been seven years since my divorce from my American wife. I was experincing a new chapter in my life!

I called her and asked her to meet at the hotel for breakfast. Breakfast was the same as it was the morning before. We mostly tried to learn about each other. The more time I spent with her here the more I liked her and I felt she  liked me as well. Romance was definitely in the air! It has been seven years since my divorce from  my american wife. I believe it was time for me to give love another try? After we both admitted we liked each we agreed to give this relationship a chance although it would be long distance for a while? From that first trip to Brazil I saw her twice in  2 years , she wanted  me to relocate to Salvador, Bahia but it would not be a smart move career wise. I told her it would be better for us to get a Fiance Visa so she can move to America.Shortly afterwards we lost contact with each other and to date i have yet gotten married? I learned a lot about brazil from her.

                                         “ 2nd Chance to Luv”

I made several trips back to Brazil after Valquiria and I broke up. My intention was to implement  my outreach program by partnering with a church or non- profit  in brazil it non government organization(ngo). NGO’s are standalone  organizations that count on public support to stay open.  I want to share some of my information and resources with any organization I was working with.

Knowing how to speak portuguese was 75% of the battle! Since I had limited funds I could  not afford an interpreter with  me every time I visited. In Houston we have a brazilian organization that taught portuguese but the schedule never allowed  me to take the classes. I relied on human relationships to learn portuguese. Most of my friends were young ladies I met online. The program I had was they wanted to learn English so they did not have time to teach  me portuguese.They all had dreams of coming to the United States?

It was not until my 2009 visit that I met Andressa (not her real name)  she was willing to help me with portuguese. She lived in Rio so I would go there when I went to Brazil. She  picked up where Valquiria left off teaching portuguese and  about the culture of Brazil. She was also introduced  to  Peter ( not real name). Peter was the ex-boyfriend of her best friend and church member. He agreed to let me stay at his place whenever I visited Rio . Peter had a 3 story 2 bedroom apartment in the neighborhood of Botafogo. The mall was within a 5 minute walk. It cost me a little to nothing to stay at Peter’s place. The longest I stayed at Peter’s was 5 weeks during the summer. His place was  nice and neat! Staying with him saves me at least $1000 on hotel fees! Too bad I don’t know  more Peter’s in other parts of brazil!

                                         

                                          The Wedding

After I got settled in at Peter’s house, she asked me did I want to go to a wedding with her? Like any bachelor  I was startled by the question so I was hesitant to answer. “Whose wedding was my response! She responded that it was one of her church members. Boy wasn’t I relieved that it wasn’t mine/hers/ours ( whew! Dodged the bullet!). She told me I can talk to her Pastor about my programs, one was teaching kids basic english. I thought it was an excellent idea! Only had brought one pair of dress slacks and a casual shirt  so I wore that.

The wedding was  held at a restaurant with a spanish style courtyard. All the activity was out in the courtyard, including the exchange of vows.The weather was perfect without a cloud in the sky! I sat with Andressa and two of her friends. Her pastor came to our table and introduced himself and invited me to the table he and his wife were sitting at. I politely excused  myself and went to set Pastor Ephram and his wife. He asked about my programs? Why was I choosing brazil? And  was my relationship with Andressa? After I answered his questions I went back to Andressa’s table.

It was a traditional wedding, similar to an American wedding. I saw a few things different that I didn't see in American wedding. For instance someone goes to each table collecting money, gifts or  keepsakes! I put money in the fedora.  Someone gave  a piece of a  men’s tire? The food was brazilian traditional food including  hot dogs! Overall I really enjoyed my first brazilian wedding.

Andressa and I dated for 2 years but still remain friends.When ever I visit Rio we try to meet for coffee. Felipe welcomes me to his humble abode when I visit! Traveling is about creating friendships!

                              

                            K-1 Visa

This section is for people who  want to marry their friend from abroad. One can fall in love with anyone anywhere!In American culture “ we date to marry” and abroad many cultures “ marry to date “? I must advise one

Has to know their significant others' culture and religion to allow this process to go smoothly.

Obtaining a K-1 Visa is a very lengthy and expensive process. You both will need a lot of patience! The  American embassy is very strict on granting a couple with a K-1 Visa. Some countries are easier than others. Once the US grants a K-1 Visa, couples have 90 days to get married or the foreigner has to go back to their country.

                              

        Eligibility for Fiancé(e) Visas

You may be eligible to bring your fiancé(e) to the United States on a fiancé(e) visa if you meet the following requirements:

• You are a U.S. citizen;

• You and your fiancé(e) intend to marry one another within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s admission to the United States on a K-1 nonimmigrant visa;

• You and your fiancé(e) are both legally free to marry (this means you both are legally able to marry in the United States and any previous marriages have been legally terminated by divorce, death, or annulment); and

• You and your fiancé(e) met each other in person at least once within the 2-year period before you file your petition. You may request a waiver of this in-person meeting requirement if you can show that meeting in person would:

• Violate strict and long-established customs of your fiancé(e)’s foreign culture or social practice; or

• Result in extreme hardship to you, the U.S. citizen petitioner.

The process for bringing your fiancé(e) to the United States involves USCIS, the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). At each stage in the process, background and security checks may be conducted on both you and your fiancé(e). This may include checks in various databases for national security, criminal history, and other information about you and your fiancé(e). These checks are conducted using fingerprints, names, or other biographic or biometric information.

Step 1: Petition for Fiancé(e) – USCIS

1. You file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) according to the form instructions. This form asks USCIS to recognize the relationship between you and your fiancé(e).

2. We review your Form I-129F and the documents you submitted. We may mail you a request for evidence if we need additional documentation or information.

3. If you establish your eligibility, we approved your Form I-129F and recognize the claimed fiancé(e) relationship. Otherwise, we deny your Form I-129F and notify you of the reasons for denial.

4. We send the approved Form I-129F to the DOS National Visa Center (NVC).

For additional information about filing the petition, see the Form I-129F and form instructions.

Step 2:  Visa Application – DOS

1. The NVC forwards the approved Form I-129F to the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) will apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa. This is generally the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) lives.

2. The U.S. Embassy or consulate notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé(e) is scheduled.

3. Your fiancé(e) applies for the K-1 nonimmigrant visa and brings the required forms and documents to the visa interview.

4. The DOS consular officer determines whether your fiancé(e) qualifies for the K-1 nonimmigrant visa.   

• If the consular officer grants the K-1 nonimmigrant visa, it is valid for up to 6 months for a single entry.

• If the consular officer does not find the relationship to be bona fide, DOS will not issue a K-1 nonimmigrant visa and instead will return the Form I-129F to USCIS. Generally, if DOS returns a Form I-129F to us after it has expired, we will allow it to remain expired. However, you may choose to file a new Form I‑129F.

For additional information about applying for a visa, see the DOS Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fiancé(e) page.

Step 3:  Inspection at a Port of Entry – CBP

If DOS issues a K-1 nonimmigrant visa, your fiancé(e) travels to the United States and seeks admission at a port of entry while the K-1 nonimmigrant visa is valid. As with any visa, a K-1 nonimmigrant visa does not guarantee admission to the United States. A CBP officer at the port of entry will make the ultimate decision about whether to admit your fiancé(e).

Step 4: Marriage

If your fiancé(e) is admitted as a K-1 nonimmigrant, you and your fiancé(e) have 90 days to marry each other.

Step 5:  Adjustment of Status – USCIS

1. If you marry within 90 days, your fiancé(e)—now your spouse—may apply for a Green Card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

2. We review Form I-485 and the documents your spouse submitted. We may mail a request for evidence to your spouse if we need additional documentation or information.

3. You and your spouse will usually be required to appear for an interview.

4. If you were married for less than two years at the time the Form I-485 is approved, USCIS will grant your spouse conditional permanent resident status and issue a Green Card valid for 2 years. Your spouse will need to remove the conditions on his or her residence by filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence in the 90 days before his or her Green Card expires. 

For additional information about applying for a Green Card, see the Form I-485 and instructions and the Green Card for Fiancé(e) on the U.S. Citizen page.

For additional information about removing the conditions on your spouse’s conditional permanent residence, see the Form I-751 page and the Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage page.

Each case is different and the length of the process varies. USCIS processes fiancé(e) petitions in the order we receive them.

                              

                         Colombia

Another latin American country I would like to visit is Colombia, mainly due to its mountainous scenery and from the novellas I watch. My desire to do mission work in Brazil and my lack of funds prevent  me from visiting. There is one novella ( spanish soap-opera) titled” Sin seno si hay pariso” or “ Without breast there is no paradise “ in english. Look anything on t.v it is exacerbated. It’s about a young lady who has concluded that getting enough money to take care of herself and her family is to get breast implants and marry a drug lord? It can be seen on  netflix and youtube,very entertaining.

Colombia (/kəˈlʌmbiə/ (listen) kə-LUM-bee-ə, /-ˈlɒm-/ -⁠LOM-;[12] Spanish: [koˈlombja] (listen)), officially the Republic of Colombia (Spanish: República de Colombia (help·info)),[Note 1] is a country largely situated in the north of South America, with land and territories in North America. Colombia is bounded on the north by the Caribbean Sea, the northwest by Panama, the south by both Ecuador and Peru, the east by Venezuela, the southeast by Brazil, and the west by the Pacific. It comprises thirty-two departments, with the capital in Bogotá.

Colombia is ethnically and linguistically diverse, with its rich cultural heritage reflecting influences by various Amerindian civilizations, European settlement, forced African labor, and immigration from Europe and the greater Middle East. Urban centres are concentrated in the Andean highlands and the Caribbean coast.

Colombia has been inhabited by various American Indian peoples since at least 12,000 BCE, including the Muisca, Quimbaya, and the Tairona, along with the Inca Empire that expanded to the southwest of the country. Spaniards arrived in 1499 and by the mid-16th century annexed part of the region, establishing the New Kingdom of Granada, with Santafé de Bogotá as its capital. Independence from Spain was achieved in 1819, but by 1830 the Gran Colombia Federation was dissolved, with what is now Colombia and Panama emerging as the Republic of New Granada. The new sovereign state experimented with federalism as the Granadine Confederation (1858), and then the United States of Colombia (1863), before the Republic of Colombia was finally declared in 1886. Panama seceded in 1903, leading to Colombia's present borders. Beginning in the 1960s, the country suffered from an asymmetric low-intensity armed conflict and political violence, both of which escalated in the 1990s. Since 2005, there has been significant improvement in security, stability, and rule of law.[13]

Colombia has the second-highest biodiversity in the world[14] and is one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries; its territory encompasses Amazon rainforest, highlands, grasslands, deserts, and islands and coastlines along both the Atlantic and Pacific (the only country in South America).

Colombia is the only NATO Global Partner in Latin America.[15] It is part of the CIVETS group of leading emerging markets and a member of the UN, the WTO, the OAS, the Pacific Alliance, an associate member of Mercosur and other international organizations.[16] Colombia's diversified economy is the third largest in South America, with macroeconomic stability and favorable long-term growth prospects.[17][18]

                            12 Hour Layover

One trip to Rio de janeiro, Brazil, I befriended a guy named Anthony in the airport line in Miami going to Rio. He was in front of me so naturally we spoke to each other. From our conversation we found out we both were going to Rio on the same flight, however we  had a 12 hour layover in Manus, Brazil or the Amazonas, where amazons were. It was my first time having such a long time in Brazil. Anthony has traveled that  route before so he invited me to hang with him and that he was renting a car?

I could not turn that invitation down otherwise it would be 12 hours in  the airport in Manus until l boarded on the plane to Rio.

Anthony told me that the airlines would automatically transfer our luggage on the Rio flight so he would get his rental car in the airport.I waited in the waiting area until he got the car. Anthony explained to me that he works for a tourist company that does tours for Central America and Europe and he spoke 7 languages including portuguese! When he told me that I thought about something my dad said, “ If you are going to hang with someone, hang with someone who knows more than you? So you can learn from them.” I thought it was cool that he spoke  7 languages 

Especially, Portuguese ! We decided to visit a popular art museum in the central city.It was lovely but once you’ve been to the Louvre in Paris it was just art. Next door was  a Theatre for live plays and they had a Shakespear play performing free later that evening so we decided to check it out which still gives us enough time to catch our flight to Rio?As we were leaving the theatre we heard live music at the square. We went to check it out and decided to stay and enjoy it! So much for Shakespear?Right?

 We decided to walk around to see what else was “happening!” We stop a stage where they were dressed in native costumes performing indigineous people dances. We even volunteered to dance in one of the routines. It was fun! That was the finale of that act so we walked around some more. We joined a three young ladies that were just out having fun, Anthony  did all the talking sense he spoke portuguese. He said they did not mind us joining them. To them it was “ the more the merrier” for us it was “Two is company and three is a crowd!” We knew the food  and drinks would be on us so one of the brazilian beauties have to go! Luckily one girl had go back  home to her son, so we didn’t have hurt anyone’s feelings. Each person partnered with the person they were attracted to and we all looked for a table to sit the rest of the evening.The girls said they wanted pizza so we ordered pizza and whatever they wanted to drink. The young lady I liked was named Angela, since I did not speak potuguese we just smiled at each other. In a lot of countries their pizzas are very thin?Anthony would relay messages and interpret for me ( note to self: Learn Portugese!). Anthony and I had such a good time we forgot about our 10:30 flight to Rio,we had about 15 minutes take them home and catch our flight. We half way near their neighborhood until we decided to check in the airport then pay for a taxi to take them home.This was something you would see in a movie or a “Gidget” episode. Once we got to the airport we rushed to check in counter , the flight attendant said that our flight left 5 minutes ago but they will reschedule us? The next flight to Rio left at midnight? Can you believe it? We missed our plane by five minutes? We had enough time to take the girls home and return the rental. After saying our goodbyes to our friends we headed back to the airport to turn the car in and catch our flight! “ Time definitely flies when you're having fun!

  

 

                          Capoeira

When I first visited Salvador da Bahia, I did not want to leave without seeing a Capoeira match. Capoeira is a form of martial arts/dance developed by African slaves when they got to Brazil. Capoeira was a way the slaves could practice their fighting techniques,which was a No! No! During slavery. They would do it at night after they finished working that day. To avoid getting whipped or killed by their masters they disguised it as a dance. They were clever how they did it. While they were practicing their fighting skills they would select  a look out man to watch for the master or his overseers. If they are seen the look outman would send a signal by drum beat that someone is coming. The slaves would begin dancing to make appear they were dancing the whole time. They would have such a good time the master would sometimes join them!

Valquiria lived several houses down from a Youth Center. It was a big house converted into a  Youth Center. They had capoeira, tutoring, arts and crafts etc. She promised me she would take me to meet the director after we finished lunch which was lasagna, which was delicious! The director was nice and she invited me back that evening to participate in a

 capoeira session. Her father is a well known master and was known world wide for his capoeira team. Capoeira is the second most popular sport next to soccer in brazil. Many young people see capoeira as a way out of poverty if they win championships! The great thing about it is that young ladies can participate also. Valquiria took me to a sportswear store so I could purchase the proper outfit for the session. The outfit consisted of a white T-shirt with the images of two men doing capoeira and white polyester trousers with an image of a Bohemian  man on it. We went back to her house so I could change.

When I arrived suited up the kids were  sitting in a circle to begin the session of Capoeira. The kids were smiling and asking me, “ você falla portuguese” ( do you speak portuguese?)? I responded, “No falla portuguese” ( I don’t speak portuguese). The session was led by Master Gabriel and he invited me up to participate! I looked at how the children played the game. It was fun and tiring! Music is played with a Bimba and a tambourine. Everyone sings and claps during the game. The participants are in the middle of the circle doing their acrobatis or dance until a winner is determine. The key is to out dance or do more exciting acrobatics than your opponent.

 

 

 

As a game[edit]

Capoeiristas outside

Playing capoeira is both a game and a method of practicing the application of capoeira movements in simulated combat. It can be played anywhere, but it's usually done on a roda. During the game most capoeira moves are used, but capoeiristas usually avoid using punches or elbow strikes unless it's a very aggressive game.[citation needed]

The game usually does not focus on knocking down or destroying the opponent, rather it emphasizes skill. Capoeiristas often prefer to rely on a takedown like a rasteira, then allowing the opponent to recover and get back into the game. It is also very common to slow down a kick inches before hitting the target, so a capoeirista can enforce superiority without the need of injuring the opponent. If an opponent clearly cannot dodge an attack, there is no reason to complete it. However, between two high-skilled capoeiristas, the game can get much more aggressive and dangerous. Capoeiristas tend to avoid showing this kind of game in presentations or to the general public.[citation needed]

Roda[edit]

Capoeiristas in a roda (Porto Alegre, Brazil)

The roda (pronounced [ˈʁodɐ]) is a circle formed by capoeiristas and capoeira musical instruments, where every participant sings the typical songs and claps their hands following the music. Two capoeiristas enter the roda and play the game according to the style required by the musical rhythm. The game finishes when one of the musicians holding a berimbau determine it, when one of the capoeiristas decide to leave or call the end of the game

 citation needed]

In a roda every cultural aspect of capoeira is present, not only the martial side. Aerial acrobatics are common in a presentation roda, while not seen as often in a more serious one. Takedowns, on the other hand, are common in a serious roda but rarely seen in presentations.[citation needed]

Batizado[edit]

The batizado (lit. baptism) is a ceremonial roda where new students will get recognized as capoeiristas and earn their first graduation. Also more experienced students may go up in rank, depending on their skills and capoeira culture. In Mestre Bimba's Capoeira Regional, batizado was the first time a new student would play capoeira following the sound of the berimbau.[citation needed]

Students enter the roda against a high-ranked capoeirista (such as a teacher or master) and normally the game ends with the student being taken down. In some cases the more experienced capoeirista can judge the takedown unnecessary. Following the batizado the new graduation, generally in the form of a cord, is given.[citation needed]

Apelido[edit]

Traditionally, the batizado is the moment when the new practitioner gets or formalizes his or her apelido (nickname). This tradition was created back when capoeira practice was considered a crime. To avoid having problems with the law, capoeiristas would present themselves in the capoeira community only by their nicknames. So if a capoeirista was captured by the police, he would be unable to identify his fellow capoeiristas, even when tortured.[citation needed]

Apelidos can come from many different things, such as a physical characteristic (like being tall or big), a habit (like smiling or drinking too much), place of birth, a particular skill, an animal, or trivial things.[citation needed]

Even though apelidos or these nicknames are not necessary any more, the tradition is still very alive not only in capoeira but in many aspects of Brazilian culture.[citation needed]

Chamada[edit]

Chamada means 'call' and can happen at any time during a roda where the rhythm angola is being played. It happens when one player, usually the more advanced one, calls his or her opponent to a dance-like ritual. The opponent then approaches the caller and meets him or her to walk side by side. After it both resume normal play.[33]

While it may seem like a break time or a dance, the chamada is actually both a trap and a test, as the caller is just watching to see if the opponent will let his guard down so she can perform a takedown or a strike. It is a critical situation, because both players are vulnerable due to the close proximity and potential for a surprise attack. It's also a tool for experienced practitioners and masters of the art to test a student's awareness and demonstrate when the student left herself open to attack.[citation needed]

The use of the chamada can result in a highly developed sense of awareness and helps practitioners learn the subtleties of anticipating another person's hidden intentions. The chamada can be very simple, consisting solely of the basic elements, or the ritual can be quite elaborate including a competitive dialogue of trickery, or even theatrical embellishments.[citation needed]

Volta ao mundo[edit]

Volta ao mundo means around the world.

The volta ao mundo takes place after an exchange of movements has reached a conclusion, or after there has been a disruption in the harmony of the game. In either of these situations, one player will begin walking around the perimeter of the circle counter-clockwise, and the other player will join the volta ao mundo in the opposite part of the roda, before returning to the normal game.[citation needed]

Malandragem and mandinga[edit]

Malandragem is a word that comes from malandro, which means a person who possesses cunning as well as malícia (malice). This, however, is misleading as the meaning of malicia in capoeira is the capacity to understand someone's intentions. In Brazil, men who used street smarts to make a living were called malandros.

In capoeira, malandragem is the ability to quickly understand an opponent's aggressive intentions, and during a fight or a game, fool, trick and deceive him.[34]

Similarly capoeiristas use the concept of mandinga. Mandinga can be translated "magic" or "spell", but in capoeira a mandingueiro is a clever fighter, able to trick the opponent. Mandinga is a tricky and strategic quality of the game, and even a certain esthetic, where the game is expressive and at times theatrical, particularly in the Angola style. The roots of the term mandingueiro would be a person who had the magic ability to avoid harm due to protection from the Orixás.[35]

Alternately Mandinga is a way of saying Mandinka (as in the Mandinka Nation) who are known as "musical hunters". Which directly ties into the term "vadiação". Vadiação is the musical wanderer (with flute in hand), traveler, vagabon

                  

                 Soccer In Brazil

Brazil produced some of the greatest soccer players, such as Pele,Ronaldo, Neymar etc. They have 5  World Cup Trophies, 4 Confederations Cup trophies, 9 Copa America trophies and  3 Pan American games trophies which equals  a total of 21 major trophies.

Boys and girls dream of being a famous soccer player at an early age. They feel that is the only way to beat poverty and drug and prostitution game! They play soccer any chance they get. You will see kids playing soccer in school, at bus stops or in the favelas! 

The soccer teams are named by the neighborhood they originate. In Rio the most popular and winnest team is Flamengo. They originated from the neighborhood, Flamengo. If you are Rio and a soccer game is on root for Flamengo because they are always favored. They city shuts down whenever a game is on. To Brazilians, the Superbowl is everyday! This is shown by the cheers, blowing of horns and beer consumption! One thing I noticed in soccer you never know the outcome until the game is over.I used to think it was a boring  game until I visited Rio during the 2014 World Cup! It was a great time to be in Rio. 

I did not know that Brazil and Argentina were rivals. Brazil had won the World Cup 5 times and Argentina won 2 times. The final game was between Germany and Argentina. I was in the line at the store and a tourist behind me asked who I think was going to win? I thought  he was brazilian so  I answered Argentina thinking they loved all latin american teams. When I asked him, he said, he wanted Germany to win and  they did!

                 Getting Lost at the Maracana Stadium

My friend Anthony invited me to a pool party at a friend of his Villa in Niteroi’ which is on the other side of Rio. The is a modern three story 3 bedroom house that was on top of a mountain. The owner rents rooms out to tourists. Anthony picked me up from  my hotel and it took us an hour to get to his friend's Villa. 

It was basically a get together amongst friends, everyone knew each except 2 other girls and myself. It was a nice party,everyone gelled together and wasn’t the only one who didn't know portuguese?Fortunately everyone spoke english except the 2 local girls that joined us! 

Two of the guys there were from Dallas Texas , 240 miles from Houston my hometown! Most of the guests left around midnite. One the guys from Dallas rented one of the bedrooms for the night. Anthony, myself and the 2 local girls were still there. About 2:00 a.m told me he had too  much to drink so he was going to the house but he’ll take me to the bus stop to get back to my hotel. I told him I had no problems with it because I did not have $70 to rent a room for the night! The buses and vans run 24 hours so i figured that would not be a problem. The problem was I had  never been out that late alone. At night every neighborhood looks alike. I got off at the wrong stop. I did not realize it until I reached the famous Maracana Stadium on the North side of Rio? The north zone is one of the bad sections of Rio. Running into drug dealers and thugs is a strong possibility! While I was walking back to the bus stop, I began to walk “hard” like a gangster so I wouldn’t be a target. The bus arrived in 30 minutes. I put in my $3 reais and went to my seat. 

Again my bearings were off. Everything looked the same, I got off at the wrong stop! After walking a few blocks I realized a was lost ! This timeI flag a Van down. Since it was full of regular party goers I gave the  money taker ( he sits in the passenger seat) $3 reais. Since I did not speak portuguese I couldn’t  ask the driver “ whether or not he went near my hotel so got off on the main street and caught a taxi back to my hotel. I did get back to my hotel until after 5 a.m.

 

There are many famous people  that came from Brazil. Probably the most famous brazilian is soccer player Pelé from Minas Gerais. The singers Astrid Giberto( “ The Girl From Ipanema”) and Sergio Mendes ( “ Hey Magdalena”) are from Rio de Janeiro. The Victoria Secrets model Andriana Lima is from Salvador. Supermodel Gisele Bunchen from Rio Grande do Sul.  Racecar driver Helio Castroneves of São Paulo. Actors  Wagner Mauro (“ Troupe de Elite”, “Lower City”) Lazaro  Ramos ( “Lower City”  , “ The Man Who Copied”) of Salvador. Alice Braga ( Netflix's “Queen of the South” ,  “Lower City” ) of São Paulo. There many others as well!

   

    Hurricane on South Beach Miami

On one of my trips I was spending a weekend in South Beach Miami. It was post- Katrina so I thought it was cool to travel the coast. I made all travel arrangements . The week of my trip a Tropical storm was stirring up! I watched the weather until the day I left Houston and it was all clear to travel so I got on my  flight to Miami.

That Friday it was a beautiful sunny  beach day so after unpacking in my hotel room I headed straight to the beach! I really didn’t have an agenda on that trip but as minister it would be nice to “ save at least on soul ”. I was impressed by the diversity on the beach. There were   Africans,  Americans, Asian and Latinos .

As I was walking on the beach a young lady caught my attention. I walked over to her and asked “ hablo espanol “ ? She nodded NO! Then I asked “ poly vu francais?” She nodded Yes! After that I invented my version  of (sign language) because that was all the spanish and french I knew. We communicated  with universal words( yes,no, maybe, i don’t know) and pointed fingers and shook our heads.

I found out she was from Paris but she was born in Sierra  Leone, Africa and she was on vacation with her parents. I was hungry and tired. I asked what were her plans for that night and she said she did not know?

At that very moment  a messenger plane was in the air  waving a banner saying “ Jermaine  Du Pre birthday bash  was at the popular party place , The Mansion so we decided to meet there that night. We  turned the corner  going to the Mansion at the same time. She was in all white looking like a movie star and I was in all black looking like a bouncer? People kept asking me,” how much was admission and what time we closed?” I told them I did not work there. My new friend enjoyed the party and walked her to her hotel and we agreed to meet on the beach the next day?

That Saturday the weather changed  drastically, and a hurricane hit South beach. It was a category 3- 5 and the strongest to hit the Miami Dade area in history? I called my  mom to let her know, I was ok and prayed.

I was watching the news and there was a mandatory evacuation order for the Miami Dade area!I was restless so I decided to go to the corner and do some witnessing.The winds got so strong and unbearable. The “holy spirit” told me to get off that corner and go back to my room. I did exactly that and slept like a “baby”. Most of the visitors at the hotel like me decided to wait the hurricane out at the hotel. They had buses coming by the hotels to take people to shelters. South Beach that day was a “ Ghost Town” only the brave and faithful stayed? 

The following day, Sunday was a beautiful sunny day! This also was my last day so I had to rush to pack and check out my hotel at noon.I  showered and got dressed and had breakfast at Mc Donald’s.Then I checked out the local shops for those special people. I bought mom some costume jewelry and found me a cool retro -styled shirt. Actually I wanted to take a picture of  the cute you lady at the counter. I asked her,where she was from, she said, Chile. My next question was, Can  I take her picture if I bought the shirt, she said, I could?  At that time people were using real cameras. Mine was broken so I used a 35mm Kodak throw away camera! That picture cost me $40!Lol! We thought throw away cameras were the best thing since camcorders. Now we use iPhones! My trip to Miami was  adventurous and daring. I actually survived a major hurricane and had to rely on my faith to over come.I hasn’t homme  and I knew no one in Miami. It also got me ready for my adventures in Brazil!

                                         

                                            Amsterdam

I have never been to Amsterdam, however, I  heard it is the “right of passage” for college students,partying 24/7! Marijuana is legal ( looks like here in the states about every state will legalize it!), prostitution is open and drugs such as cocaine and ectasy are easy to get? In one of the Netflix and Youtube series, “Scam City'' by Conner Woodman in 2012 covered Amsterdam. He exposed such  scams as pickpockets, a fake cop, a vendor selling less tulip bulbs than the amount shown on the package (Tulips bring about $300 million euros to the economy) and people selling fake drugs.  Dam Square is where most pockets go to score so always be on the lookout! Pickpockets also hang out at Central Station. They get  250,000 visitors a day!

Night-time in The Red Light District is where most scams are done. This is definitely a place you would not want to be alone. Even at the ATM machine you can get scammed! They block the slot your money is supposed to come out and go to the machine right behind you and take your money! Woodman was assaulted by a man that pretended to be a cop and took his wallet.An ex-cop said “ Eastern European Groups” control most  of the criminal activity in Amsterdam. Many of them are romanians or morocans. It is definitely a big business run by big business!

Amsterdam (/ˈæmstərdæm/, UK also /ˌæmstərˈdæm/;[10][11] Dutch: [ɑmstərˈdɑm] (listen)) is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands with a population of 872,680[12] within the city proper, 1,380,872 in the urban area[5] and 2,410,960 in the metropolitan area.[9] Found within the province of North Holland,[13][14] Amsterdam is colloquially referred to as the "Venice of the North", attributed by the large number of canals which form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme,[15] indicative of the city's origin around a dam in the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world in the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century and became the leading centre for finance and trade.[16] In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city expanded, and many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19–20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sloten, annexed in 1921 by the municipality of Amsterdam, is the oldest part of the city, dating to the 9th century.

As the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centres in Europe, Amsterdam is considered an alpha-world city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) study group. The city is also the cultural capital of the Netherlands.[17] Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters there, including Philips, AkzoNobel, TomTom and ING.[18] Also, many of the world's largest companies are based in Amsterdam or have established their European headquarters in the city, such as leading technology companies Uber, Netflix and Tesla.[19] In 2012, Amsterdam was ranked the second best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)[20] and 12th globally on quality of living for environment and infrastructure by Mercer.[21] The city was ranked 4th place globally as top tech hub in the Savills Tech Cities 2019 report (2nd in Europe),[22] and 3rd in innovation by Australian innovation agency 2thinknow in their Innovation Cities Index 2009.[23] The Port of Amsterdam is the fifth largest in Europe.[24] Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the busiest airport in the Netherlands, and the third busiest in Europe. Famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist Anne Frank, artists Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza.

The Amsterdam Stock Exchange is the oldest stock exchange in the world. Amsterdam's main attractions include its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Concertgebouw, the Anne Frank House, the Scheepvaartmuseum, the Amsterdam Museum, the Heineken Experience, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Natura Artis Magistra, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, NEMO, the red-light district and many cannabis coffee shops. They draw more than 5 million international visitors annually.[25] The city is also well known for its nightlife and festival activity; several of its nightclubs (Melkweg, Paradiso) are among the world's most famous. 

                             Africa

Africa is known as the “cradle of civilization”. I think of  Adam and Eve and the creation when I think of Africa. Some bible scholars claim that the Garden of Eden is in Africa. Of course african slaves are from Africa. Being African American I have roots in Africa.

I have a friend I went to college with who married a Ghanaian woman  and started a family with her in Ghana. His business is  still in the United States so he comes back every 3 months. He invites me to visit because he knows I want to do foreign Mission work. I would tell him once I get my projects started in Brazil I will join him in Ghana. 

Actually Brazilians came from Angola Africa and their native language is portuguese! Most people think Brazilians come from Portugal but that is not true. Brazilians from Portugal are white and Brazilians from Angola are black.This is one reason why  Brazilians are considered a  mixed race and perhaps one of the reasons I  like visiting?

Safari vacations used to be for hunters,adventure seekers and the rich!

Recently African American celebrities have been traveling  African countries to trace their roots? Ghana and Kenya are very popular countries to visit. China is now investing in businesses in Africa. Universities and businesses here in the States have always invested in Africa. Obviously, there are still resources that the world still wants out of Africa. If that is the case Africans should not be dying, hungry or diseased? I think it is shameful to profit off of the poor?

Timbuktu is another interesting country in Africa? It was the learning capital of Africa centuries ago. The people of Timbuktu were  mostly of the Islamic faith. Some of the most accurate maps of the world were found there. Books were its main commodity!