Seen Through Black Eyes

Welcome adventurers to episode eleven of Seen Through Black Eyes. This episode I am going to talk about another trip to Brazil however, this is not a trip that comes in chronological order. In the last episode I talk about a trip I took to Brazil in I believe it was 1993…this is going to be a fast forward to 2004.

In the summer of 2004, I spent three months studying abroad in Maceió, Brazil. I had always been fascinated by the country's vibrant culture, complicated history, and melodic language and I was excited to immerse myself in the local way of life. The reason I went to Brazil this time was because the Bachelor of Arts degree program I was in had two requisite components: 1) an international experience, and 2) completing a level three language class, which they did not have in Portuguese on campus.

Let me give you a little background about Maceió. Maceió is the capital city of the state of Alagoas, located in the northeast region of Brazil. The city has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, when it was settled by the Portuguese.

The area around Maceió was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, and it was the Portuguese who first brought the region to the attention of the rest of the world. In the early 1500s, the Portuguese arrived in the region and established settlements along the coast. They named the area Maceió, after the maceió tree, which was abundant in the region.

Over time, the Portuguese began to explore and colonize the interior of the region, establishing plantations and bringing in African slaves to work on them. -

During the colonial period, Maceió was an important center for the production of sugarcane and other crops. The city was home to several large plantations, and it played a key role in the economy of the region. In the late 1800s, Brazil underwent a series of political and economic changes, including the abolition of slavery and the transition to a republic. This led to the decline of the plantation system, and Maceió began to shift its focus to other industries.

In the 20th century, Maceió underwent rapid urbanization and industrialization, becoming an important economic center in the region. The city is now home to a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, tourism, and service-based businesses.

Despite its rapid growth, Maceió has not forgotten its roots. The city is home to a vibrant culture, with a rich history and a diverse population. Visitors to the city can explore its historic landmarks, such as the Maceió Cathedral and the Barão de Maceió Palace and experience the city's rich cultural traditions through its music, art, and food.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the city’s dark history that dates back to its inception. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Maceió was a major port for Portuguese slave traders who brought enslaved Africans to the Americas. The city was a key departure point for ships bound for the sugar plantations of Brazil and other parts of the Americas. The Portuguese also used Maceió as a base for their raids on the African coast, where they captured and enslaved thousands of people.

The slave trade was a key part of the economy of Maceió, and the city was home to a number of slave markets. It should be noted that Brazil was the last country in the Western Hemisphere abolish slavery in 1888. However, the legacy of slavery continued to shape the city in the following decades. Additionally, Maceió has been a center of the Black Lives Matter movement in Brazil, with many protesters taking to the streets to demand justice and equality for black folks. So, when I talk about the beauty of Maceió, and the warmth of the people…keep the aforementioned in the back of your mind.

ahead. Despite its challenges, it remains a place of great potential and promise, and it continues to thrive as an important economic and cultural center in the region. So, the history of Maceió is a diverse and interesting one, marked by periods of growth and change that have shaped the city into what it is today. With all that being said, that wasn’t the reason I chose the city of Maceió.

I chose the city of Maceió for a specific reason: to fully immerse myself in learning Portuguese. While Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful with a rich tradition and Sao Paulo is the economic engine of the country with both boasting great nightlife, they also have a high number of English speakers or people actively trying to learn English. In contrast, Maceió offered the perfect opportunity to practice and improve my Portuguese language skills. I wanted to fully engage with the local culture and community, and learning the language was a crucial part of that experience. The city had the same level of history and its own beauty, but for me, the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the language and culture made Maceió the perfect choice.

As soon as I arrived in Maceió, I was struck by the city's energy and warmth. The people were friendly and welcoming, and I quickly felt at home in my new surroundings. As the weeks went by, I began to feel more and more comfortable in Maceió. I made friends with locals and other study abroad students, and I started to feel like I was really getting to know the city.

It was my first and only semester studying abroad in Brazil, and I was loving every minute of it. The country was beautiful, the food was amazing, and the people were friendly and welcoming.

Learning Portuguese can be a challenging but rewarding experience. This beautiful and expressive language is spoken by millions of people around the world, and it is the official language of Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Macau in Asia (that’s right) and couple other countries. One of the most interesting aspects of learning Portuguese is learning about its complex grammar, which includes multiple verb tenses and moods, as well as a number of different verb conjugations.

Another challenge is mastering the unique rhythms, melodies, and nasalization of sounds of the language, which can be difficult for non-native speakers to reproduce. Despite these challenges, learning Portuguese is a rewarding experience that allows you to communicate with a wide range of people and better understand their culture and way of life. In addition to learning the language (while in Brazil), exploring my surroundings made this study abroad a life fulfilling experience.

One of the top things to do in Maceió is to visit its many beaches. The city is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, and they are all a must-see for any visitor. Some of the most popular beaches in Maceió include Ponta Verde, Jatiúca, and Pajuçara. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the stunning views.

Another popular activity in Maceió is to visit its many cultural attractions. The city is home to a number of museums, galleries, and other cultural sites that are worth exploring. Some of the top cultural attractions in Maceió include the Museum of Image and Sound, the Cultural Center of Alagoas, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. These museums and galleries offer a chance to learn about the history and culture of Maceió and Brazil, and to see some amazing works of art.

If you're interested in nature, Maceió is also home to a number of parks and natural areas that are worth exploring. The Jacarecica Environmental Protection Area is a popular destination for nature lovers, as it is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The area is also home to a number of hiking trails, making it a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

If you're looking for some fun and excitement, Maceió is also home to a number of amusement parks and other entertainment options. The Marechal Deodoro Aquatic Park is a popular destination for families, as it features a number of water slides and other aquatic attractions. The city is also home to a number of theme parks, such as the Mini Mundo and Magic City, which offer a wide range of rides and attractions for all ages.

In addition to its many beaches, cultural attractions, and amusement parks, Maceió is also known for its delicious food. The city is home to a wide variety of restaurants and cafes that offer a range of cuisines, including traditional Brazilian dishes and international fare. Some of the top restaurants in Maceió include Osteria da Dona Bia, which serves Italian-inspired cuisine, and Restaurante Zagaia, which offers a mix of Brazilian and international dishes.

Overall, Maceió is a beautiful and vibrant city that is full of sights to see and things to do. Whether you're interested in relaxing on the beach, exploring the city's cultural attractions, or enjoying some thrills at an amusement park, there is something for everyone. So, if you're planning a trip to Brazil, be sure to add Maceió to your itinerary – you won't be disappointed.

After many days of school in the daytime, relaxing on the beach in the afternoon and eating alone in the evening, I had the urge to go out one night, so I checked a few sources and found a spot nearby. I called a taxi (pre-Uber/Ride Share) and off I went. Using my limited Portuguese (this has become a recurring theme) I told the driver where I wanted to go.

Once we got to the address, he noticed that the name had changed. He said for me to wait in the taxi and he would check it out and he did. He came back to the taxi and explained in Portuguese with his strong accent. The only thing understood was “homem e mulher,” men and women. I said great, paid him and hopped out of the taxi.

It wasn’t until I walked inside the club that what he actually said was “homem com homem e mulher com mulher,” or men with men and women with women. So…it was a shock to me to see two men open mouth kissing as soon as I walked through the door. I looked back and the taxi had just driven off but I told him to return in two hours to take me back to my apartment.

I said, hey…I am already here so I got a drink and watch the show. Just to balance the evening out I did see ladies making out as well. One guy did hit on me and asked me to dance. I politely refused but when he heard my American accent he wanted to talk some more. I told him how I ended up at the club and he got a nice laugh at my expense. After that, he went on his was an I continued to people watch.

After two hours I paid my tab and stepped outside. Once I stepped outside I could see the headlights of a vehicle in the distance turn on as if it was a movie scene. He pulled up, I hopped in, and he drove off.

Now I am paying close attention to every word and utterance that came out of his mouth so as not to have any more miscommunications between us. He asked if I enjoyed myself. I said, I heard you say men and women. It was not until I entered the club that I realized that you said men with men, and women with women. I continued, “that is not my seen, but it was an experience.” He said that he did not think I was gay so he was surprised that I went in the club and we got a laugh at the miscommunication.

The next few weeks were a blur of non-descript activities. The days were filled with class activities and the afternoons and evenings filled with interactions with other study abroad students.

I once again had the urge to do something different. No not a gay club again, this time I decided to take a bus up the coast to Recife to go sightseeing.

My bus ride from Maceió to Recife was plagued by potholes. These deep, jagged holes seemed to be everywhere, making for a rough and jarring ride. At times, it felt like the bus was bouncing all over the road as we hit one pothole after another. Despite the uncomfortable journey, I was determined to make it to Recife, as I was eager to explore the city's beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Eventually, we made it through the pothole-filled road and arrived in Recife, tired but relieved.

Recife is a beautiful city located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. It is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. I was excited to explore all that the city had to offer.

I started my day by visiting the Boa Viagem Beach. This beautiful beach is located in the heart of Recife and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. I spent the morning swimming in the crystal-clear waters and soaking up the sun.

Afterwards, I headed to the Old Town, or "Recife Antigo," to explore the city's rich history and culture. The Old Town is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the São Francisco Church, the Recife Palace, and the São Pedro Church. I spent the afternoon walking through the cobbled streets, admiring the beautiful colonial-style architecture, and learning about the city's past.

In the evening, I decided to try some of the local cuisine. Recife is known for its delicious seafood, and I was eager to try some of the local specialties. I had a fantastic meal at a restaurant called Casa de Pernambuco, which serves traditional dishes from the state of Pernambuco. I tried the moqueca, a hearty stew made with fish, coconut milk, and dende oil, and I enjoyed it.

It is native dish to the state of Bahia. The flavors of the fish, coconut, and spices blend together perfectly, creating a rich and flavorful stew that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Moqueca is typically served with rice, beans, and farofa, a toasted cassava flour that adds a unique crunch to the dish.

After dinner, I headed to the Marco Zero, a popular square which is in the heart of Recife. The square is home to a number of bars, clubs, and restaurants, and it is a popular spot for locals and tourists to socialize and have a good time. I spent the rest of the evening people watching, dancing (once the cashasa com mel took full effect) and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Overall, my weekend trip to Recife was an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to explore the city's beautiful beaches, learn about its rich history and culture, and try some delicious local cuisine. It was a great way to spend a weekend and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Maceió. So, if you're planning a trip to Brazil and want to see more of the country beyond Maceió, be sure to consider a trip to Recife – you won't be disappointed! Upon my return from Recife I was back to class.

One day as I sat in my Portuguese class, my teacher, a native Brazilian, was explaining to the class the different methods for learning the language. She emphasized the importance of immersion and being surrounded by the language in order to truly learn and become proficient. Then, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she said that the best and fastest way to learn Portuguese was for the guys to get a Brazilian girlfriend and the ladies to get a Brazilian boyfriend.

The class erupted into laughter and my teacher chuckled at our reaction. She explained that being in a relationship with a native speaker would not only provide constant immersion in the language, but also give us a personal incentive to learn and communicate effectively. However, she was quick to caution us that this method should not be the only way we rely on for learning the language, and that dedicated study and practice were still important.

While my teacher's comment may have been tongue-in-cheek, it did highlight the importance of immersion in language learning. Whether it be through a romantic relationship, living in a Portuguese-speaking country, or simply surrounding ourselves with native speakers, being immersed in the language is an effective way to pick up and improve our skills.

She then went on an gave an after-school assignment. The assignment was to ask a stranger on the street to answer ten questions that he had given us. It goes without saying I sought out women to answer my questions.

After many unsuccessful attempts to get anyone to give me the time of day, not only did a woman to stop and listen to me, but she was also infatuated with my American accent speaking Portuguese. At first, I read the questions and I wrote down her answers. Once we finished all ten questions I asked if she was free for coffee (people who know me know I do not drink coffee) and she said yes. It was the last month of my trip that I met this lady who would have a profound impact on my experience in Maceió and her name was Vitoria.

Based on her answers to the questions I could tell that she had a quick wit and a warm personality. We hit it off immediately, and before long, we were spending all our time together. She showed me around the city, introducing me to new neighborhoods and local hangouts that I had never heard of before. She also helped me improve my Portuguese, patiently correcting my mistakes and teaching me new words and phrases.

But the most impactful part of my relationship with Vitoria was the full immersion experience she provided me with in terms of language. As the weeks went by, my feelings for Vitoria deepened, and I knew that I had found something special in her. When it was time for me to return home, I was heartbroken to leave her behind. But I knew that our short-lived encounter had been an incredible gift, and I was grateful for the memories we had made together.

Looking back on my three months in Maceió, I cannot help but feel a sense of nostalgia for that time in my life. It was an incredible experience, full of adventure and discovery. And while I may have left Maceió behind, the memories of my time there and the experiences I had with my trip to Recife, my time with Vitoria, and even my gay night club experience will always stay with me.

I am grateful that you have listened to this entire podcast. I hope that the insights, perspectives, and knowledge shared in this podcast have been valuable, meaningful, and entertaining to you. I truly thank you for taking the time to listen and for supporting me. I appreciate your attention and engagement, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with you.

Thank you

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