When it rains, it pours!

After a relatively long period of sun and dry, the rain fell heavily as I slept last night. The tropical storm lasted almost the whole night, with lightening illuminating my room and thunder rumbling above the sea that separates the island of Florianopolis from the mainland. It brought back memories of the tornado that I watched, over the same sea, less than three months ago. To give it it's correct name it was in fact a Tromba da Agua, a tornado that does not hit the land, but stays over water. All was calm before it appeared, and looking out over the sea I could not quite believe what I was seeing. It truly was an amazing sight that I will never forget. Between the rocking sea and darkness of the sky was a tunnel of water, and as it got ever closer to the shore I could see the water moving up the tunnel. My how the wind blew at that time, and then it was gone and all was quiet again. The extreme weather in Brazil is always an excitement and never a fright.

Nature

This week I am talking to the children about nature, in particular trees and plants, and it has made me think of the difference in nature between Brazil and England. The plants we have in England and consider to be house plants, grow here in the gardens and forests and are much bigger and brighter. I have always liked to be in green surroundings, but never really taken too much interest in nature, however here I find myself regularly taking photos of the wonderful nature to be seen here in Brazil. The brightness of the plants, reflects the attitude and personality of the people, who are incredibly warm and always have a smile on their faces, no matter what their situation. It always amazes me to see people living in houses with no windows, doors, paint or beds, but they all have a smile.

I guess it must be the sunshine.

Although it is spring going on to summer in England, for me it is autumn going on to winter and the wind is starting to blow. Not always a good thing if it is a cold wind, but I do enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the huge bamboos bashing against one another outside my window. With that and the noise of the sea breaking on the shore it is a wonder I ever get to sleep, but actually these noises are a real comfort and lull me into sleep. I can not really imagine the day when I will return to England and not fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the sea.

Inspiration

After much thought as to whether I actually had the time to create and regularly update a Blog, I have finally joined in on the action. I first considered creating one over a year ago, but at the time was submerged in books, in order to finish my degree. I am now a qualified conductor and working in Brazil, which has prompted me to write about my experiences. I have a life here very different to the one I had in England, and for those I left behind I know it is difficult to imagine what I am experiencing here. It is often difficult to relay to everyone what I am seeing and doing, so I figured by creating a Blog those who were interested would always be able to keep up with my activities.

My Brazilian adventure began 10 months ago in July 2007, so first I guess I have to update you on what has happened! So much to tell, so maybe another post.