Author: Wiatt Hanlin

Back To The Real World

Unfortunately, the weather back here in Columbus is not quite what we experienced in Rio de Janeiro. However, I am so thankful to have had the chance to go on a trip like that. I predicted I would be indulging myself with newness and a whole range of cultural experiences, and this trip exceeded my expectations. I did so many things that I would have put on my bucket list, if I knew they even existed before this trip. The place and people were great. Not only was a cool experience, but I learned a lot while I was there. The stress free atmosphere tends to rub off on you while you’re there, so it was nice to take a break from worrying about everything. Now, we have to go back to the grind of school, work, getting good grades, extracurriculars, clubs, and the list of things that stress us out goes on. But when I think of being in Rio or look at pictures, I feel like there is a little bit that I brought back with me. I won’t forget the people I met or the things I did and experienced while in Brazil. The Carioca lifestyle is a lifestyle that I could definitely see myself wanting to experience again. Until next time, Rio.

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Last Night In Rio

Last night was our final night to enjoy the nightlife of the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. I had a big knot in my chest for as the daylight hours faded into dawn and finally to darkness. We spent some of the last daylight hours sitting beachside catching up on some sketches and enjoying the sound of the ocean and the breeze. As it started to get darker we left Copacabana Beach to watch the sun set on the Two Brothers of Ipanema Beach. We climbed the boulders on the nearest side of the beach and watched the sun go down on the opposite side. It was quiet and peaceful. Many people were there with there with their significant others (because its an excellent date spot), some were fishing or enjoying the company of friends, and others were just sitting peacefully. Though there were many people there, not many talked and conversed. We were all fixated on the setting sun and watching the city turn from day to night as we listened to the waves crash on the rocks. It was by far one of the coolest sunsets I’ve ever watched. That experience really showed me how much I fell in love with the city and its people in short week of our stay.IMG_3949 IMG_3951 IMG_3953

Botanical Gardens Visit

The visit to the botanical gardens has been one of my favorite locations so far. Initially, I did not think I would be very impressed with a big garden and a bunch of plants. However, it proved to be much more than an ordinary old garden. It is similar to the city in that each garden is a separate environment from the rest, with its own distinction and attributes to the garden as a whole. However, it is a place that provides a stark contrast to the noise and hustle bustle of a busy week day in Rio. The lush plants and abundance of water block out the city noises and surround you in an environment of calmness and serenity. The city seems, to me (a student who would be lost in an hour if driving its wild winding roadways), to be unorganized and confusing. However, the gardens have a clear organization and order with main axes and connection routes between and through gardens. The city is full of concrete, brick, and stone, whereas the gardens provide an abundance of organic plant life and animals (even monkeys). This gives a natural feel to the surroundings, like a place where you could relax and think clearly away from the chaos of the city. It is difficult to catch all of the color and lush plants and color in a sketch or even a picture.IMG_4023IMG_3928

The People You Meet

There have been so many interesting people from all over the world that have made this trip great thus far. From our coordinator, Vanessa, to to random waiters and samba singers, these people have made the Rio experience amazing. John Dai and I actually started a project documenting some of the people of Rio. It has been interesting getting to know strangers from all walks of life in this city. For example, we spent time giving food and money to homeless people. One of them even taught us a handshake that we have been using ever since we met him. I met another man at a samba dance restaurant who was originally from Italy. When I told him we are from Ohio in the United States, he mentioned Columbus and said he knew the school there. He was businessman and had been to a conference in the city (and he even mentioned the football team). I never thought that I would run into someone from Italy, while in Brazil, who knows where I go to school in America. I love the culture of Rio, but it does not stem from the landscape, the beach, or the food. The culture here is enveloped in the people and their attitudes toward each other and life in general.

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Health And Rehabilitation

I haven’t been feeling well the last couple of days because I ate something that seemed to disagree with my stomach. Though it was unpleasant, it was great to see that the whole team of administration was extremely understanding and supportive of me while ill. When I was feeling sick during the day, Aimee and her husband Mark both took a cab with me back to the hotel so that I could rest and recover for the next day. When it didn’t get better, Troy and Aimee both called a taxi and rode to the hospital with me. Even though it took a long time (and I’m sure it was very boring for both of them) they stayed there the whole time until I was released, made sure I got the right medication, and insurance information was taken correctly. The next day, I came to the lobby and our tour guide, Vanessa, was waiting for me with a full bottle of fresh coconut water (which is better for recovering than Gatorade, so she says). All of my peers were also extremely helpful in recovering. Some gave me fever reducers, drinks and things to eat that would make me feel better. I have been so thankful for everyone’s help with that. However, I feel that the advisors went above and beyond for me in getting me better. It really shows how much they care about their students and our well-being. I would truly feel comfortable going on any other trip with all of the experience, precaution, and care that they exhibited during my illness.

Pre-Trip Thoughts

I am currently sitting in the Columbus Airport, waiting on our plane to arrive to take us to Atlanta (our first stop on the way to Rio). I have been anxious all day to just begin the trip and be there already. I can’t wait to be in the warm weather when I step outside the airport for the first time! I also am excited to be immersed in such a culturally rich environment. However, there has been a lot of waiting around instead of getting gone for the beginning of this journey. This is a stark contrast from what the rest of my day has been like, as I got up and went to class, then raced home to finish packing before we had to meet at the bus. In my haste, I seem to have forgotten one of the more important items…..sunscreen. But, Im guessing it won’t be too hard to find in an airport or even when we land. Since that realization of forgetting something, I have been paranoid of leaving something else important at home or setting down a personal item and forgetting where I put it. We are about to board soon though. I didn’t go to sleep last night so I’m hoping I can catch up a little on the plane.