Dia Tres em Belem

It is our third day in Belem and the the heat doesn't seem as bad as yesterday. Are we adjusting? I hope so! In class we learn about tips for "writing well in Science" specifically for journalism, but the tips can be applied to any kind of writing:

1. Read your work out loud

2. Ask other writers to read your draft

3. The lead should draw in the reader (hook them)

4. Have a clear sense of the story structure before you start writing it

5. Use transitions to get the story flowing

6. Use analogies: metaphors, comparisons

7. Don't overwrite your story

8. Use language thats understandable (not boring or trite)

9. Picture your reader (know your audience)

10. Have fun (introduce humor)

Then we got more into depth about "explaining science" and the importance of the process in science, not just the product.

After class lecture we went to a section of the University building where we were introduced to Lucas. He is a graduate of the University and will be studying abroad in Missouri next fall. He is also a member of SIFE. A local community leader pitched and started a group in Belem, branched from the chain SIFE( originated in USA). A "Non-profit organization educating people on concepts like market economics, entrepreneurship, and business ethics through educational outreach projects." (www.sife.org)



It is now in Brazil: SIFE Cessupa, a volunteer group that focuses on building skills in business for children and teens. Workshops in development and techniques to improve communities. Lucus introduced us to a specific project "Esse Rio e Minha Rua" (This River is My Street) which is a co-op that consults showing/ teaching how to sell acai (antioxidant berry grown in Brazil) and the difference between a co-op and association producing in acai and cacao, following each step and process.

This group also works with a medicine boat to provide health and dental care for young people who can not afford to.
They craft biodegradable items teaching how to generate best potential for resources and
sustainability. He said
October is the best time for them to sell things. (I didn't catch why, sorry)

The students in the entrepreneurship program at the university give back to the community

through SIFE.  It is the strongest student organization in the world, it is a free enterprise that helps 1500 people in one day through volunteer work and funding.

It is the only organization that has both Fuji and Kodak as well as Pepsi and Coca-Cola sponsoring them internationally!



Last year Brazil's Cessupa group won the championship league for best presentation.

After meeting Lucas and learning about the SIFE free enterprise, we discovered that
we do not have an organization in Long Beach, but many other California State campuses do. Let's start one?

Lucas and some of his friends later walked with us to Y.YAMADA for a lunch on the second floor of the grocery store where there was another buffet-style restaurant (where they weigh the plates for the total due).

I bought more giant water bottles for .97 reias each and looked for a "saca rolha" (cork screw) for the bottle of wine we bought during our last trip to the supermarket.

Also, Marisol got some M&M's and discovered its richness in peanut butter compared to the ones manufactured in the U.S. AND Patrick bought his first legal bottle of alcohol! (He is 19) We recorded it on video.( the link is probably on his blog)


Then we walked back to the hotel with our goods and full bellies to cool off in the hotel room for an hour before our field trip to the estuary that protects the white gaza (heron) bird at the
ecological reserve. (below)

The view from Mangal das Garcas was breathtaking and the mangrove spans nearly 40,000 squared meters including an aviary, butterfly enclosure, a shop selling plants, and a restaurant.



























The colors of the birds and butterflies were so bold and beautiful.

(this butterfly liked me, I was nervous to move)
After the birds and butterflies Marisol, Patrick, and I went to the shopping mall to find Marisol a new purse (both bags she brought ripped at the handle during our trip) and then went to the top floor (6) to the food court where I had some of the best sushi for THE best deal and an incredible view of the city and of an apartment building with World Cup and Brazil pride!

There are Brazil flags and t-shirts sold and displayed all over the city. The first World Cup game starts Friday so we will be watching in the bars getting crazy with natives!