AHHHHHHHH, a moment to rest. So It is day 6 of the tour in Brazil and things have been moving at a whirlwind pace. To catch you up just a little, I have had two professional visits. One Monday and one today. Monday's was at the Military Police headquarters and training facility, followed by the COI, and finished up at the Fire Post. This was a great tour and my tour guide was a past GSE member to Seattle and Vancouver. I was able to see the training facility for the police which, as it turns out is even where the firefighters start out. All of the services here are military and all personnel start out in police academy for eight months and then four months of fire school. I was able to see the police band, the helicopter services, and then got a nice ride in the back seat of the police car to the COI. This is where the police have a unit that monitors the happenings of the city and controls traffic flow and other operations. Then off to the fire post for lunch, and a great tour of the fire post. Seeing the dispatch center, the training facilities, and meeting the man in charge. Then off to see the fire units. That was very interesting.
Today, some of the same but, in a different city. All the cities within Sao Paulo are under the same command. That is 39 cities but, each have a different commander for the stations. Today I was introduced to the crew in Guaratatuba. A fun bunch to meet that is doing alot to help the community children by providing a structured learning environment and teaching first aid, ropes, fire extinguishment, and many other skills to the children in the community on a daily basis. I was very impressed.
Off to another activity, sorry for the posts being far apart but, the experiences keep coming in and we are on the move frequently. Check back often for more updates.
This first week in Brazil has been most rewarding! I have met some very enthusiastic scientists and teachers who look forward to some continued communication (via internet/webcam).
ReplyDeleteWe went bird watching yesterday, and the ornithologist, Carlos Rizzo, looks forward to creating a virtual database with me, where we would blog our native bird sightings and bird calls :). This man is such a giver to the community as he has started a class for blind children! I'm so excited to work with him in the future. His website is http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlosrizzo
Yesterday, we also visited a Sea Turtle hospital/reservation project, TAMAR. In the past 6 years, it has become an international project with many industrial partners. What a fantastic success story! www.projectotamar.org.br
Speaking portuguese is quite challenging but we seem to be impressing the locals with our comprehension and efforts to communicate in the native tongue.
We are receiving such warm welcomes "Bom Vindo" and excellent hospitality.
We have visited 6 cities so far... Sao Paulo, Sao Jose dos Campos, Campos do Jordao, Cauraguatatuba, Sao Sabastion, and Ubatuba. Off to a new one tomorrow, Taubate! As you can tell, they have us busy! Tours, Tours, Tours!
Billy- you mean in Brazil we would have gone through academy together? The extra support would have been great! Your trip sounds facinatating. I cannot wait to hear more about it, especially a little more on the police force of course!
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