Ilha do Mel Retreat

This past weekend I met up with my Fulbright mentor group for a mid year retreat, our almost three month in check in. Twelve of us from within the state Parana, from the cities Londrina, Apucarana, Ponta Grossa, and Curitiba, gathered together in Curitiba and then took a bus and boat to our destination- Ilha do Mel. We spent the weekend reflecting on the past few months, comparing experiences of learning Portuguese, our University placements, and city life. It was really interesting to see the variation in Portuguese language level, but also to hear just how different every University sets up their Fulbright experience. Our clan works in a mix of public and private universities, and the universities dictate some groups to assist in classroom time, lead cultural activities, or host office hours. Talking with the other Fulbrighters to hear their difficulties, accomplishments, and goals truly did make me feel better about my own ups and downs so far.

That Friday through Sunday we spent participating in an array of workshops, and of course bonding activities- which mostly entailed caipirinhas on the beach, hiking, and bicycling. We hiked to the top of the Farol das Conchas (the lighthouse), and even trekked there early one morning to watch the sunrise. We also hiked across beaches, up hills (which included shuffling down the muddy side hill with a rope and eventually led to a cross marking), and to the Grutas das Encantadas. In Encantadas we stopped for a lunch break, and I got a leite condensado and coco pastel- which ended up being too sweet for my taste, and that’s a hard thing to do! Half of the group went biking to the Fortaleza on our last day. We rented bikes cheaply, and got what we paid for with a lack of brakes. The freshly made fish lunch by the beach, views of the ocean as we rode on the shore, and fort art gallery made it all worth it.

One of the best things I left this trip with- two congas! My very own first conga purchases. One if dark and light blue with splashes of color in the pattern, and the other is a classic Brazilian flag on it.

The worst thing I left with- two arms filled with mosquito bites. They’re healing quickly though.

Watch this video to see a compilation of video clips and photos from my adventure!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUrZtHctkFM&feature=youtu.be