Back Again

I set up this blog 5 years ago but never really used it...a lot has happened since then. Now, 5 years later, I'm not sure who would be interested in what I have to share but I think this is an exercise of getting everything that is in my head out, clearing space for more and keeping it fresh.
I have been in a phase where all the books and music I read are in Portuguese. It may be that I am homesick, it may be that I want to stay tunned with my roots, or it may just be that I want to understand where I come from and what makes me who I am.
I just finished reading Joao Ubaldo Ribeiro's "Viva o Povo Brasileiro". There is an English version called "An Invincible Memory" translated by the author himself. It is an amazing read. An epic novel that spans 300 years in Brazilian history. Even though the characters are fictional, the historic background is true. Very true.
I feel like it gave me many clues in understanding why we (as in the Brazilian people) are like we are. I am far from an expert or a historian but this book gave me insights that were precious.
Brazilians are a very passionate people, but you dont need to read this to know that. It is everywhere, on everything we do. We go for it. Good or bad. We are also talented, musical and welcoming. But, we are also corrupt, self-deprecating and do try to take advantage of anything and anybody. Joao Ubaldo Ribeiro is very candid about this and regardless of the what anybody say, I am proud to be Brazilian. With all the good things and bad things that come with it. With the corruption and the musicality. I dont live in Brasil anymore and many would say that this is why I'm so in love with my country. I disagree. I lived there most of my life and still live there, at least through my books and music.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo%C3%A3o_Ubaldo_Ribeiro