Rio de Janeiro: 30 degrees, hot, Sunny and slightly overcast.
Yesterday was a bank holiday, falling on a Wednesday, right in the middle of the week.
So, the week is already disrupted, as today and tomorrow won’t be normal working days. Perhaps I’m saying this because my mind is already in travel mode. It’s as if I’m already on the plane, in England, facing the cold with my mother. It’s cold and miserable outside; if it isn’t raining, it will surely be soon.
Brazil is experiencing a heat wave, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, where temperatures are at boiling point. I had to go to the shopping centre near where I live to pick up a pair of jeans that I had been left there to be adjusted; the hem needed to be done.
Yesterday, I received a message that they were ready, and the only time I could collect them was between 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning. So, I got the jeans, left the shopping centre, and on the way back home, I passed a large digital street clock that advertises and tells the time and temperature.
There are many in Rio; they’re all over the place, but I couldn’t believe my eyes as the clock showed 45 degrees C. Then the display changed to the time, and after a few seconds, it returned to showing the same temperature again, 45 degrees, as if it were a confirmation.
That is approximately 114 degrees Fahrenheit, which is very, very hot. Summer has arrived early this year; on the contrary, I hope snow arrives early in England this year and we have a white Christmas. Strangely, Yasmin’s bedroom, where I have my home office setup, desk, books, etc., is reasonably cool, much cooler than the living room and outside, so I haven’t felt the heat as much as I should have.
In the afternoon, I had to go to Copacabana and give a class to Dona Vera. The funny thing was that I talked to Dona Vera about my trip to England and that she would obviously have to stop paying me for the next couple of months. I will not be here in Brazil, so it would be impossible to give her presential classes as she does not accept online classes. The truth is that she’s the only pupil that I continue to give presential classes to.
She told me that she had already told her daughter, who is responsible for her finances, to continue paying me monthly even though she is not receiving classes. I told her it was unnecessary to do this, but she insisted.
I was surprised and flattered. I reiterated that it would not be necessary, and in return, she affirmed that it is important for her to continue paying me and that when I return to Brazil, she will resume her classes. I thanked her again, showing my appreciation. We also agreed that when I am in England, I will call her occasionally to chat and catch up on everything happening in Brazil and England.
It is reassuring to know that I am appreciated and that the work we do does not go unrecognised. Antonio, a tour operator, long-term friend, and student, facilitated my payments for the travel insurance based on our longstanding friendship.
As a teacher, I must be mindful and recognise that there is a fine line I should never cross professionally, and I should never mix things. However, we can always build solid and long-term friendships through our work and profession; however, we should be cautious not to cross that line or disrespect, imbalance, or misuse that friendship.
It is truly valuable to have people who appreciate you not just professionally, but also as a person who understands your character. This intangible legacy reveals a great deal about a person, professionally and personally.
I have been fortunate throughout the time of the school to learn from and make friends with many good people, from whom I hope to have grown to be a better person. Sometimes, I feel that what I have not gained financially, I have more than compensated for in life experience and, hopefully, a bit of wisdom.
Everything is nearly ready for travelling. I need to buy presents for my mum, nephew, and niece. The documents are all up to date and sorted; I just need to pack my bags and head to the airport.
I am in countdown mode.
In bed by 9.30 p.m.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.
Richard
