Life in the House of a Brazilian Consul

Ficha 4 × 1

Date: 16/01/2013 to 17/01/2013

Path: We went straight for the Hummingbird Highway which goes to Belmopan.

"Travelers arriving in the capital of Belize are faced with the most basic of all existentialist issues: What am I doing here?” (translated the book 'Lonely Planet: central america on a shoestring’, 2010.)

Well, even with nothing inviting proposition from one of our guide books, decided to spend the Belizean capital. After all, the city was on our way to Guatemala and, thereby, also would complete a deal that would come to formulate hours after: move to meet, even for a few hours, all the capitals of Central America.

Following the logic of other Central American countries that bear his name for the name of its capital (as Guatemala City and Panama City), many have come to think mistakenly that Belize City is the capital of Belize. But, indeed, those who think so are not so deceived, because the most important and populous city of Belize has been, yes, the capital.

It turns out that in 1961 a hurricane, named Hattie, razed almost 75% homes and commercial buildings Belize City. Because of this, the Belizean government decided to move the administrative structure of the country to its interior and, subsequent years, were devoted to knocking on the England door (Belize at that time was still a British colony) requesting funds to rebuild their capital (nothing fairer!). And so, in 1970, in the "middle of nowhere", founded the city of Belmopan - current capital of Belize.

With approximately 17 thousand Belmopan really has nothing to see or visit. Its center is surrounded by some unkempt administrative buildings, as the seat of the federal government and its ministries and a disorganized plaza with grocery stores and some street hawkers. For there are also some "items" of basic needs as either restaurants, medical centers, banks and etc.. Reminded us to a worsened version of University City - no better than the USP had: Shake of the students and the CEPEUSP (Center for sports practice)

The administrative buildings in downtown Belmopan – Belize

Walking through the administrative buildings in downtown Belmopan – Belize

André nostalgic, made sure to take pictures at the Ministry of Energy Belize.

Another angle of the administrative center of Belmopan – Belize

The same desire was to go, but still decided to take a walk. We skirted the main square and fell within a few more slums where we, ironically, a red Brasil (Brazil Street). Follow another direction and deparávamos in a neighborhood with more noble houses. It was a stark contrast amidst the great "middle of nowhere". There, we could see from afar a large green-yellow flag waving. It was the Brazilian Embassy! Interestingly we found that the most interesting had to do in Belmopan. We were scuff, shorts and shirt. Even so decided to go there to "visit".

The neighborhood 'noblest’ Belmopan where are the embassies and consulates.

Bruno 'felizão’ to find Brazil St. (Brazil Street) em Belmopan! hahahaha

We rang the doorbell and were greeted by the receptionist that Belizean, just tell our story, ran to call the lady Graça Vasconcelos. Vice-Consul of Brazil in Belize, Grace was so helpful with us, and was so delighted with our history, (today becoming one of our biggest followers) who insisted on calling the ambassador Tomas Guggenheim to know us. Hit a long chat, and when we were out, Ambassador cordially offered us to open the tent and sleep right there in the embassy! It's time!!! (It is worth a caveat on the commendable attitude of the Brazilian consular corps in Belize that fulfilled their role as representatives of the Brazilian people outside Brazil. Because, in addition to providing space for our enjoyment embassy, provided us with information about policies and out of the country. No entanto, equal support unfortunately was not seen when we need help in other embassies as Peru and Ecuador.) As soon the invitation, Ambassador retired to continue their commitments and, em moments, would receive the best invitations: Grace invited us for us to sleep in your own home! Needless to say that we accept the invitation, nor? hahahaha. Grace called the Carlos, her husband, counting the unusual novelty that 5 big guys were going to dinner and sleep at their house.

The beautiful Embassy of Brazil in Belmopan with the distinguished presence of Ambassador Tomas Guggenheim and Vice Consul Grace Vasconcelos! (em Belmopan – Belize)

Although in the beginning feel bad for being "invading" the house, and privacy, people who barely knew (even more in the case of a representative of the federal government), then we would find that our visit was, somewhat, a joy for them! First because, as mentioned above, Belmopan is one of the most boring cities in the continent! Moreover, the children of Grace and Carlos were university in USA (country where Grace had worked at the embassy, years before moving to Belize) and, without almost nothing to do in the city - such as courses, theaters, bons restaurants, parks or any tourist or leisure attractive - most of the time the two years in which there were, their routines they involved only two.

A toast in Brazilian home of Grace and Carlos!

We arrived at their house and the smell of delicious Brazilian food is home peels espalhava. And do you think our luck stopped there?! For know that he had one more: Carlos was the 'chef' restaurant at the time they lived in Boston!!! Expert cook, excited, Playful and mining of origin, o Carlos, é clear, was keen to serve us for breakfast delicious cheese bread that he made! (not those frozen). Ate muuuitos! And at dinner we kill the longing to eat a genuinely Brazilian beans (after all, had just come out of Mexico where beans are sweeter and usually served as a Pope). And still had natural juice, well seasoned rice and vegetables, pot roast…all flavored with truth!! And to finish dinner: a delicious passion fruit mousse that Andre almost left the pots to each and ate the entire platter alone! Hahahaha

A delicious dinner made by Carlos!

André devouring (his third pot of) passion fruit mousse .. hahahaha

There were hours and hours of conversation both at dinner and at breakfast. Grace told us the advantages and disadvantages of a consular life. Because, on one hand there are all the honor, prestige and to represent Brazil facilities before other nations, there is great difficulty in putting down roots where it passes. And pior, often have to represent the country, for years, in remote or without much structure in countries like Belize, where besides the tedious routine, is even difficult to specialize and grow professionally and personally. And there's the matter of the creation of the children who, each 3 or 5 years old, are living in different countries and having to begin life from scratch - new friends, colleges, courses, to provide new learning, but also allow, time, a feeling of not belonging. Not to mention Carlos, that each country has to find a new job. Ali then in Belmopan, it was almost impossible!

Hours and hours of conversation at dinner and at breakfast! Carlos and Grace had a lot to talk nice to share with us!

We speak of the Expedition and also talk of Brazilian politics, of how they met and the experiences of two lives - and we also have our. We talked about trivia and funny stories and also the cuisine in each country. When Brazilian joins issue is not lacking, nor?! Hahahah. And the conversation was extended further when Gabriel was discovered that Carlos Santos Purple! Then all converged to football and never stopped!

Breakfast Brazilian beeem!

We were there less than 24 hours, but it was enough for us to know much of the life of Grace and Carlos. A unique experience to get to know more deeply the reality of a Brazilian diplomatic representation and make great new friends that one day we hope to meet again in Brasilia, or some other country where Grace is sent!

Parting the home of Grace and Carlos! Thank you and until next :)

The care received in the Brazilian embassy in Belize has fulfilled its role, because it allowed us to feel truly in Brazilian territory. And with even more surplus to receive the additional warmth of a true home in the Brazilian House of Grace and Carlos! Thanks for making us proud of your work and the attention and care that was dedicated in spontaneously!