Pharmacist nowadays.

Pharmacist nowadays.

    When I had to choose a profession, I had an idea that it would be important to have a career to help people and that I could develop new drug to assist in everyday life.  I would like to be pharmacist because I can deal directly with the public, showing what the best option is for fighting a disease and how to use medications in a correct way and without risks.  

    In my opinion, the importance of this profession goes beyond what we can imagine. Each day brings new diseases, which affect millions of people worldwide, but it is our duty to develop ways to end or reduce such adversities.

    In my view, we can all do better,  especially when we talk about life. Pharmacy has a huge variety of opportunities for areas of research. Every day, I study and see every new opportunity, I  love this career more.

    Pharmacist are pleased to study the drug and its users, and the objective of the research. They also study the development

and production of new drugs, using as source plants, animals, minerals and living beings in general. They study manipulated drugs, creation and application of methods of quality control. Lastly they study the application forms of user guidance in rational drug use, creation and implementation of methods for identification and determination of toxic.

    I think in the future I want study the composition and all production processes of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and processed foods. I want to research and prepare new drugs, cosmetics and toiletries. One of the many reasons for choosing pharmacy as a career is to examine and test substances and active ingredients that go into its composition and observe the reactions provoked in the body.  I want to register new drugs, distribut and market the products, and verify it reach the consumer within the health standards.

    In clinical analysis laboratories in Brazil, researching, recording and performing clinical and laboratory and toxicology tests to aid the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. In Brazil pharmacies, they distribute and prepare customized medications from pharmacies formulas as the ancient apothecaries.

    After considering some of the areas that can act as pharmacy it is easy to understand why this is my passion. Researching and testing new drugs and active principles in pharmaceutical industry is a dream that gets closer every day, as researching and testing new drugs and active principles in pharmaceutical industry.

Acting on clinical observation of patients receiving new drug on the market and especially in the area of oncology that are both growing in the world.

    For these reasons I believe that with this opportunity to study in the U.S., I will have more new ideas to brighten this profession. I will also be able to share what I have learned in the area of ​​pharmacy and show new students how stunning this area of ​​operation is in combating the diseases and the defense of the population.

Why you should go to the gym?

In my opinion working out is one easy way to get a healthy life. If you want to feel better, have more energy for doing activities during the day and even live longer. Exercising regularly has these benefits and many more. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all adults should spend 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. It is a little bit of your time. If you disagree, think about how many hours you waste in front of a television or your computer.

I am sure that exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you go to the gym every day and do some activities, you can control your weight. Expending 3,500 calories per week will help you to lose 1 lb. per week. Also if you change your diet, will be easy to lose weight. I believe that all of people who go to the gym have a different diet. They eat more healthy food and drinking less soda.

I think that one of the best ways to combat diseases is working out. Some diseases, for example: heart disease and high blood pressure can be combated by doing exercise. It may lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, allowing blood to flow more smoothly through your arteries. According to The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, regular activities may lower your risk of developing diabetes, some types of cancer and metabolic syndrome. If you have a good gym where you can combine aerobic exercise with strength training, it will help your muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons, making you stronger and more flexible.

In my view, going to the gym, can lift your mood. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals and it leaves you feeling happier and relaxed. You will sleep better if you exercise each day, which may give you more energy during your day. The stress levels and symptoms of anxiety and depression are decreased while you exercise, and feelings of happiness, calmness and pleasure will increase.

We all know about the benefits of go to the gym (flexibility, increases in strength, calories burned, weight loss), but there are even more benefits. I am sure that you will improve your sex life and sexual stamina. If you can feel sexy, you will be more daring, confident, friendly and more capable of talking with other people. Certainly people that go to the gym will be in a good shape. It makes both men and women more attractive.

I think that the gym is a good place to increase your network. Think about how many people going to the gym every day during the morning, afternoon, and night. It is a great opportunity to meet people who think like you or have the same goals. It is a new social circle instead of your lazy friends that you already have. They have more active lives as kayaking, swimming, and hiking.

Because of these reasons, the health benefits of go to the gym and doing regular exercise are hard to ignore. I believe that you will feel great in front of a mirror. Working out will boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.

A BEVERAGE CALLED CHIMARRÃO: Why It Is So Consummated

Chimarrão is traditionally consumed in subtropical South America. This is an infusion that is prepared by steeping dry leaves of the mate plant in hot water rather than in boiling water. It is consumed similar to a tea. I choose to talk about it because this beverage comes from my home state and because I love this amazing beverage. People that drink chimarrão do not have a specific reason to drink it. As I said before it is a traditional beverage and people grow up drinking chimarrão. But this beverage has a lot of benefits and some of this could explain why people from South America drink chimarrão every day. Some people like to drink chimarrão so early in the morning, some people like to drink it after work to feel relax, and some people like to drink it at work.

A good reason to drink chimarrão is because it brings people together. People enjoy something that is called a “circle of chimarrão”, where the cuia (a cup made from the calabash gourd) is passed around for everyone to drink. Chimarrão is a symbol of Southern hospitality: who arrives as a guest in a house is greeted with chimarrão. Many times people go to some beautiful places to enjoy each other and to drink chimarrão.

            In addition, people enjoy drinking chimarrão because it is a traditional custom from past generations. This beverage is common in a particular place in Brazil called Rio Grande do Sul that conserves traditions, and there people are very proud about their traditions. For them to keep traditions is a lifestyle.

            Another good reason to drink chimarrão is because when you drink it you feel good. This beverage has several healthy benefits. I heard many times people talk each other about the chimarrão benefits, so I will list some of them:

1.      Yerba mate tea is very high in antioxidants. Yerba mate has significant immune boosting properties. Yerba mate also helps reduce stress and insomnia.

2.      Enhances your ability to focus - Users report increased mental energy, clarity and focus.

3.      The chemical compounds and nutrients in yerba mate affect your metabolism to make your body use carbohydrates more efficiently. You'll also burn more of the calories your body has stored in fat cells as fuel when you drink yerba mate regularly.

4.      Yerba mate helps keep your colon clean for effective and efficient waste elimination.

5.      Yerba mate has stimulant qualities to help you feel full sooner after you begin eating.

6.      Yerba mate also helps prevent arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and prevents blood clots that may cause heart attack or stroke.

For these reasons, I like to drink chimarrão every day. As it is a typical beverage from South America and i is hard to find anywhere else around the word. But if you would like to include this wonderful beverage in your life, you can look for it on Brazilian web sites. I know that it is hard, so you can replace it for other type of tea. In my opinion, tea is always welcoming. However, I am not trying to convince you to drink chimarrão regularly. I am just explaining why people from South America like to drink chimarrão. People from Rio Grande do Sul – Brazil like to drink Chimarrão because it means culture, hospitality, friendship, and its healthy and the most importantly it is a tradition.

Pharmacy the best major ever!

     I believe that pharmacy is the best career that someone can choose. This is an interesting major where one can learn a lot about the body, chemical reactions, about drugs and how to synthesize them. According to a list compiled by U.S New & World Report of 2013, working as a pharmacist is the third best profession in America. I am sure that if one chooses this career they will never regret it.

     The job market for a pharmacist is huge. They can work in a myriad of professional settings. There are seventy-eight areas of expertise for this profession as well, including hospitals, nursing homes, the pharmaceutical industry and clinical analysis. Pharmacists can work independently and build their own business, as a pharmacy. So, a pharmacist can choose their setting of work according of what they want.If they like to talk with people and want to work directly with patients they can choose work in the dispensation of drugs. If they are more shy and do not like to talk, they can choose work in a closed environment, like a laboratory. Therefore, excellent job opportunities are expected.

     In my view you can help millions of people. There are those that are in the line of development and researching new medication and they sometimes get to combat major diseases successfully. Even though they do not want to work in the pharmaceutical industry, they will help people individually. According to American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, pharmacists play a key role in helping patients feel better and get well as soon as possible. They can be instrumental in improving the health of patients by choosing the best medicines and helping to avoid side effects.

     Pharmacists can be financially stable. It is essentially one of the best paying jobs today in the United States. Pharmacy careers are one of the best careers because the chance of decline in demand for this industry is very slim.

     In my opinion pharmacists can have a healthier life style than other people. They know the most minute details of the body. They have knowledge about nutrition, diseases, and drug reactions. If they studied about medicinal plants, they can produce their own medicine naturally at home. They see in practice the importance of exercise, balanced diet, and the hygiene of the body.

     They will learn how to have patience and that is also good for health.  Believe me, they will need a lot of patience when you are going to work in the laboratory or in the dispensation of drugs. It is hard to work directly with people. But as my professors ever say: “Patience is the virtue of the pharmacist”. For these reasons, to be a pharmacist is the best choice that one can make. They will need a lot of patience but the results are gratifying.
 

Édina Liara Schons

Wearing a Smile and Being Healthy

The smile has an important function: to express emotion and create bonds between people. But also it has an important role in people’s health. I believe that if you smile often you will have a healthy life. According to research, good humor improves people’s health and people who are happier have a healthier life. Good humor is the expression which says that the body is well.

Laughing makes you feel good, and the good feeling helps you keep positive and optimistic. In my view, when you are laughing you forget the bad things around you. As reported by Dr. Antonio Carlos, a person in good mood suffers less because it produces more endorphins, also called the “happiness hormone”, which makes the body and mind relax, improves sleep, controls blood pressure, and increases the immune system. These substances are produced in situations of laughter, joy, or in any situation that gives you a certain good mood. Along in the same lines, I witnessed an event that proves the action of humor in health. Some days ago, my mother had a terrible migraine. I called her and we started to talk about funny things that happened to me the day before, and about twenty minutes after talking she told me that she was getting better. The good feelings promote sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

While good mood improves health, bad mood causes sickness. In my opinion our bodies react to the state of our minds. When we are sad, worried, or angry, we have more chances of getting sick and also making the people around us feel the same way. Happiness is contagious, and so is sadness. Our mental health depends on the state of mind. Negative emotions affect the body. In keeping with Dr. Antonio Carlos, a grumpy person gets upset constantly, which triggers the release of a hormone called adrenalin. The adrenalin induces cardiac arrhythmia, headache, stress, difficulty digesting, and irritability.

As people always say, “Laughter is the best medicine.” It is a cliché, but it is getting the attention of the doctors and scientists. Laughter has a potential in people’s lives, such as the physical health, mental health, and social benefits. Cardiologist Michael Miller, University of Maryland, United States, led a research about the benefits of laughter to heart health. He got excellent results. Comparing the life attitudes of 150 people with history of stroke to the same number of healthy people, Miller found that those who had never suffered from heart problems were those that showed constant good mood. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against heart diseases.

In addition to helping our health, I believe that laughter is important to our social life. It has big impact in our relationships because good mood is an expression that the body is well. It also strengthens relationships by triggering good feelings which promotes an emotional connection. People want to be closer to happy people and laughter attracts others to us and unites people. It means that the way that we feel affects our entire life, for better or for worse. 

Camila Duarte

Bees and Pesticides

Bees and Pesticides

            After many discussions the European Union banned the use of three types of pesticides used to kill bees. The primary reason was that bee populations were disappearing quickly.  In my opinion, the European Union did a great job, and I strongly believe that all countries around the world should follow this example. In short, the use of pesticides negatively affects the environment and human life.

           First of all, studies show that the current pesticides used in agriculture have been mostly responsible for the decrease of pollination. According to Johnston and Simon, pesticides are responsible for causing changes in the behavior of bees.  Intoxicated bees are incapable of moving efficiently, and consequently most of them are unable to come back to the hive. In addition, Johnston and Simon state that their ability of olfactory, smelling, and memory fall sharply.  In 2013, the European Union suggested a ban on pesticides that threaten bees. One of the reasons is because some types of pesticides called lethal pesticides are directly related to the immediate death of some bee populations. Studies show that some chemical elements present in the pesticides help  develop several diseases that result in the extermination of many bee populations.

         A second reason is that, in my opinion, the pesticide also contributes to pollution of the environment. Current data shows that around 50% of the applied pesticides reach the soil causing serious environmental disorders.  According to an article published in the Journal of Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship, the pesticides used in agriculture are killing the organisms that regenerate the terrestrial ecosystem. In other words, the  organic material is accumulating in the soil and causing poor distribution of the nutrients to the plants. Other research in ten Europeans countries estimates that around 48 different types of pesticides are present in the rainwater. Accordingly the surface water is also being contaminated by pesticides.

        A third reason is that, in my view, the use of pesticides negatively affects the health of humans.  According to Ribas and Matsumura, most of the families who live in rural areas are affected by diseases related to exposure to pesticides. Researchers in Camocim de São Félix state that of 159 people, 45 of them feel bad when they are applying pesticides in their farming. Another disconcerting factor is that 70.6% of the women of this city already went through miscarriages. Another relevant factor is the unhealthy feeding caused by insecticide residues on the food. In the city of Paty do Alferes, samples of tomatoes were found inappropriate for consumption because they contained high levels of toxic traces.

           Furthermore, these are not the unique problems related to the use of pesticides on bees. Unfortunately the use of these chemicals do not contribute to the development of a sustainable world. In fact, besides us, the future generation will suffer the negative consequences of the polluting actions practiced at the present.

       After all these reasons we have to think about our environment and how to protect  it against the pesticides issued on our environment. If we do not ban the use of pesticides on bees we will feel the terrible effects as soon as we can imagine.

                                                                                                                                         

REFERENCES

European Union bans three pesticides that kill bees. Available in<http://pt.euronews.com/2013/04/29/ue-proibe-tres-pesticidas-que-matam-as-abelhas/> accessed April 25, 2014.

JOHNSTON, Paul; SIMON, Gergeli.  Bees in Decline - A review of factors that put pollinators and agriculture in Europe at risk. April 2013. Greenpeace International. The Netherlands available in< http://sos-bees.org/wp content/uploads/2014/04/BeesInDecline.pdf> accessed April 20, 2014.

Journal of Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship - Cocktails de Pesticidas Prejudicam a Saude do Solo. Available in<  http://www.cienciahoje.pt/index.php?oid=58476&op=all> accessed April 20, 2014.

LIPINSKI, Jéssica. União Européia propõe Banimento de Pesticidas que Ameaçam Abelhas. Available in< http://www.institutocarbonobrasil.org.br/ecossistemas1/noticia=733115> accessed April 20, 2014.

RIBAS, Priscila P.; MATSUMURA,  Aida T.s. A química dos agrotóxicos: impacto sobre a saúde e meio ambiente. Revista Liberato, Novo Hamburgo, v. 10, n. 14, p. 149-158, jul./dez. 2009 available in< http://www.liberato.com.br/upload/arquivos/0120110910074119.pdf > accessed April 20, 2014.

The use of pesticides in agriculture. Available in< http://www.sigrh.sp.gov.br/sigrh/arqs/relatorio/crh/cbh-alpa/1121/Uso_de_agrotoxicos_na_agricultura.html > accessed April 20, 2014.

Google Drive: The Powerful Tech Tool

Google Drive: The Powerful Tech Tool

Nowadays, technology is improving every single second. It is increasingly becoming a part of our lives.  Therefore, we have to know how to use it to our advantage.  Powerful tech tools can make your life easier. A good example is Google Drive also called GDrive released on April 24, 2012, and it has innumerable benefits.

First of all, GDrive enables user cloud storage, which is useful because you can store any file on it. According to Google, the service starts with 15 gigabyte of free storage, which is more than enough. You can still buy more storage if you need it. Also you can keep pictures, stories, designs, drawings, recordings, videos and anything that you want. I believe that this tool can replace the small memory stick, which is easy to lose or forget and can get you in trouble. Many things can happen, such as your phone goes for a swim or your laptop takes an infinite snooze. No matter what happens to your devices, your files are safely stored in Google Drive. Additionally, many people do not know that GDrive can work well without Internet access; this powerful tech tool offers us offline access. It is easy enough and anyone is able to configure it. In this way you can view documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, organize folders and edit files that are stored in your Google Drive folder.

The second great benefit is that you can see your files anywhere and access GDrive everywhere. Your files in it can be reached from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you install GDrive on any of your devices, you can keep your files safe and easy to reach from anywhere. Wherever you go, your files follow. In my opinion, it is a brilliant idea so that if my computer does not work, I will not get worried because I can get my files with another device.

Another exceptional function is sharing of files and folders with exactly whom you want and edit them together from any device. You can quickly invite others to view, download, and collaborate on all the files you want and no email attachment will be needed. GDrive gives you instant access to Google Docs, a suite of editing tools that makes working together better, even when you travel to another country or your teammates are miles away. In my view, it is excellent to work in groups, whether for a job, school, or personal life.

In conclusion, if you use Google Drive you will have all your files ready wherever you are.  You do not have the risk of losing relevant documents anymore. For these reasons, I believe that if you insert Google Drive into your daily life, it will become simple and better. I see it as a vehicle of progress. It is not our future. It is our present. I am sure that Gdrive is the best tech tool ever. You should not miss it.

Debbie Brito

April 30, 2014

  

The Importance of the Relationship Between Parents and Children

            The children are the future of the world and because of that their development is very important. In my opinion, the most important influence in the development of children are their relationship with the parents. Each child has their own way of learning about life but there are two stages of development that are typical in all children. The first stage is the physical development that consists in changes in the body of the child. The second stage is the psychological development that consists in the construction of the way that the child is going to view the world in the future.

            According to the pediatricians, the parents are irreplaceable in a child’s life not just to detect physical situations, like a disease or a delay of auditory responses, but to share with the child a relationship of fulfillment and their emotional needs.  Pediatrician Dr. Jack Shonkoff said that: “A child may not care who cuts his hair or takes his money at the toy store, but he cares a great deal about who is holding her when she is unsure, comforts her when she is hurt, and shares special moments in her life (Shonkoff, parentalrights.org)." I believe that the closer the relationship between parents and children are the greater possibility to have a child well-developed socially and emotionally.

            The parent-child relationship also has a big influence in the behavior of the child. I believe that children see the parents as examples to follow. All the movements of the parents are important to their children since they were born until the day that they are old enough to make their own decisions. However in that time all the examples of the parents are attached to a behavior of the child. Sometimes parents try to do everything right but they forgot to have a relationship close with their child, and because of that the child learns something wrong in other social group that they are inserted and this is now also attached to the child’s behavior.  In other times the parents themselves have bad behavior so their children will probably have bad behavior too.

            Although people do not worry so much about their children’s emotional life but this is as important as the behavior. In my opinion, when the child does not have the warmth of the parents in the parent-child relationship they can not have a healthy emotional life. Children need to have someone that they can trust to talk about their feelings toward. Sometimes the freedom to speak clearly with parents can be so important that can stop a disaster like the massacre that happened at Columbine High School, the young men could have been stopped if their parents went to their rooms and looked for something unusual in their child’s belongs.

            There is no doubt that the parent-child relationship is important to the well development of the children. To have a relationship of trust between parents and children it must begin when the child is little and it need to be exercised all the time that the child is living with their parents. If the relationship parent-child is strong enough any social group outside of home cannot change the behavior of the child and this way the child can have a good physical and emotional life.

Brazil the Place You Should to Visit

Brazil the Place You Should to Visit

            In my opinion, Brazil is the best place to visit. This country has a perfect mix of culture which originates from many countries around the world such as Italy, Germany, Japan and some of the African countries. It has the freshest, most delicious, and juicy fruits that you can imagine. I believe that Brazil has a larger assortment of fruits than any other country in the world. It has the most entertaining, playful, amazing carnival too. And I cannot forget talking about the beaches. Yes, Brazil, this amazing tropical country has the most colorful, pleasurable, and hot beaches. It seems like a paradise. Does it not?

            Brazil produces fruits the whole year; each kind of fruit depends of the season. Here are some examples: persimmon, carom, Fig genipap,  fruta do conde, pitanga, guava,  jabuticaba, gooseberry, jackfruit, kiwi, pomegranate, cupuaçu, passion fruit, acerola, amora, açai and anana, plus the common fruit like avocado, pineapple, orange, banana and strawberry.  In Brazil you can enjoy fresh natural juice any time, with your meals, on the parks, beaches, everywhere. It is so healthy and tasty. I think that my favorite fruit is jabuticaba, it is dark purple outside and white inside, it tastes so sweet. I had a jabuticaba tree in my backyard when I was a child and I spent most of my afternoons on the top of this tree eating jabuticaba with my friends and my young sister.

            The best street parties happens in Brazil, in my view if you really like parties and festivals the best time to visit Brazil is in February. This month is carnival time there, the whole country goes to parties and parades; big huge bright floats invade streets, also there are “trios eletricos” it is a big truck with a lot of sounds pikers and a famous singer on it performing a show. The streets get crowded and it is summer time there, so sometimes there are few fire trucks which pour cold water on the crowd. You are able to use what you want, dancing like you want and doing what you want. It sounds a bit messy and sometimes it is, but you cannot imagine how much fun you can get until you go there.

            The white soft sand ends where the blue warm water begins, I am talking about the beauty and popular beaches that Brazil has, its beaches are world famous, but I am about to talk of my favorite beach there.  It is the “Praia do Santinho”. I believe that is the prettiest beach because the water is so clean, the sand is so soft and the city is far from it. It is located in the south of Brazil. There are gorgeous mountains around the beach with forests on it and some rock walls near the ocean. In my view this is the perfect place to relax, take off stress and interact with nature.  Maybe you can also grab some of the delicious Brazilian natural juice at this beach.

            Brazil, great wide green tropical country located in south of America; what a wonder! For the reasons mentioned above I think that Brazil is a perfect country to live or visit and everyone should take  time to go there.

INTERVIEW WITH A MEXICAN STUDENT

When I arrived in New Orleans I was impressed with this city. Before I left Brazil, I knew that I was going to a new country and I knew that the culture would be completely different to me. When I arrived at Dillard University I noticed some cultural differences, and I liked that. This is because I like to learn about different custums and cultures. I realized that New Orleans has some people that come from other countries. For this blog I chose to talk about Mexican culture. I am going to write a little bit about a great person that I met here at Dillard. Her name is Anabel. She is from Mexico. Anabel was very welcoming when I arrived, and I realized that she is very kind and friendly, so I am glad to talk about her.

                          Anabel was born in Mexico City - Mexico. She has been here since august. Because she arrived in New Orleans two weeks before me, We are almost on the same page. Anabel is a Spanish teacher and she is here for a Master's degree. She is here by a governmental program. Unfortunately she is going back to Mexico at the end of summer. During the interview I asked her some common questions about her life and about her experience in U.S. She told me that in the beginning it was not easy for her to adapt to the U.S. because she has missed her family a lot and because the culture in the U.S. is different than that of Mexico.

                          Anabel had started to adept to her new routine in the U.S. It was not difficult for her because she said that Mexico and New Orleans are similar in the media, like television, music, etc. I feel the same way as Anabel because Brazil and New Orleans culture are so close. When I asked Anabel about New Orleans she said that, “New Orleans is a typical southern city because it is also a tourist town, the people here are very welcoming, and hospitable, and they are open-minded to accept you.” During her time here in the United States, Anabel traveled around the country. She went to New York, Washington DC and some places in Florida. She likes New Orleans, she likes people, she likes places and she likes the weather. Although she likes living in New Orleans, she misses her family and she wants to go back to Mexico. Living in the U.S. forever is not her plan. Even though Anabel wants to live her whole life in Mexico, she wants to come back to the United States to  study for a PHD, after words she wants to go back to Mexico.

                          At the end of the interview, I asked her to share some thing interesting  about her country or her culture. She told me about a Christian celebration in Mexico called the “Day of the Dead”. It is not a sad celebration but rather is a celebration of life. Mexicans believe that death is the beginning to a new life. Another interesting thing about she has dream of being a singer since she was a child. She would like to be a singer. She studied music in the past, but she left it to study languages. But here at Dillard she is taking some art courses to continue her passion of music.

                           To summarize I could say that this experience of living in another country, learning about different cultures, and living far from home is an amazing experience. Even though we are missing our family, this experience makes us grow up and became strong and wise. In this blog we have some examples about life outside our home country. To conclude, we may realize that living in another country with cultural differences is not an easy thing, but it is much important for our professional life as personal achievement. Finally I would like to say “If you have a dream fight for it. You must go after your goals. Work hard and be happy.”

Sitting in front of Jackson Square

      Undoubtedly, New Orleans is unique in the United States. I had never visited another city in the United States, except Miami, but I saw many others interesting cities by famous movies. All of these spots are completely distinct from New Orleans. This city is amazingly awesome. Each time that I go out, each place that I go, each city block, I can see different faces of New Orleans, is terrific. New Orleans is a great mix of cultures, because here is one of the most important ports in the world. It was through this port that New Orleans exploded culturally.
      Today is Sunday afternoon. I almost never go to downtown at this afternoon. It will be my first time downtown with the goal to describe everything around me. I am going to Jackson Square in the French Quarter. It is the heart of this city. I am getting off the streetcar on Bourbon Street. This is one of the most famous and exciting streets in New Orleans. Fortunately, today is a warm day and I can walk with comfortable clothes.
      To get on Washington Artillery Park, I had to walk through Bourbon Street and cross Jackson Square. Then I needed to go up some stairs. Now I am sitting in front of a cannon war. There are many people here. Almost all people are taking pictures, or making short movies. From here, I can see the cathedral to my left, the Mississippi river to my right, Café Du Monde in front of me, and behind me I can see some buildings. The view from here is breathtaking. It is incredible see how many different kinds of people are here. The Café Du Monde is full and there are two more lines of people waiting for drink café au laits and taste the famous beignets.
      The St. Louis Cathedral is so beautiful, I have never been inside of it, but I think that if it looks like outside, it should be wonderful, it is full of details. Between the Cathedral and me is Jackson Square with a historical sculpture of Andrew Jackson riding a horse. The park is full of tourists; some of them are lying down on the grass. In front of the park, there are eight carriages, taking tourists on trips through the French Quarter. Near me, down the stairs, some guys are showing off their abilities. They are doing acrobatics, dancing and singing. The people are staring at them. The stairs are full of people sitting and watching their show. To my right the train is passing. It is so noisy, but the river is calm and I can see the cruise ship leaving by the river, it is beautiful. Some birds are flying above the river, trying to catch food that people are throwing in the water. Now is almost sunset. The streetlights will begin to turn on in a few minutes.

The City Park in New Orleans.

The City Park in New Orleans.

          When I had the opportunity to choose a place to write, it bothered me a lot because New Orleans has a lot of beautiful places.   New Orleans is a city full of life, a tourist city, in the United States and full of diversity.  Today, I practice gymnastics at the gym.   I found in city park, an ideal place to do my exercises and meet new people, to breathe clean air and have a greater feeling of complete freedom.   City park is a beautiful, cozy place that brings me good vibes.   City park is composed of football fields, soccer fields, leisure areas, museums with beautiful statues made by artists from various places, race path for training and using bicycles as well.  City park is a beautiful lake that can be exploited when we rented a traditional paddle boat that is here.   It has free animals like ducks and other birds.   Every day I see how city park is important for a city of this size and this park population in general.  I see entire families exercising, running, hiking, barbecuing, partying, doing some kind of sport with their kids and family.   I haven’t see this type of place in Brazil.   I am looking more at the center of the park and discovering that all children love toys, the slide, and so that swings.  City park has a restaurant in front of the toys, that always plays live music so that children can play while their parents unwind with a good conversation between friends.   While in the park I started talking to a man who exercised at the same time as I do.  This gave me the opportunity to interview him for my blog especially because he is a trainer.

1- What is your name and how old are you?

My name is Jonathan and I am 38 years old.

2- You live here in New Orleans?

Yes, I am a teacher and I follow this group of students here at the park.

3- Do you charge money to train in this gym?

Actually, I do not charge anything but I am respected by them.  I had weight problems in the past and today I try to help other people.

4- Why did you chose this park for training?

To be close to home and for reminding me of every difficulty that stopped me from loosing weight.   I feel very good here also because I can see my brothers.

5- Tell me what you like best here in the park?

Besides practicing my exercises, I like to meet new people and increase my circle of friends with good people and meet other ideologists, people who are open-minded and unprejudiced.

I agree with Jonathan because the city park is a great place to meet people and do what you enjoy most, play football, play with your friends or children, to relax from the stress of the day’s work and above all remain healthy, keep going every day to this wonderful park that makes me feel good.

French Quarter

       New Orleans has many interesting spots, but the French Quarter is the only place that has caught my attention and is worth describing. It is a flawless place and has an incredible culture.Today is a wonderful hot day. The sun is shining and a jet plane is flying through the clouds, leaving its trail of smoke on the blue sky.

   I am sitting in a bench in front of Saint Louis Cathedral and the Louisiana State Museum. Behind me, many fortunetellers are sitting in their chairs spreading the cards on the table, reading the hands of their customers. To my left, there is a pretty red building with a French fence - that sort of adorable building that is characteristic of the city. I was flabbergasted when I arrived here and passed in front of this building because a dog dressed in a black suit was lying in a coffin and someone was asking for money to make a proper burial. A few orange flowers were decorating the little coffin. I was filled with sorrow until I realized that the dog was not really dead. Now I think it is funny considering the tennis ball in its paw. The dog is an extremely good actor.

       Sitting here on my little bench I can see several people stopping to watch the dog. Some of them are taking photos, others are recording, someone is talking with the owner of the dog and others are giving him tips. In front of me is the fence of the square where the statue of General Andrew Jackson stands. Because of the trees, I cannot see the statue. However, the view here is delightful. Several paintings of all types, sizes, and colors are hanging on the fence. Some artists are painting and doing their work here in the square while the people watch.

       Behind the fence, a few trees give the place a natural and refreshing feel. A couple of birds are flying merrily through the branches. Another is sitting in the middle of the leaves trying to draw attention to itself with its lovely song. At my right a group of people are in a circle involved with a magician who is playing with a rope. He is wearing a black suit, a white shirt, brown shoes, and a hat. His beard and long hair give him a thrilling characteristic and the red rose in his jacket pocket gives him a charming characteristic. He seems to be rather funny because I can hear the people laughing.

       I closed my eyes for a while, so I could hear perfectly what was happening in the moment. I took a deep breath, so I could smell all the aromas of the place. Because describing a place is more than just see, we need to appreciate all the senses.

       While I closed my eyes I heard the birds singing, the people talking, the baby crying, the magician calling more people, and a weak song of a guitar far away. While I took my deep breath I could smell the cologne of my boyfriend, the smell of the trees, and something good to eat.

       Here are all kinds of people: rich, poor, tourists, marketers, adults, children, and a couple of students doing their homework. I can only say that here is the perfect place to enjoy the culture of the city. Relax and entertain yourself.

Édina Liara Schons

Fontainebleau State Park

            Today I am in the Fontainebleau State Park. The park is located in Mandeville, Louisiana. In the past, it was privately owned and named Tchefuncte State Park. The park is surrounded by Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou Cane, and Bayou Castine. It is the most beautiful park that I have seen since I came to the United States. The park is very spacious  and it has many places where you can swim and rest.

            In this moment, I am sitting on the sidewalk in front of the lake. My friends are behind me. Some of them are taking care of their children, and other are still having lunch.

            On my right side there are two people sitting on the chairs near the sidewalk. They are looking around and watching their children. The woman is tall and has blonde hair. She is wearing a beautiful blue blouse and blue shorts. She also has a big black purse on her lap. Her husband is talking to her in a soft voice, and she is listening mindfully. He is wearing a blue shirt and black pants. They both are smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, so they seem to be rested and relaxed. Their children are playing in front of them. The girls are twins, so they both have straight blonde hair and blue eyes. They are both walking slowly beside the lake. While the girls are walking their dog is biting a little orange ball. He seems to be very excited because he is chasing his tail.

            In front of me there are three teenage girls. One of them is standing on the sand while the other girls are running toward the water. They are trying to climb a large rock in the lake. It is hard for them because the rock is wet. They are laughing a lot and calling their friends to look at them. They were having a good time until one of them hurts her foot. I could not see what happened, but I see that there is blood running on her foot. She is looking around with panic in her eyes while her friends are talking with her.

            Even though today is a sunny day,  there are more people on the grass behind me than in the water. I realize there are people of all ages. Most of them come to here to rest and spend time with friends and family.

Simone Zulpo