she made it

Guess what? Last weekend (April 2024) We hit the century mark last weekend in Brazil! My Aunt turned a whopping 100 years old! Can you believe it? She's the trailblazer in our family, hitting the big 1-0-0. She's currently living with my mom, who's on duty as her personal caretaker.

Last time I saw her was during my Brazil trip last summer. We snapped some pics, and who knows, they might just be the final ones!

I mentioned in my post about her 99th birthday bash that living far away, like abroad, can mean missing out on a ton of family shindigs. It's the price you pay for being an international jet-setter. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. Thanks to today's tech, we can stay connected with free chats, video calls, and social media. The struggle ain't as real as it used to be!

As for me hitting the century mark? Well, let's just say I'll probably hit the "regressive count" instead. My life's been a rollercoaster, not perfect, but definitely a wild ride. My wish? That my kids, family, and even my students in China live it up and make the best choices so they don't end up looking back with regret.

My blog's chock-full of tips and opinions on navigating life's big decisions because, let's face it, where we end up is often a result of the choices we make. No pointing fingers here, folks!

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 01 Apr 2024

 

Romance Park

Today was an absolute blast as we, the intrepid band of foreign teachers from Henan University of Engineering, embarked on a thrilling adventure to the whimsically named "Romance Park," all thanks to the indomitable spirit of our organizer extraordinaire, Amanda.

Our day was a kaleidoscope of wonder, starting with jaw-dropping shows that left us spellbound, followed by a delightful feast where camaraderie flourished over mouthwatering dishes. As we meandered through the park, we mingled with a plethora of Chinese visitors, swapping stories and laughter like old friends reunited.

But the real highlight? Interacting with the adorable students from elementary schools who peppered the park with their infectious energy. We chatted, we laughed, and we immortalized the moment with countless snapshots that will surely adorn our memory walls for years to come.

Now, let's talk about that grand finale – a mesmerizing spectacle that unfolded before our eyes. Although my grasp of Chinese is, let's say, a work in progress, the performance seemed to narrate China's epic journey through the ages. From ancient struggles to modern triumphs, it was a breathtaking saga of resilience and perseverance, punctuated by stirring dances, poignant scenes of war, and tales of families torn apart yet united in spirit. It's a timeless reminder that every nation has its own narrative of overcoming adversity to emerge stronger.

And oh, did I mention the costumes? Clad in traditional Chinese attire, we transformed into living embodiments of elegance and grace, capturing the essence of a culture steeped in history and allure.

As I reflect on this unforgettable day, one timeless lesson resonates loud and clear: the importance of learning from the past to shape a brighter tomorrow. After all, as the famous adage goes, "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Presentations: YouTube / YouKu <> Walk Day on the park: YouTube / YouKu

With the click of my camera, I've captured not just moments, but memories to cherish forever. Hope to participate in more activities like this in the future.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 30 Mar 2024

Music Festival

Today was the ultimate jam session at school – our very own music festival! After fueling up with dinner, I made my way over and was blown away by the energy and talent on display. Seriously, those performers could rival any workout routine with the way they were busting moves!

Watching the acts was a blast, but the real cherry on top was snapping pics with some of the groups. They were decked out to the nines, and let me tell you, some of them were just too adorable for words. Like, there was this one group of girls whose picture practically screamed "Cutest Crew in Town" – I couldn't help but chuckle at how spot-on it was! Their outfits were on point, their choreo was killer, and let's be real, they were just downright adorable.

 

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 29 Mar 2024

 

Ultraman

Guess what treasure I stumbled upon yesterday alongside some LEGOs? None other than the legendary Ultraman Mask! As a kid, I was utterly obsessed with the TV series, much to the endless teasing of my dear brother. But hey, who can blame me? Ultraman was the epitome of cool back then!

Now, imagine my delight when I found that mask! Without a moment's hesitation, I proudly mounted it on my door. Oh, the mischief I could conjure up with it! Picture this: the water delivery guy knocking, only to be greeted by none other than Ultraman himself (well, sort of)!

Sure, the water guy knows the drill by now—he's been delivering to our place for ages. But hey, a little fun never hurt anyone, right? Besides, it's the little moments of whimsy like this that sprinkle magic into the mundane. Who knows, maybe next time I'll greet the mailman in full superhero regalia! Ah, the joys of reliving childhood fantasies, even if just for a moment.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 29 Mar 2024