Johanna - Life in Motion

So What am I doing here...

2006-12-12T19:59:00.000-02:00

ABN building
Originally uploaded by johy_81.

After 5 months of waiting I got my visa to work at ABN-AMRO bank (dutch bank), as a business Support, for an area called Transaction Banking, it might sound fancy but what I actually do is being the manager assistant, it is a cool position since I have the opportunity to learn a lot from banking and from my boss (who happens to be Brazilian!) doing a mix of operative and strategic work.

I work in the taller building in the 23rd floor, from where I have an amazing view of the city, which is reaaaally big, but unfortunately it is also very polluted

what else... hmm!! last friday about 15 people took the building, literally... and apparently it happens quite a lot here in Mexico. What I heard was that one of them owed money to one of the companies in the building and he was part of a minor political party, so he brought some of his friends and protest against this company, however all the other companies were affected since they were blocking the entrance to anyone, including employees, providers, everybody... the protest went until noon but I happen to arrive before 8am that day...

MEXICALAND... MEXICO... MEJICO... my new home

2006-12-12T19:29:00.000-02:00

well..It doesn't feel like home yet, but it is a fact that I will be living here for one year so I have to syncronize my mind and be open to feel it like home.

I got here 12 days ago, and soon I realized that this will be such a different and open-eyed experience, that for the first time maybe I feel like I really need some back up, angels, friend and everything that God can send me to give me some light.

Mexicaland, tierra de Mexicas, on behalf of previous civilizations who habited here centuries ago, and who built the basis of this amazing culture, amazing country...

Mexicaland, a new chapter just begins!

turning 25!

2006-10-06T02:54:00.000-03:00

my wish!
Originally uploaded by johy_81.

I spent a very nice day, calls from friends that made my day, sharing with my family after so long, and spending time with my friends in town. I'm blessed with health, happiness, loving family, and charming friends.
25: Get use to this number as I'm not planning to go beyond :)
Forever young... I wanna be...

Check more pics at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johy/

flash news

2006-07-29T20:33:00.000-03:00

Almost 2 months since my last post, but life is still in motion, so what stoped me from blogging? Well, top three reasons were, lack of time, lack of internet access and then I just was on vacations, which I'm still on but I decided it was time to visit this site again.

So what has happened since my last post? I could summarize it as:

* I finished my term as Explora Coordinator and my succesor Piret, arrived in town (Sao Paulo) for transition and getting to know her new home.

* My farewell party took place, so I was able to meet most of the people who made my two years in Brazil the time of my life

* I came to Colombia (barranquilla) to spend time with my family and friends, take care of health issues, and get ready for my next destination: Mexico

* Brazil didn't make it in the world cup, Italians won instead... and I blame Roberto Carlos and Perreira!!!!! grrr

Yeah, that is mostly it... Now I'm still waiting for my working permit, it should be ready in any moment, but hopefully soon, I can't wait to get a date and put me in that plane for the new challenges that Mexico city and ABN will give me!

Ok, after this post I'll try to share some of my random thoughts and keep you updated about my next move! Be good, take care and God bless you all!

(pics will come later... connection was to slow!)

Brazil in the World Cup

2006-06-02T13:34:00.000-03:00

When people think of BRazil, soccer would be one of the first things that come to their mind (maybe also women, samba, carnivals, beaches). And after two years I can say this is not only an steriotype, yes it is true that not all of the 187 million people are as good as Pele or Ronaldo with a ball in their feet, but they all become one soul in times like this when the Brazilian team is going to the world cup!

And I mean it, you only need to take a walk around any street and you will see the brazilian flag all over the place, in t-shirts, caps, bags, in the tie of the waiter, hanging from cars or houses/buildings, everywhere... the last thing I heard is that they have made a special edition of contact lens with the brasilian flag... do you want more proves??

There is no doubt for them that the brazilian team will get the cup for 6th time this year in Germany, and well they have reasons to believe this, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka (what a cutie!), Cafu, Roberto Carlos among other great players have everything needed to bring this gift to Brazilians.

Business and the world cup
Of course economy is impacted with this cup just read this:
* Most of companies have promissed to get big screens to project the game so their employees don't call sick to stay at home to watch the games
* Other companies will let their employees go two hours before the Brazilian games so they can watch it at home, bars or anywhere they want
* banks have already announced the special schedule they will have while Brazil is in the cup.

The Panini Album
This deserves an special place, most of my friends are collecting the stamps of the album this is a big trend in Brazil, people take it soooo seriously
* You normally get the stamps in the kiosks in the street, the other day I went with Gaudhy to 8 different Kiosks and the "figurinhas" were sold out everywhere!!
* Exchanging "figurinhas" is a social activity here, at work you exchange with your boss, your co-workers, the guy who serves coffee, doorman, anyone.. it is actually a way to get to know people
* There are special sites in internet where people offer and ask for figurinhas, all means are valid in order to complete the album.

The brasilian soccer team, more than soccer itself.. it is an adiction here... people love their team, in a country of so many inequities, it is a way to bring people together at least in heart... as of course each one will live this cup in very different ways.

I think Brazil will be the second best place to witness the cup after Germany, it will be like another carnival, but I will miss it unfortunately, as I'm returning next week to Colombia... there is no need to say which will be my team... any guess?? :)

Aiesecers in ABN...

2006-05-29T12:55:00.000-03:00

DSC02456
Originally uploaded by johy_81.

After a traineeship in ABN in R.dam, Marcio Jappe (former MCP in Brazil) also joined the ABN crowd in Sao Paulo... does anybody know if there is an internal msn to connect ABN employees around the world?

A see you later..

2006-05-29T12:49:00.000-03:00

DSC02436
Originally uploaded by johy_81.

Rita's farewell party happened this weekend, at a nice samba club in Sao Paulo.. live music, great capirinha saque made with kiwi.. sweet!
it was a great reason to get together and a chance some of the poeple that have made this time in Sao Paulo amazing..
Soon my time for good-byes will come... I don't want to think about that too much..

Next destination: Mexico

2006-05-24T11:03:00.000-03:00

The search has ended and the decision is taken: I am going to do my internship in ABN-AMRO in one wonderful country: MEXICO!

This decision won't surprise many of you, as for the last 2 years I've been saying I want to work in this bank, and well now it is happening!!

But some could be expecting a different move, why a Bank? well to your surprise maybe, my background is finance, I graduated in Finance and International Relations and I have developed a strong interest in sustainable finance, so this internship that is for ONE YEAR, will give me a good insight of how financial institutions operate and in a bank like ABN I will be able to understand how this business can contribute to sustainable development.

Although I see myself working in the third sector in the future, I am aware that one needs to have a multisectorial experience to be able to address issues of society in a more successful way, we will take longer to make big changes if we work alone, don't you think?

Well, the point is.. I'm happy, I feel ready to move forward, to face different challenges, have different working routines, and yes also leaving AIESEC as a member in leadership positions, now I'm moving to the working abroad stage, and I am sure Mexico will be a great place to do it.
I will have some time to prepare for this new move as the visa process takes some time, the good thing is that I will be able to stay some time with my family after 3 years of abscence, to catch up with friends I haven't seen in a while, and put myself in the mood for this new adventure... now I need to get redy to give a closure to this one in Brazil, and no.. it won't be easy.

Thanks to all of you who were crossing your fingers for things to work out for me, your supporting words these last weeks have gave me a lot of courage, and thanks to God who is always putting His hand behind every move I made.

Terror in sao paulo

2006-05-15T16:49:00.000-03:00

Today Sao Paulo woke up with confusion, chaos and fear in the streets, since last friday criminals and police took the streets of the city as a field of war, more than 180 attacks have taken place against police stations, firemen, banks and public buses (more than 60 have been burned). In response to that more than 10000 buses are kept in the garages of the bus companies, leaving more than 3 millions of people without of means of transportation to go to work.

The sad thing is that no one knows what can happen and when things will stop, and there are rumours that shopping malls and universities will be attacked too, in the news they only recommend people to stay at their homes.

I am trying to understand what is happening, just read in the newspaper that the attacks are coordinated by PCC that is a group of criminals some of the arrested and others still operating in the city, but all of them able to create a plan from prision where they count with all facilities including mobile phones.

This attacks brings again the discussion of how unprepared is the police force in comparasion with criminals and how vulnerable and unrecognized are those who are meant to protect brazilian citizens.

As for me, I just decided to stay at home cancelled my plans to go to the bank and kept answering phone calls from people concerned about the situation... saying I don't know more than what the media is saying, here in Vila Mariana everything is ok.

God brings peace to big sao paulo.

more piruetas...

2006-05-07T12:35:00.000-03:00

DSC02387
Originally uploaded by johy_81.

Rictchina is again back in Brazil, yesterday we celebrate not only that she is back but the fact that she got a new job, from June on she will be working in ABN as AIESEC Global Coordinator.
Congratulations babe, you are awesome!
We still have one month to keep rocking together as the gatinhas!!!
Guys... there is still a lot to see from us! :p

and despedidas..

2006-05-01T17:56:00.000-03:00

DSC02347
Originally uploaded by johy_81.

cheers to the great months we spent in Brazil, we'll meet soon in Colombia for sure!

Reencuentros..

2006-05-01T17:40:00.000-03:00

DSC02364
Originally uploaded by johy_81.

6 years ago we met in Barranquilla, Colombia, we worked for a whole year together in the same EB and now we meet again!!!
Ricky I am so glad we still have one more to share amazing and hillarious moments!
love ya!

frases sueltas...

2006-04-26T23:03:00.000-03:00

por qué? te preguntas
porque, te respondo
tu te alejaste primero

Yo te busqué cuando estabas cerca
y te busqué cuando estabas lejos
pero cuando tu viniste a mi
no me buscaste

Y entendí que no era a mi
a quien necesitabas encontar,
que debias encontrarte a ti mismo

Tu soledad es realmente sola,
porque ni tu la acompañas...

en donde estás?
hay alguien ahi?
alguien que sienta?
amor, odio, cualquier cosa?

Explora Network up and running!

2006-04-25T19:09:00.000-03:00

One of my greatest love is Explora as some of you already know, ok during the last weeks we had a meeting with 14 of the trainees who have participated in the program and some of our partners. It was just awesome to meet this people and hear their stories about the internship, and reckon the impact it has had in their life... it just gave sense to everything I do!
Anyways, I'm happy to announce that the Explora network community is already up and running! So if you are interested in Social Entrepreneurship and third sector (NGOs) in Latin America, feel free to join us! Cheers!

Johari window

2006-04-24T14:18:00.000-03:00

It is very interesting and eye opening, when you get feedback about yourself, in general I like to know what is the impression I give to learn about myself, I found this link where your friends can tell you how they see you, so you can confront it with your ideas about yourself. I found it brilliant! the best way to get your Johari window! Check it out: http://kevan.org/johari?name=jgarcia

friends here and there...

2006-04-23T22:54:00.000-03:00

DSC02278
Originally uploaded by johy_81.

this was one of my greatest memories from my short visit to Barranquilla, meeting my dear friends at Javier's to kill my wishes to eat chuzo desgranado de pollo... those who have ever been in Barranquilla, know what I mean!
Orgasmic moment...

Rua Colombia

2006-04-23T22:51:00.000-03:00

DSC02286
Originally uploaded by johy_81.

How cool is this?? My country has an exclusive street in Sao Paulo, and actually is a very nice one!!
This was a picture I simply had to take before leaving SP! my kodak moment..

two new members

2006-04-23T22:46:00.000-03:00

DSC02306
Originally uploaded by johy_81.

friends of the UN is growing, our two new adquisitions from Europe:
Natasha from the UK
Fred (brazilian namee) from The Netherlands

guys, welcome to this great family, and enjoy Brazil!!! "Borracho hasta el amanecer!

just for the records

2006-04-17T17:22:00.000-03:00

There is nothing worst to be sick when you are living alone. Thanks to the dramatic change of weather in Sao Paulo (from great sun to awful rain and cold) I got sick and can't stop sneezing.

Bless me.

Voy a extrañarte

2006-04-13T15:33:00.000-03:00

Colombian Song that can't get out of my head lately...

Interprete: Andrés Cepeda

Voy a extrañarte todo el tiempo voy a pensarte a cada instante pues se que nunca habra un consuelo que me aleje de quererte si he sabido que es amarte hacerme idea que estas lejos imposible de alcanzarte que solo queda tu reflejo y ya no puedo ni tocarte

Voy a extrañarte para siempre porque jamás podré olvidarte voy a tenerte aqui mas cerca como parte de mi vida y voy a recordarlo todo aunque se abra mas mi herida no te imaginas cuantos sueños por las noches me persiguen y aunque pongo de mi empeño casi siempre me consigues

Voy a extrañarte para siempre y aunque mi vida siga y siga estaré un dia mas conciente de que jamás podré olvidarte

Voy a tenerte aqui mas cerca como parte de mi vida y voy a recordarlo todo aunque se abra mas mi herida no te imaginas cuantos sueños por las noches me persiguen y aunque pongo de mi empeño casi siempre me consigues

Voy a extrañarte para siempre y aunque mi vida siga y siga estaré un dia mas conciente de que jamás podré olvidarte.

back in Sao Paulo..

2006-04-13T15:09:00.000-03:00

One of the things I couldn't do in Colombia was keeping my blog updated, lack of time, of internet access, but not lack of news!!

I'm back in Sao Paulo feeling different emotions:

Happiness, because of the things achieved in Colombia, Explora meeting was a complete success, and the program will get better and better, happy to have seen my family and some of my friends, happy for eating all my fav food (mazorca, arroz con coco, chuzo desgranado, granizado de mandarina, aborrajados... mmm yummy!)

Saudades, this is a brazilian word difficult to translate, is feeling the lack of something, and I already started feeling saudades of Brazil, I am lucky to still have almost two months to enjoy it, however some of my friends started to leave Sao Paulo, and soon some others will leave too, feijoadas with Samba, Ipanema, Ibirapuera, Vila Mariana, Baladas, I'll miss them too!

Anxiety, I'm about to finish my term here and I need to find my new path, defining my next step is becoming a hard decision, especially finding the right balance between a challenging work, an stable life, an a meaning and coherence with my passions and beliefs.

Well, this is what some call living :)

first weekend in Colombia..

2006-03-07T12:22:00.000-03:00

First weekend in Colombia was quite exciting, we went to climb some rocks in suesca and then visit the Guatavita Lagoon.

Suesca is a small town like 1 hour from Bogota, the favorite AIESECers town for doing conferences... this time the plan was just to relax and enjoy the place..

After the "adventure" of climbing a 2 m rock in Suesca called quesito (little cheese), we went to the Guatavita lagoon... an amazing place were indian americans used to live, and where there is supposed to be a huge treasure... no gold for me, instead a great journey through history, ecology and self reflection... one journey I recommend everyone to do!

carnivals in Rio!

2006-03-03T08:01:00.001-03:00

Today I don't feel very much like writing, maybe I'm still tired or maybe too stressed with my trip to Colombia tomorrow... maybe both, anyways I wanted to leave here some pics from my awesome carnivals in Rio...memorable times!

From Sambodromo

From Barra

From Cabo Frio

From Buzios
stupid blogger is not uploading them... I will do a second post :)

Uno, dos, tres... CATORCE!!!

2006-02-21T11:01:00.000-03:00

I have to confess it... although I always enjoyed U2 music, I was never a BIG fun of them.. I mean, I knew BONO was the vocalist, and have heard most of their music, but yesterday 5 hours before the concert I couldn't sing a complete song by heart!

Anyways attending the first U2 concert in Sao Paulo yesterday has been one of the greatest experiences ever, so much energy, love, passion, lights, messages, and biggest crowd (like 73.000) singing at one voice OHH OHHH OHHH OHHH...

My fav song of the show... I still haven't found what i'm looking for

quotes of the night: Deus é brasilero, Brasil hexacampeao! COEXIST!

stupid crowd behaviour: booing argentina when it was mentioned in the WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME song.... hello?? what about some cultural sensitivity???

Big mistake: not having brought my camera, suppossedly it was not allowed to bring one, but the truth is that they didn't even check! luckly Dave's mobile could take some shots... not best quality but still they capture the magic of the night.

Guess who is back... back again!

2006-02-21T08:53:00.000-03:00

David is here again!!!!! And I can't be happier!

Brazilian baladas, U2 concert, Carnivals in Rio, laughs and fun with UN friends and more is about to come!!!