Is a prince still a prince if he switches places with the pauper?

As artists sometimes we try to change and the world frowns upon it. Your friends, associates and even family are not used to the new “you” and if feels uncomfortable because it is unfamiliar to them. And as human beings, we fear and generally dislike the unfamiliar. Human nature has made us fear the unknown. You can’t change human nature.

A deep identity change through experience sometimes need to be maintained for it to take effect. Coming from from Brazil, I FEEL different. Yet, in my interactions since coming back for a week, some people still react the same way towards me, despite me having a totally different, more confident frame. Don’t let this discourage you. As you continue living your life in you new identity, more and more people will take notice. New friends will be introduced to the new you. Remember that public opinion always follows real change. Read more

Trip to Brazil: Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte

Rio

I’m  sitting on the Copacabana beach in Rio in front of the hotel Sol Ipanema overlooking the beautiful ocean in Rio de Janeiro.  To my left there are still volleyball players there playing Brazilian volleyball (where you kick with your feet instead of setting the ball with your hands). Across the ocean are islands. You can hardy see them now in the dark, but during the day they were green and luscious and beautiful. To my right is a rolling hill of lights and hotel signs along the Copacabana beach. Cars roam the streets between the beach and the hotel, even as late as 10pm. I am reminded of the city in Taipei and Jakarta. Read more