Mona & Brad in Barcelona

On April 10 a really good friend of Katrina's that she went to High School with in Port Macquarie stayed with us for the week. Arriving with her boyfriend for the past 5 years, Brad and Mona had just arrived after spending 2 unforgettable months in Brazil. Arriving they told us of the endless stories they had experienced in Brazil.

The lifestyle in which they had experienced there is totally different from life in Australia but is quite similar to the lifestyle in which people live in the Philippines. Undeveloped in some areas and relentlessly dangerous in others Brazil and the Philippines have two qualities similar. That is they have two extremes in living standards between the Rich and the Poor. The poor willing to do anything to survive. It's survival of will and courage that keeps people alive in these cases of poverty. The people here are so hungry that they're willing to sniff glue so that it erases their hunger.


I asked if it was similar to the lifestyle in which they live in 'City of God', which is one of my favourite movies and one of the most successful Brazilian movies of all time. Both of them without hesitation said Yes, if not worse in some cases. If you were to watch that movie you would understand. The movie is quite powerful as it's based on a true story and really depicts the life in Brazil.

They on the other hand had accommodation in the more successful and wealthier areas. Their experience was a life changing experience, which will always be the case when you travel in such areas. The past two months for the two have been an endless and fruitful event of partying, nightlife, relaxation, and tropical living. Hearing of such stories makes you realize that there is so much more in the world. So much of the world to explore and travel.


I haven't known Mona for very long but from the stories she's told us of how giving she is to the less fortunate people of Brazil, and from talking to her generally she's one of the most compassionate, sincere, and kindhearted people I've met in recent times. It's nice to find and to know of people like her existing as you know that they can effect someones life in a positive way.

"Sorry Brad you're a cool guy but I can't write something like that about you or otherwise people might think I'm gay".

The week here should be fun as it's the first time we've had any of our friends here.