My vacation in Brazil 2026

I want to share my vacation in Brazil with my students in China. I’m sure they’ll be curious and ask me about it, so I decided to write this post where I’ll share some insights and pictures. I enjoy doing this for a few reasons: it helps me connect with my students, and even my kids appreciate reading my blog. My oldest son once told me he hopes I’ll find a way to preserve these posts, so that one day they can serve as a way to remember me.

It may feel like an awkward topic to include here, but part of the reason for my trip to Brazil this time was connected to my younger brother. He passed away last December. I call it a “surprise” because, in the natural order of life, the youngest is usually expected to be the last to leave this world.

The opening picture of this article is from Rio de Janeiro, one of the most famous cities in Brazil. I had never been there before, but since Rio is so iconic, I thought it would be a perfect way to begin this post.

During my first week in Brazil, I witnessed a fire very close to my brother’s company. We were actually there at my brother’s company preparing to return the rental space of his business to the landlord. My other brother’s (the youngest one) passing had made it impossible for him (the oldest one) to continue offering the services he once provided, so we were in the process of closing things down, or at least move the stuff back home to smaller room until he figure it out what to do.

The fire started because a neighboring restaurant accidentally left a frying pan on, which caused the blaze. It was a frightening situation—something no one ever wants to experience. We did our best to help, because we knew that if we were in the same position, we would hope that others would step in to support us too.

A few years ago, my father also passed away. Because of these losses, our family began to consider selling some of our assets, since we don’t really need so many houses to live in. (In a past post, I mentioned that my family owns the last four houses on our street.) My mother has never moved since I was born in 1970, so over the decades we’ve accumulated an incredible amount of belongings.

Part of the plan to possibly sell some of these properties started with decluttering. We realized we had to sort through and reduce the things we had collected over all those years. Of course, I had to do my part too. Since moving to China in 2018, I stored all my personal belongings in boxes. Each time I return to Brazil, I make it a point to sell or throw away a few items, gradually reducing my things during every vacation visit to my mother’s home.

As you can see in the pictures, we are trying to sell the piano I once used to study. Unfortunately, I started learning piano too late in life to become an accomplished pianist. My nephew, however, took advantage of having the piano at home. He began studying at the age of 11 and grew into a very talented pianist, which has made my mother extremely proud.

Now, though, the piano sits here needing to be tuned, gathering dust instead of music. Even my father’s car has been put up for sale, since no one in the family is using it anymore.

One of the nicest parts of my vacation was the beginning of my stay in Brazil. My youngest son was here with his grandmother to give support because of the passing away of his uncle (my brother),and that was one of the reasons I decided to come at this time. Two years ago, I spent much more time with Bernardo, so this trip I wanted to dedicate more time to Isac.

We did many things together—going to the movies (Avatar 3),visiting Arthur Thomas Park, eating out, going to church, and more. One picture I especially want to highlight is of him sleeping on the couch at home. I took that photo because he had done the same to me several times before, so this time it was my turn to capture the moment. Of course, I shared that picture in our family group, also share it here too (below) with a sign “@ Home”

As you can see in the picture above, I attended church every Sunday during my time in Brazil (In China do to where I lived I can only attend online). It was a wonderful experience that really revitalized my spirit. Many friends were eager to hear about my experiences in China, and the bishop kindly invited me to give a talk, which you can find on YouTube. Additionally, I have exciting news about the temple's construction; it's progressing well, and by the time I return to my hometown of Londrina, I expect it will be completed.

In the next image, you'll see the iconic clock tower building in Londrina. It was my first visit there trying to go at the top where the clock was, and I took some photos there. I wasn't aware that we would be allowed to go at the top, but the building manager was incredibly kind. My son and I took the opportunity to explore and capture beautiful pictures of Londrina from that vantage point.

The next photo was taken when I accompanied Isac to the bus station for his journey back to the USA. I can't help but feel that the ten days we spent together were too short, but I also recognize that it was better than having no time at all. Unfortunately, the day of departure had unfortunately come.

This next picture shows me enjoying my favorite food in Brazil—pizza. It’s a very common meal there. In China, my students often ask if I miss Brazil and the things from home, especially the food. My answer is always “No.” I explain that when I’m in Brazil, I enjoy what Brazil has to offer, and when I’m in China, I embrace what China has to offer. I try not to dwell too much on what I don’t have at the moment. I’ve found this mindset to be a helpful way to avoid homesickness.

Most of my vacation was spent at home, helping my mother, supporting my brother, babysitting my nephews, and taking care of different family needs. It was a good and fulfilling break. The next pictures show just one of the many ways I was lending a hand during that time…

In China, I always remind my students to keep practicing English—even during vacations—so they don’t forget what they’ve learned. The reason behind this advice is simple: you’ll never forget your native language, but any language learned later in life requires consistent practice, or it will fade. Since English isn’t my native language, I also need to find ways to keep practicing. During my time in Brazil, my only real opportunity was through a church program called English Connect, where I helped other students learn English while also keeping my own skills sharp. The next picture shows me there, teaching and practicing at the same time.

My dad passed away a few years ago, but my mom is still with us—so every time I visit Brazil, I get the privilege of enjoying her amazing cooking. The next picture shows some of her food, plus a family barbecue we had one Sunday afternoon under the avocado tree in our backyard. Honestly, I ate way too much that day… and I was very thankful I didn’t have to travel the next morning because it took me a couple of days to recover from that feast! Hahaha.

The next picture shows me visiting—and being visited by—relatives in Londrina, my hometown. Of course, I didn’t include all the photos from those moments, but every time I return from China, I make it a priority to see as many family members as possible.

The next picture shows me going out with my mom, either to help her or to drive her to the supermarket for grocery shopping. We did this several times during my stay. She still drives her own car, but if she has a chauffeur, she definitely prefers that option (today i was the chauffeur) —so it was nice for me to accompany her, lend a hand, and spend some quality time together. When I am at the super market I always take a picture of Katchup to send to my kids, we all love katchup and it was nice way to keep in touch doing funny things like that….

Every vacation eventually comes to an end, and the next picture shows me heading back to China. The good news is that I truly love my job there, so returning isn’t a bad thing at all. In the photo, you can see me with my nephew, who lives in São Paulo. Since I had to fly out of São Paulo, I spent my last day with him before catching my night flight. The last time I did the same, he had just gotten married—now it’s been over a year, and things seem to be going really well for him.

On my way back, I had a connection in Africa. At first, the screen said my next flight was on time… but not for long. It ended up being delayed just enough to make me nervous about missing my train ticket in Beijing. When I finally landed, I had to sprint to the train station and arrived just in time. I guess luck was on my side this time!. You also notice a few friends I had made during my trip back to China

The next picture—also the last one in this post—is one that would be impossible to take once the university is full of students. Since I arrived a few days before classes started, the campus was still empty, and all the bikes and electric scooters were neatly organized—something that never happens once everyone is back! As much as I enjoyed the quiet, I really miss the university when it’s alive with students and friends. I can’t wait for classes to begin next week so I can see everyone again.

From # E05 Huang Rui 1114 # I did write a review of this post from my teacher: https://mgameirollc.uteach.io/blog/my-vacation-in-brazil-2026  -   Here is my review： After reading the teacher's blog, I was deeply touched both in terms of life and study. In the article, the teacher mentioned his favorite food, which is pizza covered with tomato sauce. In fact, there are many foods in China that are paired with tomato sauce, such as french fries. I think the tomato sauce here is the most important![愉快][愉快] The text also mentions the teacher's time spent with family during the holidays and the feeling of time passing too quickly. However, the teacher is good at using photos to record life, and later can recall those times through the pictures. The teacher once asked us a question: why do Chinese students use cartoon characters as their avatars on social media instead of their own photos? Actually, this is quite simple. Chinese people tend to be reserved and feel embarrassed to use their own photos as avatars. This might be due to cultural differences. But in fact, our emotions are the same. We all have abundant love for our family members. Every time the holiday ends, we always feel that it passed too quickly. When studying away from home, we always miss the meals our mothers cook.[爱心][爱心] Writing this reminds me that you, sir, were the one who spent the most time with us in our university. In fact, I don't think it was just in terms of English learning that you helped and guided us; you also provided assistance and guidance in our daily lives and emotions. I successfully passed the English 4、6-level exam. Of course, this was closely related to your listening classes. In the future, I also hope to adopt the learning methods and positive attitude you taught me to face my studies, and be able to continue my English studies at a higher institution.[加油][加油]

From # E05 Wenjiaya 1110# Reading my teacher’s blog about his 2026 Brazil vacation filled me with a mix of sadness and warmth, and it also gave me great inspiration for English learning and life. This trip was far more than a holiday for him; it was a time to accompany his family after losing his brother, dealing with the closure of his brother’s company and sorting out family assets while cherishing every moment with his mom and son. What deeply touched me is his positive attitude towards life—he fully enjoys the present wherever he is, savoring Brazilian pizza and family time in Brazil, and devoting himself to teaching and life in China. This mindset also teaches me a valuable lesson for English learning: focus on the moment and keep practicing instead of worrying about future difficulties.
His persistence in English practice during the vacation left a strong impression on me. He said a second language fades without consistent practice, so he seized the only chance to teach at the church’s English Connect program every Wednesday in Brazil, which even matched the time he holds English corners for us in China. This made me realize how important persistence is. I used to skip English practice on vacation, making excuses for a break, but his example changed my mind. Since following his advice, I’ve kept practicing English reading and speaking every day, even on holidays, and I can clearly feel my progress in pronunciation and communication confidence.
Beyond English learning, the teacher also influences me with his love for family and dedication to life. He not only teaches us English skills in class but also guides us to live positively and persist in what we do with his own words and deeds. I used to learn English just for exams, but now I know it’s a bridge connecting different cultures. In the future, I’ll keep following his example, stick to daily English practice, and face life and study with a positive heart. I believe this persistence will bring me more progress in English and more happiness in life.