MOOCs: the new experience - some pros and cons of online learning

From NYTimes:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/20/education/colleges-turn-to-crowd-sourcing-courses.html?smid=pl-share

Let's hope that improves anyone's lives!

Trip to Salvador, Bahia - Part 1

     

       In my vacation this year, I did not have the chance of heading to any different place to rest. I have only been to São Lourenço, in Minas, for a couple of days. For this reason, I was kind of desperate, really was and my boyfriend and I decided all of a sudden to go somewhere.

       To tell the truth, it did not matter the place itself, then we entered the travel agency and asked for vacancies in the Northeast part of Brazil, although we also considered the South. Since I have never been in the hottest regions in Brazil, it would be a nice chance to know a called beautiful place. Natal, Maceió and Salvador were the names we mentioned to the travel agent to make the research for us. Salvador was the only one with the dates of flight we could deal with, so I said: let's go, let's not think of it.

      It was impulsive and rational decision. I needed to free my mind from my problems and daily routine which from time to time play hard balls on us. My boyfriend had been working a lot as well, therefore he also considered an appropriate choice. The whole pack included city tour with hotel, transfer and tickets.

       I was very happy with everything when one thing caught me completely off guard. I got a pretty harsh flu with all the worst symptoms ever. I have never felt so weak and my body could not react with simple lemonades or natural medicines. I thought I would not be able to make it. I had to miss work for two days which is something rare for me because I hate to be absent.

       I did consider not going as long as my recovery was quite slow, but considering the price for him to pay the fine in case of calling off, we agreed to go any way. I was at risk and I had an inflammation in my ears that is still with me at the moment I am writing this.

        The trip started early on November, 2^nd with some emotion. My boyfriend and I almost lost the plane that decided to call ‘the last time’ twenty minutes before the plane would take off. I was weak and running was definitely not something good. Yes, we could reach the gate at almost the last moment. That was the important thing. On the other hand, I kept being worried about my ears, besides I was aware of chewing gum could help me a little with the pressure of plane’s movements. The flight has run smoothly, I was happy despite the sore throat, ears’ pain and the tiredness. The song that I most listened when we were flying was: Titanium, by David Ghetta.  To the flu, I sang: ‘you shoot me down, but I won't fall, I am titanium. you shoot me down, but I won't fall I am titanium…’

To be continued...