Sweet Home Floripa, Florianópolis, Brazil

“Observe, value and understand your own experience.” — Adrian Underhill 

In 2005 Kyria Finardi and I founded the New Eyes Teacher Development Group.  What we really wanted when we thought about starting a TDG was to basically gather together like-minded teachers, who were hungry to learn, grow and exchange ideas. Teachers who were searching for something special – a hands–on and practical development group where they would feel supported and motivated and at the same time, a place where they could improve not only their English but also their teaching techniques and where they would learn new skills that could instantly be used in their classrooms. Read the rest of this entry »

 Okay, I don’t know about your dogs, but my dogs run the other way every time we line them up for a bath. 

Granted, we bathe them the old fashioned way with a cold water hose in the back yard. So perhaps it’s our rough and tumble, macht schnell style that sends them scurrying across the yard, tails between their legs, looking for the muddiest hole to disappear into….

But, when Maria comes over, my dogs run towards her. 

Clearly, this is the kind of bath lady that dogs—and dog lovers—are looking for. Read the rest of this entry »

Track 1: Garrett Wall (Ireland’s best-kept secret)

A singer-songwriter blessed with a prodigious voice and very Irish charm, Garrett Wall deserves the sort of recognition often lavished upon his musical compatriots. If it has eluded him, perhaps that is because he has been so elusive, recording in various places around the world over a longish career. This millennium, he has been based in Madrid, Spain, although his largely mellow sounds would suit a Radio Itapema show down to the ground.

Certainly, I find myself listening to him more than ever as I drive around Florianopolis. His well-crafted creations follow beaten paths with the occasional moment of fusion, the warmth of his voice drawing the listener in.

Garrett will release his latest album ‘Hands and Imperfections’ next month in Ireland and the month after in Spain, having recorded it around the turn of the year with his GWB band and guests. His sound for this and the previous album, Skypointing, revolves around cajon, trumpet, guitar and bass with the occasional piano part thrown in for good measure. It will be available via mondegreenrecords.com (and on iTunes) as are most of his previous releases. Sample his wares there, at www.myspace.com/garrettwall or at www.garrettwall.net rather than accept a reviewer’s stumbling folk-rock-pop label and glowing recommendation.

Lisa:  Daniel, why did you choose to open O Jardim Secreto?

Daniel:  It was a practical thing. I came in to Brazil with an investor’s visa. I had to open a business and I had a passion for plants. I always dreamed of having a nursery.  My motivation was to create a space of beauty. Read the rest of this entry »