This image, this embrace, is pure cinema in its most memorial form. Two bodies reuniting, recognizing each other, forgiving each other, perhaps.
A tide of silence that says everything.
Knowing that this gesture—so simple, so brutally tender—will define the face of this year’s Cannes Festival leaves me speechless. Or nearly so.
(I wrote about the film a while back, here: +++ )
The textbooks I’ve chosen to support my studies are Teach Yourself – Complete Greek. (as I did with Swedish), Ellinika Tora 1+1, and Epikoinoniste Ellinika. In the course I’m currently taking, however, we use Klik sta Ellinika, developed by the Greek Language Center, which, as far as I know, is a key resource for learning Greek and preparing for proficiency exams.
Teach Yourself, Ellinika Tora, and Epikoinoniste Ellinika work well—especially the last one, as it places a stronger emphasis on communication. Klik, on the other hand, is more focused on grammar and writing, making it ideal for those preparing for proficiency exams. However, I don’t find it to be the best resource for self-study.
Aprender Grego (in PT-BR)
FSI Modern Greek Basic Course*
*The FSI Modern Greek Course is a language program developed by the U.S. Foreign Service Institute to help diplomats and government employees learn Modern Greek for work in Greek-speaking countries. It focuses on practical communication skills and is designed to be self-instructive, meaning you can study independently. The course is free and publicly available online, though it may be more formal and less up-to-date compared to modern language courses. Nonetheless, it’s a great option for building a solid foundation in Modern Greek.
The textbooks I have chosen to support my studies in Swedish are Teach Yourself and Mål 1. I decided not to use Rivstart, as it is not the most suitable option for self-taught learners. Perhaps, when I am more advanced in the language, I might consider it, at least Volume II. For now, Mål 1 has been meeting my needs very well. Later on, I plan to continue with På Svenska, another book I have adapted to quite well.
I use SVT as an essential part of my Swedish learning process. I try to watch at least one program every day, which helps me improve my listening skills and become more familiar with the language in real contexts. However, there are still many words I don't understand or struggle to remember. Even though it can be challenging at times, it motivates me to keep going and expand my vocabulary.
Introduction to Swedish (MOOC)
Swedish Language - Introduction
*The FSI Swedish Course is a language program developed by the U.S. Foreign Service Institute to help diplomats and government employees learn Swedish for work in Swedish-speaking countries. It focuses on practical communication skills and is designed to be self-instructive, meaning you can study independently. The course is free and publicly available online, but it may be more formal and less updated compared to modern language courses. Nonetheless, it’s a great option for building a solid foundation in Swedish.
*Aimed at SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) students, featuring stories and conversations in easy Swedish. Focuses on practical vocabulary and everyday situations.
*The national Swedish radio produces news in easy Swedish. This comes out almost daily and is a great way to learn Swedish!
Exploring Santiago
When I arrived in Santiago, I took a short city tour around the Vitacura neighborhood, where I was staying. The area is one of the top places to stay, second only to Providencia — the favorite among Brazilian travelers. Personally, I didn’t think it was bad, mainly thanks to the hotel’s location, but Vitacura does come with a few drawbacks.
Since it’s an upscale neighborhood (which, of course, isn’t really my style), the biggest downside is the lack of public transportation. There’s no metro in Vitacura, and the nearest station was at least a 30-minute walk away. On top of that, only two or three bus lines passed by the hotel. Another drawback is that both markets and restaurants are quite expensive, so I decided to explore other areas to save money. By the way, both my Wise* and Nomad* cards worked flawlessly for all transactions in Santiago.
Given these conditions, I decided to split my city tour of Santiago into two days. Despite being over 3 km from the city center, the distance wasn’t an issue for me — I love walking. I revisited many familiar places and discovered new ones, which gave me a fresh perspective on the city.
Vale Nevado and Farellones
I visited Valle Nevado and Farellones — two famous ski resorts in the Andes Mountains, located in the Lo Barnechea commune. The scenery was spectacular, with golden light illuminating the peaks and transforming the landscape into a true masterpiece.
Even though it wasn’t snow season, I joined the Andes Sunset tour — an amazing experience that lets you watch the sunset right from the mountains.
To top it off, we enjoyed a delicious picnic while soaking in the splendor of nature.
Cajón del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso
I took a trip to Cajón del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso, visiting the impressive dam located over 2,500 meters above sea level in the heart of the Andes. The scenery is breathtaking, with waters that reflected the region’s unique beauty and changed color depending on the time of day, season, and light.
During the journey, we passed through small villages that added a special charm and an authentic touch of local culture. We wrapped up the day with a picnic surrounded by nature — the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.
I went back to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. This time, I focused on exploring every little detail of the alleys in Valparaíso’s hills, which completely changed how I see the city.
In Viña del Mar, I took the time to admire its beautiful landscapes — always impressive with their calm, coastal charm.
玛霞 (Mǎxiá) is a combination that sounds pleasant and maintains a connection to my original name. More importantly, 霞 (Xiá) refers to the diffuse sunlight during dawn or dusk, creating a soft and beautiful atmosphere. This reflects the aesthetic appreciation present in my interests, such as photography and cinema.