I have lived in Brazil and also watched many documentaries and movies on the poverty, drug problem, and living conditions in the favelas. I think your story is a very inspiring one. The fact that you chose to not only live there, but start a family there is very bold of you. I am impressed that you were able to start a hotel that is growing. I also like the idea that you have used your fame to promote your project and to get people to really come out and experience life in the favelas. The fact that you have truly turned life around in the particular favela is amazing.
I think that you should try to promote your idea by hiring some volunteers, perhaps getting the word out to places outside of Brazil and maybe even to the United States. I know that I would love to come and volunteer for some time at The MAZE.
The maze is a really cool organization that did a lot for the local community in Brazil however it does not have anything to do with geotourism or helping the local area become more eco-friendly. It was started by a and Englishman who moved to the town of Rio Favela over 30 years ago. He was instrumental in pushing the drug cartels out of the area. The organization gives tourist a very good cultural experience because it is a small town in brazil and really embraces the local culture into everyone who visits The Maze, however according to the entry it has almost nothing to do with geotourism but has to do with enducating the locals as well as tourists on the Brazilian art culture.
I am impressed by your commitment towards the community. It seems that your wife and you have done a lot to create and sustain your venture.
My comment, nevertheless, goes to another aspect of your entry. It is clear the level of personal commitment you have gave to this effort. And that is transparent in your entry. And, because of that, the whole entry lacks of a clear structure although is filled with great ideas. The way your entry is presented is typical of entrepreneurs: lots of great ideas but not so great structure in the way to present it.
My suggestions for you:
1. Prepare a business plan of your venture (you can find an online training at http://app1.sba.gov/training/sbabp/index.htm) - Do it offline;
2. Don't get so personal in your comments. Even though the passion needs to be there, sometimes you just need to convey the correct amount of information so the judges can evaluate your project - Balance would be a better word.
Hope it helps. Congratulations!
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Changemakers Featured Commentator
Brazil
Informamos que o Changemakers lança um novo Desafio sobre preservação de destinos turísticos, o “Green World Heritage”, junto com a Condé Nast Travel. Hoje, são 890 lugares considerados Patrimônios da Humanidade pela UNESCO. Como tornar esses lugares protegidos de degradações geradas por guerras, poluição, desastres naturais ou interferência humana? Você conhece alguma tecnologia sustentável que preserva e proteja patrimônios turísticos para as futuras gerações? Apresente sua idéia até dia 29 de setembro. Visite a página para mais informações: http://www.changemakers.com/en-us/node/54799/entries (Desafio disponível apenas no idioma inglês).
Atenção: no dia 9 de setembro anunciaremos os vencedores globais do Desafio em Geoturismo 2009.
Comentários
I have lived in Brazil and also watched many documentaries and movies on the poverty, drug problem, and living conditions in the favelas. I think your story is a very inspiring one. The fact that you chose to not only live there, but start a family there is very bold of you. I am impressed that you were able to start a hotel that is growing. I also like the idea that you have used your fame to promote your project and to get people to really come out and experience life in the favelas. The fact that you have truly turned life around in the particular favela is amazing.
I think that you should try to promote your idea by hiring some volunteers, perhaps getting the word out to places outside of Brazil and maybe even to the United States. I know that I would love to come and volunteer for some time at The MAZE.
The maze is a really cool organization that did a lot for the local community in Brazil however it does not have anything to do with geotourism or helping the local area become more eco-friendly. It was started by a and Englishman who moved to the town of Rio Favela over 30 years ago. He was instrumental in pushing the drug cartels out of the area. The organization gives tourist a very good cultural experience because it is a small town in brazil and really embraces the local culture into everyone who visits The Maze, however according to the entry it has almost nothing to do with geotourism but has to do with enducating the locals as well as tourists on the Brazilian art culture.
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Changemakers Featured Commentator
Brazil
Dear Mr. Bob Nadkarni,
I am impressed by your commitment towards the community. It seems that your wife and you have done a lot to create and sustain your venture.
My comment, nevertheless, goes to another aspect of your entry. It is clear the level of personal commitment you have gave to this effort. And that is transparent in your entry. And, because of that, the whole entry lacks of a clear structure although is filled with great ideas. The way your entry is presented is typical of entrepreneurs: lots of great ideas but not so great structure in the way to present it.
My suggestions for you:
1. Prepare a business plan of your venture (you can find an online training at http://app1.sba.gov/training/sbabp/index.htm) - Do it offline;
2. Don't get so personal in your comments. Even though the passion needs to be there, sometimes you just need to convey the correct amount of information so the judges can evaluate your project - Balance would be a better word.
Hope it helps. Congratulations!
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Changemakers Featured Commentator
Brazil
Good Stuff budd,
So what you think about work together?
Cheers
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Tito Nazaré
Blue Ocean Tour
Office /Fax: 55 21 2255-4711
Help line: 55 21 7842-6232
www.blueoceantour.com.br
www.riodejaneiro-hotels.travel
Olá,
Tudo bom?
Convidamos você para fazer um TUR virtual com os vídeos dos destinos de Geoturismo mais interessantes do Mundo. Visite a página: http://www.changemakers.com/en-us/node/53663
Informamos que o Changemakers lança um novo Desafio sobre preservação de destinos turísticos, o “Green World Heritage”, junto com a Condé Nast Travel. Hoje, são 890 lugares considerados Patrimônios da Humanidade pela UNESCO. Como tornar esses lugares protegidos de degradações geradas por guerras, poluição, desastres naturais ou interferência humana? Você conhece alguma tecnologia sustentável que preserva e proteja patrimônios turísticos para as futuras gerações? Apresente sua idéia até dia 29 de setembro. Visite a página para mais informações: http://www.changemakers.com/en-us/node/54799/entries (Desafio disponível apenas no idioma inglês).
Atenção: no dia 9 de setembro anunciaremos os vencedores globais do Desafio em Geoturismo 2009.
Atenciosamente,
Equipe Changemakers.
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