Cactus Winner: Graham Cross, 24, from Brighton
Monday, 16th November 2009
On 26 and 27 September, Cactus joined Brighton’s foodies on Hove lawns for the World Food Market. Cactus ran language taster lessons in Spanish and Japanese, teaching visitors how to order their favourite food and drink, and offering them the chance to win a 10-week evening course in a language of their choice.
Graham Cross, 24, from Brighton was the lucky winner, and below he tells us why he chose to learn Brazilian Portuguese…
Having played and coached football for Brighton & Hove Brazilian Soccer Schools for many years, I have developed a strong interest in Brazil and its culture. Earlier this year, I decided to organise a trip to Brazil for my football team at the end of the season, and felt that my time in Brazil would be greatly enhanced if I could speak at least some of the local language.
I was very fortunate to win a Cactus Language course at the Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival, and I decided it was time for me to learn Brazilian Portuguese. Since my course began in October, I have been working hard to master this challenging but beautiful language. I have also started making preparations for our trip next year, where I hope to organise visits to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. I’d also love the opportunity to arrange some coaching sessions for children in one of the impoverished areas of Brazil.
Some might find it funny to think of an Englishman travelling to Brazil to teach them how to play football! But, it was the son of a Brit, Charles William Miller, who actually introduced football to Brazil in the late 19th century, so our visit is going to be like coming full circle! Obrigado Cactus!
Tags: food festival, brazilian portuguese, competition
Posted by Michelle Curtis 2009-11 under Cactus Language Courses UK, Cactus News, Case Studies,
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