About

about me: I'm Mariana, and am currently living in Brasília, Brazil, where I was born and where I've lived most of my life. I used to be a software developer, but after about 12 years of doing that I got tired and switched to documentary filmmaking (which, let's face it, is way cooler). In 2008, I went to study in Washington, DC, and came back last year with a Master of Arts degree in Film and Media from American University, and am currently working at the Brazilian Senate Television as a documentary producer.

about the trip: I've been back for almost a year now, but I have yet to feel at home. I know that it takes time, but the reality is that I just don't want to be here right now. I'm feeling unsettled and I just want to GO. I've always been restless, and have traveled plenty, but the world is huge and there's still so much to see! I'm still kinda young (just turned 34), currently unattached, so I figure this is the perfect time to pack up my things and leave. Lucky for me, I can take a leave of absence of up to three years from my job (which is a job that I wouldn't easily give up, since it has great perks like a retirement plan, a good salary, lots of vacation time and the possibility of taking the aforementioned leave of absence). And so all that's left for me to do is save up a lot of money, have a general plan, and walk out the front door.

about this site: I decided to start this site as a way of keeping all of the information I research in one easily accessible place. And later, when I do go on my amazing trip, I'll use this as a travel blog so that I can stay in touch with people (and let my parents know that I'm still alive). We'll see if I'm better about keeping this blog updated than I've been in the past. Hey, if I can keep up the research blog entries for the coming year, I'll be really impressed with myself!