BRAZIL VS. SPAIN: A COMPARISON OF TWO POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND LEGAL CONTEXTS FOR TOURISM BUSINESSES

THE POWER OF JUST DOING STUFF - by Rob Hopkins

This is the very first time - and maybe the first of many - I decide to write a post about a book. This does not necesseraly mean that all the books I read in the past were not worth to be commented, but I did never think before about keeping track of my readings by writing a couple of rows on my blog. So beginning from today, I will try to share all of my readings with you. Sometimes the feedback you find on Amazon or on other websites is not exhaustive, so you may decide to read a little bit more before opting for a purchase. If you are looking for some emotional comment on some kind of novels you may prefer skipping my blog, since the books I read are mainly concerned with sociology, economics, politics, environment and pollution and finally also philosophy. Said this, I Hope I will be able to convince some of the readers who end up on my blog to read the same books I read, and why not to start a constructive conversation. Feedback are always welcome.

THE POWER OF JUST DOING STUFF
(How Local Action Can Change the World)

By Rob Hopkins

Rob Hopkins is the founder of the Transition Movement, a successful non-profit organization with some "special attributes". As it is written in the book "you can think of this movement as being an Open Source Software". So that people can just take its general structure, an adapt it to thousend different situations, benefiting from a collective name/branding, which also translates into shared expertising and further rights as member of the movement.

If your life-dream is all about doing something for people, or more generally making our planet a better place, I think this is the book you are looking for. I was not able to identify any type of propaganda within its 157 pages, so that I really think that any word in it may be considered pure. Of course you gan get a message like "you are pretty welcome to join us", but it really seems like the main focus of the book is to convince the reader about his capability to change things.

Since I definetly consider myself a person who would like to change things, this reading was able to clarify my doubts about the advantages and disadvantages of both "going big" and "keeping small" along your "world-changing projects". Personally, I totally reconsidered the option of keeping projects within a local scale - at least at the beginning - pushed by the several advantages which are to be explored in the pages of this book.

Concerning the language, it is smooth and pleasant. After a first part which includes some details, you won't be struggling with technical words. I seriously believe that anybody could read this book and getting the point and the juice of it.

Best Quotation on my opinion:

"At every level, the greatest obstacle to transforming the world is that we lack the clarity and imagination to conceive that it could be different" Roberto Unger

To create a positive, flourishing, nurturing and more resilient world, you'll first need a vision of what that could look like in practice.

_________________________________________________________________________________

I hope my post was able to finally let you opt for this book, I would be glad if you could comment the post after reading the book, Thank you in advance!

I'm greatful to the author Rob Hopkins for his wise suggestions,

Here the link of the Transition Movement's website if you want do discover more.
https://www.transitionnetwork.org/




Following this book:
Think Like a Freak. by Dubner and Levitt
Freakonomics: by Dubner and Levitt

THE SOCIO-ECONOMICAL IMPACT OF TOURISM IN SARDINIA

ERASMUS APPLICATION LETTER

Looking among my documents I found my moyivation letter for the application to the erasmus programme. I decided to post it on my blog in order to give some inspiration to someone who is going to write one but does not know from where to start. Usually two cover letters are required: a first one to your home university and a second one to the hosting university. Both my letters are to be found here below:

To my home university:

Enrico Porceddu

Fakestreet 18

12345, London

14^th January 2014

Object: letter of motivation for “ERASMUS Plus” Programme

Dear committee of selection,

This letter represents my will and wish to take part to an Erasmus exchange study programme during the third semester of my study course (Fall 2014/15). Searching, evaluating and choosing a partner university turned to be a harder issue than I could imagine, but at the end, the NHTV International University of Breda in the Netherlands, was able to attract my attention becoming my first choice.

My name is Enrico, I am 22 years old and I am currently studying at the first semester of the Tourism and Leisure Management bachelor programme. Since I am Italian and I study in Austria, after having studied for one year in Sweden and spent two years in Germany as a worker, a new experience as an Erasmus student would consolidate my European education as well as my professional competence. Taking part to the exchange semester would give me a chance to enlarge both my professional and academic networks, leaving space for new ideas, projects and collaborations to be developed. Moreover, I also love the idea of jumping into a new culture, together with the consequent challenges such as language, new communication patterns and much more.

My experience as traveller taught me that every place has something worth to be discovered, understood and enjoyed. Therefore, the main criteria that motivated my choices are actually my projects of working in a European context. In the following rows, I will motivate my decisions more in-depth.

My first choice, the NHTV University in Breda appears to be the best solution, matching both a step forward to my projects and my wish to face new challenges. Since the Netherlands represents one of the most flourishing European countries in terms of tourism and leisure, gaining a well-defined knowledge about its tourism market seems to be a good reason for spending my semester there. Concerning the university, it provides enough material in its website, giving a convincing preview about its offer and characteristics; personally, I think that its prospect reflects professionalism and high-competences. Another point that I took into consideration is the geographical location of the city. In fact, its position would allow me to apply more accurately for an internship in Belgium during the fourth semester, hopefully in the European Travel Commission; if this will not be possible, staying in the Netherlands and working for Booking.com would also be a great possibility. A new language to be learned is definitely another strong source of motivation and a new adventure worth to be undertaken; some Dutch basics could result useful along my professional career.

My second choice is the Yasar University of Izmir in Turkey. This chance is at least as wished as the first one. I think that studying in Turkey would constitute a real change, a substantial shift in my life, literally like jumping into another dimension. As for the Netherlands, also Turkey would be very useful experience in a European context. In fact, getting to know the society and politics of one of the possible next new entrants of the EU, would may turn to be a great advantage in professional terms. The university is well promoted, the website provides almost all information needed to take such a decision and last but not the least many positive feedbacks are available online. Another highlight to be considered is the Turkish tourism industry, which represents a relatively new trend within the European market with high-growth potential. Concerning the language, though five months would not be enough for learning Turkish, it would be nice to get some basics.

My third preference is the Spanish university of Zaragoza. A semester of study in Spain would be an occasion to get to know a country that I have always loved and where I have been travelling quite a lot when I was younger. When I attended the Student Fair in December, I really enjoyed the descriptions and talks by the Spanish exchange students, who woke up my curiosity and interest. Such an experience would also consolidate my Spanish language skills, giving me more security and increasing my self-confidence in a possible Hispanic environment.

With this letter, I officially apply for a position in an Erasmus Programme.

With the hope that my motivations have been convincing enough, I thank you in advance for the attention paid to my application.

Best Regards,

Enrico Porceddu

To the hosting university:

nrico Porceddu

Fakestreet 18

12345, London

  

17^th April 2014

Object: letter of motivation for “ERASMUS Programme” in the NHTV University of Breda

Dear NHTV Officers,

With this letter, I express my will and wish to take part to the Erasmus exchange study programme in the NHTV University of Breda, during the third semester of my study course at the IMC University of Krems (Fall 2014/15). Your institution, strong of its name and its image, was able to attract my attention and become my first choice.

My name is Enrico, I am 22 years old and I am currently studying at the second semester of the Tourism and Leisure Management bachelor programme. Since I am Italian and I study in Austria, after having studied for one year in Sweden and spent two years in Germany as a worker, a new experience as an Erasmus student would consolidate my European education as well as my professional competences. Taking part to the exchange semester at your Institution would give me a chance to enlarge both my professional and academic networks, leaving space for new ideas, projects and collaborations to be developed. Moreover, I also love the idea of jumping into a new culture, together with the consequent challenges such as language, new communication patterns and much more.

My experience as traveller taught me that every place has something worth to be discovered, understood and enjoyed. Therefore, the main criteria that motivated my choice are actually my projects of working in a European context and the will to get in touch with a rich culture such as the Dutch one. Here below I will motivate my choice more in-depth.

The NHTV University in Breda appeared to be the best possibility since the very beginning of my Erasmus application, matching both a step forward to my projects and my wish to face new life-challenges. Since the Netherlands represent one of the most flourishing European countries in terms of tourism and leisure, gaining a well-defined knowledge about its tourism market seems to be a good reason for spending my semester there, the experience would certainly provide me with a better comprehension of many specialized tourism-branches. Concerning the study offer, the NHTV provides enough material in its website, giving a convincing preview about its offer and characteristics. Personally, I belief that your Institution reflects professionalism and high-competences. Another point that I took into consideration is the geographical location of the city. In fact, its position would allow me to apply more accurately for an internship in Belgium during the fourth semester, hopefully in the European Parliament; if this will not be possible, staying in the Netherlands would be my second great option, where I would like to work for Booking.com or for a renowned tourism consultancy group. A new language to be learned is definitely another strong source of motivation and a new adventure worth to be undertaken; some Dutch basics could definitely result useful along my professional career.

With this letter, I officially apply for a position as Erasmus Exchange Student at your Institution.

I hope that my motivations were able to convince you about my will to be part of your Institution and I thank you in advance for the attention paid to my application.

Best Regards,

Enrico Porceddu

TERRORISMO MEDIATICO nella trappola del pensiero unico.

TERRORISMO MEDIATICO

nella trappola del pensiero unico.

Articoli e screenshot reperiti oggi (26/01/2015) nel sito del periodico Sardo L'unione Sarda agli indirizzi:

http://www.unionesarda.it/ 

http://www.unionesarda.it/articolo/notizie_economia/2015/01/26/l_italia_il_terzo_creditore_della_grecia_prestiti_e_quote_esposiz-2-405093.html ;

Ancora una volta l'informazione è in lutto, ancora una volta l'individuo è privato del suo intelletto e indotto al conformismo più nocivo. Trattandosi di comunicazione, quindi inevitabilmente anche di marketing, espongo di seguito in maniera concisa la mia lettura del messaggio distribuito in maniera locale, dimostrando a parer mio l'interdipendenza tra organi d'informazione (locali e non) e istituzioni.

1. In Grecia vince le elezioni la sinistra, che stringe patto con destra anti-euro = da adesso in Grecia entrambe destra e sinistra sono contro l'euro = il governo greco uscirà dall'euro;

2. Troika (organo di consiglio informale composto da membri di CE, BCE, IMF - impegnato nel piano di salvataggio dei membri EU in crisi) è preoccupata per le prime mosse del governo greco = se, noi che vogliamo salvare quelle nazioni siamo preoccupati, anche tutti i lettori dovrebbero esserlo);

3. Ultimo messaggio e colpo di grazia Italia terzo creditore della Grecia = Preoccupatevi della Grecia anche voi lettori, la Grecia vi è debitore per 40 mld = se la Grecia dovesse uscire dall'euro, perdereste 40 mld = il nostro bilancio peggiora ulteriormente e altre misure d'austerità dovranno essere adottate (più tasse per gli italiani); l'articolo qui di seguito.

 Il messaggio, escluso il secondo passo rivolto sicuramente ad una fascia di lettori più informati,  sembra abbastanza chiaro anche se indiretto.

Non sarebbe più giusto dare ai lettori dei dati quali: distribuzione della ricchezza, tassi di alfabetizzazione e disoccupazione, soglia di povertà, accesso alla sanità e all'istruzione, e poi chiedere loro di riflettere su quale sia la decisione più saggia? In effetti non esiste nessuna visione palese, al livello economico internazionale, sul quale sia la decisione e/o la direzione più appropriata.

Sforziamoci e impegniamoci prima di tutto nella lotta per l'indipendenza intellettuale, diamo vita alla nuova informazione, abbandoniamo la strada del conformismo per intraprendere il cammino delle domande e delle risposte nella via del dialogo.

La mia Forza è nelle vostre Aspettative

Oggi più che mai mi rendo conto di quanto questo inesorabile meccanismo stia rafforzando le mie capacità. Oggi più che mai mi rendo conto di quanto questo processo di tensione e rilassamento del mio intelletto stia realizzando il mio sogno di non avere paura di fronte a niente, nemmeno di fronte all'egregia morte. 

Avverto sempre più spesso un bisogno quasi fisico di rapportarmi ad altre persone e alle loro parole, nonostante riconosco che la mia impazienza nel raggiungere uno stato di giustizia possa scoraggiare chi al contrario mio ha perso le speranze di raggiungere un qualsiasi risultato inerente alla società. 

Detto questo, credo che la chiave della mia determinazione-utopia stia nel creare delle aspettative quasi al di fuori degli schemi umani in coloro che mi circondano. Di fatto, deludere tali aspettative determinerebbe con ogni probabilità la mia esclusione sociale, generando nei miei confronti un incentivo negativo a parer mio d'efficacia ineguagliabile. Credo inoltre che tale meccanismo sia frutto di un processo che affonda le proprie radici nell'inconscio, e che solo una volta riconosciuta la convenienza del processo stesso -per mezzo di comprovata esperienza-, questo venga identificato dal mio io razionale per poi essere autorizzato ripetutamente in qualità di efficiente processo di sviluppo della mia persona e del mio interesse sociale.

Scusate l'astrattismo, ma oggi mi sento concreto.

One of those Miracles

One of those Miracles

Today during a session of Tourism Market Perspective where the student groups were supposed to present an accommodation concept, I had another confirm that my thoughts about a person were more than justified and full of sense. What happened is that one of the group holding a presentation deliberately failed in the task of following the guidelines of the assignment, hence not by skipping any of the subpoints but literally changing the main goal of the essay, which required to create an accommodation concept for an ethnical minority in the Netherlands after having defined the consumer profile and the target market through primary and secondary research.

More generally, among the other groups as well as in my personal group, a good result was achieved, with several nice ideas being presented but with no outstanding concepts which could let me think about something serious or feasable . Yet the group of my Brazilian friend exceeded any expectation, saying something like:

 "well, we figured out a very nice concept for offering a unique customer experience, BUT... we also figured out immediately that at the economic and market level there was no room for an ad-hoc accommodation structure, so we decided to work on a collaboration with three already existing structures, being able like this to focus on the real customer experience".

At this point, if I was the professor, as an innovative person such the one I think to be, their non-linear thinking process would indeed deserved 10 points out of 10. Maybe after having considered how clearly the class appreciated the work, the REAL professor remarked the fact that the guidelines had not been follown but than gave his congratulations to the group.

Concerning the person who came up with the idea, I was almost sure it was him, in fact, I received his confirmation some hours later when I went upstairs to talk to him as I regularly do. Now, although I fully understand our main incongruences in terms of thinking and beliefs, I recognise in him the genius and the full potential of contributing to the development of any community, region, country or even world. Additionally, as probably with no other person I am able to do, I can accept his suggestions and compare my ideas to something concrete. I really see myself in his capacity to elaborate information and produce logical thinking which differs from the one of the main-stream. 

I seriously think that this reflection come from the fact that too often I feel alone along the way toward my "surreal" goals of doing something concrete for the sake of serving that fraction of the world which truly urges my service.

Concluding, I wish for me and for you that are reading this, a future full of rationality and genius in the same body. Be that person you, the one beside you or even better both.