AH! THE SWEET TASTE OF CHOCOLATE...

Ah! The sweet taste of chocolate... But... What ingredient shouldn't be there?

To find out follow:

THE BITTERNESS OF CHOCOLATE

46664

Photo credit: life

Can you imagine what it would be like to spend 27 years in prison? To have to labour in a quarry, to be inadequately dressed, to sleep on a thin straw matt on the stone floor, or to be confined, year after year, in a very tiny cell? Only an indomitable will, an «unbowed head» and an «unconquerable soul» could resist and then, when finally freed, be ready to serve his people and help to build the rainbow nation.

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment in June 1964 and sent to Robben Island maximum security prison. He was the 466th prisoner to arrive that year. According to the prison's administration's scheme, the prisoners were numbered following the sequence number of the prisoner (466 in his case), with the last two digits of the year (64). Thus, his prisoner number was 46664. Mandela was held on Robben Island until April 1982 when he was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town. In December 1988 he was moved to Victor Verster Prison near Paarl and held there until his release on February 11th 1990. The twentieth anniversary of his release from prison was celebrated some days ago.

Mandela's prisoner number continues to be used as a reverential title for him, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation uses 46664.com as its website address.

If you want to learn more about Nelson Mandela, you might like to visit his page at the ANC website or his foundation.

A FILM: «INVICTUS»

Last week my English classes went to watch the new Clinton Eastwood film, Invictus, at a movie theater. This movie tells the true story of President Mandela's quest to unite South Africans after his election in a still divided nation. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's rugby team as they make an unlikely run for the 1995 World Cup Championship. Expertly mixing an unconventional political biopic and an underdog sports drama, the film is an inspiring history lesson about quality leadership, the power of forgiveness and the universal language of sports.

What are your thoughts on this film? Did any scene(s) strike you in particular? If so,which one(s) and why?
You might also enjoy a visit to the official site of Invictus to learn more about the film.

«INVICTUS», AN INSPIRING POEM

The poem that gives its name to the film "Invictus" was a source of inspiration to Nelson Mandela during his captivity. He wrote out a copy by hand for the captain of the rugby team, François Pienaar, to inspire him to lead the Springbok to the world championship in 1995. The poet, William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), wrote it at the age of 25 from his hospital bed at Edinburgh. His indomitable spirit led him to triumph over the amputation of his leg.


What message does the poem convey? What are your feelings after reading the poem?

CARNIVAL AND FOOD: «PANCAKE DAY»

In the United Kingdom and many other countries, Shrove Tuesday is often known as Pancake Day. Making and eating such foods was considered a last feast before the ritual fasting of Lent, when the consumption of ingredients such as sugar, fat, meat and eggs was traditionally restricted.

Did you eat feijoada for Carnival?

CARNIVAL: «ENTRUDO CHOCALHEIRO»

Carnival season is over but memories will keep the fun we had. I spent Shrove Tuesday in Podence, a little village in Trás-os-Montes. There the main attraction are the Caretos, roguish and mysterious creatures that wear curious garments and ornaments and come from nowhere in large noisy groups, causing fear, excitement and laughter. You can watch a small video of the Caretos here.

What about you? Did you do anything special for Carnival? Did you dress up? And wear a mask?