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An empty seat was a scarce commodity as Neila Holland presented, “Brazil: Beyond Carnival and the Beaches” Monday morning, the first lecture in LaGrange College’s 3D series, “The Rhythms of Brazil” series in Turner Hall.

This year, the college is inviting community members to “discover, discuss and develop” their knowledge and understanding of the people and locals in beautiful Brazil. The college has planned an optional Brazilian travel opportunity for participants in June.

Holland’s lecture was a combination of PowerPoint slides, videos and some practical advice from her many years of experience. Holland, a LaGrange College assistant professor of business and a native of Brazil, was able to give her audience an informed, practical and candid assessment of some of the more common business practices in Brazil today.

“Business is never discussed during a meal. Dinner is anytime between 7 and 10 o’clock at night, so you might want to have a snack to get you through,” Holland said. “Waiting in lines is one of the common experiences in Brazil. These long lines are caused by inefficiency and bureaucracy, which are worst in banks, post offices and government offices,” Holland said.

Holland said that many Brazilians use this time to strike up conversations with others waiting in line.

Holland told her audience that the three strongest economic sectors in Brazil are agriculture, industries and services. Although today, not the strongest of the three, agriculture plays a major role in Brazil with its coffee bean and sugar cane crops. Sugar cane is used to support the country’s large production of ethanol, making it possible for Brazil to be the largest export of the product. Ethanol production also supports the use and production of Flex vehicles, vehicles that are developed to use alternate fuel sources, . Brazil is the leader in developmental technology in using ethanol as a fuel.

During her lecture, Holland presented her audience with a list of some of the typical Portuguese greetings, key words and phrases that one might use during a causal business interaction in Brazil. As she went over each example, she explained its usage and had everyone practiced its correct pronunciation.

She ended her program by showing a video that illustrated Brazil’s excitement and commitment to the upcoming 2016 Olympic Games.

Danny Grady, a community member whose daughter graduated from LaGrange College, attended Monday’s lecture.

“No, I’m not going on the trip, but I enjoy the lectures, they are very interesting and well presented. I always try to attend the 3D lectures,” Grady said.

The lecture was immediately followed with a “Dutch treat” luncheon that featured Brazilian cuisine.

The next lecture in the LaGrange College’s 3D series is “The Rhythms of Brazil,” which will be presented by Lisa L. Crutchfield, assistant professor of history, entitled, at LaGrange College. “I Remain’: The Enduring Diversity of Brazil,” is scheduled for Feb. 25.

For information or lecture reservations (suggested), call (706) 880-8244 or email 3DJourneys@lagrange.edu.