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Day 10: Let Loose

Caboreia

We went fight dancing today. It was so much fun. I found out that I definitely need to pay more attention to my upper-body strength. We learned about a dance called caboreia. In it, two people are playfully kicking, swinging and dodging hits from their partner. I assumed it was a competitive sport, but when D’Raey asked about competitions the instructor said that the dance is strictly for fun. There is no winner or loser. Caboreia consists of dancing, fighting and music. While two people are dance-fighting the others in the group are either playing instruments or singing.

The caboreia teacher was very laid back. He made sure that everyone was involved in the learning process. We played drums, practiced tumbling and sang. We had to let down our walls today and really move our bodies.

I won’t forget this experience.

Day nine: They don’t really care about us

Today was a little bit different from our regular schedule. Usually, we would have class in the morning and visit a community site visit afterwards but today, it was the other way around. We went back to Pelourinho to business to visit a music school called Escola Olodum. They teach a maximum of 206 kids of all ages about leadership, dance and music in which each student has to apply and audition to attend the school. In comparison to previous art and music schools, it was obvious that they were well funded, technology enhanced, instruments supplied, organized and have proper housing condition. They’re students also appeared on Michael Jackson’s hit “They don’t really care about us” music video.

After the presentation about the school, we joined one of the employees in a drum session (I honestly feel that I am all drummed out for 2016) and we shopped their Olodum apparel which I think we were all obsessed with it. Their logo (as seen in above picture) is pretty much a piece symbol with the African colors signifying: Green- land, Red- blood, Yellow- gold/Richness and Black- our skin color. Again again, tis was a great day in good ole Pelourinho.

Day seven: And let the church say “Amen”

[insert spiritual song and music here]…

First, I would like to give honor to God.. [music adruptly stops]

It was certainly not that type of party! We have the privilege to attend the Mass at Rosario dos Pretos Church in Pelourinho which is an important and famous African Brazilian Church that practice Cathloic. And it was actually my first Catholic service to attend. Growing up in a Baptist home, I am so use to the extensive prayers, jamming choir and 3-4 hour services praying to our almighty Jesus Christ. Although the 3-4 hour service is similar to this service, however, their rituals are not. I was not really sure what was going on, being that the service was spoken in Portuguese, but just being in a room full of people praising and worshipping seemed like the perfect place to be. It wasn’t enough to make me want to convert but just having an opportunity to experience it is definitely a memory I will not forget.

Prior to, my future husba-… I mean, Marcos, lead us yet another adventure to a market that was unfortunately more smellier than the first one. This one was bigger. For example, the first one would be like a Fred’s dollar store. The second one would be a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Get the picture? It had everything you would want. And in my case, not want. The usual items such as spices, vegetables, incenses, candles were available for purchase, as well as animal heart, horse legs, liver, and more. Just know I plan to discard and burn my shoes after walking through slaughterhouse.

Afterwards, we visited the Bonfim Church where I had the opportunity to tie ribbons on their gate to wish for good health, prosperity, peace, etc. which all symbolizes their gods. Being that my luck is not at its best, it was a must that I tie 1 or 2 ribbons. Or 4. Ok, 5 total. I need all the luck I can get! Lol!

Day 6: I want to dance with somebody

“I want to feel the heat with somebody!” Well, not necessary. But there was definitely heat in the atmosphere because the air was at the very minimum in the dance studio today with Ms. Tatiyana. She taught us a collection of reggae, hip-hop, African and a whole lot of soul. You can tell she is very passionate about dancing just by the way she walks. Yes, she even has rhythm in her walk. The entirety of the whole class thoroughly enjoyed busting a few sweat for some dance moves and I am pretty sure we will take some of those moves back home.

It was quite refreshing that this was the only event on our agenda today. We actually came back to the hotel while the sun was still up to have some free time. Free time. Free. Time. Yes!

In other news, there was a shooting back at home in Orlando, Florida that was called the worst since 9/11. Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old Fort Pierce, Florida resident went into a gay nightclub and shot 50 people and injured 50 more. It was clear that he was homophobic and target the LGBT community. It was surprising to know that the news was so detrimental and shocking worldwide, that it was actually front page news in a Salvador, Brazil newspaper.

Day Five: All Aboard!!!!

Until today I have never been on a boat. Today I across the ocean and went to an island !! Can you believe it? Wind blowing, sun shining, food, drinks and great company.

It took about an hour to get to the first island. The surrounding area was gorgeous. Along the bridge leading to the island I saw art work made out of seashells. At the beach there was a bar with food and drinks.

A lot of us ran out to the ocean immediately. The water felt so good. Three of us don’t know how to swim so we didn’t go out far. Lots of pictures were taken.

Afterwards, we loaded back on the boat and headed to another island. We ate a buffet style lunch– delicious as usual! :))))) A few of us rode the beach along the seashore and the rest of us laid in the sand.

The sights here are so wonderful. Everyone I spoke to about living in Bahia talked about how much they love the beach.

I haven’t been feeling well the past few days and a man with a lot of energy and an unforgettable smile looked at me and told me to “be happy”. It really meant a lot to me. They don’t have much here and they simply enjoy the pleasures of life. Everything isn’t about material things.

I’m learning so much.

Day Four: Do you have more rhythm than a 5th grader?

I’m We went to the flevelaz today. I’m not sure I’m spelling that right. It’s an enclosed neighborhood where the poor reside. All the residents’ stored are in the community. It was a long walk. It made me really appreciate what I have back on home.

Raey and Kierra played soccer with kids on the highest hill where it feels like you can see the whole city. It was a heartwarming experience.

The biggest lesson I learned today is that you should appreciate what you have and make the best of it always! If children without shoes, expensive clothing can be happy– so can I. I have been blessed with so much.

I feel everyone in the group getting closer. It’s definitely been a character-building experience.

We’re in Salvador!

We have made it to Salvador! The trip getting here was rough but we finally made it. To start this blog I have decided to make a list of five things I learned or like about Salvador.

1. The food in Salvador is amazing. I can be picky with food and was skeptical on if I would like the food abroad. I can honestly say everything I’ve tasted over the last two days has been really good.

2.Always put a change of clothes and essentials in your carry on. WHERE ART THOU LUGGAGE?! I have been wearing the same clothes for too long!

3.I would like to learn more about Candomble. On our tour around Pelourinho we went to Museo Afro which we learned a little about Candomble. It sounds interesting and I like to learn about different religions and spiritual paths.

4. Don’t be wasteful with food. Only get what you are going to eat. It is rude to waste food.

5. I really like the city’s vibe. Any time you go outside there’s tons of people just out doing things or hanging out. The energy of this place is amazing, like being downtown all the time.

I can’t believe it’s only been two days I’m looking forward to the rest of the trip.