It wasn’t karate but today, we did learn a few moves from the African Martial Arts called Capoeira from the master himself. I really enjoyed learning its history, reasons why they do/did certain things, music, culture, the structure of the class and of course the self defense techniques. I know I will definitely take what I learned with me back to the States and actually will look into learning a lot more techniques. So look out USA!
Category: Kierra.D. Thomas
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 eight: Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
The windy, gloomy weather streak continues as we continued another day without the sun. I sure do miss her. But, c’est la vie.
After class, we visited another community site project called the Baguncaco. This program provides resources to kids of all ages living in the favelas to art, music, and literature. He shared his journey of becoming the director of the program and later, the kids played their drums for us and fellowship over snacks.
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 5: Rock the Boat
Currently it is 12:01 am and I am still getting sand out of my clothes. Nonetheless, I will take sandy clothes any day for the kind of day we experienced. Matter of fact, can I get sandy clothes in exchange for another island hopping trip please? No? Ok. Life goes on.
The island hopping was so relaxing and fun with these group of students. We all indulged in a little swimming fun then played a game of beach volleyball. It was then I knew, ball wasn’t life for some people.
After the relaxing day of island hopping, we all agreed to attend the Candomblé service. All I have to start about that, is that I love my Lord and I worship him and him only. Amen!
Day 4: Bend It Like Beckham
The most exciting experience I have encountered thus far on this trip is (and this may sound surprising) the trip to the favelas.
We traveled to one of the most dangerous favela communities where I unexpectedly made some friends today. They were really nice to us and were amazed that we were from North America. We played soccer for a while and to be honest, I didn’t want to leave them. It’s unfortunate that they are in a slum urban area, yet I’m beyond happy that I was able to give them a little bit of happiness for a short period of time.
Prior to, we visited the Project Grupo Arte Consciente organization where we had the opportunity to learn how to play percussion drums with students who are apart of the program. It’s really nice to see people creating artistic programs for students tidy live in these unfortunate living conditions in hopes to keep them off the streets. These little kids in the favelas touched our hearts so much, mu fellow classmate, D’Raey Fogg and I are actually looking for ways to donate to the children in these communities to help in any way we can.
Day 2: Follow the cobblestone road
The tours today was nothing short of amazing. I enjoyed every last one of them. Oddly even walking great lengths in the winter Brazil heat on cobblestones for hours. Sarcastically speaking of course. However, my throbbing feet was worth the torture it endured as I was overflowed with interesting information about the history of Salvador.
Our first stop was touring the private university of Salvador. It was interesting to compare and contrast how their university and our university were similar and different. Our tour guide made quite the fashion entrance as he approached us with a full beard wearing a long blue maxi skirt. Yes, you read correctly. As one would feel kind of uncomfortable, I, however, started to appreciate how open, confident, non-materialistic and relaxed people in Brazil are. They don’t care about making a fashion statement or worrying about getting the new J’s. It is purely enjoying life and appreciating what you have. Geesh, if only Americans weren’t so judgmental and worried about fitting in. Oh what a country that would be.
Moving on..
Next, we went to the one of the oldest historic, colorful cities called Pelourinho, which means a city within a city. I am still in awe of it’s rich history thanks to our great tour guide, Marcus. He was extremely knowledgeable and so interesting that I was literally clinging to his every word. Though, it may had something to do with the fact that he was quite easy on the eyes. Whether it was his looks or his actual way of teaching, we were collectively all attentive.
Though we walked for hours and was exposed to a lot, my absolute most memorable part of the tours was visitingthe the Church of São Francisco of Salvador. Y’all.. Describing it in words would not do justice in captivating its beauty. Furthermore, even looking at a photograph copy would not neither. You must see it in person. Take my word and thank me later. But just a little teaser, the inside of the São Francisco Church is completely covered with golden sculpted woodwork and paintings created by slaves which took 44 years to complete. It is literally Ah.Maze.Ing!
Speaking of mind blowing, we took the public bus transportation option to go back to our hotel. And let me just say, it was my first and last time riding a city bus.
#LiveLife #ExploreLife #EnjoyLife
Day 1: Passport? Check! Luggage? Check! Ready to learn? Absolutely!
What a day! I should be asleep after a long day of traveling and getting settled into our hotel, however, it is 1:30 am (11:30 pm back home) and I am still in awe after today’s events. And to just think that it is only day one… Mind blowing!
I can not tell you how excited I am. I have the amazing opportunity to finally do something I have always wanted to do.. To experience study abroad and explore Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. I can’t wait to embrace their beautiful culture, language, food, traditions, history and much more.
Furthermore, traveling can be something as simple as riding your bike to a different part of Jackson, Mississippi on a Saturday or walking around town with your friends. Traveling is not defined by time, it’s defined by the richness of your experiences.
How will you define travel? Make sure you stop by my blog everyday for the next 2 weeks to read everyday experience in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil!
#LiveLife #ExploreLife #EnjoyLife