Category: Monesia Conley

Today was our last day. *sad face* Today we had class then we went to our farewell lunch.  Today just really consisted of all the students getting together and talking about the trip. We then dropped soccer balls and nets at the favelas for the kids that lived there. Sadly, we did not get a chance to take a picture with them nor give it to them personally but we did put it in good hands. We then went to the hotel and worked on our projects with the help of Dr.Stewart. I dont know what the last group of students did to hate photoshop so much but I think it is pretty easy. It just take patience and you have to pay attention.

This trip was really breathtaking and I love every bit of it. Despite the complications I ran into. I made great friends here. I also have known them for 2 weeks and I able to feel free and comfortable around them. All the adventures will be cherish, as well as, all the jokes. I’ve learned so much and have been humbled. Traveling to Brazil has made me want to travel again. It is always good to experience different things, create new friends, broaden your mind, and make memories. I will miss Brazil. Although I will miss Brazil, Im also missing my family and my boyfriend. I also really want to drink our good ole’ artificial flavored American juice. lol! I really need sugar in my life! But the mentos did keep me at peace while I stayed.

We leave the hotel tomorrow around 11. Leaving is truly bittersweet. So long Salvador!

We went to class at 9 and got out at 12. We then went to go eat lunch. After lunch we went to this design firm, where they help create better ways to advertise. It was interesting and I really enjoyed. The people were so intelligent and spoke very good english. The workplace was so relaxing but I dont think I could work in that setting. I will be too relaxed. We then seen a dog, it was so pretty. I absolutely love dogs.

Today was a free day as well. I woke up this morning to eat breakfast then I went back to sleep. Then I got back up to go to the mall. After looking at the whole mall, Ebony, Akilah, and I ate pizza hut. We then went back to the hotel and decided to watch the sunset but we missed it. Afterwards, yes, I was sleepy again. So I took a nap. After waking up, I hung out with Ebony again. I started to feel sick so I didn’t go watch the game with everyone. I don’t know what made me sick. Hopefully, I’m better in the morning.

The beginning of the day was free and rainy. A few of us wanted to go to the favella and give the kids new soccer balls and nets. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get there. We then decided to go to the big flea market in Pelourihno. Here I bought souvenirs for my family. Here I was lucky to purchase a poncho as well.

Later that night, we went to a folkshow. It was mainly drum playing, singing, and dancing. It showed the personalities of the gods of candomble. It was so interesting and wished it could have been longer. When then went out with Nate and ate pizza. Eventhough we didn’t know the music, it was extremely fun.

Today we went to class first, like the regular. Today was also productive and a lot got down. Photoshop isn’t really that bad. It just take a lot of concentration and mindful-ness. After eating lunch which was great, we went to learn Capoeira. It is an African dance/fighting style. It is one of the many forms of martial arts Africa has. Learning was so fun and because he was such a good teacher, it made it better. He was so motivational and wise; I couldn’t help but be inspired. When I made it back, I ate dinner with a few of the girls. My food was potatoe/chicken/cheese. It was soooo good. I also hung out with some of the others tonight. lol. This will be a night to remember.

We started off the day by taking the bus to Pelourihno. Here we visited a site called Escoula Olodum. This program teaches students dance and percussion while helping them become within the organization and community. I discovered that these group of kids performed in Micheal Jackson’s ‘They dont care about us’ video. This was so interesting. We then went to play the drums with one of the teachers which was fun. The owner had a gift shop and Im pretty sure he made a lot of money today. lol.

We then went back to the hotel and to class. Class was very productive today just like yesterday. Photoshop is really not that bad.

Today we went to class at 9 until 12. We then ate lunch at a restaurant we visited earlier this week. This restaurant have the best fish ever! We returned  back to the hotel until it was time to go to our site visit. Here we learned how a man created a program where children could come at any time. The are able to be involved with any extra-curriculum activities and all they have to do is ask for it. The man that found the place is a director. Because he don’t where the business suits and dress as a regular citizen of the favella, people mistaken him for a worker or a homeless person. This place was very nice and we met great people from other countries. They served us snacks and played the drums for us. Short and Sweet. lol

Today was not as short as yesterday but for some reason it wasn’t as exciting. We started off with class at 9-12 then we went for lunch. After that Markos gave us a tour of a church and a market. The market was sooooo stinky, like, why??? LOL. I saw a lot of ribbons on the fence in front of the church. You are suppose to tie it in three knots and make a wish. I didn’t participate but the ribbons did look beautiful. We then left and went to view a beach. Markos then announced that today will be the last day we will see; he was a great tour guide. We then went to a church service and left a hour after. I hung out with some of the other students tonight. It was cool and chill.

Today is the day classes start which was at 9 am. It was just like we were on campus and we had class today until 12. When went to a restaurant in the mall and the food was very good. We then caught the bus to go to an Afro-Brazilian dance class. Everybody had a great time and the instructor seem to really love what she do. Some of the moves were very familiar and similar to some of the moves I use to do when I was a dancer for the band. she was selling jewelry and I bought two pair of earrings from her. For dinner, I went to bob’s burger where excellent customer service being done. They were being so nice and helpful. The food was good as well.

Today was so relaxing! Everything about it was great. We went to sail on a boat where they served fruit, snacks, and drinks. Of course you had to pay for them. We arrived to the first island and it was beautiful of course. Everyone got in the water and we all enjoyed one another. We then went to go play volleyball which was also enjoying. We then left this island to get on a boat so we could sail to another island. At this island, we ate lunch and got to know Nate more. He is so nice and funny. We then went to go lay in the sand on our towels which was very relaxing as well. This boat trip gave the students time to relax with one another and form stronger bonds.

We then got ready to go to a church for a religion I forgot. It wasn’t one of  my favorites. I felt uncomfortable. I’m pretty sure I’m going to stick with my religion.