Category: Rakia Felicia Law

When we think of a countryside in America, usually we include farms and possibly animals in our thoughts. Seems to be very similar here in Brazil, with the exception of the lavish equipment used in the states. People actually used old methods to gather and even manufacture products for sale in their local market. We were granted the opportunity to visit the farm of a family that lives of their own land. Surprisingly, they are very comfortable and content with their way of life. The owner of the farm was eighty-nine years young, and has 29 children…

We also walked through another market where nearby residents sell the items that they produce. We sampled a “jacka” fruit, cheese, and a type of guava candy. I bought some for my dad.

For lunch, we ventured to a private residence with an amazing view of the hills,buildings, and more of the countryside. The rest of the day consisted of individual free time.

Dance is one my favorite activities, whether for exercise or leisure. Today involved yet another experience of a lifetime- the opportunity to learn authentic African derived dance by a an experienced dancer/choreographer, in a studio, with actual drummers and everything….

After lunch we ventured out again to the bus stop for the ride to the location of the studio. It rained, as we noticed a difference in the drops as they fell- slanted and not as big as those in the States.  We arrived at the studio, and Taina greeted us with a big smile, as if she was glad we were there. Once her assistants were introduced, class began…

The intensity of the movements and rapid pace caught most of us off guard. Many were expecting simple basic steps that did not require the cardio and sweat that we had to give. It reminded me of my dance class back in high school, except with a more energetic instructor and actual drums being played. Amazing! Taina was very humbled by us attending her class and asked about our feelings about the class during the end.

On the bus ride back, a few of the guys bonded with a local gentleman that was listening to a popular rap artist from New York.  I think it’s amazing how music is almost a universal language.  Though our guys didn’t speak Portuguese, they shared a common interest in music with Evan.

We may be from different areas around the globe, but we’re not as different as we often think…;-)

 

Not too much went on today. We attended class this morning and learned quite a lot about Photoshop and the beginning phases of web design. Lunch was on our own, and some of went to Bob’s for burgers. It’s similar to a Brazilian version of a fast food chain. Rested for the day, and met up with others from the group for lunch.  The pizza was superb! Stayed up late getting tutored in the software for the deadline on tomorrow….. Ciao!

It’s easy to think that the hardships we face are only limited to us  individually, or that the same problems don’t exist elsewhere- especially across the globe. The reality is that those thoughts are merely not true. A quote from earlier today says it best, “In Brazil, poverty has color.”

Beginning the day with a trip back to Pelourinhno  was a true treat.  This time, we visited a type of headquarters of Olodum, where we were informed about the background history and it’s significance in the quest for equality for “black” Brazilians during carnival, and their overall social status.  Simply put, racism and classism exists everywhere.  We listened to a discussion about the past and present socio-economic of Afro-Brazilians, and the political influence on those conditions.

A visit to the school heighten my excitement, being an educator. Although it was a performing arts focused school, I was very enthusiastic about seeing children. And, these children are beyond talented. Their eager and amazed faces welcome us to the Olodum School, and we were even allowed to witness them learning percussion in a classroom.   The school serves as a means of promoting cultural enrichment for children from the ages of seven to young adults. The school provides opportunities for student to learn performing arts such as dance, choral and music. They also teach essential skills like technology and leadership. The only requirements are that students maintain good grades and are from low-income families. (Seems like the term “low income” is used worldwide…. Interesting.)

Perhaps the highlight of the day was the African folklore theater show during the evening. Totally amazing! Not enough words to describe it. Basically live singing and dancing with vivid, beautiful costuming that depicted African culture.    Hand drums, African instruments, capoeira, and flirtatious dancers! Best live show of my life….

 

 

 

 

Often when we watch travel shows on television, we never imagine the possibility of experiencing the same in our own lifetime.  We usually just bypass the whole thought with, “I wish I could go there, or do that…”  Fortunately, that far fetched feeling is no longer a thought or a dream for me. It’s a reality.

Beginning a day by eating the freshest scrambled eggs seamed surreal. Not to mention fruit that tasted sweeter than granulized sugar.  After orientation from the study abroad staff of Bahia and an introduction to our graphic design class,we set off on a short walk to a restaurant for a delicious lunch.  I tasted Brazilian soda for the first time and noticed it’s not as sweet as American soda. Very refreshing.

Today marked the beginning of our exploration, and was filled with the essence of history.  Visiting a 17th century Catholic Church, adorned with numerous images of baby angels, saints, and biblical depictions accentuated with gold literally made me gasp. To behold such architectural beauty in person brought about memories from watching the Travel Channel on television, except I was literally making a memory by snapping countless pictures and basking in there atmosphere. We also visited an African artifact museum, an African Catholic Church, the actual location of the video shoot for a Micheal Jackson video, and a busy market place.

Perhaps tomorrow I won’t feel as though I’m dreaming, or on my own version of one those shows I often watch back in the States. But, with all of exciting events planned for the rest of the duration of the trip, I may not feel awake until we return back to the U.S.   ~R.L.