Some highlights from the past week at orientation...
- A two hour afro-brasilian dance class taught by the teacher from Escola de Danca. A very well-known dance instructor worked with us for two hours. She brought a bunch of instruments and two percussionists to play while we learned a bunch of different types of afro-brasilian dance. We did some capoeira (a brasilian fight dance), samba de roda, and different moves performed by the different blocos at carnaval. We sang and also played instruments. I got to play the tamborine looking drum. It really filled me with so much life and energy. I loved how the drums were always playing. I have never done any sort of african dancing before but I now think it is the greatest thing. I'm am definitely not a natural but I tried by best. It was the best time!
- Dr. Patricia Moura came and spoke to our group about our health and safety in Bahia. She is a practicing doctor and gave us a talk about what to look out for here because there are a lot of diseases that we could be exposed to that aren't in the United States. It scared me a little bit but I know what to look out for and how to be careful. I had never even heard of some of the things. I really liked Patricia and am excited that she will be giving us 5 more talks during our seminars during the week. She was young and spunky.
- Drop-Off Activity: We were divided up into four groups. I was the leader of the blue team with three other girls. We were given money and a destination within the city. Without help we had to arrive at the location and perform research about the area. We had to perform interviews and check out the local scenery. My group had no problem arriving at this small fishing house and prayer spot called the Casa de Yemanja about an hour away from our orientation house. Yemanja is the orixa (candomble god) of the water and of life. She brings abundance to people and especially fisherman. I interviewed some fisherman and some people praying at the shrine. There was a beautiful statue of Yemanja, a mermaid, outside of the small fishing house. We spent the day in the sun. We had to bring back a souvenir so I bought three fish from a fisherman and had him prepare them to cook for later. The freedom was incredible after being couped up in the orientation house for a few days.
- Baile Folklorico de Bahia: Last night we traveled to Pelourinho, the historic center and saw a very famous afro-brasilian dance group in a small and special theater setting. This performance was so different and definitely assured me of why I came to Brasil. The culture is beautiful and so vibrant. They performed traditional dances of the orixa (pronounced or-ee-shaw) ceremonies, including an amazing fire dance, as well as some capoeira dancing with a lot of crazy flips and stunts.
I have received all of my school materials and the stipend for food and transportation while I am here. Everything is set to go and I cannot wait. I also received a letter from my homestay family. I will be living with an older woman Josefa and her middle age son Russel in the central part of the city, a short walk to the SIT office.
The letter reads:
"My son and I are waiting for you. We hope that you adapt well with us and that you make the best of this opportunity that god is giving you to get to know another "world". In my house you will receive much love and understanding and we hope that you will be able to realize your goals. Be certain that you will have my support as well as my family's. We hope you will collect many positive experiences here in Bahia and Brazil to take home. -Josefa "
She is arriving later this afternoon to take me home. The next step in this adventure awaits...
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