My Volunteer Programme in Salvador - Brazil

For my family, friends and for those who have kindly supported me in this worthwhile venture here is a weekly progress report of my placement and how I am able to help in community led projects

Monday, 29th September

Had a fabulous birthday, probably the most moving and best ever.

It started on Saturday evening with a dinner between two volunteers and myself at a tropical beach area.   Drinks in the evening. I found my room covered in balloons and a happy birthday notice on the door.

Today after my first lesson my students came with a massive cake, baked by one of the students, chicken, soft drinks etc and Christiano with his guitar. They sang happy birthday in Portuguese that lasted about 5 minutes and was absolutely lovely. It brought tears to my eyes that such lovely poor people went to all this trouble. There was no question of any more teaching and we passed an hour chatting and being entertained by Christiano on the guitar .

Stuffed up with cake and chicken I returned to home base for lunch. Massive lunch as usual. Just when I was about to get up in came all the staff with another massive chocolate cake with candles. Again all the staff and volunteers sung for me. Wonderful, wonderful people.

Great progress this week with all student groups who are beginning to put together proper sentences. I feel that I am now getting somewhere and making a difference.

Weekly Portuguese lessons again - very difficult but getting there at last.

Wednesday night. 
Went to the African ballet to see a fantastia of all types of African dance including the Samba and Capoeira

Saturday, 4th October, 2008
Took a taxi to Tororó Lake that is one of the most famous and beautiful scenes in Salvador. The lake was built by the Dutch in the 18^th century and it’s tranquil and mirror like surface covers about 110 square metres.

The lake has been reconstructed many times throughout the years. In 1998 this well known touristic site was rebuilt with new equipment for sports and leisure activities, community centres, a small theatre, and two restaurants. It is most famous for its twelve Orixas sculptures designed by a Bahian artist named Tati Moreno. The Orixas represents elemental spirits of the ancient and primitive African religious system that were brought to Brazil by the African slaves. The religious ceremonies involve the possession of participants by Orixas, animal sacrifices, healing, dancing and drumming.

Afternoon long stroll through a long avenue lined with colourful shops and boutiques of all descriptions. The girls disappeared in the shops as though they were Aladdins Cave. I carried on the quaint old town of Pelourinho and took the beautiful and massive Art Deco elevator down to then lower city and Port area. Cost all of 3 pence. This elevator was built in the 1920 and joins the upper and lower parts of the City