“Inside Bahia” – An educational adventure tour of historic Bahia, Brazil
April 9 to 20, 2010
Join Bahia Street for an in-depth exploration of Salvador da Bahia and the surrounding areas. Traveling with a small group (fewer than ten people), you’ll experience northeastern Brazil through the eyes of its African-Brazilian majority. Your guides will help you gain an understanding of the local culture and history as you meet and spend time with diverse local people. Spend four days in Salvador, the largest African city outside of Africa, experiencing the pulse that makes this city one of Brazil’s most popular destinations. Feast on locally-caught seafood, tropical fruits, and fresh Bahian dishes that sparkle with mouth-watering color and flavor.
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Highlights
Around Bahia
- Cachoeira – Explore this beautiful inland town’s 19-century architecture and learn about Candomblé, an African-Brazilian religion that is central to the spiritual life of most Bahia residents.
- Ituberá – Hike through a rainforest, swim in a breathtaking waterfall, and enjoy bird-watching and walks on the beach in this tropical paradise.
- Arembepe – See why residents of this small fishing village are working hard to save their town, their turtles, and their way of life against industrialization and “development.”
In Salvador
- Capoeira – In Salvador, experience the African-Brazilian martial art and dance that integrates self defense, oral history, and traditional music into an art form.
- Pelhourinho – Visit the thriving historic city center of Salvador and explore its excellent museums and craft shops.
- Shantytown tour – Rita Conceição will lead a tour of the shantytowns that surround Salvador’s downtown. Gain an understanding of the social impact and history of these impoverished neighborhoods, both the established ones and the recent ones considered “invasions.”
- The Bahia Street Center – Featured in the book Dance Lest We All Fall Down, the Center is working to break cycles of poverty and violence by educating girls from the shantytowns. Witness firsthand the energy and excitement in which Bahia Street girls learn and thrive.
Your Guides
- Award-winning activist Rita Conceição is a resident of Salvador da Bahia and the co-founder of Bahia Street. She grew up in one of the city’s most notorious shantytowns and now directs the Bahia Street Center, working for a better life for impoverished African-Brazilians.
- Melanie Wyffels is a Brazilian-American based in Seattle with strong ties to Salvador da Bahia. Born into a family of renowned educators, Melanie is fluent in Portuguese and English and has extensive experience in intercultural communication and exchange.
