J-Term Diaries: Tori Williamson

Hi!

Our trip is sadly over!  I can't believe two weeks has already passed.  We all had such a great time! Not only did I make so many memories, but I also made a lot of new friends!  The ballet was incredible.  The men and women danced and did capoeria.  I have never seen someone flip so quickly or so high.  Those people must be in amazing shape!  We also went to an institute for sea turtles! There are five types of sea turtles found in Brazil and the institute is trying to save them!  Overall, Brazil was one of the best times of my life!  Their culture is such much richer and more celebrated than ours.  If you ever get the chance to travel to Brazil I highly recommend it and I'm sure everyone on our trip would too!!!

See you next J-Term!

Victoria

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Hello!

We are in SALVADOR!!!!!  It is even better than Rio.  Our hotel over looks the ocean and the view is amazing!  We had the morning off so everyone in our class took advantage of the beach.  We have been going to Pelourihno, which is the historical part of the city.  There the buildings are all painted in different bright colors.  The streets are made of cobblestones and makes the city seem homey!  So far that is my favorite spot in the city.  Here everyone celebrates their backgrounds by selling paintings depicting it and dressing in traditional wears.  The Bahian women wear large white hoops skirts.  The city is very lively and everyone is very friendly!  Tomorrow night we are going to a Brazilian ballet that is supposed to be like no ballet we've ever been too!

Talk to you then!

Victoria 

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Hi everyone!

On our way to Salvador we drove through Porto Segura, the first settlement by the Portuguese.  There, we saw a capoeira preformance.  Capoeira is a type of dance that incorporates martial arts.  The slaves used to practice the martial arts aspect, and when it was outlawed by slave owners they introduced dance to it to disguise it.  Afterwards, we went to an Indian Reservation.  It was different from any one I had been to in the States because the Indians wear traditional dress and live in huts.  Rarely they go into town for goods.  We're about half way to Salvador and everyone is getting super excited!

See you in Salvador!

Victoria

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Hi everyone!!!

We are in Rio, and it is 85 and beautiful!! Now we all know why Brazilians say Rio is the most beautiful city in the world.  Flowering trees and sandy beaches are everywhere! We've been spending all our free time on the beaches of Copacobana.  Today we went and saw the Christ the Redeemer statue.  It was amazing.  People from all over the world were there to see the same thing.  The view from the top was incredible.  You could see all of Rio!  We also went to a Samba school and got to see them making their floats for Carnaval!  Even though it's still a month away everyone is so excited about it!  

Until next time!

Victoria

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HI!

I'm Victoria Williamson and I am about to leave for Brazil!  I am so excited to go!  On our trip we are going to experiencing such things as visiting a sugar plantation, learning Brazilian dance, sailing in the Guanabara Bay, and visiting a sloth animal preservation center.  Our class is studying both the sociological and historical aspects of Brazil.  I am excited to learn about their unique culture and see the Brazilians preparing for their Carnaval! Talk to you again once I'm in BRAZIL!!!!!

Adeus!

Victoria 

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