Bahia, Africa

Really.
That quickly...in the blink of an eye.
But not really, though.
What?
Departing from Salvador de Bahia, Brazil.
Its always tough for me to decide if I should write a blog entry or email folks. The emailing is challenging because there are so many things to say and folks to email. Thus, I remind myself that this voyage is not about staying connected like I am at home but to really breakaway, as much and as realistically, as possible. Come on now, of course I check my myspace and facebook as soon as I get on the computer, but I dont have the time or energy to really engage. I really check it to stay on top of any news or contacts for my next port.

Salvador, Salvador, Salvador...
From driking Guarana, Skol, eating fried cheese with oregano and honey on the beach in Barra at Porto - and catching the bus, not to be left out, eating açai with granola, cashews, and raisins...and truly working on my Portugese - I definitely feel like I am walking away with growth.

One of my goals is to truly travel the world, even after Semester at Sea and truly engage in as much cultural immersion, as possible.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to a few cancer centers in Salvador - NACCI (Nucleo Apoio Combate do Cancer Infantil) and NASPEC (Nucleo Assistencial Para Pessosas Com Cancer). I am fortunate to have been able to articulate this interst to our interport lecturer, Javier and he arranged it. I am going to try and see a center for cancer or a serious illness in each port - especially one centered around young folks, which these were. The children were fun and we really had a chance to vibe, despite the language barrier. Luckily, the spanish helps tremendously. Plus, with body language and Pedro (who is 11 and as charismatic and energetic as I am) things were fine. In addition, Paulinia who is battling osteo sarcom beat me in tic tac toe a few times...shes a beast with the x on the paper. Its wild how initially they were under the impression that i was just chilling with them until Ricardo who was the actual escort really translated everything - he told them and they didnt believe it. The kids and I shared scars from surgeries and non-healed scratch marks and pictures of me with no hair. The energy shifted. I am grateful. I dont know. Its hard to believe that this really is only the beginning of the semester still and I am working on making the Paris program happen. I can only take it one day at a time.

Well, my minutes are low. Next, we are headed to Cape Town, South Africa. I will write more later. Obviously, my whole writing my blog in Word first and then transferring has yet to manifest. I just write whats on my mind. Hell, this isnt a these...but who knows...one day it may be.

We set sail at 9p. Damn, back to class and work tomorrow. lol. I actually like my classes and work though, so I am fine.

Bon,
a

All I got is 15 minutes...

You know what sucks?
The fact that I wrote a blog entry last night and it did not post.
Oh well, I let it go.
I seriously have less than 15 minutes, right now.

BRASIL IS AMAZING!!!

The ship got into port yesterday morning and I hit the ground running. Initially, I had a few folks that I was supposed to catch up with - and still will, but it was pandemonium just trying to gather my thoughts and the fact that I had just made it.

I am very glad to say that a young lady named Natalia has been so sweet and amazing. She and her family hosted me and invited me to CARNIVALE! Btw, if you have not been to Carnivale or know about it then google it. WOW! Thats all I have to say. Needless to say, I have yet to really sleep. I will elaborate more later. Also, I went to a Condemblé (sp?) ceremony and was truly amazed.

The African diaspora really draws me and calls my name. I am blown away by life and experiences. The fact that Brasil has the largest black population outside of Nigeria IN THE WORLD I am...man, I dont even know. The Black Experience. Oh yeah, I have also been learning my Portugese. I manage to mix my Spanish with it.

I hate to be abrupt but my minutes are about to expire. Oh yeah, I am in Pelourinho in Salvador - the upper part of the city. Its beautiful and full of history.

Tomorrow I am going to the Verger Foundation and will check out his work on the African Diaspora.

BLACK PEOPLE ARE BEAUTIFUL!

Minutes are gone.

Tchau,
A

Brasil....

I can't write much because I don't have many minutes left for my internet.
So not cool.
But right now, I am on the 3rd deck sitting and being.
I am a few hours outside the port of Salvador de Bahia (Brazil).
AMAZING!
Things are going well.

Will write more later.

Best,
A

Man, I am in effin' Brazil! Wowness!