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ABOUT BRAZIL
Sun, Samba, Energy, Capoeira, Music, Laughter and the
fabulous and lavish Carnaval … Brazil has all this and much more.
If you are looking for an injection of life to make you
feel alive, Brazil is the place for you!
“If travelling is your passion, Brazil is your destination. Brazil will take
your breath away. For the sporty, the adventurous, the curious. For
children, teenagers and adults. For couples, families and friends. For all
kinds of people, all the time. With its dazzling beaches, forest trails and
lively cities, Brazil will put all your emotions to the test. Pack your
bags.”
Brazil's
colourful diversity and geographical abundance seem to embody everything that is
best in South America. The Amazon flows through its heart! There is a
dazzling string of great cities along its coast - the pulse-pounding resort of
Rio de Janeiro; sprawling, metropolitan Sao Paulo; and, further north, the entrancing
canals and bustling piers of Recife.
Close to
the impressive Iguaçu
Falls is the lovely town of
Foz do Iguaçu,
and you can also do placements here with Travellers.
We have programmes in two very different
locations. You can choose between the small traditional town of
Foz do Iguaçu and the dazzling city of
Rio de Janeiro.
A world of
contrasts! Alternatively, why not combine your placement and visit them
both....?
Brazil has
an incredible amount of diversity in
vegetation and climate and a fascinating cultural mix of immigrants who have
brought with them their customs and cuisines. A vibrant, pulsating country!
ABOUT BRAZIL:
This tropical paradise is alive with mad passion in every walk of
life. Axe (a-chay) means energy in Brazil and nowhere else is the
heart-pounding, rhythmic energy more prevalent, be it an impromptu
capoeira roda on a street corner, bursting with music, excitement and
physical perfection, or the sound of loud raucous laughter between two
acquaintances over ice cold beer in local open sided bars.
Brazil
has the sixth largest population in the world (about 169 million
people) which has doubled in the past 30 years. Because of its size,
there are only 15 people per sq. km, concentrated mainly along the coast
and in the major cities, where two-thirds of the people now live: over
19 million in greater Sao Paulo and 11 million in greater Rio.
In Brazil work is
secondary to leisure and Brazilians know how to enjoy life. It is
impossible not to absorb this infectious passion for life, enthusiasm for
fun and appreciation of the little things in each day. Of course, a
consistently hot summer and beaches such as the Copacabana and
the infamous local tipple of Caipirinha all help secure that lively, happy
vibe!
Caipirinha is the
traditional Brazilian cocktail and is fittingly delicious. Refreshing and
powerfully alcoholic, a Caipirinha is prepared with a Brazilian sugarcane
liquor, Cachaça, lime juice (fresh from the fruit), sugar and lots of ice.
This is an appetiser to be enjoyed before eating when socialising with
friends – something you will do much of in Brazil.
Brazilians know how to
party, in the cities, in the country, on the beaches and in fact
wherever they go, and the biggest party of all time occurs each year
throughout the country. Carnaval is spectacular!! It takes place in
February all across Brazil but particularly in Rio. The streets are packed
and pumping with incessant samba beats and pure hedonism for 5 days with a
period of building excitement for some time before. Any excuse for a party!
The year begins after Carnaval and, as with all things Brazilian, somewhat
later than planned. Well, after all… what’s the rush….?
Around the same size as
the USA, Brazil is by far the largest South American country. It borders
every country in South America but Ecuador and Chile. Brazil’s population is
clustered along the East coast of the Atlantic whilst much of the rest of
this tropical land remains scarcely populated and difficult to
access. Brazilians are most commonly of African, European or Indian descent
and of Roman Catholic faith. The official language, unlike anywhere else in
South America, is Portuguese. This diverse ethnic background is often
cited as the explanation for the welcoming nature of the average Brazilian,
who, as some say, ‘have a little of the entire
world in their blood’.
CARNAVAL!
Like Mardi Gras, Carnaval has its roots in
ancient pagan ritual. The wild parties began in the Middle Ages but were tamed
in Europe by Christianity. The Portuguese were irrepressible, however. Carnaval
flourished and incorporated extravagant costumes from India and primitive carnal
beats from African rhythm. Carnaval takes place before lent where Catholic
Brazilians officially gave up luxuries such as meat, alcohol and pastries. The
word Carnaval seems to have derived from the Latin ‘goodbye meat’. The
reasoning, and a grand one, behind Carnaval therefore was to accumulate and rack
up all sins in a blow out of extreme proportions, in advance of the deprivation
ahead!
The excitement of Carnaval builds practically all year round. Rehearsals at
samba schools begin in August and marching percussion bands practise for their
performances of music throughout the year.
Carnaval Balls are extreme, surreal and erotic events. There is various stages of
undress, extravagant body painting, stickered tattoos, fishnets and spandex
involved! Hypnotic music, grinding movements and beautiful ladies of the night
vying for the camera’s attention are included in the price of the ticket. Some
of these beautiful ladies are less ‘lady’ than they may appear…
Street Carnaval is all about the dancing in the streets, marching bands pump
out their theme tune and other rhythms as the drag queens and party crazed
people bop along behind.
The samba parades are perhaps a highlight of carnaval. As the Lonely Planet so
nicely puts it, the Brazilians harness sweat, noise and confusion and turn it
into art. The best Samba schools in the country prepare
all year for their moment of glory. This procession is a competition of the art.
There are many aspects to samba including percussion, song, dance, choreography,
costumes, story line, floats and decorations. The winner of the samba parades
earns admiration and the pride of Rio and all of Brazil.
To get a good 'feel' of placements in
Brazil
please read our volunteers' feedback.
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Carnival time is party time in Brazil, as the whole country
grinds to a stand still to celebrate! |
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Care in creches: Very
worthwhile and satisfying projects in different locations.
Care for disabled children and adults:
Help children and adults with mental and physical and
emotional disabilities in a friendly centre that really needs
volunteers!
Teaching: All types of teaching
projects, from
English to Music and Drama, Maths to IT. No qualifications required.
Teach Ballet and/or other Dance:
Teach ballet or dance to kids in Rio's poorest neighborhoods.
Sports: Coach
children in schools - they love it and they're very enthusiastic!
Photography
Courses: Capture the flavour of Rio de Janeiro with your lens on one
of our professional courses for all levels...
Capoeira
Courses: Capoeira, is it a martial art? A dance? An art form? It's
all of these and lots of fun!
Portuguese
Language Courses: Live, eat and breathe the language
Music
Courses: Music is part of the Brazilian soul - this is an
outstanding place to learn and immerse yourself in rhythm
Work Experience: Gain experience in
Medical, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical & Physiotherapy - make
your CV stand out from all the others!
SPECIALS, EXTRAS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Why Choose Brazil?
Travellers Manager Fabio (left) sharing pizza with
some volunteers
Surfing lessons on one of the many beautiful beaches in Brazil's exotic city of
Rio de Janeiro
Iguacu Falls, the world's largest waterfalls
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+44 01903 502595
