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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.
We have programmes in two very different
locations. You can choose between the dazzling city of
Rio de Janeiro and the beach paradise
Florianópolis.
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!
To get a good 'feel' of placements in
Brazil
please read our volunteers' feedback
OUR TEAM IN BRAZIL
Our local Brazilian staff are brother & sister team Fabio & Ana Castilha.
They have both been with Travellers for
many years and look after all our volunteers in Rio and Florianopolis
respectively. They both have endless time to spend with volunteers,
making it their mission to make them feel at home in their country.
“Fabio you are fabulous ... Thanks Rio, thanks Travellers for arranging
all this but mostly thanks to the children and the people who have made
us so welcome here .... Tops Fabio, Keila [Fabio’s wife] and Cayo (and
members of his family too numerous to mention). It says a lot that I am
fighting back the tears as I say cheerio for now folks, love you all,
please stay safe” – A tearful final
message from Vera Tyler, Rio volunteer
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.
PLACES TO VISIT IN BRAZIL
Brazil offers so many different things to do
that it's impossible to narrow it down to a few 'favourites'. One of the
greatest things about this vibrant country is the atmosphere.... wherever
you are and whatever you're doing, take time to absorb it - as you learn
about the country around you and interact with local people you'll soon
appreciate the energetic yet laid back Brazilian way of life! Amazonia National Park: The Amazon
covers an impressive 7 of Brazil's 27 states and almost 40% of the total
land mass. If you have the time, its a must see for the wildlife, climbing,
trekking or lazy days spent traveling by boat along the river.
Iguaçu Falls: Sometimes described as
being one of the 7 natural Wonders of the World! The falls have 275 separate
cascading waterfalls, above which you'll see a glistening rainbow coloured
mist. Simply spectacular!
Rio de Janeiro: Rio is infamous, for
its sun, sea and surf. As a city, it's friendly, chaotic, laid back and
exciting! On top of the beach scene, Rio's the cultural and educational
heart of Brazil, with many art galleries, museums, theatres, and dance halls
where you can learn to Samba like the locals! For more information about
Rio, where our projects are located, please
click hereRecife: Located on the north eastern
coast of Brazil, Recife is well known for the cannals and connecting bridges
that criss-cross the city - a picturesque city and a famous tourist
destination. There are many great beaches in this region and the cuisine is
entirely different from that of the south of Brazil, making it well worth a
visit.
Florianópolis:
With 42 beaches and a thriving surf, sun and water sport culture it's no
surprise that Veja magazine, a Brazilian publication, named Florianopolis
"the best place to live in Brazil." For more information
about Travellers projects in Florianópolis,
please click hereThe Pantanal: Considered one of the
world's great wildlife reserves with the best fishing in South America.
Visitors come to these wetlands for the bird watching - this region is
teeming with birds and other wildlife.
Salvador: Formerly Brazil's colonial
capital city and once the slave centre of Brazil. Salvador's enchanting
cobblestone streets give it the charm of a Roman city, yet with an African
soul. A must see for the ornate churches and lively, vibrant atmosphere.
Sao Paulo: Sao Paulo is HUGE!! Not
only is this the most populous city in Brazil, but it is also the commercial
centre, home to many big businesses and skyscrapers. Italian and Japanese
immigrants have settled in the city, leaving a cosmopolitan atmosphere with
some of the trendiest nightlife in the whole of Brazil. |
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Teaching Project: All types of teaching
projects, from
English to Music and Drama, Maths and IT. No qualifications required.
Sports
Coaching:
Pure Football OR Total Sports Projects at clubs and centres...
lots of variety!
Crèche Project: With cute Brazilian
kids!
Care
for the Elderly and Orphans: In
a friendly centre that really needs volunteers!
Teach Ballet and/or other Dance:
Teach ballet or dance to kids in Rio's poorest neighborhoods.
Portuguese
Language Courses: Live, eat and breathe the language.
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!
Brazilian
Music
Courses: Music is part of the Brazilian soul - this is an
outstanding place to learn and immerse yourself in rhythm.
Latin
American Dance Courses: Learn to dance like a Brasileiro!
Cultural
Mix & Match: Cultural Exchanges tailor made to suit YOU!
The
Latin American Triangle: Combine volunteering with organized travel
for a unique 6 week experience!
OPTIONAL EXTRA ACTIVITIES







ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



Why choose Brazil? Click here to find out
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Carnival time is party time in Brazil, as the whole country
grinds to a stand still to celebrate

The canals of Recife in the north east of Brazil

A typical Rio de Janeiro street scene
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