A very Special Visitor

Berit Ollestad ccontacted me over a year ago to tell me that she had been to the favela before but wanted to return. She and her husband had made some friends here in Rocinha and wanted to return to check up on them and bring some donations to the families. She had contacted me and decided to stay in the favela for about a week. Her stay consisted of visiting her friends and making new ones. I introduced her to Tio Lino's Mundo de Arte (Art School) and to a daycare that needed much help. I think she enjoyed her stay and has already booked her ticket to return in October. I look forwards to seeing her again. Here is a interview that I made with her about Brazil, Rocinha and her work.

- Tell me a little about yourself, Can you tell me your name, where you are from?

My name is Berit Ollestad and I currently live in Morristown, New Jersey and I was born and raised in Seattle,Wa. I met my husband Luis in Seattle while working in the same industry. Luis is originally from Lisbon, Portugal. My husband's career has taken us to Brazil, Miami, Puerto Rico, Chicago and most recently NJ. We have a four year old named Annika and a five year old named Mateo.

I enjoy getting involved in humanitarian efforts on local, national & international levels. My latest project that I take a lot of pride in was coordinating a relief effort for the people of Alabama that were affected by the violent storms (tornadoes) back in April. I managed to get UPS to donate a semi-truck to my town, for us to fill it with supplies such as food, cleaning supplies, diapers, etc. for the victims.

- When did you first come to Brasil?

I first visited Brazil in September of 2002 for a 'house hunting" trip thru my husband's work.

- Why Brasil?

When I first met my husband, I knew he always wanted to experience working abroad. It wasn't 'if' the opportunity presented itself; it was when and where it was going to be. I still remember when he came home and said "they wanted him to accept a 2 year assignment in Brazil". My first thought was "how am I ever going to tell my family that I was moving half way around the world?!?" Back when we moved to Brazil in 2002, the country was really starting to emerge as a 'up and comer' on the world stage. The exchange rate back then was four to one. Now I can hardly believe it, the currencies are almost the same. It has been fun to see Brazil emerge into a strong country that continues to gain more and more of a presence on the world stage.

- When you arrived where did you live?

Like most 'Americans' when I used to think of Brazil, ideas of beautiful people, gorgeous beaches, hot & steamy climate, Carnival and extreme poverty were the first things to enter my mind. I thought the entire country was much like the Northeastern regions and the jungles of the Amazon.

The city we lived in couldn't have been more different. We were living in Curitiba, which is in the South and about an hour away from Sao Paulo by air. Not only was it cold in the winter but many of the people looked just like me. They were fair skinned with light colored hair/eyes etc. Most of the original settlers to this region of Brazil were from Italy, Poland, Germany, etc. Carnival came and went with hardly a mention. But probably the biggest shocker was how the Brazilians living in Curitiba didn't fit the stereotype in the slightest, of the warm, friendly and gregarious nature that I had always associated with the Brazilian people. They were far more reserved and aloof and if I dare say at times could come off as down right rude.

- How did you find out or learn about favelas?

I remember very vividly the first time I ever saw a favela. I was flying into Rio and I saw them on the hillsides. I immediately asked my husband about them and that is when he explained what they were and he told me they were called 'favelas'. I was quite intrigued by the mystery that seemed to surround the favelas. Whenever I would try and ask people living in Brazil to explain to me the details of living in a favela, no one was willing to engage in a conversation with me. It was almost as though no one wanted to acknowledge that they existed. I kept hearing the same thing over and over; that I must NEVER enter a favela, especially God forbid By Myself!! This of course only deepened my curiosity about them. I knew at that moment, it would only be a matter of time before I entered one. But first I had to educate myself a little more before I did.

- Why did you decide to visit a favela?

As I mentioned above the mystique of what a favela was fascinated me and I wanted to see first hand what it was everyone was so fearful of. I spent time volunteering at a creche (pre-school) while I was living in Brazil. I soon discovered that many of the children at this creche lived in the various favelas located on the out-skirts of town. I could hardly believe that oftentimes you would have some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Brazil living side by side with favelas and the country's poorest of the poor.

I have always tried to live my life on the simple premise that "if you treat people how you would like to be treated and exhibit respect, then you can co-exist peacefully with one-another. I guess at some level I wanted to put this 'golden rule' to the test. Some people (actually many people) called me foolish but I really felt in my heart that the people living in the favelas had been given a bad rap and I wanted to go in and hopefully share my experience with my fellow foreign friends and other Brazilians; that you can't always believe everything you hear.

- Which favela did you visit?

I first visited a couple of the 'larger' favelas in Curitiba. Which by comparison to Rocinha, would have been considered a small neighborhood within Rocinha. Luis and I first went together on Easter and passed out the wrapped chocolate eggs to the children. Initially there was definitely skepticism on the part of the locals. But as the day wore on and they realized we were there on a 'good will' mission, the mood lightened. I visited Rocinha for the first time last September. We were going to a friend's birthday party and I had 5 suitcases that I needed to distribute. After asking around we soon found out about Rocinha and it's infamous reputation as being the largest and supposedly the most violent. Based on the fact we could walk to Rocinha from our hotel, it seemed like an obvious choice.

- Before coming here what did you know about favelas?

I really didn't know much about them except that they were very similar to what most people would call an urban slum. I always hesitate to use the word 'slum' when I'm talking about the favela, because it has such a negative connotation. Sometimes it can't be avoided though, when I'm trying to explain to others what a favela is. I knew they were heavily influenced by the drug traffickers and I assumed there was a tremendous amount of violence within the favela as well. When I first arrived into Brazil, I was made to believe that if I entered a favela, I may not make it out. But if I was fortunate enough to make it out, I most surely would be robbed of all my belongings.

- Can you explain about your experiences and the work you have done here?

I realized relatively quickly that a little goes a long way down in Brazil. Things that we don't give a second thought about; for example going out and buying for our children shoes or a box of color crayons are oftentimes out of reach for the average individual living in a favela. The prices of these items are so I inflated, it's ridiculous. So what started out by me sharing my experience with people back home in Seattle has grown exponentially. I went from taking one or sometimes two suitcases: to now taking five seventy pound suitcases once or twice a year. The majority of the items which include clothing, shoes, toys, books, toothbrushes,etc. are either donated to me by members of the community or I will go out and purchase items as well. Having a four and five year old doesn't hurt either to garner donations. I've now started involving my children by showing them photos and talking with them about "where and why mommy is taking all this stuff to the kids in Brazil". They will periodically give me toys they no longer play with and tell me "to give them to the kids in Brazil".

- Since visiting here, have you impressions of favelas changed much?

Absolutely!! Instead of being a disconnected community that is full of suffering, like I initially thought, it is quite to the contrary. There is a real sense of community and plenty of laughter to be heard and smiles to be seen. everyone appears to be respectful of one another and their right to go about their daily business.

- What do you like about life in the favela?

Just because someone is at a lower income level, it doesn't necessarily mean that living in a favela is a bad thing. I have met many people that take pride in themselves and their homes. There is a certain level of joy that emulates from the local people. I have always appreciated how the Brazilian people can enjoy the simple pleasures in life. It has been my experience that nowhere in Brazil, more than in a favela will you find people looking at the glass as half full as opposed to half empty.

- What don’t you like about life in the favela?

Unfortunately Brazil seems to still be very much of a "class" society. Oftentimes whatever income level you are born into; you stay in. This also relates to opportunities or lack of opportunities that are available to you ie.education. I also find it very dis-heartening how many young girls become pregnant, which limits their options even that much more.

- If you had a magic wand and could change anything, what would you change about the favela?

I would love to see equal opportunities for all Brazilians. This would include educational opportunities, proper housing, the influence of the drug trade being a thing of the past and families having more quality time with each-other as opposed to always working just to keep their head above water. This would also include males having a more influential role in their children's lives.

- Has your favela experience been worthwhile?

It has been on so many levels. It has given me a charitable outlet close to my heart to focus my energies on. It also reinforces the notion that just because someone may have limited financial resources, it doesn't mean that they can live a full-filling life.

- What advice would you give someone who wanted to come/visit here?

It's really quite simple, if you go down with a closed mind and you look for all the differences between your life and life in the favela; then you will find them. The only thing this will do is create a separation between you and the Brazilian people. But if you go and make an effort to see all the similarities between the two cultures, there will be too many to count. Now you have opened yourself up to experiencing a very special and unique culture that not many people are as fortunate to experience.

- Will you come back to visit here again?

I can't stay away!! I tell people that going down to Brazil is like my 'soul food'. The warm reception I feel when I return to Brazil from the Brazilian people is priceless to me. Even more so now then when I lived there, Brazil feels like home to me when I'm there.

- Anything else you would like to comment about regarding life here?

The unique experience of 'living' in the favela for a brief moment was something I won't soon forget. In a very short period of time I felt embraced by the community and felt safer than I do in many parts of my own state ie.Newark, Trenton, Camden, etc. Thank You Zezinho for welcoming me into your home for a truly memorable and heart-warming experience.

- Please promote your website, blog and any other projects you would like the public to know about.

I am in the beginning stages of putting together my business 'With Love 4 Brazil'. I am starting to identify local artists down in Brazil that make hand made arts & crafts that they are looking to sell. It is my intent to feature these artists and their crafts on my newly created web-site (by the same name). Then use the proceeds to invest back into some of the projects that I'd like to become more involved in down in Rocinha. If anyone out there has any additional ideas to help me get this venture off the ground, I would welcome your feedback.

If anyone would like to read more about my work I would encourage you to do a search on the Internet by putting in my name and various articles are available to look at. The UPS event really put me on the map, but more importantly it high-lighted my work that I do in Brazil. I have also set up a blog that I hope to spend more time developing. Please take a look and let me know if there are any additional questions that you'd like me to answer. You can find it under www.withlove4brazil.blogspot.com. Thanks for taking the time to read about my experience in the favelas of Brazil.

Rocinha welcomes Graham for the 3rd time!

Graham has been coming and staying in Rocinha for many years after his first trip to Brazil in 2006. He is in university in Sydney Australia and doing studies in film making and Art. Welcome back to Rocinha, Graham and I hope it is even better than your last visit.

- Can you tell me your name, where you are from?

My name is Graham Burchett and I am from the city of Sydney, in Australia.



- Why did you come to Brasil?

I first came to Brasil in 2006 to explore the potential for cultural, artistic and creative exchange in Rio de Janeiro.



-When you arrived where did you live?

In the district of Saúde in Centro.



- How did you find out about favelas?

Rio de Janeiro and the favelas go hand-in-hand, and it's impossible not to hear about them when inquiring about Rio. Unfortunately, they are usually mentioned or portrayed in a negative light.



- Why did you decide to move into a favela (Rocinha)?

While researching potential ways to get involved in creative exchange in Rio, I came across information about the Instituto Dois Irmãos, a non-profit organisation in Rocinha. As my interests are based on mutual exchange and collaboration, it was therefore extremely important to me that I would be able to experience the day-to-day life of the people I would be working with.



- Before moving here what did you know about favelas?

I tried to educate myself as best as possible about the reality of life in a favela. It's one thing to see how favelas are depicted in movies and the media, and quite another to read first hand accounts from residents and others who have spent time there. One thing that I didn't initially know about was the abundance of social programs and opportunities for outsiders to get involved in the community.



- Since living here, have you impressions of favelas changed much?

I went to the favela without any expectations. The reality I discovered was that of a strong, proud community that broke all the stereotypes and preconceived notions it has been branded with. In that regard my impressions have only changed for the better. 



- What do you like about living in the favela?

The people, the vibrancy, the sense of community. Rocinha is always breathing, there is a constant sense of liveliness. Plus in Rocinha you can find almost everything you need!



- What don’t you like?
There are big issues with sanitation and health that need urgent addressing. Also, it must be said that the gang looms large over the community. Care must be taken when working with media such as photography and video. The constant noise can be trying at times.



- If you had a magic wand and could change anything, what would you change about the favela?
Methods of and education about rubbish disposal. It would go a long way to creating a healthier community.


- Has your experience been worthwhile?
Absolutely, my stays in the favela have been amongst the most enriching and worthwhile experiences I have had in my life to date. I have made many, many friends and been involved in some wonderful projects during my time there.



- What advice would you give someone who wanted to move/stay here?
Rocinha is an intense place and can be overwhelming, so it's important to research before you jump in and decide to stay there for a good period. Get in contact with NGO's and people like Zezinho to get first hand accounts of life in the favela. Ask lots of questions. Then, once you think you're ready to commit to staying, leave your expectations behind, go with the flow, and make the most out of your stay—get involved with the community!



- Would you come back to live here again?
Absolutely, Rocinha feels like my second home. I will be going back for my third stay and I hope there will be many more in the future.



- Anything else you would like to comment about regarding life here?
Rocinha is a unique community. It is like a small city in itself, and has infrastructure and services that many other favelas lack. Despite this, there are are still issues of concern in Rocinha that are endemic to the favelas, such as education, health, sanitation, police invasions, water, and electricity amongst others. Rocinha is a place that is fast changing, and constantly growing, but it is still a low-income community. Rocinha's residents work hard to live a humble life and provide for their families. Despite living in such a developed favela, they often still face prejudice and discrimination in their daily lives simply for being favelados. With this in mind, approach living in a favela with humility and respect and in return the people will welcome you with open arms.

A Hockey Story

Hockey in the streets of Rocinha----

I would love to put more fotos here of the kids but my connection is so slow that it takes about 10 minutes for each one to load..my internet connection is not so good, at least today..

I had the oportunity to go and live in Canada for a bit and I grew to love hockey. Its a very special sport. Canadians passion for hockey is much like what Brazilians have for football (soccer). When I returned to the favela, I brought some hockey sticks back as I thought it would be fun to teach a little street hockey to the kids. Kids are very open minded here and after seeing the Olympic games here on the televisions in the favela, I knew people would like my idea.

I started getting interest after walking through the favela few times just with a stick and ball. Kids would come to me and ask to "try". So, I would give them the stick and show them how to hold it and how to use the ball. They enjoyed it but everytime I would pass by this area the kids would ask about hockey and the sticks and when they could play. I told them that I needed to get more sticks and that I would try to get some.

I have 5 hockey sticks and now about 70 street hockey balls thanks to one visitor from New Zealand, RICHARD HARRI. He has visited my favela twice and this last time he returned with a bag full of these balls. Now I have to get sticks and nets..I decided to post these fotos also to thank the person who Richard purchased these balls from. They will be put to good use as soon as we can get these kids sticks.

I will let you know how it turns out..

Exchange student: Samantinha

foto: Sam and good friend Amy


- Can you tell me your name, where you are from?

My name is Samantha, and I am from Los Angeles, CA.

- Why did you come to Brasil?

I came to Brazil to study abroad through my college. I studied for a year at PUC-Rio.

- When you arrived where did you live?

I lived with a host family I was placed with in Sao Conrado for the first 6 months.

- How did you find out about favelas?

I found out about Rocinha through a friend I was studying with. She told me about how her brother taught English in Rocinha at Instituto Dois Irmaos (i2i), and then arranged a tour with Zezinho to look around before we started teaching.

- Why did you decide to move into a favela (Rocinha)?

I decided to move to Rocinha because I was paying a lot of money to live in a room, and I wanted more freedom to have people over. I was also already there a lot. I went to the gym there, taught there, and most of my friends lived there.

- Before moving here what did you know about favelas?

Before moving to Brazil, nothing much. I had heard about them, but also heard that they were extremely dangerous.

- Since living here, have you impressions of favelas changed much?

Yes, I can only speak for Rocinha, because I haven't spent much time in other Favelas, but Rocinha was a huge city, but felt safer to me than Copacabana.

- What do you like about living in the favela?

I liked that I could be close to all of my friends, and pay less than other places in Zona Sul to live by myself. And I liked being close to the beach and to my school.

- What don’t you like?

Living in Rocinha as a Gringo(a) is very different from being raised there. I had a very privileged life there. I could leave if I wanted to or stay. It is not as easy for people who live there. They are judged differently than I would be for living in a Favela.

- If you had a magic wand and could change anything, what would you change about the favela?

The fact that the children and adults who live in Rocinha don't have the social mobility or options that other classes in Rio do.

- Has your experience been worthwhile?

Yes, I enjoyed teaching and living there. I am moving back to Rio in september!

- What advice would you give someone who wanted to move/stay here?

That you should maybe check it out and see if that is the pace of life you would like to live in before you make the move.

- Would you come back to live here again?

I plan to live in Rio with my boyfriend and so I am not moving back to Rocinha. But it was great for that period of my time in Rio.

- Anything else you would like to comment about regarding life here?

It is a complex community, full of good and more complicated aspects, and residents that deserve the same level of respect as all other members of Rio.

Introducing Shelly Steffler

Shelly (left) with friend Vera Vetter at the top of Rocinha


- Can you tell me your name, where you are from?

My name is Shelly, and I'm from a small town in Canada near Toronto.

- Why did you come to Brasil?

I came to Brasil to do an internship in Human Resources with one of the biggest companies in the country.

- When you arrived where did you live?

I arrived in August 2010 and spent the first month and a half in a hotel in Copacabana. Afterwards, I moved to Barra (a very wealthy, American-style suburb not far from Rocinha) to be closer to work.

- How did you find out about favelas?

I knew about favelas from watchttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhing City of God, but one of my coworkers from Canada was really interested in them and invited me to do a tour of Rocinha with Zezinho. I was really nervous, and wanted to leave my backpack at work - my friend told me 'Shelly, if this backpack was full of gold, I'd feel fine walking with it in Rocinha.'

- Why did you decide to move into a favela (Rocinha)?

Zezinho introduced me to people in the community while we were on the tour, and because they knew I was so interested in volunteering, they offered to show me around again. I started teaching English and making friends, and soon, I was spending most of my free time in Rocinha.

- Before moving here what did you know about favelas?

I was living in Rio for a few months before I moved to Rocinha, so I knew that favelas didn't deserve the generic 'they're dangerous! Don't go!' warnings that many Brazilians tend to give. I knew they had a rich cultural life and lots of activity, and that most people were not involved with the drug trafficking.

- Since living here, have you impressions of favelas changed much?

I thought there would be a lot more fear, but people talk openly about the problems related to drug trafficers and take police invasions in stride. I initially didn't wander far from the main road, so I thought that people in Rocinha were fairly well-off. I've since been to the poorest areas of the favela, and I now know that quality of life varies a lot.

- What do you like about living in the favela?

I like that there's always someone to talk to, and that it really is a community - people know their neighbours. I like that people are honest and real.

- What don’t you like?

No one likes the garbage! But in addition to that, I don't like that kids, in particular, are exposed to drugs and violence, and that there are so few opportunities for people from favelas.

- If you had a magic wand and could change anything, what would you change about the favela?

Although there are many people from Rocinha getting busaries and going to school, running engaging projects, and trying to better themselves, I feel like there's a bit of a culture of apathy in Rio in general - for example, the politians are all corrupt, so it doesn't matter who you vote for. There might not be a lot of opportunities, but there are some, and people don't always take advantage of them.

- Has your experience been worthwhile?

One of the best of my life!

- What advice would you give someone who wanted to move/stay here?

Learn some Portuguese before you go!! Be prepared for annoyances - your cell phone might or might not work, your water might run out, and you'll probably need to lug gas for your stove to your house. Oh, and buy bottled water - lots of Brazilians drink from the tap, but our stomachs aren't used to their water.

- Would you come back to live here again?

Definately.

- Anything else you would like to comment about regarding life here?

Don't pass up an opportunity!

Christian Dugdale's Rocinha Experience

Christian on my Roof top in Rocinha

Christian had contacted me sometime ago about wanting to live in Rocinha. He had been working in other favelas as a volunteer so living here would not be a shock to him. I am so happy that he has written so much about his experience here in Rocinha. I know he misses Rocinha very much and tells me often how he wants to return here to stay. Rocinha does that to people. Rocinha is like a mother that cares for its young. And I dont know why but foreigners come with no prejudice and get the most out of learning about the culture and life here in the favela. Enjoy!!

- Can you tell me your name, where you are from?

Christian Dugdale. I'm from Britain.

- Why did you come to Brasil?

It was my dream to visit Rio de Janeiro. Then I visited, and decided I had to go back for longer. I spent 15 years daydreaming about Rio before I went.

- When you arrived where did you live?

I initally stayed with a friend's parent in Botafogo.

- How did you find out about favelas?

I first saw a favela on television when I was about 11, on a British TV programme called Network 7. It was amazing to see a vertical city on the side of a mountain. I remember that I was immediately fascinated by what I saw.

- Why did you decide to move into a favela (Rocinha)?

I actually ran short of money after deciding to extend my stay from 3 to 6 months in Rio. I moved because I couldn't afford Copacabana anymore. I was happy to be doing it though, I had spent time in other favelas and enjoyed it.

- Before moving here what did you know about favelas?

I'd done all the research I possibly could because I was so interested in favelas and Rio in general. So I did have a pretty good idea of what it was like, but it would be arrogant to say that I knew what living there was like. That wouldn't be entirely true.

- Since living here, have you impressions of favelas changed much?

I guess so. I mean, I came into the experience with an open mind hoping to enjoy it, so it wasn't like I arrived a skeptic and went home a convert. I was amazed by how much I enjoyed day to day favela culture and just being there though. I knew I would find it interesting, but I was genuinely gutted when I had to leave. Rocinha became my favourite place in the city. I hadn't expected that.

- What do you like about living in the favela?

I love the fact that the favela is about human interaction, that you really get involved in a world that is different to your own. It's a place where you see the bare bones of humanity, for all of its faults and all of its positives. Just watching people, talking to people and being in a place that was so vibrant. I often used to think to myself "I'm alive, I'm alive " over and over again as I walked around. I don't know if that sounds either stupid or pretentious but it's true.

There may be a distinction between Rocinha and other favelas here, because Rocinha does seem to be a fast moving place than some of the others I visited. Some of them are sleepier and quietier than you'd think. Also, just like that little boy who saw TV all those years ago, I couldn't get over the aesthetic of the place. The impossible Escher drawing stairways, the vertically stacked houses, the views of Rio, the winding roads, the sight of the lights of ten thousand houses lit up at night like a beautiful constellation of stars. My breath was taken away so frequently I could hardly breath some days. I loved the way people danced and congregated in stairways at nights. The baile funk parties and the whole culture that surrounded the music, the way that once you were accepted that people really took you under their wing. The look on children's faces when you told them that you came from another country and the way they wanted to ask you a million questions about it. I mean there's a million more things, but that's what comes to mind to start with.

- What don’t you like?

I understand that people don't like the police in the favela. If I was them I wouldn't either. However, the absence of an honest and effective police service does not mean that having de-facto armed dictatorship running your community is a good thing. It isn't. I think its a tragedy that so many kids in Rio in an environment where guns are normal. Unfortunately, I'm not smart enough to come up with the solution to this issue. I can only criticise. That's not perfect I know.

- If you had a magic wand and could change anything, what would you change about the favela?

As I've just said, I wish the favela could be a place free of guns. I wish it could be a place where everyone in Rio, especially cariocas, would want to visit. Finally, I wish something could be done quickly to improve sanitation for residents there.

- Has your experience been worthwhile?

Quite simply, living in Rocinha is the best thing I've ever done in my whole life. I want to live in Rio, and if I get my way I will in the future. I would love to live in Rocinha again. It's absolutely freaking brilliant despite its problems. BRILLIANT.

- What advice would you give someone who wanted to move/stay here?

Do your research, find a contact in the favela to help you visit and take a look first. Then definitely do it.

- Would you come back to live here again?

Yes x 1000. See above.

- Anything else you would like to comment about regarding life here?

Rocinha is an extraordinary place. It's not just a slum.It's an amazing city grafted onto the the side of a mountain, with its own culture, music, rhythm, sounds and atmosphere. When you stand on a roof terrace of someone's house in Rocinha at night, you realise that that the rest of the world is missing out on something they think they don't want to see. Look out over the unbelievable sight of the hundreds of houses as they tumble down Rocinha's tropical slopes towards the Atlantic Ocean and tell me you don't feel anything. YOU CAN'T.

Seana in Rocinha

Seana with one of the kids from Rocinha


Its rare when you meet somebody who truely has a love and passion for a place. I remember one of the lasts days before Seana had to leave and it was so sad. I know she did not want to leave Rocinha. As she says, Rocinha stole some of her heart. She fell in love with the place and people and this is not the first time I have heard this. And I know it will not be the last. I know if it came to it, she could easily live here. She made so many friends who ended up like family for her.

I first had contact with her a few years ago when she contacted me about coming to Rocinha for her school project. She was studying funk music from the favelas. I remember sending her some and her interest in Rocinha became stronger. The one day she sent me a email telling me she was coming. It was so nice to put a face to the emails. She is so sweet, kind and always has a smile on her face..

So, now she is RETURNING in the begining of June. So, I will see her again. I know she is soooo happy to be coming back and I look forwards to her return. But heres a interview I did with her. She is sharing her experiences of favela life.

Enjoy!!!

~Zezinho


- Can you tell me your name, where you are from?



My name is Seana. I am from Florida, U.S.A.

- Why did you come to Brasil?


I came to Brazil because I study Brazilian funk music from the favelas in Rio de Janeiro.



- When you arrived where did you live?


I wanted to stay in Rocinha my first trip to Brazil. But I had a difficult time finding housing there without knowing people there. When I arrived, I stayed in a woman’s apartment in Copacabana where a friend of mine was living.



- How did you find out about favelas?


I have studies the social relations that exist in the favelas in Rio for the last 6 years. I found out about them from studying about street children in Brazil.


- Why did you decide to move into a favela (Rocinha)?

I wanted to move to Rocinha because I study the music there and want to be as close as possible. I decided to move to Rocinha because I feel safer there than anywhere else in Brazil. There is a sense of community like I have never felt anywhere else. People are warm and welcoming.




- Before moving here what did you know about favelas?


I knew that the favelas are a place where drug traffickers control the communities and police invasions occur. I also knew that there is a lot more to favela life. 



- Since living here, have you impressions of favelas changed much?


They have not changed too much, since I tried to learn as much as possible in the years leading up to my first visit, but I never could have imagined the safety I felt while there or the carinho, or affection that I was shown by the people who live there.



- What do you like about living in the favela?


Everything. Rocinha is the kind of place that steals your heart. When I had to leave Rocinha, I would feel the physical absence, a love sickness perhaps, as if I had left someone behind who should be with me at all times. That feeling has never gone away. Even when I had to return to the U.S., my friends claimed that they lost a piece of me to Rocinha.



- What don’t you like?


There is nothing that I do not like about the favela. Life there is what it is. I feel like the benefits of living there outweigh things that might irritate some people. Water use that cuts the power, cold showers, or dog feces in the alleys. 



-If you had a magic wand and could change anything, what would you change about the favela?



I would change the amount of violence people suffer—the (police) raids, the strip searches, etc.


- Has your experience been worthwhile?

Absolutely. I wouldn’t change it for anything.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to move/stay here?


Learn about the culture of the favela and learn to respect it. Being in a favela is not about having an exciting time living in a “dangerous,” “poor,” or “violent” community. It is not something to do to have a story to tell. I believe it is a place where people should live if they are knowledgeable about the culture and respect that exists in the community. They should be willing to learn about and participate in this culture in the same manner that a favela community member would.



- Would you come back to live here again?


Always.

Seana