We departed Paraty early in the morning for the short drive to Rio. Before getting to the heart Rio de Janeiro, we had to drive through the outskirts of town. These ghetto areas are called favelas, and a shanty town with some unique Brazilian characteristics.
Favelas have historically been dangerous places, controlled by drug lords. Formal city services such as water and electricity can be difficult to acquire. Poverty and violence have plagued these very poor areas, and the lack education make for a rough life.
We watched the foreign film City of God a few months ago, so we were somewhat prepared to see the extreme poverty of the favelas, but the sheer number of people who live like this is overwhelming. We heard the largest favela contains over 100,000 people.
Though some favelas can be dangerous (we heard that even the police don't go in!), you can take an arranged tour. We didn't go, but some others from our group went with a guide who had arranged safe passage through the favela. They rode up into the mountains on the back of a motorcycle, and saw "look-outs" on most corners, armed with very large guns and occasionally a grenade.
I wish we had taken the favela tour instead of hitting up the beach, but I also know it would be difficult to see such extreme poverty.
Just a small reminder to be so thankful for all the blessings we have in America (and most other places if you are able to read this blog!).
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: First day of my study class.
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