Samuel's Story

I have a beautiful story to tell.  It all began at the last place I’d expect, Ocean Bar.  My first taste of night life in Takoradi was bittersweet.    A group of Semester at Sea kids flooded the local bar and a mix of cultures was bonded over beers and conversations.  Many Ghanaians were selling snacks, artwork, and jewelry.  There were young kids at the bar selling snacks, one young boy with a big smile caught my attention. My motherly instinct questioned how old is this boy and what is he doing here on a school night.  It was obvious, he was working selling peanut snacks.  He had a large plate balanced on the top of his head with stacks of peanut bars aligned in a circle.   I motioned him in my direction, I wanted to try this peanut snack; I had seen it before and was curious.  I bought one from him and striked up a conversation as I munched on tough peanut brittle snack.  His name was Samuel, he’s 12 years old, and his mom makes the peanut snacks.  He pointed to his brother Prince who was also selling peanut snacks, they’re sidekicks.  I couldn’t help but ask, “What are you doing here so late on a Tuesday night, don’t you have school?”  His smile faded as he told me that he does not go to school, that is why he is here making money…so he can someday make enough to pay for books.  My mind was in shock, I could not process or comprehend this.  I tried not to flip out but internally my mind was racing, emotions flaring, and comprehension non-existent.  I had many questions and it seemed as though Samuel wanted me to ask them.  I did not hold back, I immediately cared for this boy and he liked the attention.  Besides lots of smiles and laughs, here is what I gathered.  Samuel does not go to school because he can not afford his textbooks which cost approximately $10 US dollars.  He and his brother Prince have been a team selling peanut candy for the past 9 years.  The time frame does not make sense to me but I have learned that time and age aren’t very important.  Some people don’t know how old they are or the date of their birth.  Crazy huh, it’s difficult for my Western mind to grasp.  Anyways, Samuel and Prince live in a family of five children and only one of them is currently in school.  My next thought was that they just don’t want to go to school and sit in class all day.  This sounds about right for many kids’ in America.  I was completely wrong, blown away.  Samuel wants to go to school so badly, when he talks about school his face lights up.  He really likes art and wishes he could study it in school.  But, what Samuel really wants to do, is become a pilot.  A young child with the dreams to fly ahhhh meaningful in so many ways.  His charisma and excitement in telling me about his dreams and desires made me encourage him and want to support him because I do not know anyone else who does.  Maybe I am mistaken or fooled but I couldn’t help this intuitive urge.  I had to do something.

Throughout this conversation, I could not stop smiling because Samuel wouldn’t stop smiling.  He actually tried to control his excitement and smile by biting his lip and pulling his smile shut.  I knew this trick and if it didn’t work he would hide his smile with his arm.  Of course this made me laugh and smile even more!  Maybe Samuel was hiding his excitement to himself, maybe in an attempt to protect himself from disappointment.   Underneath my smile was despair and concern.  I was heartbroken by his story but filled with joy through our interaction.  The sadness settled in with the knowledge that no matter what I do, the deep rooted problem does not change.  That this is one child among millions in the world who needs help.  But, it would be foolish and lame for me to use this as an excuse not to do something good. 

            I went to get change from the bar for another peanut snack and got distracted by a man’s paintings.  I was talking with him, admiring his work and telling him about my friend Samuel who wants to learn art.  I motioned Samuel over, introduced them, and asked for Samuel’s opinion.  Joe, the artist picked one up that I had not seen before and Samuel pointed and smiled, “that one”.  I would have picked it if he had not said anything; the picture is of people gathering underneath a huge tree.  Throughout this interaction, Joe decided to help Samuel paint and I asked if they could write down their names and what they are going to do.  Joe wrote down his email and “I will teach Samuel how to paint and that is my number….-Teacher”  I told Samuel to write below it and sign his name.  He wrote, “I want to study how to paint and learn how to drive airplane-Samuel”.  Joe sketched a picture of Samuel by his signature.  This is a very special painting that I did not plan on buying.

I didn’t bring much money but decided that I could pass up my drinks for the night for this painting/experience/commitment/new beginning.  This brought me to amazement as I looked around at the flow of cash and consumption of drinks.  How we spend our money may seem like it only has an affect on us, the buyer.  But, truth is every purchase we make whether at a small bar in Ghana or department store in America, has huge implications.  We are all connected and our decisions have an affect on others even if we are blind to see them.  For me, I could put my money towards another drink or towards one of Joe’s paintings.  I could invest it in someone else or myself. The amount of money is so insignificant in comparison to the amount I spend on frivolous things.  Here is an upsetting fact “Americans spend $8 billion a year on cosmetics-2 billion more than the estimated total needed to provide basic education for everyone in the world”.  Everyday, my encounters with the world make me question my way of life.  All the unnecessary things I have in my life and all the needs of people worldwide.  It is not something I have just noticed to be inherently wrong but it makes me re-evaluate my position in this world.  I believe if I have extra, it is my moral obligation to give to those who need.  I was provided with an education and every aid necessary, if there is another human being who got the bad end of the stick and I have access to help them, I must.  It is not even a question.  I do not see the difference between Samuel and I or anyone.  We are all human beings; all were children to begin with. 

Next Day: 2/10

This morning, I woke at 6:40 with the plan to meet Samuel and Prince at the gate of the port.  I would meet them at 7AM sharp and we would quickly go downtown and buy textbooks before I had to leave at 8AM.  I was already stressed about the time crunch and to make matters worse, my friend backed out on coming with me.  Determined to not let these boys down, I walked down to the gangway to find it raining outside.  I was unsure about going alone and decided to go back to wake up my friend Miller.  It was already 7AM and I was stressing, I had to make it back by 8.  It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the gate, which is the end of the port.  Miller suggested running to the end, I laughed and started running in my sandals, in the rain.  True determination.  After a couple minutes, we hitched a ride with a Canadian worker and he took us to the gate of the port.  Filled with adrenaline, we searched for Samuel and Prince in the rain and we bombarded with everyone except them. I found our friend Joe the painter and asked him where they could be.  He knew that we were going to meet up and said they probably would show up later in the afternoon when the rain clears out.  There was only one problem with this, my FDP ended at 4 and on ship time was at 6.  I explained to Joe the situation and he said he would talk to them.  I was disappointed but there was not much else I could do, I gave it a good try.

Somehow it was meant to be, my FDP ended two hours which gave me just enough time to pursue Samuel and Prince.  I didn’t know who was coming or exactly what was going to happen.  I just knew that I had to meet Samuel and Prince at the gate to fulfill my commitment.  I tried to find someone to come with me and could not manage to find a soul.  I could not let down these boys, I was determined to go and the moment I decided to move forward without a companion, an angel came into my life.  It was my friend Laura, she was doing some last minute shopping at the port vendors and I knew she was my only hope.  I briefly and frantically explained where I was going and that I needed a companion.  Confused and unsure about what I was talking about she freely dropped the items she was going to buy and joined.  I was so thankful at this moment; I immediately knew that Laura was a true friend.  Laura and I, both blonde, blue eyes, and pale complexions arrived at the gate with a mission and a time constraint.  We were immediately bombarded with people haggling us to buy something.  I was stressed and hoped for Samuel and Prince to be there.  Samuel’s bright smile showed through the crowd, he and prince ran over.   They both had plates of peanut bars balanced on their heads and grins that made them look like they might loose balance.   I gave Samuel a hug and his impressive balance sustained.  In the middle of people haggling us, we coordinated a plan shouting over the chaos.  We found a great taxi cab driver who gave us a deal, he wanted to help us help them.  Trying to escape the madness we walked over to the cab with the plan to make it back in one hour.  We would head over to Samuel and Prince family’s home to meet their mom and then head to textbook store.  I was confused of why we would go to their home but with such a strong community and safe experience in Ghana; my heart ruled my head.  Still a little weary and unsure I prayed for everything to work out, for the good to prevail.  The taxi cab driver, Emannuel was very helpful and knew of their family. Erik, a friend of Prince and Samuels followed us to the cab, he also wanted textbooks.  I told him we didn’t have enough seats in the cab and I was sorry.  I felt really bad but didn’t want this to turn to a free for all.  As I entered the cab, I heard Laura say “Hey Erik, want to share the front seat with me, we can both fit”.  Surprised about this, but more so surprised with myself in the fact that I had turned Erik away from a chance to get texts books only for an extra ten dollars, an extra squeeze.  I was so thankful an amazed with Laura.  We all fit in the cab and were well on our way for an adventure. 
                                
Within about five minutes, after driving through town we entered their neighborhood, a dirt road lined with shanty tin and wood infrastructure. We arrived at their home, a shack in the middle of many.  A woman was sitting outside and smiled when we arrived.  As we climbed out of the cab, this woman greeted us with joy.  She shook my hand and did not let go, just held it and smiled.  More and more family members came outside to greet us.  Three mothers, two with babies on their backs and many children came out to see the excitement.  We were greeted with warmth, love, and appreciation.  I finally deciphered the mother of Prince and Charles, she stood next to me, a beautiful older woman with grey hair and a baby on her back.  She shook my hand and held it, with her other hand she brushed the hair off my cheek and then with two hands held my right hand and said, “God bless you”.  So clear and sincere, I realized the impact of this moment.  My eyes welled with tears, this was too much for me to conceive.  Every family member gathered around and smiles of appreciation shined through.  After today, these boys would go to school.

At the bookstore, the boys ran wild in the small room, they knew exactly what to get.  They each got plain notebooks with paper, mathematics books, a social studies book to share, pencils, and a math tool kit.  Samuel picked out a small thing of markers; this made me so happy and reminds me of our first conversation.  He told me that he like art.  The smiles on their faces were unlike any I have experienced, filled with joy and appreciation.  The total for all three boys books came out to 55.30 Cedies(approx $35US dollars).  I put in 50, Laura put in 5, and Samuel contributed the 30 pesois.  I was out of money and Laura had just enough, 15 Cedies left to pay for the taxi back.  It worked out perfectly.  The fact that Samuel contributed to his textbooks is so special.  Although it was a small amount, he worked for that money and invested in his own education.  I don’t quite know how describe all of this.  My emotions and feelings were all over the place not easy to identify.  It was hard to say goodbye to my new friends whom I grew so fond of.
                   

Here is a little info on each one:

Samuel.  I just love this kid, he has the biggest smile and sweetest spirit.  Every time I made eye contact with him he would burst into a huge smile but would cover it with his hand or bite his lip.  I would smile back and he couldn’t sustain hiding his smile.  Samuel is 12 years old, has worked with his brother selling peanut cakes for 9 years.  He loves art and mathematics.  He wants to be a pilot when he grows up.

Prince.  Samuel’s brother and side kick in selling peanut cakes for the past 9 years. His favorite subject is mathematics and I believe he has only had two terms of schooling.  Prince wants to be a doctor when he grows up.

Erik. The boy who I turned down initially, but he found a way in and I am so thankful.  He sells peanut cakes with Prince and Samuel; their families are neighbors.  He is 14 years old and his favorite subject is biology.  Erik wants to be an engineer when he grows up.

                               

I hope for the best in their education, for education is their only hope.  I know that Samuel will attract many more helpers in his life with that smile of his.   I have had a difficult time grasping their life situation and lack of opportunity.  I am still surprised that the reason for not going to school is that they could not afford textbooks, which only cost $10 US dollars.  For a little over $30 dollars, an hour of my time, I could help these kids.  I do not know the impact of this or what will happen when they need more textbooks.  I may just be another “rich” American along the way who could provide some help but I know this is not the case because what happened today goes beyond any sum of money.  It was the interaction, the meeting of family, the act of taking time out of my life to help these kids get by.   Throughout my stay in Ghana, so many people went completely out of their way to help me out.  They did not have to but they did.  I think about how many people helped me throughout my life.  I never had to buy my own books or supplies; someone older always took care of me.  Today, I was that person and I could give back.  I feel a little older, wiser, and lighter.  It felt good to give up some money that I had intended to buy on souvenirs and invest it in something so much better than material item.  To see the boys smile and giggle with excitement brings so much joy to my life.  Reflecting on today, I understand that although it was so simple, it took effort.  I took a large risk and pursued it with determination, for the rest, I left my trust in God.  Faith and good intentions prevailed into a beautiful experience and outcome.  Almost like magic everything worked perfectly. 
                     

An Ideal World for Kids with Disabilities in Ghana

I was chatting with the doctor on our ship about plans for Ghana and we found out that we were both going to Accra.  He told me he was going to Accra to visit this place that makes orthopedics for children, which was fascinating to me.  He could see my excitement and invited me to come along.  Three of us girls accompanied Dr Bill and his wife Suzie to the Orthopedic Training Center.  After a long drive we pulled up a long driveway lined with trees to a welcoming center.  The entrance had large trees that offered a canopy of shade.  People in wheelchairs and on crutches were relaxing on this patio.  A statue stood in front, it had three young kids standing together, one on crutchs, one with a prostetic leg, and another in a leg brace, underneath it said, “All children are God’s gift”.  My first impression was very good and would just get better.  Sister Elizabeth greeted us; she is the woman who runs the place.  She took us into her office so we could sit down and talk before the tour.  She gave us a complete rundown of the Center with information on the history, politics, issues, children, philosophy, faith, and successes.  I wish I could remember it all and give it the justice it deserves.  I was extremely impressed with the organization in every aspect.  It is sponsored or affiliated with the Catholic Church and I believe this is the driving force for its success.  On the back of their calendar it says, “These past 50 years have been filled with many blessings, and we are grateful to God for all that has been accomplished to improve the lives of the physically challenged in Ghana.”  So many individuals, especially children are physically disabled with very few options available to them in their society.  It is not an easy place to live if you have any form of disability.  Sister Elizabeth welcomes every individual who needs help.  It is not just a place for rehabilitation but for healing.  The grounds of the Center are beautiful with flowers, open space, great trees, and a small swimming pool for rehabilitation work. 

We got a complete tour of the grounds.  There is a huge factory that makes all of the orthopedics, shoes, wheelchairs, crutches, and just about anything.  We got to see craftsmen at work and each item of work was identified with a person.  Sister Elizabeth would tell us a story of despair and then hold up an orthopedic and talk of hope.  In the same building of the factory, patients are being seen and measure for orthopedics.  Outside of the factory another building is a home for mothers and children.  Many babies are born with clef feet and have early reconstruction.  There is a school on site, rooms for boys and girls, and three meals a day.  It is fully staffed with devoted doctors, educators, nuns, shoe and prosthetics makers, and helpers.  This was an eye opening experience to see an incredibly successful program.  

GHANA

I had no idea what to expect from Ghana and was actually quite nervous for my travels.  As we walked off the ship we entered an unusual port, an industrialized shipping area lined with factories.  There were workers with masks and smells ranging from vinegar to chocolate to urine.  A large flat bed loaded with bags of sodium nitrate passed us as we walked along railroad tracks in the heat, lugging our big backpacks. It’s about a 15-minute walk to reach the gate of the port in which access to downtown is available through taxis.  Four of us jumped in a taxi and headed for the bus to Accra, the capital of Ghana.  I had no idea what this journey would entail; I was relying on Ferrah to lead the way.  She spent the past summer in Ghana and her best friend, who we were visiting, is studying abroad in Accra.  After about five hours of navigating public transportation we would finally meet her Banku Junction.  Using public transportation was quite the experience and memorable.  We met so many wonderful and friendly people who went completely out of their way to help us.   This is what made my trip in Ghana so great, the people and the smiles.  In every car, truck or bus I would look out the window and make eye contact with children, we would exchange eager smiles and waves.  Some kids would run after. There was one boy who was walking home with his father and as I waved to him from the back of the bus he paused and then walked in the opposite direction of his father, following the bus.  This boy must have been 4 years old and the cutest thing ever! I still have this vivid picture of him walking down the dirt road in his blue and white school uniform toward me.  His dad didn’t even notice that he had left him and the boy didn’t even care to look back.

Excuse me if I jump around like crazy.

While we were in Accra, we visited Dana’s homestay, which was a very nice house in an affluent area.  We went out for a Ghanaian meal of chicken, joolof rice, fried platains, and beer.  It was delicious and very filling.  I really enjoyed the food of Ghana, some of my favorites included fried plantains with roasted peanuts, fresh mangos, pineapple, and papaya, fan ice which is iced chocolate milk, chocolate, spicy rice, egg sandwich…yum yum yum.   One night, Dana took us to the University campus for dinner at a night market.  We walked along rows of open tents selling food and various things.  It was very dark for their only lighting was gas lamps.  It was a really cool setting, reminded me of a base camp but bustling with people and food.  There were tables loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables.  I got my dinner from a buffet line of rice, beans, meats, plantains, and so on.  For 2 Cedi ($1.43 US) I got a full plate of food that I could not finish even after stuffing my face!

            We spent hours at the art market and made soooo many friends!  I got lost in booths of artwork, clothes, crafts, jewelry, and woodwork.  It was not necessarily the things I saw but the people I interacted with.  I met one Ghanaian who had been to Berkeley before for drumming!  It was an instant connection; he called me sister and gave us drumming lessons.  The time flew by as we laughed and drummed with all our new friends.  This was one of my favorite memories thus far. 

I surprisingly felt very safe in Ghana.  They are very strict on crime and have a strong community.  They said if anyone tried to rob someone in public they would get caught and beat up by community members.  Everyone I encountered cared about my safety and wanted to make sure I was enjoying my time in Ghana.  Also, the people of Ghana love the United States, there was Obama stuff everywhere.  One woman said, “Ghana and American are one country, we are one people” another said “Nothing separates us, just the color of our skin”

The only time I did not feel safe was when we tried to get a bus back to Accra.  Our taxi cab driver took us to a bus station that was recommended from a man at the hotel.  We were driving through areas that were of deep poverty.  Our driver told us to hold tight onto our bags, it is not a safe area.  Immediately my heart beat a little faster and I clenched my bag. I rolled up my window as the road narrowed and more people roamed the streets.  Shacks, livestock, and trash lined the dirt road.  Next thing I know, the road narrowed and crowds of people surrounded us.  We reached the bus station and it looked nothing like the one we had come in on.  We completely stood out, four white girls with a lot of stuff.  People surrounded our taxi and yelled to try to get us to take their bus.  Every person stared into our taxi and then followed us.  It was complete chaos.  I was so nervous.  We tried to figure out what was going on as our taxi cab driver conversed with men.  Conversed is not the right word, argued, haggled, mediated.  I honestly don’t know how to describe this situation.  Thank God our taxi cab driver decided to turn around and take us to another bus station, he said that one was not safe for us.  He questioned why the man at the hotel told him to go there, it was obviously not a place for foreigners.

            I spent the last two days doing Semester at Sea trips.  I went for a hike in Anasaka National Park and got to swim in the ocean!  After the hike we went to a beach for lunch and with 8 minutes to get onto the bus my friend Austin and I ran down the dirt hill, jumped in the ocean, and sprinted back up the hill to the bus.  Whew! I sat in my wet clothes for the bus ride home but it was so worth it.   It felt so good to run into the ocean! The water was unbelievably warm and the sand was so soft.  The next day, I went to a hospital where I learned about women’s health and child birthing practices.  It was intense.  We spent a couple hours talking with a doctor and then got a complete tour of the childbirth clinic.  I didn’t see any live births but got to see women with their babies right after birth.

Birthday Party in the Amazon

Three of us decided to stay an extra night after hearing about a local Amazon birthday party.  Alan was telling us about it and his eyes lit up with excitement, we had to go! Addi, Miller and I had a real cultural experience but more importantly we experienced something deeper.  We connected with the people, through celebration, butchered conversation, good food, and music.  They welcomed us into their lives and showed us a good time.  The party was very close at a home on the water.  It was a small and open house that rested on the Amazon.  Families boated over, even the music was two speakers positioned on a boat docked outside.  Kids were jumping in and out of the water.  The deck of the home was half underwater with all the weight. It was really cool to see families interact, people of all ages dancing, and enjoying the party.  The brazilian BBQ was unreal and the birthday cake was chocolate-a local supply. We played volleyball with the kids and danced for hours.  The night came to an end as the night sky lit up with flashes of lightning.  Anyways, I could go on forever but it is late and I need to prepare for AFRICA! In the morning, we will dock in Ghana!

Camp-out in the Amazon

We set out for the most epic portion of our trip, camping out in the jungle.  The five of us were guided by Alan-one of the coolest guys ever.  He was a little tough at first, but opened up to us by the end.  We trekked through the jungle with him and he shared his wisdom and experience from the Brazilian Army.  Off the beaten path, Alan formed a new trail with his machete and introduced us to Acai trees and many other plants.  He cut down a small palm tree and we got to taste fresh heart of palm.  We found bundles of Brazil nuts and ran into some wild pigs.  On our way back, we got to swing on a vine just like George of the Jungle.  Back at camp, we tied up our hammocks and bed nets as Alan started a fire for dinner.  As fireflies sparkled through the darkness, dinner preparation was a group effort.  Actually, Alan pretty much cooked the whole meal; we just helped chop garlic and onions.  Let me tell you, this was the most delicious meal; my mouth salivates just thinking about it.  We had grilled chicken with lime, salt, paprika, and other spices, rice with garlic and onions, and fresh pineapple.  Ah it was so good! I ate as much as I could.  We all talked by the fire for hours until we crawled into our hammocks and fell asleep.  It wasn’t the best sleep of my life; I kept waking up throughout the night.  It was almost a relief to wake at 545 for sunrise.  We peacefully paddled down the river and listened to the music of bird calls.  Breakfast was another fabulous meal of bread with guava spread, fresh papaya, and coffee.  Alan said, Everyone in the Amazon starts the day with a cup of coffee and I know why, its good coffee.

After we packed up camp, we headed to a local family’s home.  Their way of life is pretty incredible and simple.  They completely live off their land; their property is covered with fruit and nut trees, animals, and gardens.  Their vast land provides enough to produce food for a family of 11 children.  We saw cashew trees, cocoa trees, mango trees, pineapples, red chili peppers, passion fruit, acai trees, plantain trees, dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, and so much more.   Alan introduced us to Jenny, a tarantula that lives on a palm tree.  The boys let this black and orange fuzzy giant crawl over their bodies and face.  After a tour of the land, we were welcomed into the family’s home.  A very simple hut made from material of the land, was separated into three sections.  The first included the kitchen and eating area, the second was for sleeping and had hammocks tied up across the room.  They tie up their hammocks during the day so kids won’t be lazy and nap, similar to making the bed.  The last section of the house was an open space with a bench and table.  The table had colorful jewelry spread across, all made by individuals in the family.  I talked with one of the daughters named Teis and bought some of the jewelry she made.  This interaction and exchange was very special and meaningful.  I will carry the memory of this family and the Amazon way of life.  One of the necklaces I bought has acai beads and a center piece of the small coconut that carries the larval worms that I spoke of earlier.  So, not only will I remember the people but the taste of the coconut larval worms of the Amazon.

AMAZON

 So it is February 5^th, 9 days have passed since I left the Amazon.  I wish I wrote about everything when it was fresh in my mind, but I will try best to portray the beautiful reality of Brazil from memory.

Day 1: 7:30AM departure, meet up with Jerry who takes us to travel agency.  We then take a taxi, boat, bus, and then another boat to arrive at the Juma Lodge.  Upon arrival we were served an incredible lunch buffet of rice, beans, chicken, salad, and pumpkin.  All the food is fresh and grown in the backyards of Amazonians.  After a post lunch nap on a hammock, we explored the river through boat.  A couple hours on the river and we spotted an array of birds, pink dolphins, and monkeys.  We then used a long stick, string, and hook to catch our dinner-Piranhas! Yes, I caught a Piranha in the Amazon and then ate it for dinner.  We watched the sunset, caught a Cayman (a small crocodile) and brought it back to the lodge.  Alan, our guide for the trip, gave us a thorough education on Caymans and their physiology.

Day 2

The next day we went for a three hour trek in the jungle and learned about the plants and animals of the Amazon.  For a natural bug repellent, we let ants spread over our hands and then smashed them and spread them over our arms.  It worked quite well; no bugs bit me!  I ate a larval worm that grows inside small coconuts.  It tasted like coconut, the texture was not my favorite to say the least.  Towards the end of our hike, rain fell and gave us an appropriate scene of the rainforest.  The boat ride back to the lodge was wild with a downpour.  The second we got back to the lodge we couldn’t help but enjoy the moment by jumping in the river.  I will never forget this.  The water was warm and the pouring rain made me feel so alive!  This feeling overcame any fear of piranhas, caymans, or parasites.  After running and jumping off the dock, we retreated inside to enjoy another fresh Amazonian meal and some fresh mangos. There was a huge mango tree at the lodge that had hundreds of fresh ripe mangos.  We snacked on them throughout the day, sweetest mangos I’ve ever had!

Manaus, BRAZIL

After traveling along the Amazon river for two days, I was ready to reach the beautiful land of Brazil.  Sunday morning I walked off the ship and entered the bustling streets of Manaus.  I headed off with a large group to explore and check out the sights.  The main street was filled with vendors for Carnival.  Although not the time of Carnival, they have a Sunday festival called Carnival that is similar to a food and art street festival.  Exciting but also overwhelming, the heat and humidity got to us quickly.  We were sweating like crazy at 10 in the morning.  The main attraction to Manaus is the beautiful and historic opera house.  We wandered in along with the crowd of Semester at Sea students and watched an orchestra perform.  The opera house was grand and took me back in time.  After this performance, we wandered around town in search for food; Sundays are not good days to arrive in port, everything is closed down.  At the end of the day, I was a little disappointed and realized that I would not be able to stay in the city for the next four days.  I ran into my friend Addi who asked if I would like to do a 2-night trip into the Amazon through a local tour company.  Thrilled and thankful for a plan I would leave the next morning at 7AM but not before a night of dancing.

            The whole Semester at Sea community including professors and lifelong learners were ready for a lesson from the School of Samba.  Taking over the streets of Manaus, Brazil’s school of Samba put on a huge performance and gave us a small taste of Carnival.  Two cultures, two schools merged to one as the performance evolved into a dance party.  The music and drumming lasted for hours as people of all ages danced the night away.  Dancing in the streets of Brazil was pretty amazing a leads me to a theme of my trip around the world.  A personal interest and passion, music and dance also provide great insight into a culture.  No language barrier can detract the flow of music from one individual to another.  I love dancing and learning new styles, especially ones that stem from a history and culture of a place. 

            After a warm welcome from the people of Manaus, I quickly packed up my belongings and headed for the Amazon.  A group of five of us-Lisa and I from Berkeley, Addi from Colorado, Miller from North Carolina, and Michael from Ohio joined with individual travelers on the same tour.  The most interesting of travelers was a man named Dai.  He traveled by himself from Japan and is deaf and mute.  Despite this, we communicated very well and had a great time together.  Two young students also joined our journey, both students in their 20, Franchesca from Italy and Cass from Australia.  I was amazed by the diversity and ability of these individuals to travel alone.