Hugs and Kisses all around

I work as a volunteer at ICEC (Instituto Central da Cidadania) where 100 kids from one of the poorest favelas in Salvador, go when they don´t have school; that being in the afternoon or the morning. Why do they only go to school half the day? NO money honey and corrupt governing means that the money that Brazil does have doesn´t go the right places.

These kids are ADORABLE. I am falling in love, of course. I teach them IT (how ironic given my love of computers....) and they love it. For them this centre offers them the opportunity to play, learn new things, get fed and washed and most importantly, stay OFF the streets.

I feel so lucky to be a part of it and give them as much love as they give me. I find it fascinating how some of them learn very quickly how to use a computer and others very slowly. All have a high level of reading but most of them can´t write very well or maths.

They come from tiny shacks which house their whole family, 4-6 people at times. Some of these kids have experienced things that I will never experience in my life. Some have seen some horrific things yet they continue to smile and laugh.

Laugh, laugh, laugh.

Smile and be happy because You CAN.

Your biggest fan,

Beijos

Cling for DEAR LIFE.

Taking a bus in Salvador is life risking. No exaggeration. I don´t think the bus drivers or other drivers understand the concept of breaking, slowing down when you see a car or taking precautions. I personally think they drive with their eyes closed and pray for the best…..

It´s all an experience living abroad and I do enjoy these mad journeys but sometimes I genuinely think I won´t see tomorrow. For example, last week, a car swerves in front of my bus and CRASH. We go flying forward. “Did we kill someone?!” asks my neighbour.. No…. we just smashed in the back of a Ford. Get off the bus for 10 mins, exchange details, scream at each other and off we go again….

Another fun experience is when the buses are so full that the doors are kept open. It feels like you´re being squashed by a sumo wrestler as loads of people pile on top of each. To get off you whack about 10 people in the head, arms, legs and make sure you get to the front way before your stop otherwise the bus continues.

Patience? Doesn´t exist. It´s all about the beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.