Jasmine Morton
West Virginia University College of Law, 2L
Sunday, August 3, 2008

Experiencing Vitoria and Vila Velha

There was a hint of sadness in the air as we packed our things and prepared to depart from the Roque. Many of us were beginning to realize that what we had encountered over the past week would be something we would never forget and something we may never experience again. The trip to the airport from our Amazon Riverboat was relatively quiet, most slept, but some reflected on the adventures of the past week. We arrived at the airport around 10:30 pm (two hours before our flight was to depart) and checked in with TAM airlines. Soon after check-in we got a taste of what intrastate Brazilian travel could be like.

A traditional Capoeira group prepares to perform

We were all a “little” cranky and sick of one another when we finally boarded our plane at 3:06 am on Sunday, August 3. From the Manaus airport we headed for Sao Paulo. Once there, we had to catch our connecting flight at 8:45 am. The total time of the trip was a little over 5 hours, so all of us including our fearless leaders prayed that we would make the flight to Vitoria despite our three hour delay in Manaus. We ended up making the flight and it appeared that all students and luggage did too, even though we only had 25 minutes to get from one plane to the other.

We arrived in Vitoria, Brazil at 10:30 am and I think I can speak for the group when I say we were a sight for sore eyes. There was an aura of apprehension as we headed through the gates to meet our host families. However, as soon as we passed through the gates any fears we may have had disappeared. Our hosts welcomed us with smiling faces and open arms. I soon realized that everything was going to be alright. Although we were all very tired from our trip the night before, the energy of our hosts fueled us for the busy day ahead.

When I arrived at my hosts home, I was shocked that I could look off the balcony and see the ocean. Kalif Fatal, my host, had a great apartment and made me feel welcome from the minute I set foot in his place. I had about one hour to get settled in and shower before I had to be at the next event. After a hot shower, we all headed to a barbecue at the Vila Velha Prosecutor’s Club to mingle with students from UVV and to get to know our hosts a little better.

Everything about the barbecue was amazing including the food, people, and activities. The students from UVV had prepared a traditional Brazilian barbecue with beef, sausage, rice, fried cheese, a variety of fruit, and much, much more. We all filled our bellies and mingled a little more before being treated to a little more Brazilian culture. Four men performed a Brazilian dance called Capoeira, which is very different from the kind of dancing we see in the States. The best way I can describe it is like dance fighting in a karate type form. After observing it was our turn to try. Of course we were all hesitant, but finally, the fearless Matthew Stonestreet, stepped up to the plate and took one for the team. Eventually others tried, but it was Professor John Taylor that stole the show with his amazing dance/fighting skills and startling graceful ability to stand on his head. As the afternoon wound down, the crowd began to dwindle and we again departed with our hosts.

Relaxing poolside with new Brazilian friends

We were all very tired, but our hosts were not and they had an eventful evening planned for us. Most grabbed dinner from various places before again meeting up with the group at a local Crab House to have a few drinks and socialize. I am fairly sure that our hosts were just as nervous to meet us as we were to meet them, but from the outside looking in you would have never known. As I sat there with our large group of Brazilian friends, I realized what Brazil was all about. These were some of the nicest, most generous people that I had ever met and I could not wait to spend the week getting to know these wonderful people. I cannot think of a better way to experience Brazilian culture than with these fantastic individuals.