My husband Adam and I made our first trip to South America in the late fall of 2013 inspired by my study of capoeira with Mestre de Jesus. We resisted the temptation to try and explore the entire continent and stayed in Brazil spending time in the Amazon, Rio de Janeiro and Porto de Galinhas. Brazil is a vast (only a little bit smaller than Canada) and varied country with very friendly and diverse people. Being less hung-up about time than most North Americans, there is a very easy-going feel. Between the Amazon and the coastal areas, we spent lots of time in, or near the water that was warm, incredibly beautiful with interesting things in the water (pink dolphins!), on the water (little boats that I can’t recall the name of) and near the water (locals under umbrellas enjoying the fantastic views). The food was thoroughly enjoyable with the highlight being some of the most amazing fruit I have ever tasted. There was a variety of fruits that I had never even heard of turned into glorious juices and smoothies. Adam described acai as a cross between blueberries and chocolate. If it didn’t make me smarter, it certainly made me happy.

For the capoeira portion of the trip, I had assumed that we (the visiting students) would take classes with the locals and I was fully prepared to take classes with children as I am beginner. Much to my horror, Mestre brought teachers to us as a small class. The reason for my horror is that the four other students on the trip are very advanced and mostly my teachers at home. Oh well! What could I do but give it a try and it was great. I was never made to feel unwelcome - I was expected to try my best. It was a great experience to meet and learn from such experienced capoeiristas. We were also able to attend the batizados of several local groups where we were welcomed warmly and dazzled by their skill and energy. It was not all capoeira while in the area of Recife. We also visited interesting and beautiful sites such as small waterfalls (perfect on a hot day), historic cities, gorgeous beaches on dune buggies and therapeutic mud baths. Visiting a favela and seeing sugar cane cut by

hand in tremendous heat certainly helped me to appreciate how fortunate I am.

Normally, I would return from a big trip with a variety of items typical or reminiscent of the area such as jewellery or local art. Strangely, I bought almost nothing while in Brazil and I feel no regret as it was trip so rich in varied experiences that there was no need for material items. I cherish the images and the greater appreciation I have for the very high standard of living we enjoy in Canada

My experience in Brazil in 2011 with Mestre Eclilson and Christianne was completely and truly amazing! It is with no question a life changing experience. To this day and many more to come I continue to think about, talk about and share my experiences with all the current friends and people in my life today. On the tour I got to learn and experience more of its surrounding cultures in Brazil, speak a little Portuguese and make new friends. Plus I witnessed first hand how it glues people, friends and family's together from all different walks of life with no judgment. As part of our tour we visited a Favela (slums), where we donated clothes, toys, etc, to the people who resided in that Favela. Afterwards the people were so happy and grateful; that they became super excited to take us on a tour around the Favela to show off their homes to us. Food in Brazil is great, different and delicious, it is very easy to eat and find good fresh healthy produce. Where ever you are in Brazil you will always hear some form of music, people singing and dancing or trying to sell you something. Even when they beep their car horns in traffic, they make it sound like a cool little tune. Brazil made me appreciate things in my life that I would of never done before. If you want to add some real spice in your life then go to Brazil, it will make your heart, eyes and ears grow

What can I say about the Brasil trip with Eclilson and Christianne? Well, I went in 2008 and it was one of the best vacation trips I've ever experienced.

It was my first time travelling to the great city of Recife, which is in North Eastern Region. I loved everything about the Brazilian culture; the food, the beaches, surfing, the people. I will definitely be back.

The undiluted tourist experience with nary a Starbucks in sight. Abandon all expectations and enjoy this vibrant culture for yourself!
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip

I went to Brazil in December 2012 with Christianne and Mestre. It was my first time ever going to Brazil and I really enjoyed it a lot. We did so many things during that trip, all of them very memorable. We got to see plenty of nice beaches, eat great food - we go to tried fresh cajun, a local fruit very tasty but just don’t eat its kernel, apparently it’s bitter and its burns your mouth. Other than that, everything was great; the people, the culture, everything is just such beauty and I enjoyed it all. Such a great experience really and I would love to do it again. One thing that I really didn’t like though: Mosquitoes! They love foreign blood so beware and make sure to have mosquito repellent or mosquito net, other than that, great trip!