Okay, so before I get started I would just like to say to all of you at home in Coventry: yes, I know I haven`t blogged once through out my two weeks in the beautiful city of Rio. BUT-- I have been writing regularly in my personal journal..so my experiences haven't been lost...I just need to transfer all the relevant info here on this blog. :)

So here goes ...

The fact is I have so many stories and experiences to share due to being part of the Global Fellowship Programme. I really don't know where to begin...

Brazil greeted us with muggy weather and rain - I know RAIN :( Not the welcome we were expecting, but regardless of the lack of sun ... I was super duper excited to be in Brazil. Even writing these words, and to think I'm actually in this country of immense culture and economic potential makes my insides jump up and down like a child with a lollipop!! :P

One of our first days here in Rio has to be one of my best, if not THEE highlight of this ¨language and culture immersion¨ phase; it was an experience that really inspired me. We visited a social project called AfroReggae being run at a favela, and I have decided that despite all the activities, workshops, visits and speeches I have experienced ... my time at AfroReggae will be the focus of this blog!!

We all travelled by coach, and as we arrived and crossed the bridge and walked down the stairs in our identical, white, British Council T-shirts we heard the pulsating beat of thumping drums. Hearing the music and seeing the wide smiles of the performers - a feeling of happiness and excitement automatically washed over me!! I love music!

All the houses in this favela or "community" were brightly coloured - I was taking mental notes of the colours and styles because I would really love my house to be a reflection of that vibrancy!! Brazilian flags could be seen painted on most of the walls -- which is very common in Brazil: they are a very patriotic nation, and proud of being BRAZILIAN.

The initial performance we saw led to another and another; the hospitality and the welcome we received was amazing. We were treated to a snippet of a musical play, more drumming, a live Samba band and a girl group who were dancing and drumming.  The AfroReggae centre was seething with talent, and it was clear that the organisation is making a positive impact on the people's lives in the favela.

The space the centre provides for arts and culture to thrive really benefits the community, which is the central aim of AfroReggae project-- to provide members of the community of any age or race with an alternative to a life of crime, drugs and violence.

Natura, a leading, ethical cosmetics company in Brazil, is a top supporter of the project, and the man who was running our tour said something which was very touching, he profoundly said: Natura is AfroReggae and AfroReggae is Natura -- showing that they were more than simply business partners. Natura's input and their support is so valuable, and seeing their dedication to help people improve their lives was amazing to witness and learn about. It really was that quite overly-used word: CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) coming alive.

Which is why ... "estou com muita sorte" -- I feel very lucky to be working with Natura in the final two weeks. I hope we are able to visit more of the projects they support and work alongside, as well as trying on some testers, and receiving make-up samples -- of course! :P

whoaa, this is a longish blog ... hope you got this far okay -- and are still awake

I will really try harder to blog more often and fill you in with more details.

Final words: I would just like to inform everyone reading this that this trip so far, has been one of the best things I have ever done - in my albeit 18 short years.  I feel that not only have I developed a little more as a person, but also the experiences have given me an insight into a culture where despite hardships ... people are always smiling and content with what they have. I think thats a lesson for all of us!

See you around... x