It’s Friday our bags a packed and excitement is in the air, but first we’ve got class y’all!
We began the day at ISC as usual, wrapping up our lecture from yesterday with Dr. Mota. We continued on with our conversation about racial inequalities in healthcare. She gave examples of how medical treatment differs based on skin color.
In every lecture it surprises me how many parallels exist between Brazil and the U.S be it in healthcare or social issues.
While Dr. Mota’s lecture was arguably the best one thus far, we were excited to kick off the weekend!
We left UFBA in a van and caught the next ferry out of Salvador. We crossed the Bay of All Saints (Baia de Todos os Santos) into Bom Despacho. We took another van from Bom Despacho to Valencia where we caught our speedboat to Morro de São Paulo.
We checked into the Pousada (bed and breakfast) Natureza and headed straight to our rooms.
We were greeted with the most beautiful view ever. I could not believe that I would be waking up to this kind of view for the next couple of days.
The best part of this trip was watching everyone step out of their comfort zones and conquer their fears!
We took a speedboat out to the clay beach (Gamboa Beach) and while en route we stopped for a quick swim in the middle of the ocean. Personally I have a fear of open water and I like to know the depth of the water I am in. I watched as my peers jumped into the water and soon enough the beautiful emerald waters were calling my name. I found myself floating and enjoying myself, fear subsided and full of bliss.
We got to the clay beach and covered ourselves in vibrant yellow and pink clay found on the cliff by the water. The clay left the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
While we waited for our lunch we went to a nearby island that we had all to ourselves. We engaged in a friendly girls versus boys soccer match (GSU versus Morehouse) and GSU came to play! The final score 4 to 2.
We got back to the Pousada where a few of us decided to go on extra excursions. The choices were horseback riding or Ziplining. After an eventful day a few decided to relax and do the activities tomorrow. I chose to carpe diem, and go zip lining.
Morro de São Paulo was amazing and one of my most memorable experiences. I learned that living in fear can cause you to miss out on some of the most beautiful moments. I will cherish not only this experience but the whole trip to Bahia for its wonderful life lessons.
Ate logo!