Today we learned about how social inequalities in Brazil affect outcomes in life and health conditions. Clarice Mota, an anthropologist at the Federal University of Bahia Institute of Collective Health, shared her views on social class, race, and their relationships with health.

Unified Health System or SUS is a public health policy improving health for citizens in vulnerable situations. Other programs, including services of community health workers, show the importance of having dedicated members of vulnerable populations treat members of their community with government training and resources.

 

 In Portuguese class, we practiced numbers, learned translations for store items, and conjugated verbs. Hopefully, these lessons can prevent “a classmate” from purchasing Denture Cream, thinking they are buying travel toothpaste.

 

After class, the group visited the historical town, Pelourinho, in the higher city of Salvador. Our tour guides, Fred and Issac, showed us the Elevador Lacerda built in 1869 & 1873, Sao Francisco, and Verges Gallery. The highlight of the walking tour includes visiting Casa do Carnaval Museum; Carnival is a five-day celebration before the Lent fasting season consisting of elaborate costumes, caipirinha, and African-influenced dance.

 

 

Casa do Carnaval Museum showcases the significance of Samba music, dance, and costume for Salvador Carnaval. During our tour, we learned how dancing like a Bahian begins with feeling the rhythm and moving freely. After learning how to dance for Carnaval, we had a private session incorporating Salvador’s historical musical instruments like tambourines wood- block instruments, and drums. On the roof, we watched the sunset and continued walking the streets of Pelourinho, soaking in the atmosphere. The group ended the night by attending six o’clock mass. 

 

 

Bahia teaches how dancing, relaxing, and living in the present moments with family or friends are forms of celebration.