Festivities in Favelas
When my roommate, Fernanda, mentioned to me - the idea of going home with her for Christmas, I thought it was crazy to spend the holiday in a foreign country. Then the adventure desire kicked in so I forsook tradition and went.
Our accommodation was within walking distance of the most beautiful beaches I had ever seen. Me and Fernanda firmly planted ourselves into a couple of empty chairs - as a waiter served us Agua de Coco, in a cut out coconut shells with straws. This little luxury was followed up with oysters marinated in olive oil, lemon and salt.
While relaxing underneath the South American sun, I didn't feel the least bit guilty that I wasn't back home - bundled up and drinking hot cocoa by the fire. Although it was summer in Brazil, Christmas was still observed with just as much grandeur as in the United States. Fernanda's family had a display of Christmas lights along the balcony window of their apartment, overlooking the water. Live entertainers with dreadlocks played Christmas carols on steel drums and gave the holidays a distinct Caribbean feel.
On Christmas Eve, there was a big celebration with family, champagne, and the exchange of one gift. We spent Christmas day in the Favelas (slums). I'll never forget the smiles on the dirt smudged faces of those beautiful children, who received candy and hugs from us. It's a remarkable thing to be humbled in this way and realise that such simple gifts could make a child so happy. I had glimpsed into the private life of a Brazilian family and in doing so I had fallen in love not only with them, but an entire culture. I will always be grateful for the Christmas gift I received that year - one not wrapped in bows, but in simplicity and love.
- Dani Behm
