This week on Tuesday I visited Bahia Street, the non-profit educational outreach organization here in Salvador that helps young girls and women to overcome obstacles like poverty and social injustice by offering them the chance to advance their educational opportunities. It is so rare that I am actually able to see the things I read about in my studies, so visiting Bahia Street was particularly significant for me.
I met Rita, a central figure in the book Dance Lest We All Fall Down by Margaret Willson and co-founder of Bahia Street. In some ways I almost felt like I was meeting a celebrity. Having read the book about how Bahia Street began, I felt as though I was personally invested in its success and was amazed to see how far the center has progressed since the book was published two years ago. The organization's international office is located in Seattle, and I hope to volunteer there when I return from my study abroad.
Rita
Every Saturday in Salvador there is live jazz music at the Museum of Modern Art. These jam sessions only cost R$4 reais (a little less than $2 dollars) and they are called jamnomam, or jam in the Museu de Arte Moderna. The museum is right on the water, so there was a wonderful cool breeze to accompany the relaxed atmosphere and lovely music. I went last Saturday with four friends and will probably go back again this weekend.
Anna from Switzerland, Delcia from Seattle, Karen and her daughter Sazi from Vancouver, Canada.
(I need a tripod for nighttime photography!)
Before I left for Brazil, I had an occasional minor toothache that wasn't causing any real problems. I was able to easily ignore it, knowing that a visit to the dentist without insurance would cost me more than I could possibly pay, even on a sliding scale. However, a couple of days ago my occasional minor toothache turned into a constant pain, and by yesterday it was nearly unbearable. My host family contacted an emergency dental clinic and sent me on my way. When I arrived, I had to pay R$120 reais (less than $60 dollars), and that included the exam, an ex-ray, local anesthesia and a filling. The only problem is that there was no cavity, which means the problem is likely more serious and I will probably need a root canal. The doctor did what she could, but told me if I didn't feel better in a few days that I would need to go to a specialist to have the dreaded procedure. Today my tooth does feel slightly better, but it could just be because I have been taking ibuprofen by the handful. It still hurts, but I am hoping it is just lingering sensitivity from yesterday's drilling. In any case, if I do have to have a root canal, it is best to do it here where it will cost me a fraction of what I would be charged in the U.S.
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