The first half of my summer 2014, I had set out to volunteer through AIESEC and in my free time I had planned to be part of the World Cup spirit.
AIESEC
AIESEC is a student-run international non-profit organisation. I had stumbled across AIESEC during my university days, when I was looking to volunteer abroad. What I had loved about AIESEC is that they have so many projects and countries to choose from.
After extensive research I had chosen one of AIESEC’s projects called GiraMundo in Salvador Bahia, Brazil. I liked the fact that GiraMundo’s work aligns with my interests, as their work focussed on Sustainable Development Goals, created by the UN, generating awareness, engagement and action in children, teenagers and university students. Additionally, the particular focus on participatory forms of development to help people is what had further drawn me to this project.
Salvador, Bahia streets
During my 6 weeks stay in Salvador, there was so much to do! Variety and diversity is the best way to describe the Bahia streets, everything is original and rich with culture and history. Some streets would lead up to hills, others to various beaches, buildings, favelas, apartments, hotels and skyscrapers.
Acarajé da Dinha
There are numerous, wonderful places where you can ignite your taste buds.
Although the one that is a must is Acarajé da Dinha. Acaraje is a local dish that is made from peeled beans formed into a ball and then it’s usually complemented with flavoured shrimps and other ingredients inside. It is so warm, spicy and delicious that one dish was never enough.
Pelourinho
This area has a completely different vibe to the rest of Salvador, from the cobblestone streets to the buildings that look like artwork, this street is a vibe both day and night.
Barra’s Lighthouse
The Barra Lighthouse is located in the Santo Antônio Fort, at the Barra Beach. This beautiful historical landmark draws people from all over Brazil for special events. During the World Cup, this enchanted place was filled with so many people, music, food and a good vibe.
Flamengo Beach
Salvador has many beaches, but what I like about this beach is its easy access, availability of showers, restaurants and its closeness to the Barra. Additionally, unlike the other beaches, the waves aren’t really overpowering here.
Igreja De Nosso Senhor do Bonfim
This beautiful church was built during the 18th century. This Catholic church’s detailed and architectural designs are remarkable, despite being one of the oldest buildings in Salvador.
What you couldn’t read about, you can watch!
Two students and their non-stabilising piece of a block- video recorder go travelling for the first time. We could have recorded our experience on our phones, but we were advised not to take them out, since the other volunteer’s phones were taken. Although we were sure that no one was going to take our brick recorder and boy was we right! Unfortunately, the quality of the footage is bad. This is a snippet of our travel during 2014, which I was lucky to find.
Back to 2020!
Whoooshh! I hope you’ve landed back safely to 2020 and that you’ve enjoyed this post. During quarantine, I’m sure that I’m not the only one reminiscing on my previous trips abroad. Please also share your throwback memories in the comment section!
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