Cachoeira, Bagunçaço, & Other Updates :)

I'm picking up in English from here since the translator doesn't work very well :) Since it has been so long since I wrote, I'm going to break it down into the exciting things I've been up to instead of writing a massive post.  I left off talking about my trip to Praia do Forte.  My next trip after that was to a town called Cachoeira (which means "waterfall," but the town doesn't have a waterfall - go figure).  This was a trip with the language school, so I spent the day with all of the students in CIEE.  We started our day by touring a church that looked very similar to Igreja do São Francisco (mentioned in my first post) and then continued on to a cigar factory called Danneman where we watch the entire production process of cigars.  Our last stop was to a small Samba Museum where we danced the Samba de Roda (Samba of the Northeast region).  The day was great and we returned home to Salvador realizing the difference in tranquility between towns.  I lost my pictures from this trip, but here are a few from my friends...if I find them, I'll will post them.

 Millie & I

 Danneman Cigar Factory

 Town of Cachoeira

 Samba de Roda

Another day trip with the school was a trip to a childcare center that is located near a favela and seeks to protect children from the dangers of drug violence.  The center was called Bagunçaço and provided the children with many positive activities.  A teenage band, comprised of all boys and one girl (the leader) played music for us, then we watched a soccer game, and played with the little kids who were interested in using our cameras.  It was a great day and inspired me to find a similar place to volunteer at.

Aside from this, I have been trying lots of new things, including food and classes.  I tried my first real yoga class here, which was so relaxing and just what I needed to unwind from the busy city life.  I also joined a gym right by my house.  I love it so far!  It's almost like having a personal trainer because someone guides you through the whole workout.  Also, they offer Bahian dance classes, spinning classes, and (my favorite) jumping classes!! Everyone gets their own mini trampoline and jumps with the instructor to the music - such a great and fun workout.