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Joao Pedro Assumpcao Bastos | profile | all galleries >> Several Locations in Brazil >> Rio de Janeiro; Favela da Rocinha guided by Denzel Washington (Feb. 2015) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Rio de Janeiro; Favela da Rocinha guided by Denzel Washington (Feb. 2015)

Rio de Janeiro is a wonderful town in many ways: carnival, samba, football (soccer) and a gorgeous nature. However, there are also several troubles: favelas (slums), pollution, drug traffic, transit traffic, etc... The situation has been slowly improved. Several favelas are now 'cleaned' from the drug dealers (it is obvioulsy controversial) but the police 'occupies' them and it is possible to visit them with an autorized guide. The name 'favela' comes from a bush common in the Rio de Janeiro hills. In the late years of the 19th century, poor people coming from the northeasten states of Brazil, when arriving to Rio, could only build their simple houses on the hills, among the 'favela' bushes. This phenomenon was strongly intensified in the 20th century and when the Brazil capital moved from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília (1961), the situation got worse (money moved out as well). The number of favelas and their surfaces became immense, as well as their population. As said, now some of them are 'pacified' and tour companies propose a 'Favela Tour'. Rocinha Favela is the biggest slum in Latin America. About 250 thousand people live there. There would be much more to talk about this subject but I prefer to stop it here. I have been always interested on visiting such places and, now, it was possible. Except me, all the other visitors were from foreign countries. I am happy about taking this tour and, finally, I could photograph the favelas from inside. For the photos I used my Olympus Stylus 1, which is small and discreet and allows good quality pictures. Consider some pictures (particularly of people) as simple snapshots, since they were taken in a short 2 hours tour. With more time, I think they could be better.
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In a favela path.
In a favela path.
People from the tour stopped at this bakery: delicious cakes.
People from the tour stopped at this bakery: delicious cakes.
Rocinha favela people.
Rocinha favela people.
People propose some craft itens.
People propose some craft itens.
Favela constructions need imagination.
Favela constructions need imagination.
Favela constructions need imagination.
Favela constructions need imagination.
Water tank -  and cats - are common there.
Water tank - and cats - are common there.
Rocinha Favela view.
Rocinha Favela view.
Rocinha Favela view.
Rocinha Favela view.
At the end of the tour.
At the end of the tour.
Favela entrance; tour was finishing.
Favela entrance; tour was finishing.
Favela entrance; tour was finishing.
Favela entrance; tour was finishing.
As said, beauty salon is one of the most common activities there.
As said, beauty salon is one of the most common activities there.
A barber shop, at the favela entrance.
A barber shop, at the favela entrance.
Rocinha favela; entrance at São Conrado side.
Rocinha favela; entrance at São Conrado side.
Rocinha favela viewed from São Conrado side.
Rocinha favela viewed from São Conrado side.
Favela at the backgound; this monument is similar to Carnival main place ('Sambódromo') one.
Favela at the backgound; this monument is similar to Carnival main place ('Sambódromo') one.
With the guide Fernando. He looks (my opinion) very much as Denzel Washington.
With the guide Fernando. He looks (my opinion) very much as Denzel Washington.
Detail of the previous picture.
Detail of the previous picture.
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