Favela:  A term generally used for shanty towns or slums in Brazil. 

Around the time we decided to move last winter, Brazil was in the news for flash floods. The rainy season downpours paired with poorly built structures caused entire favelas to collapse, sending the inhabitants and their homes down the steep hillsides.

More recently, we have read about the pacification of the Rio favelas in anticipation of the upcoming Olympic games & World Cup. 

My experience began here. A group of boisterous school children walking home ducked into this narrow alley.  Because this was not my intended destination, I would have likely continued on my way had it not been for them.

My thought process:  Alleys are interesting.  These walls remind me of an Indiana Jones movie.  I like exploring new places.  Children are fun.  Maybe we can play soccer.

(Never mind the fact that I was following and taking pictures of random children.)

The people I met here were beyond delightful.  My Portuguese received some intense practice as I wandered through winding alleys and climbed endless stairs visiting with neighbors.  (In truth, a few people initiated conversation by asking if I was lost.)

After chatting, I asked permission to photograph them.  All agreed.

This boy mentioned something about meeting ‘the man’ at the top of the hill… that he would allow me a tour once I paid ‘the fee’.  I then practiced saying, “Where is the exit?”

The favelas are known to have some of the best views in Rio.  As the neighborhoods were developed, the wealthy opted for nearness to the ocean.  Those low-lying properties were the first locations to receive utilities like electricity and running water.

Is it just me, or are vampires everywhere these days?

A friend recently shared that taking pictures in the favelas can be quite dangerous since they are known locations of drug trafficking.  Snapping a photo at the wrong time or place can compromise your safety.

In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have meandered through here with a DSLR camera slung over my shoulder.

But would I follow those kiddos again?  In a heartbeat.  Hands down, one of my favorite experiences in Rio. 

Below are links to articles regarding the favela situation in Rio: 

BBC’s news in pictures of Rio de Janeiro’s Rocinha Favela being seized by Brazilian police.

An article from TIME about the pacification of favelas in Rio and the local companies taking advantage of growth in these areas. It specifically cites the Chapéu Mangueira Favela that I photographed.