Today’s post is written by Haley Burns, a junior in the UHP currently studying abroad in Salvador, Brazil!
I’ve always understood traveling the world as this awe-inspiring, magical experience. Before I embarked on my journey to Brazil, I imagined colors swirling around an explosion of senses as I floated down the streets of the endless markets that I was sure I would encounter with a smile on my face. It’s my time to finally experience the romanticized journey of leaving everything familiar behind but a suitcase and a backpack full of sunscreen.
With no language requirement, I embraced the idea of the unknown as something that could not let me down. I hopped on the plane, not even knowing the population of Salvador (which happens to be 4 million people – about 4 million more than I imagined). When I first arrived I was immediately hit with a wall of humidity. Despite the warm and inviting sun, moving through this humid atmosphere has its challenges.
So many things that have come to define me have vanished. My activities, possessions, foods, friends, family, communities and language do not exist here. I finally understand the allure of traveling. It isn’t that it comes with a constant state of bliss, it’s that you must stand naked, loving and defining yourself from within.
Conversation, the basis of connection with others, which is what I think is the most important thing in life, poses a huge challenge every day. As the sun hits my face at 6:00 every morning, I immediately have to think about how I can communicate, even without words. “Bom dia!” is about as far as my Portuguese went the first few days, which made getting around through meal time and the bus system a struggle and somewhat hilarious ordeal, full of minor misunderstandings.
My dad has always told me “actions speak louder than words.” Well, Dad, your theory has proved true. I really began to understand how profoundly true this is after my first yoga class in Brazil. I happened to be the only one to show up for class, and communication with words wasn’t an option for us. Through a mix of movements, nonsense words, touches, and nods, we managed to have a synchronized and satisfying practice. This gave me confidence, that even though I know few words, with body language I can still communicate with and get to know people. It just takes some creativity, determination, and light-heartedness.
Getting to know Bahia has been a roller coaster of excitement and exhaustion every day. I’m loving the tropical fruits and cuscuz de coco (this amazing tapioca and coconut dessert), the fact that monkeys live in the trees instead of squirrels, and my host family. And I’m learning to love the ridiculously fast-paced, yet structureless culture of the city. But most importantly, I’m realizing how to love the raw part of me that is constant whether I’m at home, in Salvador or on the moon. That’s the magic and color of travel; it teaches you how to ignore the dripping sweat of challenges and, instead, let the sun shine on your beautiful inner dance.