1 s t Journe y to the Hear t o f Brazil, wi th Vicki RobinNo v / 2 7, 2010

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Presentation

What is “the heart of Brazil”? Is it Carnival? Is it the vast Amazon jungle, a complex confluence of rivers and indigenouspeople and corporate interests? Is it the vibrant social movements where people dance as well as debate? Is it Sambaand the soft sway of girls on Ipanema beach? Is it Lula, the popular Brazilian President fast making himself and hiscountry a global player? Is it soccer – Ronaldo and Pele? Is it the animist religions and visionary ceremonies? Is it the juxtaposition of crowded favelas (slums) and manicured gated communities? Is it beauty – golden bodies, ripe fruits,exotic flowers and lush plants? Or is the heart of Brazil in all of these – is it in the warmth, passion, affection,generosity and laughter you find everywhere.Please join me on a Journey to the Heart of Brazil. I have designed this first trip for those – friends and friend-of-friends– who have been inspired by the stories I bring back from my trips – and the sense of ease and joy I carry over fromSouth to North. I could figure out the logistics of bringing you all with me to my Brazil - the spiritual teachers and socialmovements and ceremonies and eco-villages and beaches and dynamic business leaders I know. That is, until I met the Aoka team – an experienced social-profit eco-tour group who have planned every detail of this trip with me. You will experience eco-villages, social change projects in corporations and favelas, conversation circles with big-hearted and courageous leaders from consultants to conservationists to community organizers. You’ll visit beaches,forests, sprawling Sao Paulo and the exquisite sights of Rio. Together we’ll travel to the heart of Brazil – and the heartsof each of us who are on this journey together.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Day 1 (Sat, Nov/27): USA - Rio de Janeiro -

Welcome

Flight to Rio de Janeiro. Welcome to Brazil!Arrival, airport reception, accommodation andwelcome dinner.

Day 2 (Sun, Nov/28): Rio de Janeiro -

Taking in the sights, and tastes

Morning visit to the Statue of Christ, followed bylunch at a Barbecue House. Afternoon at theSugar Loaf to watch the Sunset. After dinnerwe’ll go to a local Samba club to experience a typical carioca night and learn how some of theBrazilian swing!

Thursday, July 22, 2010