1. Community members sing, dance, and show their enthusiasm in celebration of the arrival of Park students. 2.Alegro from the Episcopal Church performs a traditional Brazilian dance welcoming students from the study abroad trip. 3. A member of Alegro displays her command of the dance with a high flying kick. 4. Business Management professor Michael Fitzmorris dances along with the band during a welcoming ceremony by the community.

Park students and faculty were impressed with the warm welcome they received in Recife, Brazil. Here is some video of the event. Welcome Video

By Chris Doering

            Recife, Brazil-March 4, 2006: Tonight we visited Pau Amerelo in Olinda, Brazil.  This community welcomed us with open arms while singing, dancing, and partying the night away.  We were treated like family as we watched, learned, and eventually joined in on the festivities.

            I was surprised and impressed with the Brazilian’s willingness and interest in getting to know us.  After we were individually escorted into the shelter by a community youth, the crowd filtered in and began singing.  Although we did not understand the Portuguese words, we could read their smiles and joined in on the clapping.  It felt like we were the stars of the show, however, we would soon find the opposite to be true.  

            As the singing and clapping continued, the next thing I know, I was being pulled out onto the dance floor.  About half of our group was going to get the chance to learn some new steps front and center.  A young girl took my hands and began showing me a local line dance.  I joined in, followed her lead, and tried not to step on her feet.  She was an excellent teacher, and I am proud to say she eventually made it back to her seat without any swollen toes.

            The highlight of the night soon followed.  It was a song we would later refer to as “the hug song”.  As the band began to play, the entire crowd left their seats and came to the front to hug and welcome us all.  Their smiles and genuine happiness towards us shined through like the hot Brazilian sun.  I gave hug after hug, and sometimes had what seemed like an endless line of people waiting to hug me.  This was easily one of the neatest things I have ever experienced, and it energized my tired and traveled body.  I think it is safe to say we were all blown away with their spirit and kindness.      

            The festivities continued, and we were later shown dances and martial arts from local youth groups.  They were amazing and very talented.  All in all, this was a better welcome to Brazil than I could have imagined.  If our trip will be half as good as the first night, we will be in for an excellent experience.