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| Photo: Heather Hodges |
The Afrovenezuelan tour was such a great time! The 6 dynamic ladies that went on our trip of 10 days made the trip what it was. We did maybe a months worth in 10 days (sorry ladies) I didn't want anyone to miss any important event, place, person, or experience. This is us at our first meeting. (above).
Where is the 6th member you wonder? How else would we have such great pics of our memories if no one sacrificed to take them? Thanks Heather! Let me know when you want a personal post.
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| Photo: Heather Hodges |
This is a pic of us at the Venezuelan Embassy a few weeks before heading off. This was soo helpful thanks to Fravia, Marcos and Olivia. We were able to connect with professors, activists and artists when we got to Venezuela.
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| Photo:Heather Hodges |
Here we are in La Sabana, the night that the San Juan Festival starts. We are standing with the Cumaco drums that are played from midnight to dawn to mark the beginning of the celebration. We had a blast doing salsa, afrocuban, west african, and hip hop in the town plaza with the children.
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Photo: Heather Hodges
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Here we are in San Jose, after a great breakfast at Liliana's. Look out for the posada in 2012 and it will be a great combination of food, lodging and great conversations leading to solutions. If you're lucky, you may catch Luis Perdomo there in between his work as a community activist. Liliana and their daughter pose with us outside of the restaurant and future posada. |
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In San Jose, we called a taxi and were greeted with a car that looked like it would imminently fall apart. The car not only stayed together it took us to towns deep in the forest and protected us from the thunderstorm. Poverty breeds resourcefulness. |
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| Photo: Heather Hodges |
We head off to do a cultural exchange in La Arenita, and to visit a cocoa farm. We almost had to spend the night because we had so much fun and lost track of time!
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| Photo: Heather Hodges |
We learned about Fulia, Tambor de Aragua, Played Quitiplas, sang some songs and of course danced!
Then we shared some steps from Lamban of Mali, west Africa as well as the rhythm and a song. What a rewarding day to have learned and shared not only culture but the spirit and memory of our African roots and reconnect across the waters.
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| Photo: Heather Hodges |
Stay tuned for more on Venezuela in 2011.
More great photos by Heather:
San Juan Festival - La Sabana
Cultural Exchange-La Arenita
