Our guide for the day was a guy called Zezinho who actually lives in the favela and is somewhat of a local celebrity. After meeting us at the hostel he took us by bus to the favela. On the way he explained to us the itinerary for the day along with what we could and could not take pictures of.
Zezinho explained that the favela is controlled by drug traffickers with lookouts stationed throughout the favela. He told us that they wouldn't take too kindly to being photographed and had even on occasion been known to delete people's pictures or even seize their cameras if they suspected they may have been photographed.
The bus dropped us at the top of the favela. Straight away we saw a young guy holding an assault rifle. Zezinho just shrugged his shoulders. We made our way to a house belonging to a friend of Zezinhos and after walking up a narrow staircase we emerged onto a rooftop terrace which looked out onto the favela below. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The view was unreal!
 |
| Panoramic view of Rocinha from the top of the favela. Click on picture to enlarge. |
 |
| A Rocinha cat. |
Zezinho then took us to his house which was lower down the hill. We climbed out onto his roof and took in the view.
 |
| View of Rocinha from the roof of Zezinho's house. |
We left Zezinhos and carried on down the hill stopping to talk to locals along the way. We made our way to a local restaurant and had a bite to eat before visiting a local arts centre which Zezinho donates some of the money he makes from doing the tours of the favela to. On the way we saw several guys all carrying an array of rifles and hand guns. Unbelievable!
 |
| Electricty cables in Rocinha. |
 |
| Rocinha favela from street level. |
The tour was over and Zezinho walked us to the bus stop where we got a ride back to Ipanema.
A trulely unforgettable experience.
 |
| Zezinho and his tats. |
9 comments:
what a good job I didn't know that you were going there beforehand! Some amazing views and great photography. Carry on enjoying. love and hugs mum...x
I cannot get over the views, simply breathtaking. Glad he escorted you guys back to the bus, an experience you're not going to forget in a hurry!!!
Linz
xx
Oh aye Sanders Oh aye - Lise from Oslo in Norway and Anita from Melbourne Oh aye......No seriously - hope all is going well mate, your adventure looks great. We all had a good holiday, but back at the sharp end tomorrow - Shitter or what! As well as what we discussed picture wise before you left, if you get any nice stand alone pix e.g the favelas etc etc send them on and i'll see what I can do with them......only if or when you get time though....Take it east ram man and i'll catch you up soon! Bye the way villa lost 6-0 to newcastle today.
Hi Lee
It was nice to talk to you today? well at least we got to see you. Glad you are enjoying yourself, the photo's are really good.Hope your next port of call is good to, takecare and we will skype again soon. Nan sends her love (god belss you) xx
Hey Chatts, How you doing pal? Good to hear from you and glad to hear you had a nice break. I'm doing good thanks pal. Loving every minute. Headed up to Buzios from Rio yesterday and hooked up with Paul. Heading out with him shortly for the grand tour. Will email you re: pics. Take care and I'll speak to you soon.
Good stuff and pass on my regards to the big man!
Hello son, just having my lunch @ work so thought I would drop you a quick line. Hope the weather is a little better for you at your new port of call. This morning was good here but then rain and more rain forecast. Hope to get the skpe sorted for Sunday!!!! you look really well. Stephie has uploaded some photographs onto F/B really nice. Well better get on with work - love you loads enjoy and put some more photographs on hugs and kisses Mum...x
Hi Lee xx Hope you well ? Just had 5 mins to ourselves to catch up & look at your blog ! Looks allllriiighhttt !!!
The views on some of the pics remind me of Shepshed !!! Hope so far your trip is working out to be all that you wanted ? still the same S..t here as normal ! Think by the look of it & where you going, We,ll be retired by the time you come back !! Look after yourself Lee ! big love & kisses to you from both of us Colin & Susie XXX
Hi Mate XX message sent from both of us ! Just using Sandras account !!!! Ohhh Sandra !! Love from your Uncle Colin xxx
Post a Comment