Rio Favelas

It is difficult for us to understand favelas as they are totally different from anything that we are familiar with
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They are not simply slums and not just centres of drug lord dominance. They are homes to up to 20% of people in Brazil and we visited just two, includind the largest.They are undergoing massive change and whilst some parts are unsafe people live out their everyday lives in conditions that are full of contrasts. Often wonderful views and near some of the worlds most famous beaches they have poor sanitation, limited services for health, education and law enforcement. A few photos help tell the story.

High above the city we could look out over Rio's famous landmarks. Looking the otherway we could see the sprawl of houses.

The largest favela in Rio is Rocinha. It is a city within a city . No one knows the population but it is over 100,000 people. We were warned not to stand near police as there is a risk of being accidentally shot. 17 police have been shot this year.

Few pay for services. If you want power just break into the grid, need warer break into the supply. Need sewerage..no comment!

 

The second favela ..more of a model town

 

Gail visiting a school

Rob drinking caipirinhas in a favela bar