It has been almost a year since I visited a small island off the coast of Bahia, Brazil called Boipeba. This was my first trip out of the country and I really had no idea what to expect. I did very little reading and I did not know at all that I would have to catch 2 boats and a bus by myself to reach this small island where my friend Camila lived. Actually, I hardly knew Camila, but became much more connected to her on this wonderful journey. Nor did I know that Boipeba is a small Amazon rain forest on an island. Although, I did not see any while I was there, I read later that there are actually armadillos on this island as well as many other fabulous creatures.

Although I spoke one word in Portuguese, Obrigado (which means Thank You) the people were so nice to me and we talked thru signing and pointing. I fell deeply in love with this place and am planning a return trip as soon as possible. I also met another friend while there, Elicia, who has started a wonderful organization called, Youth Art Haven. Please visit her website and help her in any way that you can!

www.youtharthaven.org

To read more about Boipeba click here.