On our first day in Rio, myself and 12 of the latest Beach Travellers crew were flying. Wind in our hair, eyes wide open and barely hanging onto my driver as our motorcycle taxis ripped us to the top of one of Rio's largest Favelas, Roachina. The word favela means ghetto or slum. Roachina, pronounced hoa-chin-ya, is one of the largest favelas in Rio and more popularly known for its role in the movie "city of god" or "cidade de deus", which took place in the late 70s. Upon first glance of the slum there were drugs, guns, gangs, and one effectively run drug operation. Organized chaos if you will. Roachina is the largest of nine-hundred other favelas in Brazil and grosses over 4 million+ $US, every month. This isn't just a favela, this is a business.

However, only 2% of the total community's population of 400,000 is part of this business. The rest of the community is made up people just like you and I; doctors, lawyers, bartenders, stock brokers, tradesmen, pharmacists, you name it. The next question on your mind is, "why would anyone want to live in a community run by drug lords?" Because they live their lives just as we do, meanwhile they offer the entire community protection from rival gangs, funding for the community, and a cheap place to live, $50US per month. Keep in mind, they are only a mere 2% of the overall community.

This is being documented as a three part series as we explore the ins and outs of other favelas here in Rio. Pictures, vids, and more blogs about our Brazil adventure tour coming soon, so stay tuned.

Only a few spots left for 2010 dates. Visit us here for more info, or call 1-800-949-1865