Providência: life explosion in a birdcage

Providência: life explosion in a birdcage

Brazil | Sunday, October 17, 2010 | 5 photos

Providência is Rio de Janeiro‘s first favela. Located right above the historical center of the city, it was abandoned by the authorities and forgotten by the cariocas (the people from Rio) during many years. It is now waking up, thanks to revitalization plans for the area, which will host part of the 2016 Olympics, and the police has been occupating the place again for a few months. Providence means « the prudent care and management of resources ». It seems that at last people are becoming aware of their neighbors.
In Rio de Janeiro, the slums overlook the city. The poor and the rich live nearby, but fear each other. Favelas’ inhabitants are discriminated against, but they have the best views on the wonderful city. It’s like living in a cage. Some cariocas hang birdcages in the streets – often in the trees. The Brazilian energy is at its fullest in the favelas : kids play soccer, breakdance or imitate the drug traffickers’ wars with paper weapons.
There are so many stories to be told in a place like Rio, so full of contrasts. I have always loved to tell stories, with words or images. Life is a constant travel, and everyday I like to hear new stories and to fill my head with images. I am in love with the world and I’m in love with light – the beauty of it makes me crazy - but I know that I still have so much to learn about it. I am convinced that having a mentor and going on a field trip with him is the best way to learn – and I am willing to work very hard for this opportunity. After the mountains of Bhutan, I can take him to the hills of Rio de Janeiro!