As one of our inclusive IES excursions we took a weekend trip to Ilha Grande, located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. We hiked each day to Lopes Mendes beach, surfed, body boarded, and also spent a few hours wandering the islands largest town, Vila Abraão. In Abraão we shopped, visited Praia Preta (beach with black sand), and peeked inside the Lazareto ruins, which were initially a hospital and up until 1994 used to hold prisoners. It was a relaxing weekend away from the bustling metropolitan environment we’ve become accustomed to.
Kiah Zellner-Smith
<p><span style="color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; background-color: rgb(237, 237, 237);">My name is Kiah Zellner-Smith and I am a Junior studying American Studies, Urban Studies and Educational Studies at Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN. I spend a lot of my time doodling, journaling, lip syncing in the bathroom, being inspired, laughing loudly, daydreaming, dancing wildly, and having tiny adventures. This semester in Rio de Janeiro will be the first time I leave the country and the safety of my family all by myself and I am simultaneously elated and terrified for my new adventure. I look forward to the many chuckles, challenges, and changes that inevitably await me.</span></p>