DANCE
ADVENTURE IN BRAZIL
Oct 24 - Nov 4, 2007
with Mésmera
I am happy to report that our whole wonderful group came home happy and healthy from our glorious time in Brazil. While I'm trying to extend the sensory memory of all the delicious tastes and sights and rhythms of Salvador, Paraty and Pelourinho, here are some photos for you to see! Love, Mz
ITINERARY
ABOUT MESMERA
TERMS & CONDITIONS
COMMENTARIES FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS
RESERVATION FORM (& pay your deposit online!)
GETTING READYMesmera’s Brazilian Bellydance Adventure Seminar
ItineraryDear Dancers, Musicians and Friends,
Happy to say I’ve completed the itinerary for this year’s fabulous Brazilian Adventure Seminar, with Terms and Conditions, plus Reservation Request Form. I’m very pleased with it all and wish we were there NOW!!I hope the time is right for you to enjoy this well designed opportunity to dance, learn, play, eat delicious food, shop great values, luxuriate and delight in an abundance of exotic, memorable experiences!
I’ve made special arrangements for a small group (perfect at 16-20 people), so respond quickly, as several already have, and we’ll soon be dancing to the tropical rhythms of a rich and fascinating culture!
Yours in Brazilian Bellydance Adventures, Mesmera
$2681.00 Includes:
ALL International and Domestic Flights within Brazil (R/T Miami), ALL Transfers, ALL Lodging (Double Occupancy), ALL Buffet Breakfasts,
2 Dinners, 2 Lunches, Islands, Waterfalls, Shows, Classes, and More.
Wednesday, 10/24 Evening Departure Miami
Thursday, 10/25
Morning Arrival in Rio de Janeiro, after customs in Sao Paulo we transfer and check into our beachfront hotel in Ipanema. We’ll share our first Brazilian meal, settle in, relax, stroll the beach, swim in the warm, gentle ocean, enjoy the tropical colors and flavors, or perhaps a massage. There’s optional sight-seeing at Sugar Loaf. Too many delicious choices for dinner, then we’re ready for Rio's nightlife.Friday, 10/26
Luscious breakfast, then we can catch a taxi to Casa Turuna for costumes or opt for a visit to nearby Sugar Loaf. Later, a bellydance class with Mesmera is followed by a samba lesson. This prepares us for many options after dinner, like a club or perhaps a samba school so we can dance into the night, which starts with a lavish Churrascaria (BBQ) dinner followed by a fabulously costumed stage show.Saturday, 10/27
Let's wake up happy and lazy (a typical Brazilian morning), have a delicious breakfast buffet, followed by class with Mesmera, some shopping at the sophisticated boutiques in Ipanema for great clothes and shoes which are quite affordable because of the exchange rate. There’s time for optional sight-seeing at Corcovado, or swimming and working on that tan. Nightlife sizzles at a popular cafe with live music for dancing.Sunday, 10/28
Leisurely breakfast, then shop the ultimate art and craft faire with its fascinating variety before our ground transfer to Paraty. We check-in and lounge about in a tropical coastal paradise where a charming 18th century town offers many wonderful features, islands and pristine beaches.
http://www.paraty.com.br
Monday, 10/29
Wakeup, savor a lovely buffet breakfast, and discover the precious natural beauty that surrounds us. Waterfalls and jungle excursion by jeep includes lunch, plus the gold trail and a visit to the cachaca distillery. In the evening there are many good choices for dinner, drinks, music, and dance.
Tuesday, 10/30
Breakfast first, then a half day schooner trip around some gorgeous islands. Yes! We stop to swim, snorkel, relax and take great pictures! Includes lunch before returning to freshen up for our evening’s entertainment.Wednesday, 10/31
After breakfast, it’s dance class with Mesmera and the morning is free for taking your own sweet time swimming and tanning, ordering exotic drinks, perhaps a massage under the influence of swaying palm trees and gentle breezes caressing you into your best daydreams. Lunch and Check out, as our bus takes us to the Rio airport for our flight to Salvador, Bahia (7:55pm - 8:55pm, 2 hrs. time chng) where African culture and religion are mainstream. Check into our beachfront hotel, perhaps a bite somewhere nearby, then fall asleep to the sound of the surf.Thursday, 11/1
Right after breakfast, we visit old Pelourinho to explore and shop in several fascinating locations. Then it’s time for a marvelous Afro-Brazilian dance class at a studio in a picturesque 16th century colonial building, with an excellent teacher whose mother offers psychic readings for those who’d like her visionary guidance. After dinner, it’s a short walk to the theatre for an outstanding Ballet Folklorico, featuring Dances of the Orixas, Candomble, Capoeira, LIVE music and lots of talent!Friday, 11/2
Morning could begin with a walk on the beach, a delicious breakfast buffet and class with Mesmera, time to sun, swim and relax, then visit and shop the "Mercado Modelo" for lots of cool indigenous artifacts, clothing, jewelry and amazing values. Since Pelourinho is only an elevator ride away, an optional dance class and additional readings are possible. ! Dinner and Hafla at a Lebanese Restaurant. Bring costume and music if you wish to perform.Saturday, 11/3
After breakfast, Mésmera welcomes you into her class. There’s beach time, shopping or simply repacking and preparing for our farewell Dinnershow at an excellent restaurant. Care to be part of the scene in Pelhourinho. where there’s music and dance in the Plaza?Sunday, 11/4
An early breakfast, luggage in the lobby and we’re ready to catch our morning flight (10:55am to 5:55pm) to Miami and home.Mésmera grew up in San Diego, CA, where her childhood was all about movement: swimming, gymnastics, baton twirling, water ballet, hiking and cookouts, all under the initiative of her father, Coach Rose. Whenever the men were not around and the desire hit, her aunt, grandmother and mother would put on music and dance. Discovering Modern Dance in High School fanned the spark in Mésmera, yet it was not until 10 years later, when she saw her first bellydancer, that her passion for the dance became her passion for life. Spinning her veils through 25 years of classes, performances, seminars, videos, festivals, film and TV credits, celebrity parties and directing Troupe Mésmerasha has shaped her into a dancer with depth and intent. Her articulate clarity of movement carries through to her teaching ability, making the learning experience most satisfying. Mésmera encourages and empowers freedom of movement in dance as a creative paradigm for life. She draws from many sources: archetypes, geometry, anatomy, kinesiology, colors, Deities, animals and Nature. She integrates knowledge, awareness and Spirit and actively generates the embodiment of these elements with her students. The grace with which she blends heart and consciousness is inspiring, joyful and vital, bringing her entertainment art to a moving experience for her audience as well as her students. There is definitely more than a shimmy happening here, and that is why her name is Mésmera.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Charges for passports, visas; baggage, accident or cancellation insurance; excess baggage fees; any expenses or transportation not included in the itinerary; laundry, soft drinks, mineral water, liquor, room service, or any expenses of a purely personal nature.
CANCELLATIONS: Please note, your $500.00 per person deposit is not refundable after 30 days. If cancellation is received within 90 days prior to departure, 50-100% of the total land cost may be charged. Refunds are limited to monies recoverable from our suppliers. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AND FORMS ARE INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION PACKET.RESPONSIBILITIES: Red Magic/Mésmera acts only as an agent for the hotels, airlines, bus companies, railroads, ship lines, or owners or contractors providing accommodations, transportation or other services, and all receipts, contracts and tickets issued by Red Magic/Mésmera, or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries are not and/or shall not become liable or responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property or otherwise in connection with any accommodations, transportation, or other services, resulting directly or indirectly from any acts of God, dangers incident to the sea, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of governments or other authorities, de jure or de facto, wars whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or custom regulation, defaults, delays or cancellations of or changes in itinerary or schedules, or from any causes beyond Red Magic/Mésmera's control, or for any loss or damage resulting from insufficient or improperly issued papers, visas or other documents, and that neither Red Magic/Mésmera, or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of any of the forgoing causes. The right is reserved to change hotels and alter itinerary or reverse the sequences of places to be visited as situations warrant. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure. If any tour must be withdrawn, our liability is limited to a refund of monies received by us. Red Magic/Mésmera is not responsible or liable for defaults of those not directly under our control. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any acts, omissions or events, during the time passengers are not on board their planes. The passenger contract in use by the airlines shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and purchaser of these tours and/or passengers. The services of any IATA/ARC member carriers or their affiliates may be used. Prices are subject to adjustment prior to final billing, 90 days prior to departure, if any of the above factors change.
"Dear Mesmera,
My Brazil tour with you in November 2005 was spectacular
in every aspect and made my belly dancing experience complete.
You, our gracious hostess, the great company of many women,
our 5 star hotel accomodations with delicious food, and the best
guides, shows, Samba classes, shopping......... did I mention Shopping?
I'm ready to go again, real soon, I have traveled a lot and this is one
of the best trips ever! Thank You!"Linda, Los Angeles
"What an ADVENTURE! From the riot of color, music and dance that is Rio, to the rich Afro Brazilian culture and history in beautiful Bahia, to the glittering, sizzling Luxor Bellydance festival in sophisticated Sao Paulo, our November 2002 journey through Brazil with Mésmera was a non-stop pleasure-fest: a thoroughly delightful sensory indulgence to treasure forever! The accommodations, transportation, exciting and inventive itinerary and the company were five-star deluxe, all the way. Oh, and the FOOD! Bursting with freshness and flavor, each delicious meal rivaled the last in sheer exotic delight. From the amazing breakfasts of european-style pastries and native breads to the lavish dinner feasts complete with elaborate, tropical desserts, I was completely and utterly enchanted. I have traveled all over the world, and have never eaten food this amazing. Time cannot pass quickly enough until our return trip there; the island breezes call me, the Samba music beckons, and I am helpless to resist!"
Leela -- Los Angeles, CA
March, 2003LUGGAGE
Airlines have a weight limit of 32kg (70.40 lbs). Travel light. One or two medium size pieces, a carry on and a camera case are good.CLOTHING
Casual lightweight clothing is the standard dress, with layers for air conditioning, etc. T-shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, shorts, cotton shirts or blouses, a light jacket, sweater or sweatshirt for evenings and cool mornings. Bathing suit. Sandals, tennis shoes or light comfortable shoes are fine. There are no places where men must wear a coat and tie, or women a dress, however, there are a few times you may want to dress for dinner, shows or dancing. Bring something for dance classes.EQUIPMENT
Digital or Camera with a lot of film, as it can be more expensive to buy in the hotels. Video is a wonderful way of bringing back your adventure. Tape recorders are great for drumming and other music. You are welcome to a copy of whatever footage I may get, and we’ll be sure to schedule a “photo-sharing reunion” after we return.MISCELLANEOUS
*Insect repellent (Cutter is recommended, plus others).
*Sunglasses and Hat with a visor or broad brim.
*Sun Block (Bull Frog is excellent, plus others).
*Aspirin or anything else you might need in your personal medicine and hygiene kit.
*Baby Wipes are useful.
*Zip lock bags make packing easy. Bring extra.
*A bottled water carrier is an option.
*Locks on all luggage.
*Vegans may wish to bring their favorite snacks.
*Inflatable neck pillow for International flight is an option.SECURITY
As in any country, keep your valuables on your person or in the safe provided at the Hotels. DO NOT leave them out in your room.
Don’t bring irreplaceable keepsakes or expensive jewelry, and don’t wear anything of value in public.BRAZILIAN STATISTICS
Time: Brazil is 5 hours ahead of Pacific time.
Temp: 78 degrees is the average temperature.
Exchange Rate: The dollar has a good rate of exchange; please check with your bank or other monetary exchange service for current rate.
Language: Portuguese is the official languageHEALTH
No shots are required at the present time for Brazil, and while the Health Department will recommend many, the decision is yours. Know your blood type.ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Is your passport is up to date? If you need a new passport or to renew one, there are passport windows at most post offices. Take your old passport or your current proof of citizenship, two passport photos and your driver’s license. To guarantee your seat on the plane, be sure to check in 3 hours early. You may wish to bring a book or something of interest.NOTE
Regarding use of electrical appliances such as hairdryers, shavers, etc.: Most hotels do have 110 and 220 options in the rooms, however, certain locations may not, so you may wish to pack a set of adapters designed especially for travelers.Further information? Call Mesmera 323-669-0333
Brazilian Religions & Orixas
Umbanda is a religion born in Brazil from the mixing of its peoples and their original religions. It’s a blend of Candomblé, brought to Brazil by the Africans; Kardecism -- European
Spiritism that became very popular among their descendants, and Pajelança, the Shamanism practiced by the Native Indians.Christianity also has a strong influence, more in terms of imagery than dogma. The ceremonies involve smudging, drumming, chanting, hand clapping and movement to create sacred space and invoke the spirits. Initiates incorporate the spirits who in turn give messages, advice, and do hands on healing work on members of the audience.
Candomblé has its origins in the ancient African religions, mainly Yoruba. It’s devoted to the energies of nature and the wisdom of the "Orixas", mythic gods and goddesses somewhat similar to those in the Greco-Roman pantheon. This truly sophisticated theology lives and breathes in beautiful rituals where the initiates embody the Orixas. Candomblé works in an ethical context in which the Judeo-Christian notion of sin does not make any sense. The difference between good and evil basically depends upon the relationship between the follower and his or her personal God, the Orisha.
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