20% of Rio's population lives in a favela

We went on a tour of two of Rios favelas - Rocinha and Vila Canoas. Rocinha is the largest favela in Brazil - the official population is 60,000. However some believe that the real number is somewhere between 150,000 and 400,000..... Christina (our guide) explained to us about living in a favela - and about the drug lords that run them.
There are sentries posted at the entrance to the favelas, each holding a couple of large rockets/fireworks which they will let off as an early warning system if anyone unwelcome tries to enter.
In late 2006 there was a 'war' within Rocinha, and control of the favela passed from one criminal faction (the CV) to another (the ADA).

Here's a link to a Washington Post photo essay from Rocinha.

Vila Canoas is a really small favela, and the tour company supports a school here.
Mike got a photo of me skipping with the kids. Skipping is bloody hard work.

hedda playing with the kids in the favela
Originally uploaded by yobosayo