Feeling safe in the biggest favela of Brazil: My experience living there

In 2018 I ended up living in Rocinha in the South of Rio de Janeiro, which was the biggest favela of Brazil at the time. I got asked about safety a lot, so here is my perspective after living there.
0:00: Intro
0:37: How I ended up there
5:53: My thoughts on safety
7:18: Freedom over safety
9:17: Favela tourism
11:17: Another risk that is not crime
11:37: So, is it safe?

[@Dounyavd]

0:00: Intro 0:37: How I ended up there 5:53: My thoughts on safety 7:18: Freedom over safety 9:17: Favela tourism 11:17: Another risk that is not crime 11:37: So, is it safe?

[@samil5601]

Brazil is the cure for all problems, especially stress related ones.

[@Dounyavd]

For suuuuuure!

[@joaoc.7099]

Very articulate and clarifying video. I'm from the countryside of Brazil, next to Rio. Criminality rate is not as high here, although we do have some neighbourhoods that are very similar to the favelas. It's clear that they are formed by the same historical issues. Inequality in Brazil is so alarming that a lot of middle-class workers often don't get in touch with the poorest people, and we are encouraged to stay away from the communities. It's such a sad and complex reality.

[@Dounyavd]

Oh interesting! True, it’s so complex and such a unique phenomenon because of the history. Only Brazilians know what this feels like

[@phoenix_fire_stone]

you seem to have a lot of stories to tell! Incredible pictures too! Hope to hear more of stories about traveling to these foreign places as a young woman!Thanks

[@Dounyavd]

Thank you, much appreciated! And yes I have lots to share

[@ReensaraiArtbyReenaS]

wow this is an interesting experience,the concept of safety is a journaling topic after traveling to different counteries our view broadens as out compassion and empathy.I never really understood the fear of brazilians immigrants living in the US working with me,yet after hearing your experience I can now see their sense of safety is so unique to "western" life.Being a traveler of asia too,I felt a familiar sense of nostalgia hearing about your wanderings in young 20's, my own travels start replaying in my mind.wishing you more of the magic of favorite reflections!Thank you for expressing here!

[@Dounyavd]

So true! It’s different going to a favela as a tourist than as a Brazilian. I’m sure naivety and ignorance makes us tourists more open for certain places. Thanks for watching ❤

[@MAE-yg8bf]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@Dounyavd]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏽🥰

[@Smojito]

Favela especially rocinha is much better then any turkish, arabic Ghetto in France or Germany. for sure, especially for woman

[@neverexsystem]

Very interesting and well spoken!

[@cyberpunkalphamale]

Great stuff

[@Dounyavd]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@LuisPollon]

Stopped by your channel to show some support and love and the first thing I see is you giving Brazil some love! Love the content! Please let me know if I can ever help you with anything!

[@Dounyavd]

Ahh that’s so sweet thank you! Love Brazil so much. I really miss it

[@tincho.adventures]

Your video is well edited :)

[@accbecky]

Very nice experience ,I liked the video , you spoke good of my place.

[@Dounyavd]

Thank you! Only love 💕

[@marckpetersen3641]

interesting experience

[@Minipulga_]

Caralh* girl, this was some crazy stuff 😂

[@rodrigomiranda2156]

Você é muito bela ❤

[@AliAiash]

❤❤❤❤ indeed girl 💓😂😉

[@loretak4687]

I’m just curious how much you paid in rent living in rocinha?

[@Dounyavd]

I’m not 100% sure because it’s been a few years but I think around 600 reais

[@dyno_mite]

Is a $100 a lot in the favelas or anywhere in Rio?

[@Dounyavd]

There are definitely cheaper options in the favela, but renting in Rio is way more expensive. Also food etc. It’s not cheap at all, while their monthly wage isn’t very high

[@dyno_mite]

@Dounyavd I plan on going on a vacation trip in about a month or so to Rio. And thank you for replying.

[@Firespirit233]

if you don't want catcalling, stop paying social wealthare to muslims in France, Germany. magesticly all they would move somewhere else.

[@kirkedc773]

Wow getting cat called or getting shot hmmmm .... Let me see.

[@Dounyavd]

It’s paradoxical, but it makes sense if you think about it. It’s about the feeling of safety, not safety itself.

[@ErnestoSun]

Of course guns increase short time safety. Really prefer fear over sexual harassment? No

[@Dounyavd]

That’s kind of the point of the video. There was no fear for me because there was no sexual harassment. As mentioned, the concept of safety differs depending on your gender, age, race, etc. So I can imagine you’ll have a very different perspective if sexual harassment has never been such a big part of your daily life

[@Firespirit233]

are you French?

[@Marco-x9d9w]

She mentions Belgium multiple times Probably the French speaking part

[@Dounyavd]

Belgian from Flemish part!

[@Spunk_cat]

always white women

[@AliAiash]

❤❤❤❤ indeed girl 💓😂😉