By: Ariel Farfan
As a young Servas member, I had my first Servas travel experience alongside my family. We received a heartfelt invitation from the cherished couple, Tere and Cesar. This unique opportunity emerged due to my involvement in mural painting, and my reputation within the member community.
They admired my work and graciously invited me to embellish the water tank at their Vinhedos-SP residence, where I stayed with my brother. During our visit, they introduced us to the city’s top cultural places and granted us the artistic freedom to create a mural inspired by the local landscape and their life as a couple and as Servas members.
This was an immensely significant experience for me, both professionally and socially. It provided me with the opportunity to delve into mural painting in an entirely new setting, allowing me to explore creative avenues. On the social front, I actively engaged with Tere and Cesar’s family—participating in morning walks, assisting with food preparation, exploring downtown São Paulo. Another part of my social itinerary was to attend meetings with local members. This immersive experience taught me valuable lessons about gracious hospitality. I was thoroughly enchanted by the blend of professional and social encounters that I experienced.
Additionally, I had the privilege of showing the couple my hometown when they visited Alvany, a Servas member who initially connected me with the Servas Brazil group. Here in Petrolina, we embarked on a memorable trip along the São Francisco River, exploring Massangano Island—one of our region's most famous islands.
More recently, during a congress related to my field of study, I crossed paths with another Servas member in Fortaleza-CE. Together, we explored the city through walks and shared experiences. However, the pinnacle of my journey was the 2023 Servas Latin America Youth Eco-Camp. Similar to my mural work in Vinhedos, I had the opportunity to create a mural at the camp's reception. This artistic endeavor served as an exchange for my family's accommodation, and it proved to be an enriching professional experience. Significantly, the workshop involved both foreign and Brazilian Servas members, fostering a dynamic and rewarding exchange where Servas participants could make lasting physical and social impressions.
During this trip, I also had the opportunity to visit the Bienal de Artes (Art Biennial) in São Paulo, where I was warmly received by a Servas member. From a professional standpoint, both of these locations enriched my experiences and I’m deeply grateful for all of them.
