This morning I visited the largest Favela in Rio, Rochina which is a huge illegal slum on the outskirts of the city run by the biggest gang in Brazil A.D.A. (Amigos dos Amigos/Friends of Friends) – If you have seen the film City of God you will know exactly where I am. Although considered more dangerous than walking to a fancy dress party in Kandahar dressed as Uncle Sam – the police will only turn up in numbers of at least 400 – I didn't feel any more intimidate than in many other parts of the city. The conditions are truly shocking with open sewers running through the streets, overpopulated haphazard buildings wedged into every available space and dubious looking gangs on most corners – Sarah Beenie would really have her work cut out for her here.
The stupidest question of the year award goes to the English girl who asked our guide 'What do the drug dealers do that benefits the community?'. After letting the full weight of her question sink in, I took her to one side, sat her in a comfortable leather chair. lowered the lights and asked "For one million pounds can you tell me, do drug dealers sell crack in order to;
a) Buy cloth and stitch together quilts for 'the kids'.
b) Form a dance troupe to highlight inner city despondency amongst 'the kids'.
c) Make friends with Bono and Geldolf (both tax evaders incidentally) and record charity records for 'the kids'.
d) None of the above
After giving her the correct answer, I apologised for having to apprise her with the grim and unpalatable realities of the world.
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