In 2005, Israeli dancer and traveler Shani Meyer embarked on a backpacking adventure through South America with one destination always in mind: Brazil. Through samba, capoeira, local traditions, and unforgettable encounters, her low-budget journey became a life-changing connection with Brazilian culture.
By Lindenberg Junior
Shani Meyer discovered a country that became her final destination and a part of her identity
Nothing awakens the desire for adventure more than the promise of discovering new places, cultures, and experiences. But what happens when a traveler explores a continent with only a backpack, a limited budget, and a deep curiosity for another culture?
For Shani Meyer, an Israeli woman living in Los Angeles, the answer was a life-changing journey through South America that ended in the country she had dreamed about for years: Brazil.
In October 2005, Shani began an adventure that would take her across different countries, introduce her to new communities, and strengthen a connection with Brazilian culture that had started long before she ever set foot there.
A Love for Brazil That Began Through Music
Since childhood, Shani had always carried an adventurous spirit. Her fascination with Brazil began when she was a pre-teen, inspired by the beauty of Brazilian music and language.
She remembers that her connection with the country started through the rhythms of samba and bossa nova:
“I first became a lover of this country through the beautiful melodies and beat when I started listening to Samba and Bossa Nova in my early teen years.”
The music became her first bridge to Brazil, creating a curiosity that would later become a much deeper cultural relationship.
Discovering Brazilian Culture in Los Angeles
When Shani moved to the United States in 2000, she chose Los Angeles as her new home.
She began working at a cellphone retail store, where an unexpected friendship helped change the direction of her life. Her boss’s wife was Israeli but had previously lived in Brazil and spoke Portuguese fluently.
Through this connection, Shani was introduced to Brazilian culture in Los Angeles and began studying Portuguese.
“I started taking some Portuguese classes with her to know more about the intense Brazilian culture in L.A.”
The language became another important step in understanding Brazil beyond music.
From Samba Classes to Brazilian Dance
Already passionate about dance, Shani met Brazilian samba instructor Marco Vaz and began taking samba classes with him.
Through her instructor, she became aware of Brazilian cultural events in Los Angeles and became increasingly involved in the Brazilian community.
Later, she started dance classes with Katia Moraes, deepening her appreciation for Brazilian rhythms and traditions.
Her dedication eventually led her to the samba classes of Esti Ashkenazi, who invited her to audition for a dance group.
That opportunity changed her path.
Shani joined the Sunflower Dancers, becoming a professional performer and expanding her repertoire to include:
- Samba;
- Belly dance;
- Jazz;
- Other dance styles.
The Journey Begins: South America With a Backpack
In October 2005, Shani decided to travel through South America.
At first, she was unsure where her adventure would begin. She considered starting in countries such as:
- Peru;
- Bolivia;
- Chile;
- Argentina.
But one destination was certain:
Brazil would be her final destination.
“My final destination would be in Brazil because I knew it would take longer there!”
She traveled from Los Angeles to Chile with a friend from Israel, beginning a four-month journey across different South American countries.
Entering Brazil: A Dream Becomes Reality
Foz do Iguaçu is in Brazil and borders Paraguay and Argentina.
After traveling through South America with her friend, Shani continued alone toward Brazil, crossing the border through Foz do Iguaçu by bus.
Her first impression of the famous waterfalls was unforgettable:
“The famous waterfall is the most amazing, just breathtaking.”
From there, she continued her journey through several Brazilian destinations, including:
- Florianópolis;
- Ilha do Mel;
- São Paulo.
In São Paulo, she discovered a multicultural metropolis with diverse communities living together.
“A cosmopolitan city with a big Jewish and Muslim community, all of them living in harmony.”
Samba, Rio de Janeiro, and a Dream Come True
After São Paulo, Shani traveled to Rio de Janeiro, stopping along the way in Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis.
In Rio, she spent a month training with a traditional samba school community.
For someone who had discovered Brazil through music and dance years earlier, the experience was unforgettable.
“It was a dream come true, a fantastic experience in my life!”
The connection between dance, community, and Brazilian culture became one of the most meaningful parts of her journey.
Finding Herself in Bahia
Continuing north, Shani arrived in Arraial da Ajuda, Bahia, one of the most popular destinations among international backpackers.
For her, the small town represented the perfect combination of everything she loved.
She described the experience:
“The city that matches most with my personality and lifestyle because it was the perfect combination of all my passions.”
There, she discovered:
- A strong capoeira community through Sul da Bahia;
- Dance studios where she practiced samba, axé, forró, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms;
- Beautiful beaches;
- Dance parties where she could fully express herself.
The town became one of the places that most reflected her personality and connection with Brazil.
Exploring Northeastern Brazil
Before returning to Los Angeles, Shani continued exploring Brazil’s Northeast, visiting:
- Salvador;
- Recife;
- Olinda.
After seven months traveling through South America — including three months dedicated entirely to Brazil — she returned to Los Angeles carrying memories, friendships, and a stronger connection to Brazilian culture.
The Importance of Language and Cultural Connection
Reflecting on her travels, Shani says her philosophy remains the same wherever she goes:
Learning the language and understanding local traditions are essential parts of traveling.
For her, language is one of the most powerful tools for connecting with people, while learning local dances creates another way to experience a culture.
She believes travelers should take time to understand the people and communities they visit, meeting as many locals as possible and learning something unique from every person they encounter.
Shani’s journey proves that travel is not only about visiting places — it is about creating connections, embracing cultures, and allowing experiences to transform the way we see the world.
* Shani lives in Los Angeles, California. She fell in love with Brazil through Capoeira and than Brazilian music. She has been participating in several Zouk Dance Contest as a competitor with her partner Ivo around the world. She is also a samba and belly dancer instructor.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
1. Who is Shani Meyer?
Shani Meyer is an Israeli traveler, dancer, and Brazilian culture enthusiast who lived in Los Angeles and developed a deep connection with Brazil through music, dance, language, and travel.
2. Why did Shani Meyer travel to Brazil?
She traveled to Brazil because of her long-time fascination with Brazilian culture, especially samba, bossa nova, dance, and the Portuguese language.
3. How long did Shani stay in Brazil?
Shani spent approximately three months traveling throughout Brazil during a seven-month journey across South America.
4. Which Brazilian destinations did Shani visit?
Her Brazilian journey included Foz do Iguaçu, Florianópolis, Ilha do Mel, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Arraial da Ajuda, Salvador, Recife, and Olinda.
5. What made Brazil special for Shani Meyer?
Brazil combined many of her passions, including dance, music, language, nature, cultural diversity, and meaningful connections with local communities.
