This rocks. First of all, I am safe and sound. My aunt´s friend´s friend´s friend Pedro picked me up at the international airport in Rio last night at 1:00 AM. I was welcomed with a big smile, kiss on both cheeks, and help with my bags (thank goodness). Before that, during the bag waiting process, two people started talking to me in Portuguese, thinking I was Brazilian. Great sign. Back to 1:30 AM. Called my parents briefly and then went straight from airport to a "rehearsal" ... for one of the best samba schools in Rio´s Carnaval performance. YES!!! "Rehearsal" means 1000 people dancing in a breezy, decorated, brightly lit gymnasium with 40 or 50 people on stage playing drums and another 10 people singing and playing other instruments. And lots of capirinhas! The school is called Unidos da Tijuca. We went up to one of the balconies first, to watch, and then we went into the crowd. They debuted their 2008 anthem song which had everyone singing and dancing and jumping!! I started to learn the dance, but not the words. That will be next. The song basically talks about people collecting things...and how this club wants to "collect" another "10" from the judges (as Carnaval is a celebration but also a competition for all of the best samba schools in Rio). I won´t be in Rio for Carnaval, and so I am so glad I got to participate now! There was a really human moment when two of the main dancers from the samba school were dancing with the school´s flag - she was wearing a silver sparkly tube top and royal blue skirt, with this belt hoister thing that her partner had to adjust in the middle of the dance, and no one in the crowd surrounding them cared or noticed. Some observations: I saw maybe two cameras the entire night. People are not concerned with taking pictures - they are too busy enjoying themselves. Also - everyone is dressed in bright colors, especially yellow. Visually, this puts you in a great mood. Also - as long as I don´t open my mouth, people think I am Brazilian. This night was such a fantastic welcome to Brazil.
Pedro then drove me through Ipanema and Leblon, and we checked out the bar scene for a sec. Different crowd than the samba party - these people seemed wealthier - but everyone is smiling. Went home as passed out from 5AM to 1PM. About to go begin the day! The sun is shining! Thinking about you all - I love you.
kisses, Katie
3 comments:
(It's Diana.) So glad you made it safely and people are mistaking you for a Brazilian! It makes me less worried about you! Saw everyone last night and you were missed. Love you.
Taking lots of pictures does not mean we do not get to enjoy ourselves. Those silly dancers will never remember their glory.
Happy to follow your exciting adventures, be safe and enjoy, Love Aunt Sheila & Uncle Jimmy from sunny Florida.
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