Tuesday, June 9, 2009: Day 27
I grabbed a banana on the way out to school. We took a bus (#13) and walked a bit. Class as usaul was from 9-1pm. After class my roommate and I walked home and stopped by a super market where I purchased some fried foods for lunch. When we arrived home we found a meal cooked for us. A mixture of rice, beans, and chunks of spongy cheese were made with a side of fried meat slices. I had fresh juice with my lunch and everything was so delicious. Dr. Pace made plans for us to all go and watch Capoeira (martial arts/dance brought over from Africa during slavery in Brazil) in downtown. Quick fact of Brazil’s history: According to Dr. Pace slavery ended in Brazil in 1888. Rosalie met up at our place and then we stopped by Neal’s and picked him up then headed toward downtown a bit early by taxi. We took lots of photos while waiting for the rest of the group. Once everyone arrived we headed to the spot the Capoeira was to be held. Two people who were teaching Capoeira asked our group if we wanted to try some Capoeira moves. Slowly but surely, almost everyone in our group participated. First Randy went up, Annie went up second, and I went up third (even though I had a dress on, which I later borrowed Simon’s large, compared to me, capri jeans). Mostly everyone else in our group ended up joining. We stretched, played musical instruments, did cartwheels, clapped, and attempted to sing. We were all clapping in unison, walking in a circle with instruments being played and had huge goofy smiles plastered on our faces. I felt this overwhelming emotion of spirituality and connection with: the people around me, the world, myself…I’m not sure how to describe it exactly…perhaps it was a uplifting and peaceful feeling if I had to try to describe it. We all ate at a restaurant near by and then our portuguese instructor picked four of us up to go interact in a english with Brazilian doctors who were learning english as a hobby; mostly because they traveled so much. It was an enjoyable experience and I would love to do it again. Boi noite!
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