A Fond Farewell

Capoeira Boulder – my how I will miss you. You taught me to stand on my head, to walk on my hands, to show gravity who’s da boss. You taught me that it is ok to wear white, to tuck in my shirt, and kick some major ass. Yes, how I will miss you.

I discovered one of my old leather bound journals as I was packing up my room yesterday. Thumbing through the well traveled pages, I came across this entry dated

July 24^th, 2001:

“…One of the best experiences I’ve had on this trip happened a few days ago when my half cousin Laurent took Alec, I, and a few of his friends to a jazz festival in Fribourg (Switzerland). The festival ended up being a kind of Brazilian themed street party, with tons of great music and food. I experienced my first Brazilian concert huddled in a mass of Europeans in the middle of the city square. For hours I danced and sang, listening to the rhythmic beat of Chico César. It was an experience I definitely want to relive.

…After the concert, I watched a group of Brazilians perform one of the most beautiful martial art forms I’ve ever seen. It is a kind of dance where the combatants mimic punches, kicks, and other various strikes—all driven by a dance like stance and accompanied by many gymnastic feats. Most of my free time is taken up with martial arts, and this form known as Capwayda (yes this is how I spelled it) is definitely the most beautiful and one I now feel inspired to learn.”

Amazing how things come back into your life. I completely forgot that I ever had this sentiment, and find myself – years later – living that tucked away desire. I fully admit to a love for this sport, and truly look forward to more rodinhas in the Black Rome of Brazil.