Divertir

A couple of days ago, I decided to descend the steps of my “tree house” apartment and take a walk. It was just after mid-day, and I was tired of being cooped up inside. Before stepping out, I slipped on some minimalist tropical gear—my board shorts, haviana sandals, and sun block to discourage a tan. Heading east out of Vila Matos, I started trekking along the beach front. It was a Sunday, and the sand was packed with soccer matches, sunbathers, and kids playing along the shore.

About five minutes into my walk, I noticed some tiny steps that lead up a hill opposite the beach. I took a look at the trail suspiciously. The foliage was dense and the destination unfamiliar, and I was a bit worried about being assaulted or robbed should I decide to ascend. On the side of the trail hidden amidst the rocks were small candomble offerings of flowers, food, and gifts—a bequest to the African gods that still rule the heart of this syncretic city. Reining in my courage, I eventually set forth into the greenery and started climbing into the unknown.

As part of my typical Brazilian street or nighttime routine, I removed my shirt to display my tattoos. I have noticed that looking men in the eye, walking upright, and showing my bee stripes (i.e. tribal ink) has kept me out of trouble. In an inner-city environment, it is important remain alpha, especially in sketchy night time situations. Put simply, unless a thief is exceedingly well armed, they tend to prey on the weak. Looking like you could be trouble is a way to avoid falling into it, and I continue to develop this survival tactic on the streets of Brazil.

After having gotten lost on a number of trailheads, I eventually made my way to the top of the hill. At about three hundred feet above sea level the view was just stunning, a stark compilation of sea breeze, sunshine, and city lines. I realized, smiling to myself, that life is the pathway to awe, a gift worth breathing in to the very last molecule.

Looking east towards Africa, I thought about the last six months I have spent in Brazil. I realized that things are beginning to change for me, that I am starting to enjoy this new world that I have made for myself on the edge of the South Atlantic. The initial shock of moving to a foreign country has slowly begun to ware off, replaced by newly won friendships, a greater handle on Portuguese, and a contentment with my subsistence in this land. I still worry about landing the right job, finding the right girl, and being the right person, but I realize now that such things are possible, and that with time my world here is only going to get bigger.

Colbert Report on Latin America and Brazil. For some reason I can't embed this, so check out the link here:

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