Last night was our first foray into the Carnaval, and it was everything anyone ever said it was to be. Just a million people milling about the streets, packing in near the music, breaking up in the street to breathe a little bit, buying food, beer..... lots of things. It´s awesome. There wasn´t as much dancing involved last night as I expected but it was still a great time, and an amazing crowd.
Walking through, I ended up meeting a lot of locals, just nice kids who spoke either English or Spanish that just wanted to talk to the tourist. The group I went out with last night was about 20 people strong, it was kind of ridiculous! But once you´re in the crowd, that number means nothing. Everyone I talked to said to be careful. The warnings were warranted - this is the first time on the trip that all the scary talk is not being exaggerated. But it´s like they say, be smart, be aware, and you´ll be fine. A girl we were with got her necklace stolen off her neck. A fight broke out and one of the guys we were with got his wallet lifted out of his back pocket. They say don´t wear jewelry or carry a wallet. No joke, eh? So I´m doing what I´m told and the only thing that´s happened to me is that I´ve met some really nice people. I´ve ended up hanging out with some beautiful girls, so we get a lot of male attention - typical aggressive latino shit - but usually everyone ends up being awesome and telling us where another good party is.
So I have an agenda of partying laid out, it´s going to be a craaaaazzzzyy weekend!
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'atta boy zachie! stay smart the whole trip okay?
ReplyDeletei'm glad you're having fun!!! carnaval sounds amazing. have you ever seen the movie orfeu negro? its like the brazilian adaptation of orpheus.
there are some great carnaval scenes....but i guess the real thing is no comparison haha. keeep the posts comin, i'm readin!
ZAC - JUST FOUND OUT HOW TO RESPOND TO YOU. IT IS SO GREAT TO HAVE THIS COMMUNICATION. JUST LOVE ALL THE INFO YOU HAVE SENT US, WE FEEL SO MUCH CLOSER TO YOU NOW THAT WE CAN TALK. IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU COULDN'T BE HAVING A BETTER EXPERIENCE. YOU ARE MAKING US ALL FEEL SO OUT OF IT. WE THINK OF YOU SO OFTEN AND MISS YOU. THE GREAT CONSOLATION IS YOUR ASSURANCE THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF ALL DANGERS .THAT HAS BEEN OUR FEAR - BEING IN UNKNOWN CULTURES - BUT SWEETHEART, YOU ARE ENJOYING AND HANDLING IT. TODAY IS VALENTINES DAY - HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING IT. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU - WISH I COULD SEND YOU YOUR LINDT'S CHOCOLATES - LOVE YOU HONEY. STAY SAFE AND CONTINUE KEEPING US INFORMED. WE LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY BLOG. LOVE AGAIN - NANI (MAR TO YOU)
ReplyDeleteLena-I know we never hang out and your close-to-Brazilian roots were never much of a topic of our friendship, but I really feel like YOU should be here with me! One day, we are going to have to make a trip together. I´ll definitely watch that movie as soon as I get a chance!
ReplyDeleteMAR! I´m so glad you´re reading this and not worrying sick! Don´t forget I know how to stay out of trouble - I´ve managed to slip under your radar for 23 years, hahaha. Happy Valentines day to you too, I wish I could call but can´t get a phone card to work! Love you tons, and I can´t wait to get together and tell stories!