so... here I am on my second day in Brazil in an AWESOME guesthouse GUESTHOUSE RIO where Dirk and Roberto take the utmost care in making you feel at home and their homemade cake, coffee, fresh fruit juice and attention to detail. This is DEFINITELY part of the good!
ok... so lets get to the main story...
The Rolling Stones concert on Copacabana beach definitely showed me both sides.Like I've said before, there is a warmth in the people of Brazil that I havent been able to explain yet.From friends I met on CouchSurfing.com to the travel agency where they went out of their way to help me (knowing it wont make them any money) and in the concert everyone immediately around our group (7 of us from the guesthouse) were awesome and so friendly.We took many pictures and exchanged emails (while speaking in Portañol - Portugese and Español combined). Jumping up n down in a fevered pitch to the Stones and to the two Brazilian bands beforehand was good prep for Carnaval.There was a father who came with his two daughters and cousin who became more important than just being friendly.
Near the end of the concert, a big guy snatched the camera right outta my hand and obviously passed it to the person behind him.In my great wisdom (NOT), I followed the guy (not so easy with a million people around you) and actually caught him and his friend.As I reached for the camera, a fist came flying to my face and down I went (dont worry, I have thick skin and not even a bruise has formed!Just a lil tender).As I got back up and started my chase of the guy (I could still see my camera on!) the father of the girls came and caught me and pulled me back to where out group was. Which was the best thing that could have happened.The camera (and the awesome photos of the stones) were not worth the possible stabbing.The amazing thing was that all the people around me went SO out of their way to make sure that I enjoyed the last few songs of the concert!There was some serious calming down session by all of them (apparent strangers) and promises of THEM sending me photos instead of vice versa (from normal cameras).The hugs at the end of the concert by all of them definitely gave me chills down my spine and confirmed my initial thought that there is something in the air or water that makes Brazilians so warm and caring.And as I was told in Portañol, it is important to keep the memories of the concert in the heart not just in the camera! Being in the energy of a million people... its incredible!
Trying to get back home was a logistical nightmare and there were a few scary moments as the organization was lacking in this department for sure!WAVES of people...crushing towards the small streets... two of us got separated from the rest and we ended up going for quite a long walk.Oh and that was barefoot too! That was the biggest miracle of all!Walking barfoot for over two hours in a crowd of a million plus people on the streets where there were broken beer bottles and all kindsa stuff... unbelievable luck to not even get a scratch on my soles (just nastily dirty!)
So... word to the wise... (and thanx mom for the disposable cameras)... travel light in the technological dept. (it is more than double the price here to buy a camera.. hence the want to steal also)... travel light in the clothes(too bloody hot).... and travel open in the heart... you will be rarely disappointed in Brazil! :)
p.s. Dont ask me for details of the negative part of this story in real life... its over and done... Oh... did I mention I managed to get a Rolling Stones edition beer can! I dont know if it'll make it home... but I will try! ;)
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