I think I’m in love!

 

I didn’t know what to expect when Bruno asked if I wanted to go out to see some of his fellow Samba musicians play. Excitement was at the very top though. This was going to be my first night out, how could I not be!? I got ready well in advance and then I waited for the knock on the door to welcome me to my first night in Rio de Janeiro. It’s been three days that I have been here now and last night was the first time I even stepped outside when it was dark. I could automatically feel it was different. It had a more relaxed and fun vibe. Everyone was out in the streets walking around, all dressed up and someplace to go. And I was one of them!

 

We first went to Lapa. A live band was playing and streets were crowded. I don’t mind crowds here. For some reason I soaked it all in. “So this is where all the beautiful people are!” Both men and women. It was, however, a very young crowd. And Bruno didn’t like being in such a crowded area. So we moved on to our second destination; the Samba restaurant near Rio’s center. Now, all the guide books say “don’t you dare go into the center on weekends” and “you are a fool if you go at night!” So this made me a little nervous when Bruno said that this is where we will be headed next. But I took a deep breath and went along for the ride.

 

I loved seeing the city at night. Hidden streets filled with people gathered, sitting at sidewalk cafes, drinking, eating and of course dancing the Samba to live music. This is when I felt a little tug on my heart string, I ignored it though, and just kept absorbing it all in.

 

We got to the restaurant after what seemed like 10 minutes of Bruno and the cab driver discussing what was the best way to get to the place. He kept translating it into English for me. But I just closed my eyes and let the Portuguese fill the air. It really is a beautiful language. It makes me wonder what my English sounds like to someone who speaks another language? I don’t think they say, “Oh my, she sounds so sexy speaking her native tongue!” Quite the opposite in fact. When it comes to listening to languages like Portuguese, Spanish, Italian or French; English does not even sound beautiful compared to these!

 

I stepped outside the air conditioned cab and the heat and humidity hit me. Bruno said it was going to rain, I asked how he could tell? And he said, because it was too hot for too many days. I just shrugged my shoulders and went with it. We stepped inside the restaurant with our drink tickets in hand. The music hit me and my heart skipped a beat. This is when I knew I was in trouble.

 

The musicians all yelled Bruno’s name when they saw him. It was like he was a celebrity among them. But he informed me that they, in fact, were the celebrities. They were the most famous Samba musicians in all of Rio de Janeiro and I got to see them play and sing!

 

After they said their hellos, we went and ordered an ice cold beer. Now, for those who know me best, you know I do not drink beer because I am gluten free, but I thought, “well when in Rome!” And having a beer here is like having coffee in the morning. You have to partake, its part of the culture! So I sipped my first glass and it was good, maybe too good! And then had another. And of course, started to feel a little more comfortable in my own skin.
I watched the crowd as they danced the Samba–I still don’t get how they move their hips that way, but I’m determined to learn–and apparently an entire table of people were determined that I learn it too!

 

At this point, Bruno had been called up to play and I was left with this fun lively group of people, one in particular, who really wanted me to learn some of the dance steps. So I pulled out my belly dancing tips and tried to move like they did. Now, it is a little strange staring at a persons hips and butt to try and figure out these movements. But with a little push from one of the older gents, I tried it and I think I did quite well. And according to my new found friends I did indeed!

 

As the night went on I mostly observed and watched. My new friend, Margaret and I planned to get together once a week to practice my Portuguese and her English. After they left, I sat and took it all in. I couldn’t help but notice how well everyone got along–Blacks, Whites, Asians, Indians–every race and every color was represented in this small restaurant in Rio’s center. And that’s when it happened. I fell in love. Not with a man, no, but with a culture. I was so scared to come to Brazil, to Rio de Janeiro. Everyone kept telling me to “be safe because it is so dangerous!” But last night, all I saw was love, laughter and acceptance!

 

The ride home was surreal. As soon as we stepped outside it started to rain. It was a warm rain and it felt amazing! People were walking home from the Lapa concert, soaked, but with not a care in the world. We got home and as I was walking to the door; I just stopped and closed my eyes, saying to myself, “So this is what it feels like to be in love!” As the rain ran down my face, it soaked my entire soul. And I just drank it in.