From Alberto, April 13, 2000 |
| Well, We never expected it, but the days have often been gray and rainy and sometimes the nights have had lots of hard rain. The temp. during the day has been around 80-90 F. Winds from wherever. Last night was wonderful. We were invited to a lovely dinner at Graciella and Fernando's and then Graciella showed off all of her wonderful paintings before dinner. After dinner we went to a show called Zaz Traz which was a mixture of participation and show. When we arrived there was a guy who would accept suggestions from the audience and then wrap them into his songs. He took any topics and just wailed on and on putting everything together. Sang about everything under the sun and was very impressive to those who understood what he was talking about. At one point he grabbed Johanna and brought her out onto the floor and told us all about her. Later the folkloric dances began and they were tremendous backed up by a wonderful versatile band. After about an hour of show with many costume changes, Max and I were pulled up onto the stage with others for a little Forro. Following was a show of native indian dances which were incredibly acrobatic and strenuous. After that I think the same dance troop was used for a demonstration of capoiera, but it was the fastest and most acrobatic capoiera I've ever seen. Afterwards we all got up and danced for about an hour. Today has been mellower, with a slow start for me, and then off to a rotary meeting for lunch (our 7th) and then shopping at the Mall and time to see a film called "Bossa Nova". If you get a chance to see it, do. It features Amy Irving and has some wonderful music and lovely stories, takes place in Rio and is half in Ptg. and half in English and Spanish or Italian, I'm not sure. My father is off presenting a seminar on cost accounting and my mother is getting ready for tonight's dinner and then a Forro evening. Dad gave me a double CD of Gal Costa singing songs by Jobim, which I'm enjoying. It's breezy and probably will rain again. We have to get up tomorrow at 5am to catch a bus to Campina Grande where we will be for 5 days. I hope to have more pictures soon and will send them on. Natal has been wonderful and thanks to those who've joined the list since I first got here. Chici chici chici chici chici chici chici .. ah amor Have a nice night, it's beginning to rain. Alberto |