From Alberto, April 16, 2000 |
| Well, it's gray and overcast and so I MUST be in Seattle
right? No, we're in Campina Grande. Just spent this morning at the feira - the kick-butt market that happens on every Saturday. those who are expecting presents Stateside, I just bought them today. There were live chickens and then, suddenly, dead chickens. Colorful fruits, music in the air and lots of leather goods. The market seemed to go on forever and we walked on and on and then headed in another direction. Bill was off to visit his host family's farm, Johanna and Georgi eventually went off with my father to shop at the Mall and Lee and I decided to stay at the market. Well, I'm so glad we did. It was just excellent. High points had to be seeing the chicken being killed - I don't think they follow the rules of kasrut down here - being offered marijuana for the first time in Brazil by this guy who sold me a couple of necklaces. Drinking cervejas in the middle of the marketplace and being the main attraction for people and talking with people as they walked by and - it was just wonderful. I bought souvenirs, but the main present I bought is probably going to go with me on the Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur. This is the Jewish day of atonement and on this day, for a couple days - we blow a ram's horn - called the shofar. Anyway, I bought a Campina Grande version of the shofar and wait'll ya hear it. It's quite incredible looking and once I get it blessed by a rabbi... Tonight we may return to the bar we went to last night which featured a wonderful guitarist doing all Brazilian songs - great jazz and lots of favorites that the crowd knew. Also, there may be some forro in our futures. Here are some pictures from when I arrived at the house in Campina Grande. Enjoy, Alberto PS - note to Lisa. OK, put me with the large group for Burning Man PSS - note to Ben, I'm trying PSSS - Note to Dan - attachment is a good thing PSSSS- sounds like a good trip, PSSSSS - Note to self, go for a walk - next day Last night was delicious - dad and I sat on the porch, surrounded by garden, while it rained and he serenaded me with beautiful songs on the guitar. He said he hadn't played for a year, but his chops are still incredible. Beautiful jazzy melodies, classical - reminiscent of sumneytown. Off to traditional dance show. Pictures - an aerial photo of Cabedelo - looking south towards Joao Pessoa. 2. Me and mom (Cida) and her grandson 3. Welton, Albert and Cida in their garden ===== Alberto Kaufman |