For the H buffs

I´ve been reading up and talking to locals. Check out the tale of Zumbi. Today is the day he was beheaded. Its a fascinating story... he´s part Nat Turner, part Crazy Horse. The slave culture in Brazil is such a different flavor than the U.S. version. Interesting, and worth knowing.

Beach Battle II: South America 6, World 4

... so our weekly futebol match was not much of a surprise. In the evening, everyone (except Bruno & Raquel) enjoyed watching the Brasilian national team pummel mighty Portugal 6-2 in a "friendly" in Brasilia.

Today is another holiday- something to do with Civil Rights, a parade day for the Afro-Brazilian population. Sun is out, beach is full.

Goes to show you never can tell: I have often joked with Freddy about my fellow American travelers. Seemed like they would stay here an average of 1 day, some finding excuses to leave before spending the night. With a few notable exceptions, since May, there was a clear stereotype building of backpackers from the U.S. considering comfort & privacy much higher priorities than location, atmosphere, price or accessibility to the culture. Hostel price, hotel experience. and hotel price was ok, too. But now... NOW... we have FOUR staying here for at least a month each! Steve, from Georgia, is dedicated to Jiu-Jitsu training. Michael, from Oregon, arrived yesterday from Peru and seems to have an affinity for language learning and cultural scuba diving. A couple from Texas have worked their way down from Mexico by bus, gradually and patiently stepping into the Rio way of life.

So we have seen a fair amount of the two extremes. Another ex-pat set to arrive on a reservation today... which kind will she be?

VOTING TIME!

Arguably, the most important decision you´ll have to make this month. Voting ends midnight Wednesday. Click on the image to see it better, then cast your vote on the survey to the RIGHT!
The contestants:

Photo A: Niteroi

Photo B: Ipanema Beach

Photo C: Cristo Redenter

Photo D: Arproador

Works in Progress

Received some FANTASTIC submissions for the photo contest... and then I went upstairs, somebody restarted the computer, and I lost them... if I can track the people down, maybe we do it for tomorrow.

I was unable to entice anyone into Portuguese classes... lost the popularity contest to a movie on the tube. It probably hurt that I didn´t really have a quality, fluent local on-hand to be the instructor. Try again Wednesday.

"Art night with Matias" was a great first-try success. We will start to use them to line the hallway, and I have a feeling the more people see, the more they´ll want to do it themselves next Monday.

Check it out:

Express Your Perceptions!!!

Today, all new to Piratas:

*The first weekly photo contest. Any guest can submit their BEST photo of Rio into the folder on computer 4. Tomorrow, the pics will be posted HERE for voting all day, and the winner gets FREE ADMISSION TO THE CAIPIRINHA CLASS & MIX OFF Tuesday night. Show us what you´ve seen!

*Tonight, our first experiment with personal expression. Matias will gather together anyone interested, with paints, canvasses, sketch pads, etc., we´ll put on some groovy music and you can create an image, or write a poem or a song, that represents Rio to YOU. Keep what you want, we´ll put the rest on display!

On an accounting note, we exceeded max capacity over the weekend for the 4th consecutive month. High season kicks off 30 days from now. Had 12 people on the floor Saturday night... not too bad. If you got a head, we´ll find you a bed.

A new format to Portuguese language lessons kicks off tonight. New materials, new curriculum, and beer. It takes more than repitition to overcome some of those social nerves.