Coronel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais (Ipatinga)

Not the best of luck so far, but luckily I am safe and happy. Very happy actually!

We land in São Paulo ten minutes before our flight to Belo Horizonte leaves. We were sure that we missed it, but somehow we snuck our way on, anyway. One quick hour later, we arrive in Belo and I´m waiting for my bag. By this time, I´ve run into about ten or twelve fellow capoeiristas. One by one, they get their bags and get ready. My bag never shows up. Not only me, though. There were four of us in total without bags, however, they were smart. I, on the other hand, brought only my books in my carry on, so I have nothing. I was very lucky to be staying with some awesome people. Everyone was very helpful and I was able to borrow everything I needed until my backpack arrive three days later.

The event was amazing. We stayed at a beautiful ranch without any contact with outsiders. With twelve people to a room, it was like capoeira camp.. almost like a resort. There was a beautiful salt water pool which we swam in during the day when it was warm, similar, I would say, to a Vancouver summer day, but the nights were quite chilly. During the week, I began eating meat again. I must say that brazilian meat is far superior to Canadian or American meat. I had no problem with the switch!

One day we went to the waterfalls, just a half hour walk from the ranch. When we arrived, we decided to go to the top of the waterfall, where we could actually see it, so we began to climb. We were up a little ways and I saw one of the guys slid into the water near the bottom, so I ran to catch up with Raposa to tell her that he fell and to be careful near the top. When I reached her, I was the one who slipped. I slid on the algae right into the waterfall. I started climbing out when Célia fell in as well and the two of us were hanging on. Raposa then was able (who knows how) to pull us both out safely. I assumed after this that my camera (or the one I was using) was broken, but Raposa said we might be able to save it, so she went to get my coat to take it out the pocket. Instead it fell and went right into the waterfall along with one of my shoes. Down stream I was able to locate and retrieve my shoe, but the camera is lost forever. So I appologize now for having absolutely no photos. I don´t know when I will buy one, or if I will buy one. For the batizado, I will be tagged in other albums on Facebook, which you may look at if you wish. And Shaman, if need be, I will replace your camera. Thanks again for lending it to me :(

The first workshops were Forró, which were really fun! I need to learn how to dance like a brazilian, not that I ever will. Then we had a few workshops with Mestre Curisco and on Friday, a workshop with Mestre Museu and another with Mestre Maurão. Lots of benguela, which is my favourite. I do feel very strange being at orange yellow, since us Vancouverites were the only ones with new belts, therefore the only ones who didn´t receive new belts at the batizado. At first, I was very sad, then I remembered that the belt shouldn´t be so stressful. I should just play my capoeira, as Mestre says. I have never been to a more emotional batizado before. It was very moving, I learned a lot and it put a lot of things in perspective. I think everyone should somehow make it to Ipatinga for a batizado. Anyone who missed it, really missed out on something special. Many new instuctors in our midst (INCLUDING SEREIA!!!!! Instructora Sereia Parabéns!!), but no new Mestre. Contra Mestre Lua Branca told us at the batizado that he and Mestre Curisco had discussed this advancement and came to the conclusion that it is not the right time. I was sad, but my heart grew for Lua even more (which I didn´t realize was possible). After the batizado, we partied until late, then went back to the ranch. Then we woke up in the morning, and continued to party. It was a relaxed day, knowing that the stress of the batizado was over (not really for Mestre until we are all gone!) In the evening, Mestre Curisco took the microphone and made a speech. At first it seemed like all others, but then he asked any students who would like to speak. I´ve never seen so many people become so emotional about capoeira. Students got up and told their stories of how capoeira came into their lives and how Mestre Curisco has changed their lives for the better. Even Mestre was moved, by the end of all the speeches, everyone was crying. And I mean everyone. A group of people I only just met, but now they are all my best friends. It was an amazing batizado and nothing will ever compare.


Now I have safely arrived Rio de Janeiro where I am staying with Lucas´friend, Vini. Tomorrow I will be taking a capoeira class with Lucas´group!!