Travel Log

Yesterday moring I joined a capoeira class. I thought that would be a nice break from my hectic schedule, I thought it would be a relaxing experience. There were four other students in the class (the class was on the beach in the blistering sun, 38 degrees!). Little did I know that I am even stiffer than I even had thought. After the first (strange) stretching exercise I got a cramp in an abdominal muscle (I did not even know you could get a cramp in that spot). But it disappeared and I continued. Only because I am in good shape I was able to finish the class. I even made a couple of handstands and ¨fought¨ with some of the other students (who were pretty experienced). It was a lot of fun but my body ached the whole day. Even caipirinha didn´t help.

Yesterday evening I went to see a game in Maracana. What an experience! I rarely go to games in my own country but this was thrilling. Botafogo played Vasco da Gama, both teams from Rio. Romario played on the Vasco squad. I was sitting amongst the Botafogo fans, which turned out to be a wise decision as Botafogo won 5 to 3. Romario scored at least twice, I missed one of the Vasco goals. When Botafogo scored the samba drums filled the whole stadium and the tens of thousands of Botafogo fans went wild. Huge silk banners filled complete sections of the stadium. Even though there was a lot of military police in the stadium and helicopters patrolled above the stadium the atmosphere was pretty relaxed.

Martha going wild...

Tomorrow I am going visiting a favela (with a guide).

Guilherme

Post details: // MISSION IPANEMA: MUSCLES AND MARACANA //

01/23/06

10:06:00 pm // MISSION IPANEMA: MUSCLES AND MARACANA //