Day 31 – Rio de Janeiro – Time to party!
On Sunday Mike rose early to go shopping with Liana. Carolina had stayed over at Philipe and Derek and Marketa headed to the beach – so I slept in! Luisa and I had a leisurely breakfast and when everyone returned, we were joined by Miguel. The 4 of us non-Brasilians headed for a bike ride around the Lagoa with Miguel – we rented from a real person rather than the lock-up ones, and started off with our mandatory coco-water with the toucan and parrot accompaniment.
We all had a good appetite ready for another round of bacalao, which seemed even better the second day! Then off for a siesta prior to the final party prep. By 6 pm the Samba band were arriving and the guests quickly followed. It was the best party in true Brasilian fashion – with 8-10 musicians performing classic samba songs. Everyone singing along, and everyone danced. The tambourine player kept the party moving with samba lines and lots of circle dances.
Lots of new faces in addition to the familiar – Solanje and her daughters Taissa and Tatiana along with their young daughters joined us, Luisa’s whole family line including Louis Paulo and his wife, friends from the building, friends from the ‘tree saving’ committee and many from the theatre groups that Silvie is part of. We were treated to some impromptu dance recitals by Tatia and some of the band members (all amazing dancers!) I think the band were very impressed with Tatia and were perhaps even keen on her being their ‘flag bearer’ for next carnival!
So we had great music and dance and Toniko made sure we had great drinks! In addition to lots of cerveza, coke, water and guarana, Toniko made about 90 caipirinhas. Considering there were about 30 of us, and many didn’t drink them, that’s a pretty high per capita count! And of course there was food! Liana and Christina had gone all out with lots of sandwiches, salads and small foods – so snacking was constant.
Eventually when everyone left and the place put back in order, it was off to bed, with ‘Bali bali bali bali BALI …..bali bali bali bali…’ still playing in my head.
Great Night!
Great family shot.