Touched down in Sao Paulo at 8:20 in the morning. Grabbed Tahereh’s guitar from the friendly flight attendant who told me to keep it in tune. The immigration lines were long and windy, but moved at a steady pace. The young man behind the glass window went through my passport, and handed it back to me without saying a word. Later, the custom’s official let me go without taking my form. I had forgotten to fill in my personal information, and when I asked him for a pen he smiled, waved his hand and told me not to forget next time.
Kiamarz, Farzin, and Vahid were waiting for us. They had driven two hours to be there. Kiamarz embraced us with a giant hug. He’s lived in Gambia and Brazil for the better part of his life, and his accent is an interesting mix. He runs construction businesses in both countries, but is about to sell the one in Gambia due to the recession. Farseen is his son and is in high school. He seems shy, and was quiet for most of the trip back.
Outside, the clouds hung low. The air was cool and there was a slight breeze. We loaded Kiamarz’s Peugeot with our four suitcases, and headed into the countryside. We took the highway, passing shantytowns or clusters of houses perched along the hillsides. The land is green and covered with vegetation, and the soil a rich rusty-red. They say anything will grow here. By the time we got to Kiamarz's, the air had become considerably warmer, about 5 degrees F warmer.
The Shams live in a quiet neighborhood with fenced houses. Their home is small, simple, yet elegant. After lunch, Tahereh and I walked around the neighborhood. Each time we passed a house, a dog would come to the gate and bark at us. They were usually small, incapable of causing any harm.
The Shams live in a quiet neighborhood with fenced houses. Their home is small, simple, yet elegant. After lunch, Tahereh and I walked around the neighborhood. Each time we passed a house, a dog would come to the gate and bark at us. They were usually small, incapable of causing any harm.
On the surface, Brazil reminds me of Africa. The land is rich, the people are friendly and laid-back, and many of the buildings are weathered with age. In reality, it’s somewhere between Africa and Europe. The poverty isn’t as pervasive as in Africa, and there seems to be a strong middle class.
Our journey in Brazil thus begins. It is my first time south of the border, and so far it’s an impressive country to behold. I feel at home here.
Our journey in Brazil thus begins. It is my first time south of the border, and so far it’s an impressive country to behold. I feel at home here.
No comments:
Post a Comment