Broccolli & Brussel Sprouts

It's humbling to sit on the beach and look out only to realise the next stop out that way is Africa.  More specific, Angola or the Congo. I forget which but it's pretty cool to think about.

We waved our Mission board friends away who / whom? are headed north to the Recife / Aldeia area again to be with the missionary workers. iSteve and myself are staying in Maragogi. We win......

This morning we had our final formal meeting with Chris over breakfast.  We needed to discuss a few more items on our mandate and we're happy to report we've completed our task in that matter.  Being a Saturday and still part of the national long weekend we decided to spend some time kicking back on our own.  We've spent a lot of time together and we're still getting along, but we don't want to tempt that too much so found it best we part ways for a few "self" hours

I spent my time strolling on the beach, sandals in hand, stopping at various beach side straw huts for a cold beer and a relaxing chair.  It's ok to have a beer on a public beach here, and its very nice to see that it's not abused either.  I've not seen any public mischief, lewdness, or macho guys trying to pick a fight because they've tipped one too many.  People are in a good mood, free to wave a hello, and generally are just happy to be there.

Music is a big part of any culture but perhaps more so for the Brazilians.  In certain areas of the beach it becomes a competition for the loudest and biggest systems.  Cars are backed up and trunks are opened with the cavity exposing speakers and subs bigger than dinner plates at the Keg.  They largely listen to a type of Salsa or Reggae which is kinda catchy after a couple of cervejas. Bob Marley lives on down here, even with the younger crowd.

Commerce is alive and well on the beach front too, but the vendors are not bothersome and will just walk by you with their wares. I get a kick out of the ice cream guy walking up and down in 34 degree heat and direct sun. Either his day ends at 10:00 a.m. or he's selling milkshakes for the rest of the day.  The sun glasses guy is doing great business though. His business is year round and he can spot a tourist squinting in the sun from miles away.  Especially the red ones with the farmer tans.  I know I overpaid, but now I've got the coolest looking raccoon eyes....ever......

At night we went for dinner with Chris and his wife Thecia and their son Miguel. Miguel is the little boy I introduced you to a few blogs back. We are good friends and play in the sand together. Miguel is a precious little boy but he's not normal.  He loves Broccoli and Brussel sprouts and will turn down most other foods to have them.  I kid you not, I saw it first hand and I'm still not getting it. I hope he grows out of that because it's just not healthy.