I arrived just in time for New Years which I spent on the rooftop of an apartment in Ipanema overlooking Copacabana beach and the favellas. As the midnight fireworks were going off I could hear celebratory machine gunfire from the favellas.. Que emocionante!!! I have spent almost the entire time dancing! Last night I went to a dance party in the favellas, and by the way the brazilian BOOTYS are out of control.
And here's a little recap of the last few weeks...
I was in a tiny town on the coast of Mexico for Christmas, staying with my friend and his family. The town - Huaxpaltepec - was crazy, amasing Mexico. Every day his mother in law cooked fresh tortillas on an outdoor stove and served bowls of home made hot chocolate..
Loud speakers blasting out announcements through the town from 6.30 am - when someone has a phone call.. if Senor Ramirez is selling fish from his house.. if there is a stray cow on the road..
Driving to the beach in true Mexico style with the entire family of 11 jammed into the car, eating fresh seafood cooked on the beach and drinking from coconuts
Posadas!! For 9 night leading up to Christmas the entire town walks through the streets singing, carrying candles and following decorated statues of Mary and Joseph.. You all walk through the streets until you reach somebodys back yard shrine where you are given food and drinks, dance to traditional bands, and smash pinatas. I LOVE MEXICO!! ps. the back yard shrines were the most spectacular displays of tacky goodness that I might have ever layed my eyes on!!
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Back to Oaxaca...
I made a festival! Oaxaca En Vivo was a success, unbelievable! With few people, little money and even less time we made a festival of art, music and culture which went for two days. We had all sorts of music, theatre, circus, films, markets, workshops, exhibitions, blah, blah, blah.. But we all had fun, and now the plan is to return to Oaxaca after Brazil and work on the next one.. What a great excuse to come and visit me later this year..
And last but not least... I made my first tattoo in skin!! My skin!!! I practiced on quite a few unsuspecting potatoes until Dr Lakra told me to bight the bullet and become the potato. And I love it! Just ghetto enough.. including a banner proclaiming 'buena suerte' for all the world to see. It's on the front of my leg, just at the right height to peep out of my go-go dresses..
...and finally happy snaps!!!...
Phew! I tried.. There are many more stories but finger muscles are tired and that is enough reading for you.. Get back to work!!
I will endeavour to write more frequently and throw in the odd highlight from past adventures. Off to Argentina soon, where I believe I may lose my shit over the vintage markets??!!
