3 weeks

It's a good Saturday in Rio. Jaja and I just arrived home, after the usual laundry day at Barra Bella. I sit here, in the usual spot, overlooking rio's beauty, with the sun opening its rays over the cariocas, and the birds keep on dancing with their carefree trance.

Maybe, the time has come. New doors are opening, people are moving forward, and I can feel the changes through my bones.

I came here february, and people started coming too. It was as if Brazil has opened up its doors to people like us -- peope who are looking for better chances, people who have different yet the same reasons for going out abroad and riding the big waves of risk-taking.

I made friends, and I know that I will forever be thankful that God did not leave me a single minute in this crazy world.

I was able to meet most of my dearest friends too. Who would have ever thought that the conversations at the 5th floor canteen became reality? Our dream of meeting each other in Brazil was once a far a way dream -- up to the point that we thought it might be hopeless, since the world is supposed to be big. But heavens heard our prayers, and even if we are not in the same city now, we were given the means of meeting up each other to exchange long overdue stories.

I might have succeeded in adapting to this new city, embracing slowly the comforts it offer. I cling on to the core of my being, constantly reminding myself that even if I am a day behind from the place I called home, I know I can survive.

My stay in this big city will have to end soon -- at least for now. I know that I need to go back, to get strength again, to re-charge and to take a little rest. Anyway, my leaving has long been overdue.

Three weeks left for me, and I can't help but anticipate and hold my breath to the little surprises that may come. Jaja will be leaving tomorrow for Brasilia, one thing I never pre-empted a few months back. The rest of the usual main-stays in Rio are out for field, and the uncertainty of seeing them before I leave is reality. But just as I always say, life will always be like that. It gives you surprises, and at some point it will shake a little of your senses. But at the end of the day, I know that all will be well. I may not be able to say goodbye to them personally, but I hope that they are all so dear to me. Besides, they kept me sane. We kept each other sane.

And now, as I drink the last sip of my coffee, I feel rio's warmth and tenderness.

I smile, even if I know that there will be changes, I am certain that everyone of us will be fine. And soon, someday, we will all meet again.

Brazil: Photoblog Number One

I've always enjoyed looking at beautiful pictures, and I am amazed by how the photographer captures the stories in still shots.And so, I've been wanting to do this for the longest time -- a photoblog.Captured moments by Jaja, and joy plays with her mind.Here goes. Part one.

Maybe this is what growing old together means. Having many chances to share ice cream with each other.
Brazilians having their own private times. With these trees towering above them. And the silver-blue sky remains their witness
Natural light brings out your true color. Authentic.

This signage did not escape Jaja's eyes. It is too precious to let it pass.
Looking at sugar loaf from ground level. Funny how in such little time, you can go up there and look down at Rio. Different perspective. Different experiences.

At some point, sunset and sunrise are the same. The light hides behind darkness. Or maybe its the other way around. But in the end, only one of them prevails.
People are smart. They invented psuedo-lights, when the real one is hiding.
You drink slowly if you know it's not refillable. Just like life. When you don't have too many chances, you savor each day -- until it last.
A chair. It would have been better if there are two.
Lemons are nice. They balance the bitterness.

Their own version of refuge. Flying kites.

Everyone of us needs someone to pull us up. In whatever terms.
Amazing how simple things could make someone happy
How many times have you wished to turn back time and be a child again? I always do. I just can't.
Shelter. Sometimes, we fail to recognize how important it is

Strawberries on chocolate, chocolate on strawberries. Whichever way, they go perfectly together .
The view from the top, is always spectacular
In between greens, this guy must have been looking for something. He's running out of time.
Edge of the world. Thousand miles away.
His arms -- stretching out -- wide open.