Time for Part 2 of “Cast of Characters!”
Henrique and Clara (Brazil)
On the day of the half marathon, I returned to the hostel and began eating copious amounts of the free bread, ham and cheese they provided as breakfast. I was generally only focused on replenishing my nutrients after a long run; however, I looked up and was surprised to see two other sweaty, ravenous people that had clearly also run the half marathon.
I stood up, approached and attempted to start a conversation using my limited Portuguese. I was able to say “Hello, how was the run? I ran too.” The two were a brother and sister from the Brazilian country side, Henrique and Clara. Fortunately, Henrique understood (and spoke a bit of Spanish) and Clara was great at Spanish, so we switched languages. Clara had run the half marathon in a pair- her and her partner each running 10.5 k. I found our Henrique had run a quick 1:21 this morning, was training for the Rio Marathon where he wanted to qualify for Boston. We discussed footwear choices, and training goals. We agreed that running a sub three marathon “Es el sueño.” It’s the dream.
Me an Nathan at the Escadaria Selaron.
We connected on Facebook, and Henrique liked several of my profile pictures within the hour. It’s been fun to stay connected with him, and I actually received one of the most heartfelt and unexpected birthday messages from on Facebook. “Wishing you all the best for your future . Happy Birthday and may all your wishes come true !!!! PS – keep running forward …. Henrique.” I hope to see him in Boston.
Nathan (United States)
Nathan and I got connected through a friend, as we were both traveling alone in Brazil this summer. In a fortunate set of circumstances, we were both in Rio de Janiero the same weekend. We planned to meet up and hike to see Christ the Redeemer together. I got to the park, realized we hadn’t set a precise place to meet, looked everywhere for him, and then realized we wouldn’t be able to contact each other or find each other. So I hiked up alone. He did as well. Fear not, though. Nathan and I finally meet up later that day. He had met another traveler named Daniel, and we all met up on the famous Escadaria Selaron. The three of us stopped at a café for some coffee.
Daniel (United States)
The Samba Experience.
Daniel and Nathan met on a bus in Rio and had spent the day together. (Sounds crazy, but that’s how traveling works.) Daniel is a law student doing an international internship at a law firm in Sao Paulo. Nathan had to go back to his hostel to change so Daniel and I walked around a neighborhood in Rio and then went to a churrascaria.
For those who do not know what a churrascaria is, I fondly refer to them as “Brazilian meat parades.” They’re very common in Brazil and are essentially Brazilian steakhouses, but instead of ordering a steak, it is an all you can eat plate and waiters walk around with their selection and cut it right onto your plate. You have a sign you put up, green for more meat, red if you need a break. If you’ve been to Fogo de Chao in the US, it is like this.
This was hands down the best meal I had in Brazil.
Daniel and I reunited with Nathan and went to a neighborhood called Lapa. We went to a Samba club called Carioca da Gema (A Carioca is a person from Rio, similar to Paulistas in São Paulo. The music was incredible, our dance moves got laughed at, and eventually a local took pity on us and taught us a few things.
Next time on “Cast of Characters,” we will meet Paul, Michael, and “New York Kid” and maybe more. However, before Part 3, we will return to our regularly scheduled programming and have a research update. Stay tuned!