Carnival started and I didn’t stop. Maybe it will, eventually… but then there’s “post-Carnival”, so who knows.
All I know right now is that the city is a loud, happy mess and I’m probably the only person still sober—I only run on coffee, baby.
On Monday and Tuesday, I decided to escape to Arraial do Cabo during the day. The town was just as crowded as Cabo Frio but the beaches are smaller, sheltered, and with calm waters. This is more manageable for me alone—at least I can keep an eye on my stuff.
I stayed in Prainha for a while and I found happiness in Praia do Forno—it’s hidden behind a hill and it’s quite a climb to get there but it’s worth it and it’s cleaner than most easily accessible beaches.
Then around 4 p.m., I’d take the bus back to Cabo Frio. Quick shower, quick trip to the padaria for some bread and ta-da, ready to party!
On both days, the main avenue along the beach—and the beach itself until late at night—was packed with people forming a giant bloco. Cabo Frio had the whole deal, a trio électrico and thousands following it, dancing, singing and, of course, drinking.
Forget about the official program, the party never stopped.
Anything goes during Carnival. I’ve been wearing the same swimsuit, shorts and top (I wash everything every day!) for almost a week, and this would be considered “smart casual” around here. Drinking is highly encouraged and you can buy anything from street vendors or even smart locals who leave their door open and sell beer directly from their kitchen fridge.
And yet, despite the crowds, the unlikely meeting of many social classes, and the booze being consumed, Carnival is a very peaceful affair. I find it amazing. I’ve always felt completely safe. Like, people apologize when they bump into you in a bloco. Meanwhile, we still have to throw away water bottles before going through security in Europe and North America…
Travelling is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. It’s tougher than it seems—the logistics, the energy it takes and the flexibility it requires. In the span of an hour, I can alternate between lost, confused, lonely and more.
But eventually come pure moments of happiness and wonderment, serenity or joy.
Carnival made me happy.
And this is why I keep on travelling—to feel feelings and share them, to see the positive side of the world the news never mention.
Pingback: Travel Hiccups and “Gentileza Gera Gentileza” in Action
Pingback: Summer’s Carefree Days Are Fading in Salvador