Carnival begins, The group prepares for pain (Day 8)

The day started off a little later then the day before, I guess all the bloco's were heading to old recife to get their spot in the million person mosh pit. Us Canadians decided that it was probably a better idea to not attempt this right off the bat. So while two intrepid members went scuba diving, the rest of the gang met up with some of Karen's Brazilian friends (to be added later) to head into Olinda (7 hill, 10,000 churches and only 150,000 people).

We were warned to leave just about everything behind, fortuately, we were a little more brave and decided to at least bring a camera, sunscreen, money and purell. Even though we took a few photos and videos, there is no good way to describe the sensation to those who have never moshed in the baking sun at a good summer festival. This would probably be a close approximation of the experience, but remember Brazilians have a smaller personal space.

I am sure glad that we were all keeping our heads, a beer or two in the heat was enough to replenish some salt and fluid, but it was necessary to keep up the water intake, (at least 2 litres on my side). Near the end, within sight of the exit, there was one drink that was local to residents of Olinda, so we decided to try it. It was at this time, I was really glad to not have drunk more beer or capis, as I am sure this was for the Olinda Taxi's and not the population. In few words home brew without the smoothing effect of javex. I also believe we found the next NASCAR racing champion, just the right amount of braking, applied with the right amount of gas. Lesson: If in a hurry, take an Olinda cab.

Our trusty divers, learned a valuable lesson: Take seasickness pills, before diving on the ocean and keep the sunscreen very close.

That night we all went into Old recife for some more Carnival, had some supper and followed one of the Maracatu bands into the centre stage area. After some impromptu dance lessons, Amy and Colin were showing off their moves to the locals. I think they may have impressed a few, since we had a couple of wandering dancers join the group, "For an old guy, he sure boogie's" and "That is capoera dancing, not frevo". Amy and Colin's dance instructors were not impressed.