On Thursday morning I pack up my room and check out of the hotel.
Enéias collects me, and his mother cooks lunch for us. Airport food is not very good, she says, and she's right. We eat a substantial meal - chicken, steak, vegetables, and of course, cake.
Junior arrives - he's coming to the airport with us. Enéias drives us to Navegantes, the airport town nearest to Jaraguá. It's about an hour's drive. The boys come into the airport with me. I had expected to farewell them at the check-in desk, but they are such gentlemen, they wait with me until it's time for me to pass through the gates into the departure area. They each embrace me for the last time. For me it's a hard farewell to make - who knows when I'll see them again?
My flight from Navegantes to São Paolo is delayed for an hour, but fortunately there is plenty of time before my international flight to Adelaide via Dubai, and I'm able to make my connection.
I get onto the plane in São Paolo and settle into my seat.
It's a long way home to Australia. The interminable flight gives me a lot of time to think.
A little over three years ago I set myself the somewhat audacious goal of performing my favourite Brazilian music in its birthplace of Rio de Janeiro. I was just a hobby singer, having taken up singing in middle age. I had never been to Brazil, didn't know anyone there, and didn't speak the language. I had no idea how I would do it, or what form the show might take.
I achieved my dream. In Rio I sang at a historic venue, on the same stage where my music idols had performed, and was accompanied by wonderful Brazilian musicians.
In addition, I gained so much else along the way.
Step 1 was "Learn to sing better", and I did.
I learned and performed lots of new songs, including some brand new, original compositions.
I learned to speak Portuguese, and discovered the Brazilian community in my city.
I performed with excellent musicians in Australia and in Brazil.
I visited other parts of Brazil as well as Rio.
I met the famous Brazilian composer, Marcos Valle.
I have made some very dear friends in Brazil.
All of this has lasting value, and has enriched my life immensely.
This is the end of my blog, but it's not The End. I am sure that Enéias and I will continue our musical collaboration. He has written some new songs for me to translate, and our plan is to record a CD.
So. That was our Concert in Rio.
I wonder where our next one will be?
Enéias collects me, and his mother cooks lunch for us. Airport food is not very good, she says, and she's right. We eat a substantial meal - chicken, steak, vegetables, and of course, cake.
Junior arrives - he's coming to the airport with us. Enéias drives us to Navegantes, the airport town nearest to Jaraguá. It's about an hour's drive. The boys come into the airport with me. I had expected to farewell them at the check-in desk, but they are such gentlemen, they wait with me until it's time for me to pass through the gates into the departure area. They each embrace me for the last time. For me it's a hard farewell to make - who knows when I'll see them again?
My flight from Navegantes to São Paolo is delayed for an hour, but fortunately there is plenty of time before my international flight to Adelaide via Dubai, and I'm able to make my connection.
I get onto the plane in São Paolo and settle into my seat.
It's a long way home to Australia. The interminable flight gives me a lot of time to think.
A little over three years ago I set myself the somewhat audacious goal of performing my favourite Brazilian music in its birthplace of Rio de Janeiro. I was just a hobby singer, having taken up singing in middle age. I had never been to Brazil, didn't know anyone there, and didn't speak the language. I had no idea how I would do it, or what form the show might take.
I achieved my dream. In Rio I sang at a historic venue, on the same stage where my music idols had performed, and was accompanied by wonderful Brazilian musicians.
In addition, I gained so much else along the way.
Step 1 was "Learn to sing better", and I did.
I learned and performed lots of new songs, including some brand new, original compositions.
I learned to speak Portuguese, and discovered the Brazilian community in my city.
I performed with excellent musicians in Australia and in Brazil.
I visited other parts of Brazil as well as Rio.
I met the famous Brazilian composer, Marcos Valle.
I have made some very dear friends in Brazil.
All of this has lasting value, and has enriched my life immensely.
This is the end of my blog, but it's not The End. I am sure that Enéias and I will continue our musical collaboration. He has written some new songs for me to translate, and our plan is to record a CD.
So. That was our Concert in Rio.
I wonder where our next one will be?
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