Brazil casts a long shadow. I am sitting in the stateroom listening to “Brazilian Memories” from David Amram’s “No More Walls” album. When we first started KAXE it was a real ear opener, with music from different genres and lands mixed up. “Brazilian Memories” sums up the way I am feeling.
We made 11 port calls in Brazil, spent two overnights in ports and sailed from below the Tropic of Capricorn to above the equator and 1000 miles up the Amazon. The shadow is cast by memories and trying to process them, along with thousands of photographs. It’s extended by the presence of the Oi Brasil team, who will stay onboard until we get to Cabo Verde.
In the aftermath we are getting more lectures on Brazilian culture. Bosco de Oliveira has given excellent lectures on Samba, Bosa Nova and Carnival. I wish I had heard that last one before I first attended Carnival a decade ago. His final lecture was about the links between Brazilian, Portuguese and Cabo Verde music, with lots of examples.
Last night at dinner a samba parade danced through the Pinnacle Grill.
A few days ago we had “Carnival” on board, it was a big party.
Another highlight of these four sea days crossing the Atlantic is the Captain’s lectures. He gave one on river navigation and one on ship maneuvering. Captain Rens may be the most accessible captain I have encountered. Not only is he on stage a lot but I see him most days getting his afternoon espresso the same time I do and I often get a chance to chat as we stand in the Lido waiting for breakfast.
So now we head to Cabo Verde and on to Africa while listening to Amram. I’m shifting from Brazil to Africa, although musically it is not so great a shift, and preparing for the next part of our adventure.
