Everyone is complaining because the temperatures drop to 20 degrees centigrade at night, and it is true that the wind is blowing and the rain comes in rapid bursts. Pietro is suffering from a nagging cold, and he dresses as if he were in Ireland, but for someone like me, who has just come from a stifling night in Miami, after suffering the heat and humidity of Michigan and central Italy, such metereological inconveniences seem rather laughable, especially against the backdrop of banana trees full of fruit and bathers strolling along the beachfront.
Just like in the northern hemisphere, winter brings a holiday break, and the ICBIE’s busy schedule of courses and events winds down to a slower pace, but without stopping altogether. Last night Daniele Dattilo gave his last English lesson, followed by an emotional ceremony where certificates were presented to the students and a party was given to thank Daniele for his wonderful work.
For the month of August, the ICBIE activities are reduced to three courses of Hapkido, the Korean martial art that, with its obvious affinities to capoeira, has enjoyed immense popularity with the local kids, thanks to our terrific teacher Augusto, who has children of all ages working out their moves in the backyard of the school. His precise work and firm discipline has infected everyone, and we are extremely proud of their achievements.
Thanks to Pietro’s constant efforts to reach out to the community, the Cineforum continues to provide the Ribeira neighbors with a rare cultural treat, and the crowds are bigger every week. This Saturday evening, Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List will be shown, and we’re curious to see how the locals respond to such a long and intense film, which has not yet been shown on Brazilian television. Coincidentally, our great friend and supporter in New York, Mary Norris, has offered a donation to provide free ice cream for everyone during the intermission, but, given the season, we might just opt for a giant load of popcorn instead!
I will be posting plenty of news during the next three weeks of my stay, so be sure to check on us often!
Roy Zimmerman
