Capoeira!

Monica clapping in the roda!

Maria posing next to the school's sign.

Lauren fake kicking Monica!

Luiz kicking butt in the roda.

The musicians of the roda! Awesome.

Monday night we went with Monica and Luiz to their capoeira class! I had been to a few capoeira classes before back in the U.S. but it was a whole new world for Lauren and Maria. Lauren was even brave enough to borrow some pants and a t-shirt - and practiced right along with the yellow belts.

For those of you who don't know, capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martian art. A fusion of fighting and playing, requiring strength, balance, flexibility and complete concentration.

It was awesome!  There were a couple of times I thought someone was going to get kicked in the face - but that didn't happen. The instructor was very patient with Lauren and taught her how to "ginga" and do a bunch of kicks. At the end, Lauren even went into the roda - that was my favorite part. I love the music and the clapping. There is just so much energy and spirit! I told Luiz I would go again and try next week.

Tomorrow, Lauren, Maria and I are doing a girls weekend in Ilhabela. Our bus leaves at 9am and we are all very excited.