Holy Batatas!

Holy batatas. It has been so beautiful here in Cahcoeira. It has such a rich culture and history, that we've only been able to skim the surface. Our professor Margaret (or as the locals call her, Margaretchi) has been sharing with us the deep history of Cachoeira. Last evening, being good Friday, we went to the convent/church for the beginning of a ceremony devoted to the death of Christ. I could only catch glimpses of the chanting and prayers with in the gold adorned walls of the church, before the precession commenced outside of the walls. Next thing I know, women in morning dresses followed by six priests in gowns, and four men holding up a bed with a Jesus figure bloodied and laying covered by a cloth surrounded my military men, then a mother Mary stature following close behind. The procession lasted at least a couple hours, walking Jesus around the town, switching between two walking bands playing music and chants of "Jesus Christ, our savior, is dead." there had to be almost a couple thousand bodies walking among the streets in somber moods of respect, and people watching outside their windows. Will the story of good Friday is quite somber, the procession involving Easter sunday involving Christ arising, is suppose to be quite joyous, which I've been told involved running and dancing at midnight these evening. Only time will tell! It is amazing how important religion is for brazilians, whether it be for hope or faith, the extreme sense of community is astounding and lovely, the root of religion shines through. So I have only been called gringo once, and have been stared at constantly. I got some havianas to try to fit in, but my Latin Brethren haven't welcomed me as one of their own quite yet. But Cachoeira is beautiful, with views of the market right outside my window, and buildings and trees sporadically decorating the hillsides, it's marvelous. More to come about celebrations and beer, now don't y'all worry.