Last Roda in Bloomington

I thought last Friday was my last roda, so I asked FF to come see me play. It turned out that Iuri gave me my last roda tonight--a roda to say goodbye to Marionete. (I am going back to Taipei, andI'll be leaving Bloomington tomorrow. Today is my last day of capoeira in Bloomington.)

Before the roda, Iuri introduced what a roda means to new people, and then he talked about the masters and what it's like to play capoeira in Brazil. Upon hearing about the ambitions and prospects of the future of the group, I began feeling really sad about not being able to be part of it. Today's roda was for me, so I played through the whole thing. Each person played with me, until the berimbau indicates the end. The games, needless to say, were getting exhausting for me. I wished I had had more energy when I was playing with Katie, Chris and Iuri at the end. But I was worn out.

Being able to play non-stop with different people while keeping your breath and pace is something to learn in playing capoeira games. Strength does not come out of the blue. They are built upon constant practicing and training. I am aware that's what I needed.

I am grateful to my teaacher Iuri and friends at the Bloomington Capoeira de Angola group (the official name is now the Nothern Star). I will keep doing capoeira in Taipei for sure.

Obrigado. Boa viagem.