SF and PDX

So, I'm already at the halfway point and two cities down.

Cool murals abound in the Mish

Although lugging my caixa around with me has been a slight extra pain in the proverbial, it has been more than worth the effort thus far. It's been an interesting added dynamic to meet some cool people, learn some new techniques while getting my weekly fix.

AirBnB has also proved itself to be a bit of a boon. 

My first place of stay was in the Mission in San Francisco, which is Mexican majority suburb painted with cool murals, good food (even taco's!) and a colourful array of down and outs. My host, the lovely Nancy, coincidentally enough, normally dances samba with Fogo Na Roupa but has recently picked up drumming, so we went to practice together. First hour was devoted to a Timbau sectional with Jose Rivera, where I could only muster one tone and gave it up as a bad job; followed by a larger group of us playing samba for the svelte, tattooed, Latin lady dancers nailing a Candomble work out. My mind was focused on the drumming.

Team NZ Americas Cup Boat, Alcatraz and Seagull

Nancy defects from dancing

Did some sightseeing then headed out to Oakland to join Jorge Alabe for a session. This time it was a caixa sectional. However, as luck would have it, these guys play at constant 'nose bleed' speeds, throw in doubles, rim-shots and sound like a syncopated sub machine gun. Watching the man himself let loose was humbling. Check out some of his chops here. We then headed back to Deborah's house for some food, drink and cake, as it was Jorge's 60th. Very nice people who are all getting prepared for this year's Brazil Camp (one to plan for, next time).

Jorge holds court (and is keen to come to NZ)

Then on to Portland. The place is defined by cycling and beer, from what I could gather. No wonder they are such a relaxed, fun and accommodating people, and that I felt so at home. I hired a bike and cycled to the Multnomah Falls and Sauvie Island, both very picturesque adventures. I also drank as much of the local brew I could lay my hands on. Winner probably goes to the Lucky Labrador brewery for the most refreshing and rewarding pint after a long ride.

Bike friendly public transport

It was all down hill, apart from the return leg

Impressive, although that bridge gave me the wobblies.

Joined fellow sambistas, Bloco Alegria, for a practice, which saw them saying farewell their Brazilian musical director. So they ran though a bunch of songs and finished off with their Samba Nirvana . Gotta love Jason's dedication to channeling Kurt back from the grave - that video makes me smile every time I watch it, especially the boisterous climactic ending. Everyone then decanted to the pub.

Portland was made extra special by staying with Maggie and Anna - ladies after my own heart. Huge thanks for making me so welcome, plying me with red wine, food, good laughs and random conversations.

Cheers!