Today, on the 20th of September 2023, marked Josie’s introductional day. She is a dedicated young German volunteer who will be residing with us in the village for a while, with the primary goal of both learning and imparting knowledge. In collaboration with Umussy, the director of our association, she will gradually and purposefully work towards developing an intuitive method for teaching Tukano, English, and Portuguese to the children in our community. In exchange for her contributions, Josie will receive warm hospitality, intriguing experiences, and the privilege of living within the forest, amidst and alongside the indigenous Dessana tribe.
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Jungle Adventure: My First Experience with Capoeira in Tupe
Today marked a special Capoeira day in Tupe, just like every Sunday, and I had the privilege of being a part of this vibrant event. What made it even more memorable was that it was my very first adventure in the jungle, making it an exhilarating day in multiple ways.
At 6:30 am, the Capoeira instructor, Wilson, picked me up from my hostel in Manaus, and together, we set off for Tupe. After an hour of traveling by car and boat, we reached the village. There, I was warmly welcomed by Christian, his wife Umussy, and all the enthusiastic Capoeira kids. Communication was a bit challenging as I spoke very little Portuguese, and most of the locals didn’t speak English. However, Christian helped with translation, and the warmth and kindness of everyone made the language barrier feel insignificant.
Before the Capoeira session began, it was a tradition for everyone to share a hearty breakfast every Sunday, which was especially delightful for the kids. Today was no exception, as we all gathered, shared food, and geared up for the training.
And then, the Capoeira training commenced. The children rushed into the Capoeira training room, while the older ones prepared the unique instruments used in this martial art form, which was a fascinating sight for me. These instruments looked unlike anything I’d seen in Europe – simply a wooden stick with a stretched wire cord, played with a stone and another stick. The skill displayed was impressive.
They started with a warm-up that included a series of challenging exercises that looked exhausting yet incredibly enjoyable. Then, they formed the Capoeira circle. Some of the older kids played the instruments while others engaged in playful “fights.” Everyone sang and clapped their hands, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
After the Capoeira session, everyone was drenched in sweat, partly due to the weather, so we decided to cool off by the nearby lake. Christian mentioned that there were two crocodiles residing in the lake, along with other “monsters,” but as long as we stayed close to the shore, we’d be safe. Christian had a small diving device to keep us secure while swimming.
We had a blast at the lake. The kids swam, jumped, and playfully splashed each other in the water. We spent a considerable amount of time at the lake and built up quite an appetite. The timing couldn’t have been better because Umussy and her sister had prepared a delicious meal for everyone: rice, beans, meat, and fish. They brought it to the lake, and we all savored a delightful lunch together.
Just as we finished eating, the rain began to pour. However, it didn’t dampen our spirits because the Capoeira day had already concluded, and I had to return to Manaus. I said my temporary goodbyes, knowing that this wouldn’t be my last visit to Tupe…