Christ the Redeemer, Research Crunch and an Awkward Massage...

Corcovado!!!

Finally, I went to see my Savior, Christ the Redeemer. What a spectacle. Even though I see Him every now and then when I travel to Urca or out of Ipanema, finally being up to see one of the Seven Wonders was a transcendent feeling. The figure is reflective of the impact Christianity has on Brazil. Around seventy percent of Brazilians claim the religion and of those, thirty percent are Evangelical Protestants. Yet, sexuality is more fluid here than the U.S. since it plays a stronger cultural role in Brazilian society.

I just have to make two points about what happened today. First, Ahmadinajad did not represent the Arab League nor the state of Iran well when he blamed Israel as racist. To be in a setting under the UN unbrella is a privelege. As the leader of Iran, he is already up against giants. If he wants the EU and the West to listen, then he needs to allow others to want to hear what he has to say, even if it's conflictual.

Second, in South Africa, the ANC is up against the DA in the most pivitol election since the election of Nelson Mandela. What's at stake? The policy of Black Economic Empowerment, the party that Neslon so painstakingly built over decades, and maybe the first white leader since the end of Apartheid. Yet, the DA is ethnically diverse and carries with it a spectrum of viewpoints and opinions. People point to the corruption in the ANC; Zuma is one example. The election is two days away and it may be a surprise of the DA pulls it off, since Neslon Mandela has now made a public appearance backing Zuma.

Strange what happens on the beach. I go there to read one of my research books and low and behold, I come across three European women topless in the gay section of the beach. Two meters away, I can here three English speakers laughing their faces off so I lean closer to see if any are American. Turns out they are!: Osley a Jamaican American, Carleta from D.C. and Adam, a struggling actor/personal trainer from Manhatten.

Adam, a modelesce twenty-seven year-old takes all his clothes off and lays on the sand to tan his buttocks while Osley and Carleta make fun of him. After twenty minutes, Adam stands up and in an instant, catches every gay/straight person's attention on the beach because he has a sock covering his private area.

Then..Osley, Carleta and I break out into laughter after locals chastise him to put his clothes back on. This is the crew who are making my last days in Rio a joy. Carleta and Olsey are wise, seasoned and hilarious to be around. Adam is funny, insecure, and attracts just about any person that walks by him, but his language inablity leaves its mark on the local women ;)

I got the first massage of my life here and it was a bit strange. I go to Farme beach and make an appointment with Nelson Mandella, a local massuese. Then comes my turn and he gives a great oiled massage for about an hour, commenting on my body now and then. Inside, I am a bit flattered because Neslon is attractive and seems genuine, but then....

He pulls down my sunca (bathing suit) and starts to massage my butt. I lay facedown down, naive, and think this is strange, but then again, beleive it was part of the massage process in Brazil. After he finishes, I go to pay him, and his friend comes over and introduce himself to me. He says people are talking about my butt. I feel awkward at this point, so I make my way hurridly out of the beach to my apartment. I later find out this is not normal and not part of the process. lol! I was a bit flattered, but next time, I think I'll take one in closed quarters.

Lastly, it's cruch time! I have this week to wrap up my research and finish my poster outline for my presentation on the 1st of May.