In Like Flynn
June 30th, 2008
Matuse Family Member, Flynn Novak, reflects on WQS happenings in Brazil
This was my first trip to Brazil and I was staying in a place called Pria de Forte—which means “fort beach.” It’s in the state of Bahia; and it’s one of the first places where settlers from Europe arrived. This is also where the fighting dance Capueta was first introduced. This dance is still a daily hobby for Brazilians young and old.
While walking to go surf, I saw the Capueta first hand on the beach almost everyday. Kids as young as 9 having so much fun doing running flips and spinning kicks all in coordination with other acrobats. It’s amazing to me how cultures and traditional dances such as this evolve in a country due to foreign influences.
Conversely, the second leg of this Brazil trip was a total flip from what we were getting used to in Bahia.
We flew into the big city of San Paulo, and caught a cab to Guaruja—about 2 hours away. This place was cold, rainy, and foggy. Moreover, we were warned by everyone, including our airline carrier, to watch out for thieves and muggers. Apparently there were a whole lot of people carrying guns in Guaruja…Anyway, the town was right on the beach, and our hotel was right next to the contest site.
Our first night there, a gang tried to rob the whole hotel! Luckily these banditos were fought and chased-off by the hotel’s thick security staff. Also on that first night, we were woken up by 3 gents standing over our beds. They were yelling and shining flashlights in our faces… Luckily, these people were the police. They were there to warn us to lock our room—since we hadn’t before we went to sleep. Like I said a total flip from Bahia…
In any case, aside from travel tales like this, there’s a whole lot that most people don’t know about life on the WQS. And one of the biggest things I’ve learned from my experiences is to be flexible and willing to adapt to your surroundings at all times. In this regard, there’s hardly anything that you’re accustomed to, from the food to the waves, the beds, languages, cities, situations, or circumstances. Remembering this, and making the best of your visiting time, is crucial for your sanity.
Flynn Novak is a Matuse Team Rider and North Shore resident. “In Like Flynn” will be an on going installment of observations and anecdotes of his experiences traveling the world and living life on the North Shore of Oahu.
By John V. Campbell