A few weeks ago I was sitting on a bench tediously practicing guitar, when two teenaged girls approached me about a fundraiser in their school. I stuttered and stammered but eventually got off the message that I had forgotten my wallet in my apartment but that I would donate some money later on. Their jaws dropped as if I was from another planet, and they slowly backed away from me as if I were contagious. The following Saturday night as I was walking to the corner store to buy some cheap beer and other goodies when I heard the same girls call out to me,
"Helllow! How ree yaw?"
I politely responded "Good! How're you?"
They murmured amongst themselves, came to a consensus and then hollered out " Ree Yaw American!?"
I winced knowing what would come of the affirmation. " Yes."
I barely walked a few paces when I heard the pitterpatter of a stampede of footsteps behind me. I was immediately surrounded by 8-12 fresh young faces ranging from 8-14 years in age. Their leader and chief spokeswoman translated for the group although it was rather difficult for her because of the fact she was completely smitten with the fact she was talking to an American in the flesh and blood. They all introduced themselves to me, asked me what I was doing there, how I learned Portuguese, if I liked Brazil, etc. I eventually had to excuse myself as the corner store would be closing soon. They reluctantly liberated me.
I've since seen them frequently as they unavoidably loiter and play in the courtyard of the condominium. Last night I was playing guitar and they surrounded me once again. Apparently their ringleader has been spreading the word that I exist and I circled by even more curious ragamuffins. Most of their questions involved American pop music, as I was holding a guitar. Unfortunately the only songs I've been learning to play have been Bossa Nova, a genre that while internationally revered, is nationally neglected. They made requests for, Soulja Boy, Akon, 50 Centch, and Jack Johnson among others. I regretfully informed them that I didn't know any tunes to play for them in English, but that I would in turn learn some for their benefit. Many of the kids believed I looked like Eminem. The kids asked me random questions about where I was when 9/11 occurred. They quickly interrupted me and exchanged their own theories on the subject, most of which were incorrect. It seemed they failed to understand it was a terrorist attack. Anyways. They are nice and noisy and cheered me up on a day when it had rained straight for the 3 previous days. So I ask you faithful blog readers. What song should I learn to play for them? Leave your suggestions in the comments section!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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7 comments:
ALEX!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!! I miss you and I miss Brasil and reading this blog brought tears to my eyes. you are in our home! are you planning to indefinately be there? Are you in Bahia? I need to come and reconnect with what i feel like is my long lost mother. beijos dude muito! please dont stop blogging. I absolutly need them in my life! I suggest learning how to play Bob Marley redemption song... and when I come... I shall sing to you fan clubee.!
Love you man! truely
by the way. Everytime I hear the name or meet someone named Alex I in my head say the word Xande (shan- gee) lol
I'm not in Bahia. In fact I'm in a city about as non Bahia as it gets. But there is lots of beach and candomblé. (just kidding about the candomblé part.) Redemption song eh? I will consider this. I might have to learn some Eric Hutchinson songs by the time he blows up here.
http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/calendar/
"i hate myself and i wan't to die" by kurt cobain/nirvana -- especially in acoustic version -- might pique the young folk's interest.
Alex: Why of course you should learn to play "Rock and Roll" for them! Is there any other song?
This Land is Your Land
"girl you know it's true" please do the music video intro too
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