04/14/22
SUNBURN
I recently took a last minute trip to one of Brazil’s most picturesque cities, Rio de Janeiro, to soak up the remaining days of its golden summer. Stepping foot in the country that birthed you immediately unveils a mixture of emotions. The desire to taste flavors almost forgotten (like Jabuticaba, a Brazilian cherry I indulged for the first time in 23 years) transports you back to childhood. But the nostalgia isn't all positive, as the current political status raises concerns for the future of my favorite part about Brazil: its people.
At every corner, I found myself transformed into Rio’s most social butterfly. I chatted with my cab driver as if we were old friends, greeted strangers on the streets as if we crossed paths daily and interacted with anyone who would give me the time of day.
What I realized is that I wasn’t chasing Brazil’s last days of summer, I was refueling my soul with the warmth of its folks; my people. Whose daily lives differ in all imaginable ways from my own, but whose joy of life not only unites, but burns deeper than the heat of the sun within me still.
I hope you can feel this warmth every time you visit LENITA. We're fully charged.
Beijos, Nemuel
Photo by Alex Bohs
At every corner, I found myself transformed into Rio’s most social butterfly. I chatted with my cab driver as if we were old friends, greeted strangers on the streets as if we crossed paths daily and interacted with anyone who would give me the time of day.
What I realized is that I wasn’t chasing Brazil’s last days of summer, I was refueling my soul with the warmth of its folks; my people. Whose daily lives differ in all imaginable ways from my own, but whose joy of life not only unites, but burns deeper than the heat of the sun within me still.
I hope you can feel this warmth every time you visit LENITA. We're fully charged.
Beijos, Nemuel
Photo by Alex Bohs