SAMBA!!

Considered one of the most popular Brazilian cultural expressions, the samba has become an icon of Brazilian national identity. Traditionally, the samba is played by strings (cavaquinho and various types of guitar) and various percussion instruments. Since arriving to Rio, Mads and I have seen A LOT of Samba shows. There is essentially samba playing every night of the week. In addition to attending the local Samba houses we have gone to some shows with pretty big names (see below).

The other night she asked me if I was getting sick of it and to her delight I said no. While I have still not learned the dance, I can still appreciate the music and sway along to the rhythms. Mads on the other hand not only loves the music but loves to dance to it. She is very good and always gets compliments from the locals. Her friend Ananda (see pic to left) promises to teach me how to dance, as she is an instructor. Hopefully by the time we leave Rio I will be a pro! Below is a video of Mads and Ananda sambaing at a local rooftop pagode. (Sorry it's a little dark!)

Shows we've been to:

• Grupo Revelação
• Arlindo Cruz
• Jeito Moleque
• Samba pra Gente
• Grupo Bom Gosto
• Grupo Exaltasamba

Some of our fave Songs:

MADELENA DO JUCU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH4bMuiKc1U)

MADELENA , MADELENA
Madeline, Madeline

VOCÊ É MEU BEM QUERER

You, are my one true love

EU VOU FALAR PRA TODO MUNDO
I'm going to tell everyone

VOU FALAR PRA TODO MUNDO
I'm going to tell everyone

QUE EU SÓ QUERO É VOCÊ

That I only want you

EU VOU FALAR PRA TODO MUNDO
I'm going to tell everyone

VOU FALAR PRA TODO MUNDO
I'm going to tell everyone

QUE EU SÓ QUERO É VOCÊ
That I only want you

BATUCADA BOA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-jXKWOVzxA)

BATUCADA BOA

Good batucada (refers to a drum beat in Samba)

CERVEJA GELADA
Cold beer

E MULHER BONITA QUEM É QUE NãO GOSTA

and a beautiful woman who does not like it

A ESCOLHA É SUA, ACEITA O REJEITA A MINHA PROPOSTA

The choice is yours, accept or reject my offer