The Story of the Skateboard

Today I went out for a ride on my skateboard and Torrey asked, "How long have you had your board?"

It was a sunny day in Rio and I had signed up for a race called the Rei y Rainha do mar (The king and queen on the ocean). Even though I lived in Rio for five and a half years, I never got over my fear of swimming in open water. It's one that has settled into my entire being, and getting past it is work, work, work. Every Sunday in Rio, the main strip parallel to the beach is closed for runners, cyclists, skaters and so forth. I really wanted to be the girl who skirted up, put on some colorful running shoes and cruised down the strip with a playlist in tote. But like many things in my life, I also had the I'm not good enough to do that, I should't, I could't, I don't fit in ... bla, bla, bla that played out.

The race was from one end of the beach (In Leblon) to the end of Ipanema, and my heart was thumping, fast. BoOMp-BOOmp...BOOMP-BOOmp. In order to rid the mental chatter, I made a deal with myself. If didn't panic during the swim, I could reward myself with a skateboard. It was something I felt needed to be earned.

I didn't panic.

So, that Sunday afternoon, I set off to the local skate shops - but they were all closed. I finally found one that was open, and as I recall, they only had one board I was interested in. Go figure - the picture on the bottom - a tidal wave.

So I spent way too much money and bought it.

Now I have a skateboard. I'm no Kelly Slater but I managed an 8km trip today. I hopped off the board twice and luckily landed on my feet when balance got the best of me, but I sure do love sucking at a sport. So much room to grow.

There you have it ... you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Next time you are afraid to do something, do it anyway. And don't forget to pat yourself on the back - with a new toy.

Daytripping

Saturday night I was waiting to share, “it’s amazing what you see when you have a camera with you.” I didn’t actually say it, but I thought it, and wasn’t about to interject.  Maybe it was meant to be just that.  A thought. 

Yesterday I geared up for a run and set off with my new headphones in tote.  As I crossed the street to Reforma (which is closed on Sundays) I smiled.  The streets were filled with people doing the same thing as me. Enjoying the outdoors.  With my Iphone strapped to my arm, I decided I would share this one with you too.   

So here is the tour operator.  

 I made my way up Reforma.  The street is divided by various statues along the way.  Here are two of my favorites.  It has nothing to do with the fact that they are female.  Really.

So I continued down Reforma and to my left I see this.  What a great place for a yoga class. I think.

I continue on and again to my left is the fine arts theater.  The architecture here is amazing.

I make it to the end of Reforma and zig-zag my way through the crouds as I head for Zócalo, one of the largest squares in the world.  There's one building that I love on my way in because it's covered in beautiful tiles.

 I continue my way in and there it is, the biggest Mexican flag I have ever seen.  It's flying at half mast, so I begin to wonder.  

I dance my way across the square, enchanted by the cathedral.  I am constantly enchanted by structures of the past; even more-so after reading Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.  

Vendors cramp into the small spaces bordering the square and you can find your typical Mexican souvenir here.

 As I make my way to the north-east corner, I can see the ruins of the Templo Mayor. Again, an enchanting place with a lot of spirit and history.  I shuffle my way back to the square and my music begins to be drown out by the beat of someone else's drum.  I remove my headphones and watch.

I almost wish I had a headdress.  They twirl and stomp and shake.  Like they mean it.  

I take a unknown route back to Reforma and make my way home.  It's a great run, and I am so glad you could join me.  

This is Diane checking out, and debunking the myth that I live in a city blanketed in a brown cloud.  This sky is crystal clear and the city is vibrant.  

Peace out.