I took capoeira for three years before conceding that I’m kind of inept, physically. Still, one can’t take capoeira for any length of time without bumping into a few Brazilians, and if there is a culture that advocates for itself more passionately with its sheer delight in everything it does than Brazilians do, I’ve never seen it.

Other than danger in the Favelas, I’ve never heard a bad thing about Rio de Janeiro. The food is amazing, the people are gorgeous and passionate, the music is compelling and the language is beautiful. Though I don’t really get into capoeira anymore, I’d love to see it in its original setting.