Journalled on Monday, 3rd of April 2023 | Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 27 degrees, hot, sunny and a little cloudy.
Rise and shine; it is Monday morning, the beginning of a new week.
Even though I went to bed stressed, I slept well and am ready to exercise. It is Autumn in Rio, so at 5 a.m., it is still dark outside. As usual, I pass by the lanchonete at the corner of my street to buy an espresso. I like drinking one while walking along the beach on my way to the end of Leme.
As I walked down my street toward the beach, the girls from the strip club sat on an extended bench outside the club while it was closing. There were a swarm of people: taxi drivers, clients still drinking, and the girls talking after a long night- some too tired to stand, others still wanting to play.
As I approached the girls, some saw me, and I politely said, “Good morning,” and they immediately answered with another “Good morning”, pleasantly and affectionately, all of them giving me a sincere smile on their faces. This exchange of kindness makes an old man happy.
When I reached the end of Leme, no one was there, not even Paulo with his dogs. I did my series, which seemed longer than usual, packed up my things, and returned home.
When I got home, I made a green tea with ginger, cinnamon, lime juice, garlic, and sweetener; it was perfect! I went to my desk, propped my legs on the bed, and messaged the landlady about a date.
She promptly answered and asked if she could video call me; I said yes, and we talked for about fifteen minutes.
She told me that her new flat wasn’t ready yet, so it would be better if I stayed another month. This was a relief, as I wasn’t mentally prepared to move in with my ex-wife yet.
Our conversation was nice and pleasant, as it always is, and we agreed to move next month. At least I will be at my present address for my birthday on the 22nd of this month. I wasn’t looking forward to spending it with my ex-wife right now.
With this now resolved, I organised my schedule and worksheets for the month.
I renegotiated the new fees with my last pupils and taught classes. It was a good day. I should have told Nalva I wouldn’t be moving this month, but I waited a few days.
AND LIFE GOES ON!!!
In bed by 9.30 p.m.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading my blog. Check out my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments.
Richard
