Happy New Year. In Brazil, it is a new year, the first Monday after Carnaval.

In theory, Brazil should roll like a heavy steam engine, seeking enough inertia from its first push of power from the boiler to move forward and gain speed.

I have written many times on the blog that Brazil’s economy should traditionally take off, with production picking up after Carnival.

Brazil is a vast country, the 5th largest in the world, with almost 220 million people.

That is a lot of people and a large market if a company knows how to tap into it, and if the country’s economy is strong and buoyant. If everybody has money and wants to spend their disposable income, it is burning a hole in their pockets and bank accounts.

Sadly, for a long time, this has not been the case in Brazil, if not ever. The majority of the population is lower-middle class or poor, with some even extremely poor. At the same time, only a small percentage is middle-class, and a minute percentage is upper-class or wealthy.

The only real reason a company would want to invest in Brazil is its large population, and, economically speaking, that is a contradiction.

Poverty and unemployment are rising, and the middle class is getting poorer and poorer. Brazil was slowly on the road to recovery and improvement under the last government under Bolsonaro as president. Still, with this re-elected left-wing socialist-communist government that does not know how to control public expenditure, inflation is rising, and growth is declining.

The upcoming presidential elections are scheduled for September and October 2026. If Lula’s government wins and secures re-election, then Brazil is effectively digging its own grave. Endemic corruption, the misappropriation of public funds, and the government’s disregard for the people are driving the final nails into its coffin.

Lula is a know-it-all, and his inflated ego makes him believe he is the be-all and end-all of politics and running Brazil. I see a power-hungry little boy in an old body who does not know when to give up or stop.

Since his government began, the administrative and international errors in managing Brazil have been endless. Every day, there is a new foolish act, mainly committed by him but also by his recently married wife and his team.

Besides the 220 million people who are suffering and enslaved by one man’s ego, which is perfectly clear to me and many others, it is also obvious that in his third government he relies on and trusts the same incompetent, poorly prepared, and corrupt politicians from his previous terms, which were marred by scandals, problems, and embarrassment.

One of his trusted right-hand henchmen was caught smuggling thousands of dollars hidden in his underwear during an international flight out of Brazil. Shockingly, that same disgraceful, hypocritical politician has now returned as the head of Lula’s government in the Brazilian Congress.

How crazy is that?

How stupid is that?

How disgraceful is that?

How can a country the size and potential of Brazil, with so much going for it, including its good, hardworking people and its unlimited natural resources, some of which are still not properly tapped, be in such a shameful and disgusting situation?

I have been in Brazil for over 35 years, and I love the country and its people. However, I am deeply disappointed with it. I thought it would realise its true potential, at least in part, during my lifetime, but I no longer believe that is possible.

Brazil is like the stripper girlfriend you love so much. She is attractive in a rough way, the sex is excellent, but you can never take her home to meet your parents!

In bed by 9 p.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Monday, the 10th of March 2025: “Brazil: My Stripper Girlfriend”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

It’s April, and my birthday month is coming to an end! And what a month it has been!

It marks the close of one year of my life, and fortunately, another is beginning. I have been reflecting on the past year: where I was in April 2023, and where I am today at the end of April 2024, starting a new cycle.

In April 2023

• I was moving from Copacabana to Botafogo to live with Yasmin and Nalva. I was giving up my rented flat, loving living alone and my freedom to stay with them, while preparing to go to England and sorting out many things in advance.

• At that moment, I did not possess my Brazilian ID; consequently, I was unable to open a bank account, get a credit card, or similar financial services.

• No savings, no bank account, no money in the bank, no investments, no deposit account, and neither crypto.

• No new clothes, nothing new for me; only if it were a present, and the older we get, the fewer presents we receive.

• Nothing new: no new car, watch, camera, etc., nothing that could really improve the quality of my life or my work.

• Debt: I owed 6000 Reais to Serasa, the Brazilian debt agency. This 6000 Reais in debt is equivalent to over 100,000 Reais in actual debt if I paid the debt at full price.

• No girlfriend: I did not have an official girlfriend at that time. Clearly, I had one before, but for the past year or so, I wasn’t with a girlfriend. I had some flings, ex-girlfriends, or very close friends, but nothing serious.

• Fewer opportunities: I felt trapped in a deadlock, living in Brazil, which is sinking and keeps worsening, never improving. No matter what you plan, do, or how much you work, things often don’t work out or come to fruition. It’s as if you’re constantly swimming upstream against the current and growing increasingly weary at the same time.

• No man’s land: I was happy, but because I am always happy, I have always been humble enough to accept what life throws at me and make lemonade from a bitter, sometimes even rotten, lemon.

• I had only just started posting on my blog.

There are probably other minor points that I cannot think of at the moment, but these roughly describe my situation, at that and now this is how it stands after one year.

In April 2024

• Living in England: I am currently living in England. I have been here since the end of November 2023. I have been staying with my mother for nearly six months, and I am looking for a place to rent. Although her house is in my name, this was one of the reasons I came to England, but I now need the privacy that only living alone can provide.

• My mother had an operation in January, and because of this, she experienced some unexpected complications during her recovery, which meant I needed to stay close to her.

• Brazilian ID and bank account: now I have my Brazilian ID that allows me to open a new bank account, save money, and travel.

• Bitcoin investment: at the time of writing, I have over 20,000 Reais in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Considering that I had nothing a year ago, I am proud of what I have achieved this past year. The Bitcoin halving, which took place on the 21st of this month, so in theory my ongoing investment should continue to improve exponentially and increase in value over time.

• New clothes: I’ve updated and improved my wardrobe. I don’t need a wide variety of clothes since I mostly wear a black shirt, pullover, and jeans 95% of the time. However, I now have a Google Watch 2 with a beautiful silver bracelet strap, which really makes a difference to me. I also have the usual new clothes that I am pleased with, but don’t really mind about.

• New things and toys: besides the new clothes, I have bought a new Osmo Pocket 3 video camera for video and YouTube content, and a DJI Mini 2 drone, which is both a helpful tool for YouTube and a bit of a toy. I also mentioned the watch, so everything is fine.

• No debt: I have cleared all my debts with Serasa in Brazil. The total debt, including interest, exceeded 100,000 Reais, but I have now settled everything. Besides being responsible, it will benefit me in the future if I return to Brazil or buy something for my family there, providing more stability.

• Girlfriend: I think I have a girlfriend now. Her name is Julie, and I met her while frequenting a cafe near where I live in England. It’s not a fling; it has developed into something quite meaningful, I believe, for both of us. Having a girlfriend opens up new possibilities for the future.

This is my very straightforward retrospective of the past year. I hope it has provided some clarity, increased transparency, and inspired others to realise that in just one year, many things can change in your life.

In bed by 10:00 p.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Monday, the 29th of April 2024: “Retrospection of My Last Year”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

Wishing everybody a sincere, happy, and prosperous new year!!!

Coming into the new year has been pleasant and straightforward with my mother—the first time in a long, long time.

Being accustomed to the chaos of Rio de Janeiro at Réveillon-New Year, having a quiet New Year without the confusion of people going to spend New Year’s Eve on the beaches in Rio, which are full of tourists, is a welcome surprise. As I mentioned yesterday, my mother’s next-door neighbours set off some fireworks, obviously nothing like the ones in Rio, but it was nice and enough for me.

In the morning, I was up at eight and out walking at nine. The sky was a beautiful blue, with few clouds above and no sign of rain. I walked along the canal towards where I used to work as a child in a boatyard that built and repaired canal longboats and barges.

It is about two miles along the canal towards the Stewpony, and to my surprise, it is still there. It seems to have a lot of work going on in terms of boat building, with numerous longboats and barges out of the water and others berthed along the edge of the canal. Even though it is 2 to 3 miles away from my mother’s, it is right on the border of the countryside with small farms, stables, etc, scattered around it.

By the side of the boatyard, there is a bridge that leads to a dirt road, which eventually connects to the main road and into Wollaston. Arriving in Wollaston, I walked along the main High Street, none of the shops from my childhood were still there anymore; they had all gone.

I’m simply walking on New Year’s Day, out into the countryside and slowly coming back on myself and around. I walked off the High Street down to another canal that eventually led me back to the one where I had been and started at before.

A total of 10 kilometres or more in about two and a half hours: it was so good; it’s great to have quality time alone on a quiet New Year’s Day to put my thoughts into order and then action before the normal, crazy pace of the new year starts.

So, what are my plans for this year?

• Improve everything that I have already begun, including what I planted last year, such as ‘The long gringo’ blog, Placebeads, classes, and the school’s didactic material.

• Begin my YouTube channels: ‘The long gringo-diary/journal, trips and travels. ‘The Right Way English didactic online course, and anything else related to videography and vlogging.

• Be more productive than last year by finding passive income from YouTube, POD-printing on demand, and other related sources, as they are all interlinked.

• Be happy and continue to be myself.

• Continue to do exercise, improve myself and try to walk at least 10,000 steps daily. Basically, to continue my positive routine and habits that I already have.

• Be more materialistic: Get a car, or a motorbike, or both.

• Save and invest money by setting aside a part of it every day, week, and month.

• Create this positive routine whilst my mother is still alive, between living in Brazil and England.

• Continue the dental treatment.

• Try to understand Jessica, Yasmin, and Nalva better, so I can help them whenever possible in their own development.

• Make money and be happy!

• Just live today!

• Improve myself in all forms!

In the late afternoon, I got to speak to Nalva and Yasmin, which was nice. I had spoken to Jessica the night before on New Year’s Eve, so everything is good for the beginning of the new year.

It’s just a question of building!!!

In bed by midnight.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Monday the 1st of January 2024: “Starting the New Year with Hope and Purpose”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

It is New Year’s Eve, and I am reflecting inwardly after my disastrous visit to my brothers in the north of England.

I’m grateful to Stephen for hosting me and showing me around, but the rest of the experience was disastrous.

Perhaps I was naive or foolish, or during all these years, I hadn’t read between the lines, but now I have, and I won’t be going back. I don’t believe I will see my brother again, but if that happens, it won’t be under the same circumstances as before.

It is cold and rainy in Wordsley. I went for a morning walk, not too far, to get out of the house and breathe in some fresh air.

As the year comes to a close, like many people, I find myself reflecting on the past twelve months. This time last year, I was still living in Copacabana; I only moved in with Nalva and Yasmin in May. Over the past year, I left Copacabana, lived with my ex-wife and daughter for seven months, and then arrived in England at the end of November.

In just one year, I have lived in three different places, and now, at this moment, I find myself in England after more than twenty years:

• By living with Nalva and Yasmin, I was able to save money and organise my life.

• Open two new bank accounts in total. 

• Pay off some debts. 

• Obtain a new credit card and a debit card for travelling. 

• Cover the cost of dental treatment; three implants in total. 

• Get new glasses for everyone. 

• Open a savings account. 

• Purchase cryptocurrency, which I now do on a daily basis.

• And generally, not worrying about money, as I’m only paying for one rent. In the past, when I had the school, I paid three rents a month. Having cash flow to manage everyday financial matters that ordinary people handle makes a significant difference.

• Living with Nalva again has allowed me to see her from a different perspective. I feel that we are closer as friends, and I believe we both want what is best for each other, and, of course, for Yasmin.

• Living with Yasmin has had its highs and lows, but simply being with her has been enjoyable.

• The limited contact I have had with Jessica has been positive; I believe she is happy, despite the current instability at her company, but everything else seems to be going well.

• One aspect that has also been beneficial this year is the continuation of my journal, which has helped me enormously, both personally and professionally.

• Additionally, the continuation of exercise and walking has made me more dedicated than I was a year ago, so I have made progress, and I feel it.

• The launching of my first daily blog ’ The long gringo’. I’m very proud to have launched it, and it’s going well, but I’m sure there’s still a lot to be improved.

• The learning and adoption of various AI tools for my work, which I had not previously used or been aware of.

• Arriving in England, unwinding in England, and escaping the political turmoil of Brazil is a significant achievement for me and would be for many others as well.

• The organisation and problem-solving of various family matters, both economic and personal, that require attention while I’m in England.

So, has this year been a good one?

Compared to January 1st, it has been an exceptional year that I hadn’t expected. I am paving the way for the future. The year before was good, and what I had planted then I have reaped this year; consequently, next year should be for harvesting what has been grown and cultivated this year.

There are several other points I could have made to justify this year, but I think these are the most relevant ones. I’m grateful for what has happened this year, and I hope the next will be just as good, if not better. I have a clearer understanding of what I need to do and what is expected of me, so it is simply a matter of pressing on, looking ahead, and not necessarily looking back.

New Year’s Eve was spent with my mother in the back living room, drinking red wine—no champagne or Prosecco, just red wine, accompanied by some compliments and hugs between us.

My mother’s next-door neighbours, the Romanians, were setting off some fireworks in their back garden. I opened our patio door and stepped out into the bitter cold and rain to wish them a very happy New Year. Simple yet nice and sincere wishes.

On this occasion, we don’t need big parties or celebrations to welcome in the new year. Given that the last couple of New Year’s have been quiet for me, but the year that followed was very good, I prefer this way.

Wishing everybody a very happy and prosperous new year!!!

In bed by 1 a.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Sunday the 31st of December 2023: “Reflections and New Beginning on New Year’s Eve”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

It’s just a normal first couple of days at the beginning of the New Year. I’m giving classes and receiving money that I neither feel, see, nor smell.

And I will have to leave my bubble of cold refrigerated air in my bedroom, where my home office is, to go out in the street in the blazing sun and heat to give a class to Dona Vera. But she deserves it!

As for not seeing, feeling, or smelling, most of the money that comes from many of the pupils who pay my fees directly into one of two accounts.

One account is for my second ex-wife’s child support for Yasmin. However, the truth is that it is necessary to pay the rent for Yasmin and Nalva to live in the south zone of Rio. For those who don’t know Rio well, the South Zone is considered by most to be the best part of Rio de Janeiro.

The best or most exclusive neighbourhoods in Rio are probably Leblon, Ipanema, Gavea and Jardim Botanico. A little lower down the scale, we can consider Copacabana, Leme, Botafogo and one of my favourites: Flamengo.

Yasmin and Nalva live in Botafogo, which is quite good, with everything conveniently nearby, including the rest of the south zone to one side and the city centre to the other. On her salary, it would be impossible for her to live there; I pay because it is for Yasmin and in respect for her mother, Nalva.  

Sometimes, I think that I will probably be paying for her to live above her means for the rest of my life. I honestly don’t know if she appreciates the sacrifices I have made over the years to ensure they have a minimum, but it is life, and I don’t really mind.

I live in Copacabana, next to Botafogo. So, a lot of my income goes towards paying for my flat in Copacabana. Obviously, it is rented, and I have been living there for the last 2 years. Returning to live in Copacabana has been a pleasant surprise for me.

I had lived in Copacabana 25 years ago before I moved to Flamengo because of the dogs. Flamengo has a vast public park; in fact, several parks are nestled together there. During the 20 years that I lived there, I loved it.

Flamengo became a reference point for me, and I never thought I would go back to living in Copacabana. However, when I was offered the chance to rent this flat, I was apprehensive about moving back, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

I live in a reasonably sized one-bedroom flat with a maid’s room that has an ensuite toilet and shower. I have adapted the maid’s room for Yasmin, so when she stays with me, she has her own bedroom and space.

The flat is on the 10^th floor at the back of the building with no buildings directly in front of the main living room window. As it is high up, there is a very nice view of other buildings far away and a partial view of Copacabana beach and the sea.

Every morning, sunlight floods into the living room, so I push a large plant I have next to the TV into the middle of the room soit can get some sun.

The apartment is simple yet clean, organised, and quite cosy. I may have to move out in the next few months due to various reasons. Nevertheless, I am grateful to have lived there for the past two years; it has been a ride! I will always cherish the memories of this little, nice, quaint, and cosy apartment that was my home for a little over two years.

I finished my day early, with my last class ending at 7 pm, and then I took a shower before getting into bed by 9 pm. This new healthy routine that I have been adopting is empowering me more and more each day in every aspect of my life.

Thanks again.

Thanks for reading my blog. Check out my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Thursday, the 2nd of March 2023: “Life in Rio: A Normal Day at the Beginning of the New Year”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

The beach boasts shimmering golden sands and crystal-clear waters, providing the ideal setting for soaking up the sun and relaxing. Copacabana’s renowned promenade, lined with restaurants, shops, and bars, is a favourite spot among locals and tourists, perfect for strolls and people-watching.

Visitors can also enjoy a range of water sports, including swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball, while vendors offer snacks, drinks, and souvenirs on the beach.

Aside from its natural beauty, Copacabana is steeped in rich cultural history. Once a popular hangout for the city’s elite during the 1920s and 1930s, the beach has hosted numerous political and cultural events. The New Year’s Eve celebration, with its magnificent fireworks display, draws thousands of revellers each year.

Copacabana’s fame extends beyond its beach to include several famous hotels and resorts, such as the Copacabana Palace, which has welcomed many celebrities and dignitaries over the years. Still, the neighbourhood itself is a vibrant, traditional community deserving of its spotlight. Situated between the hills and the sea.

Copacabana offers a unique blend of colonial architecture and modern high-rises, reflecting its rich history and ongoing development. It’s a cultural melting pot where diverse communities coexist harmoniously, and the local cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavours from around the world. From its bustling street markets to its lively nightlife, Copacabana embodies the spirit of urban life in Rio.

All in all, Copacabana is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Rio de Janeiro.

The beach and neighbourhood offer a wealth of activities and experiences, from relaxing on the beach to exploring historic sites or sipping a delicious caipirinha in a charming cafe.

Thank you for reading about Copacabana. I hope this has inspired you to visit this iconic Brazilian gem.

Thank you.

Thank you for your continued support. Please remember to explore more of my blog posts, and feel free to leave a comment; your thoughts are always appreciated.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Welcome to Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

I rose with the sun, eager to embrace the possibilities this year has in store.

Today marks the beginning of a new year, and what better way to kick off the first working day than with a refreshing walk along the picturesque Copacabana Beach until the end of Leme?

As I walked along the shoreline, the golden rays of dawn touched the waves, filling the air with a sense of a new start. My morning ritual included a stimulating hour of exercise, pushing both body and mind.

On my return, I stopped by the simple bakery in Rua Barata Ribeiro, where I sat outside drinking cheap but good coffee whilst watching the world pass by.

After a good shower and a change into fresh clothes, it was time to get down to business. With a steaming cup of tea flavoured with lemon, ginger, and garlic, I began planning the week, the month, and the year.

Today, as I gazed upon the world outside, it was impossible not to be struck by the beauty of this day. A feeling of happiness and hopefulness rose within me, setting the tone for the entire year; during the brief respite from work over the holiday season, between Christmas and New Year, a profound realization dawned upon me.

I have discovered a profound love for my work and the art of creation. Intrinsic motivation drives me, a passion that ignites my creativity. And, yes, it’s also about the money. Money is the enabler, the means to enjoy the experiences I wish for.

So, today became a day of reflection on the past and contemplation of the future. It was a day of simplicity and productivity, where I found the power of intention and gratitude. When I finished, it was late.

In bed at 8:30 PM, ready to embrace the opportunities and adventures this new year has in store.

Here’s to a year filled with creativity, purpose, and the fulfilment of dreams!!!

Thank you.

Thank you for your continued support, and don’t forget to explore more of my blog posts. Feel free to leave a comment; your thoughts are always appreciated.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Monday, the 2nd of January 2023: “Celebrating New Beginnings: A Refreshing Start to the Year”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

Rio de Janeiro: 28^oC, cloudy, hot and stuffy.

Good morning! New Year’s Day, often considered an uneventful anti-climax, holds a unique charm.

It’s a day when most people rise later, nursing the remnants of the previous night’s celebrations or perhaps dealing with earth-shattering hangovers. It’s also the first bank holiday of the year before we return to the daily grind!

But for me, New Year’s Day transcends these typical excuses. Instead, it’s etched in my memory as one of the few occasions when my parents were still together. It lingers on New Year’s Eve and the ambience of our beautiful old house, where I spent my early years.

My father, who was very good with his hands, had built a breathtaking fireplace from weathered rocks he had sourced from a local quarry.

The front living room was the jewel of our home, where he had built this wall-to-wall fireplace with large shelves on each side. It became the centrepiece of our house, surrounded by walls adorned with rich, dark reddish-brown wooden panels.

The sofa and armchairs, upholstered in traditional dark green, harmonised perfectly with the room’s aesthetics. Atop the wooden-lined walls, my mother’s collection of traditional English ornaments added a touch of collectable elegance. On one wall were some beautiful tribal masks my father had brought back from Africa.

As New Year’s Eve approached, we gathered in the front living room, where the fireplace bathed us with its warm fire and charismatic glow. The cold winter bit outside, but we were warm with the fire indoors.

Our parents would invite neighbours to join in the New Year festivities, and as we commemorated the night before, one moment stood out for me above all, the day that followed: New Year’s Day.

We woke early, and after breakfast, my father proposed a stroll through our town’s city centre. We piled into the car and headed to Stourbridge High Street. There, my father parked, and we ventured into the pedestrian shopping precinct, a semi-open-air shopping centre.

As it was still early, it was just us. The street, the corridors and the shopping centre were empty and serene, with no soul in sight.

For over an hour, we roamed, gazing into shop windows, enjoying each other’s company civilly and joyfully. In this public space, in a place that is usually bustling with people, it was just us. This memory etched into my young mind at the age of 7 or 8, or even less. It remains a cherished and captivating moment I carry with me until today.

I have grown to enjoy taking solitary walks on either Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, as it allows me to enjoy the empty streets and the peace and quiet of being alone. This unique connection to deserted public places might have stemmed from the rarity of experiencing such happiness when both my parents were still together.

So, on New Year’s Day, I found myself up and out early, strolling along Av. Atlantica by the beach, heading towards Leme.

Street cleaners were already hard at work, clearing away the litter and rubbish from the celebrations the night before, whilst others were still lying on the beach in a comatose state. I stopped by the Portuguese bakery near my home on my way back. I enjoyed a couple of coffees and wished everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.

In the early afternoon, I visited Nalva and Yasmin to extend my New Year’s greetings personally. Nalva’s family had gathered for a barbecue, and I spent a delightful couple of hours relishing good food, humour, and companionship.

As they are from Bahia, known for its African heritage, Nalva’s family personified the region’s characteristics of hospitality, friendliness, delectable cuisine, and music. They have always made me feel welcome, regardless of the situation.

As it was getting late, I returned home, did some work on my computer, and retired to bed by 8:30 pm.

Once again, I wish you all a joyous and prosperous New Year!

Thank you.

Don’t forget to check out more of my blog posts and leave a comment to share your thoughts. Thank you for your continued support!

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Sunday, the 1st of January: “New Year’s Day: Unforgettable Moments”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

New Year’s Eve is a significant event in the city, and Copacabana is the centre of all the activity.

While other beaches and neighbourhoods also host public gatherings with fireworks displays, Copacabana is the main attraction for welcoming in the New Year.

Copacabana accommodates up to two million people on New Year’s Eve, with organised shows from temporary stages built on the beach to all the beachfront hotels, bars and restaurants charging a fortune for people to watch the fireworks display that is realised in front of the beach from floating barges 100 meters from the shore.

Traditionally, people wear white on New Year’s Eve, symbolising peace and luck. However, they can also wear other colours, such as red for passion and love or yellow for friendship. The main street access to Copacabana is closed at midnight on the 30th and reopens at 6 a.m. on the 1st.

The preparations in Copacabana begin before Christmas, and you can especially see it when telecommunication companies park enormous makeshift aerial trailers to handle the overwhelming demand on their systems as more than two million people start calling their friends and family simultaneously.

I have celebrated many New Year’s Eve parties in Copacabana, some more memorable than others, but all good. However, I have chosen to commemorate alone for the last two years.

The first time was when I lived in Rocha, the North zone of Rio. I had been invited to various parties but didn’t feel like going, so I was in bed and asleep before midnight.

Last year, I was already living in Copacabana, and I was invited to some parties again, but I decided to stay alone. I left my apartment and went down to the street 20 minutes before midnight, taking a bottle of champagne with me to watch the fireworks and see in the New Year.

It was raining a little, so I only stayed for half an hour. I didn’t walk along the beachfront to see the shows because it was too crowded and a little dangerous. When I got home, I opened a bottle of red wine and drank a glass or two to welcome the New Year.

This year, for the third consecutive year, I again spent New Year’s Eve quietly alone, without even going downstairs to the street, this time to see the people and the fireworks. As I had a partial view of the beach from my living room window, I could see, or at least get an impression of what I had seen many times before.

This time, I stayed up until midnight, opened a bottle of Prosecco, watched the fireworks, sent messages to friends and pupils, and tried to call my daughters. It wasn’t easy to reach Jessica, but I eventually did. Yasmin was easier to reach.

I have felt somewhat melancholic over the past two years, pondering the coming year, despite it being a good one.

This year is expected to bring significant changes. I have realised that every time I spend a quiet New Year’s Eve alone, the following year turns out to be very good, or even exceptional.

My concern, as always, is money. In Brazil, making real money is almost impossible unless you’re a magician or a politician. I will be 57 this new year with no firm retirement plans. I need something to fall back on as I get older and can’t teach forever.

As an English teacher, I am very good and well-known in my field, but I’m a dinosaur, part of a dying breed that will soon become extinct. My studies in the last year have been to prepare myself for other career possibilities so that I’m not a burden to anyone in my old age.

So, I partially saw the fireworks display from my living room window while listening to “Talk Talk” or “Sigur Rós,” both great bands that play with their souls, drinking a bottle of sparkling wine and then a Malbec. I went to bed at 4 a.m.

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

Thank you.

Don’t forget to read more from my blog and posts, and please do not hesitate to send me a comment.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Saturday, the 31st of December 2022: “New Year’s Eve in Copacabana”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.