Rio de Janeiro, December 2019

Here I am again, with the member of a Special Force Unit from Brazilian Federal Police, wearing only a small part of his equipment. The complete full body suit, including guns, may weigh around twenty kilos, similar to my backpack if I carry along loads of water bottles being in the desert. The huge difference is that I don’t have to run around chasing criminals or protecting my buddies from being shot.

Wondering what my nephews will be like when growing adults, if they choose to become police men, professional surfers or politicians. They will grow up with coconut water, fear of random violence in the streets, the ocean in front of their doorstep and corrupt politicians. But one thing they probably wont have to be confronted with is the presence of terrorism. We are remembering the terrible attack in Berlin at the Christmas market three years ago.

This year, the whole family will be spending Christmas Eve in Rio. My sisters, my mother , my nephews and their fathers family. I love the idea of a big gathering as we have not had it since many years. It helps me to not think about my Mr P too much, as he is being quite present these days. Having trouble in walking long distance as my foot is limping and i am slow. Really have to concentrate while walking. I prefer strolling with the buggy in front of me so i can hold on to something. The other day we had to rush to the children‘s Capoeira class in Ipanema, so I swallowed some of the dopamine powder from India , dissolved in a glass of water, in order to be able to walk fast. It was fun gaining back my speed but unfortunately it only lasts about three hours. Anyway, i am happy and super healthy in any other aspect and enjoy beach time, peruvian Ceviche and Pisco Sour with my mother and my sisters when kids at their father.

Merry Christmas