Go big or go home

So in character with trying new things, I decided to do just that this weekend: went to a new state, went to a new city, go to a city-wide concert, get a kidney infection in another country...

On Friday we left for a city called Garanhums, which is in the state of Pernambuco, just north of Alagoas (where Maceio is). For the last 20 years, Garanhuns has held a music festival where they host concerts in various venues around the city (parks, churches, downtown) for 10 days straight. All the concerts are free, so the key for out of towners like us is to get a hotel.

They decided pretty late to go to this festival, and as we drove around the city the streets were flowing with people. Kelson's trusty Garmin finally got us there, we hauled our bags up the stairs, and as we rounded the corner it became apparent just what kind of amenities were available for late comers. The ladies explored our room, yes, one room with 5 beds, with dismay. Watching them was one of the fun parts: the ceiling and corners of the room was discolored, towels were almost transparent, the hem on Luiza's sheet was ripped off but still attached, and the bathroom was a combination as well, meaning you use the toilet before you shower, or you'll walk away with a wet bum. But hey, this is an adventure, people!

As we settled in and started to get ready to explore, Zairinha went in for a quick shower, and two minutes later we heard: pop, sizzle, lights flicker, small scream, pop pop! sizzle, flicker, scream, pause, scream, door flies open, Zaira runs out of the shower, and smoke starts pouring out of the bathroom and filling the ceiling. The rest of us were just sitting in our beds when this happened and as the drama unfolded one by one we started cracking up, laughing all around Zairinha who was standing wet in the middle of the room, shampoo still in her hair. Apparently the seal on the shower head that separates the water from the heating elements had broken, and our one shower was now fried. Zairinha was permitted to finish bathing in the next room over, where we all took showers until the people checked in. First highlight of the weekend so far. ;)

We explored the city a little bit, and they had concerts all over the place - we sat in a church for a little bit and listened to a choir accompanied by a guitar for a little bit, and walked through this pretty cobble stoned garden/park where a stage was being set up. We picked up some dinner, which was great because I was so hungry by this point that I didn't care where we ate. Which was good, because we chose a place that served what looked like giant hot pockets that were deep fried. I'm getting a little nauseous just writing about it. Anyway, after eating we met up with Ricardo (the guy we went to Orakulo with, apparently Mariana was excited to come for more reasons than just the music...), and headed over to the big stage.

I was feeling a little bit unwell (long drive? greasy dinner?) so decided to stick with coconut water for the night. Bands were great, people were up and dancing, Kelson had some history about almost all the singers, and the night was hot! Later, one of Kelson's favorite singers came on so we headed to the front of the stage and weaved our way around and through people. As we stood and danced, listened, and swayed with the crowd, I got more and more dizzy, and when I thought there was a decent chance of throwing up on someone I asked to go. So back through the crowd I went, led by Kelson, followed by Luiza, and with my eyes closed most of the time. We tried sitting at our table for a little bit, but I was not doing well so we headed home as the next band was setting up. I made it back to my own little bet with mantras like "the ground is not spinning, the ground is not spinning," and there I stayed. I kept hoping it was just a matter of drinking enough water or eating the right food, but I stayed in that little bed, always attended (usually by Saint Luiza) until Sunday when we left.

Back in Maceio, we went into have me seen and there you have it: infection. It couldn't be just any infection, though, oh no, we have to do things big around here. But anyway, what's a little adventure without a little infection, right? ...right...?