EC-Rider Travels

This morning Analida and I went to Rio’s stunning Botanical Gardens. These date back to 1808 and were founded by John VI of Portugal who expropriated the land, intended for a gun-powder factory, to acclimatise spices, such as nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon, imported from the West Indies. It is over 140 hectares with more than 6,000 different species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees, including 900 varieties of palm trees. As you enter there is the most stunning avenue of Royal Palms, 30-40m high apparently all descended from a single Palma Mater. There is a lovely orchid house and much wildlife, though we were perhaps a little late in the day to see many of the 140 species of birds who live there. Spring is coming so everything is about to burst, but sadly has not quite. We will try and come again, early in the morning when we return to Rio in about ten days.

We then met Niccy and Iain and also Edivaldo for lunch in another gorgeous restaurant. We all feel very spoilt and over-fed and I have to confess, I am pleased I am not teaching a ballet workshop this evening. Niccy and Iain headed off from lunch to Itanhanga and just arrived in time, slightly underestimating the rush-hour traffic. Analida and I were about to leave when I thought I should be the responsible friend and take a quick COVID test as I have a little sniffle. It never crossed my mind it might be positive but it WAS! I am feeling completely fine with no other symptoms, but sick to the stomach that I may have passed it on, and particularly to Iain and Niccy who are on a five week seven centre audition tour. Truly gutted also not to see the workshop/audition and what Analida’s sponsorship might deliver. 😔

It was the last piece of sponsorship I secured before I left RBS in May and the first time RBS has been able to offer classes and auditions free of charge. Let’s hope they find the next Davi Ramos or Mayara Magri amidst the 100 young hopefuls auditioning tomorrow.

I may have little to update you on for the next few days as I sit in my room, looking out over the beautiful Praia do Flamengo. Aaaagh!