Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 28 °C, hot and a little overcast.
Today was a tough workout despite being very early. It’s technically the first full workday after carnival, but most people aren’t back into work mode yet.
Some are still travelling or celebrating carnival with street parades over the weekend, while others may be feeling sluggish from too much food, drink, and dancing.
I have only given two classes today and spent the rest of the day reading my book. I’ve been reflecting on what I need to do and what I want to achieve over the next few years before it’s too late, whether because I’m too old, no longer here, or basically dead!
I need to pay off some debts, clear my name on SERASA, reopen a bank account, and obtain a credit card for my upcoming trip. However, all these tasks depend on my ability to get a second copy of my Brazilian ID.
Unfortunately, I lost my ID four years ago when I was mugged by some Flamengo football supporters in front of Maracana after a game. This occurred shortly after I had just quarrelled with an ex-girlfriend, who had kicked me out of her home a little before midnight. I was in Tijuca near Maracana; I decided to walk to Praça Bandeira to catch a taxi home to Benfica.
As I was walking, I suddenly encountered a large group of Flamengo supporters leaving Maracana after a game. They spotted me with my rucksack and started attacking me.
Three or four of them tried to take my rucksack, and although I fought back, there were too many of them. One of them gave me a flying kick to my knee, which has caused problems for me ever since.
That night, I lost my laptop, some clothes, and my documents. Fortunately, my cell phone was in my pocket, so they didn’t take it.
The key to everything is getting a new copy of my Brazilian ID; once I have that, everything else will fall into place. I feel enthusiastic, but frustrated and disappointed in myself for not doing these things before. It’s time to act objectively and pragmatically.
I HAVE TO GET MY SHIT TOGETHER!!!
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
