Hey all,

Sorry it's been so long since my last post; travel was hectic and things have been incredibly busy. There has literally been NO time to write.

The last day in Chaipas saw me catch some kind of gastrointestinal bug that had me running to the john for six straight days; worst traveler's bug I've ever had. I flew to São Paulo on the 21st and instead of trying to travel to Recife immediately, I checked into a hotel at the airport and tried to just chill out for a few days. By the 25th, though, I had to be in Recife so I bought a plane ticket and flew... and immediately upon landing here, I started feeling better. Nice to be home...

Since then, it's been a whirlwind of drumming classes, travels around the city, buying new drums, and partying during the run-up to Carnaval, which started last night. The photo here is my new alfaia and two new bells, a gongue and an agogo. I'll be parading with them tomorrow and Monday.

Today it's off to Olinda to hopefully see the giant puppets that city is famous for.

Bom Carnaval!