And then we got in a van and did a Brazilian style cruise to the airport in Rio di Janeiro. I distinctly remember a point at which Ethan turned to us all and demanded that we put on our seat belts. I can’t exactly parlay to you how fast and furious this ride was. It’s one of those moments where you just sort of let go completely and don’t look at the road ahead of you… just out the side windows… and get lost in the landscape moving by in warp speed. It all becomes a Manet painting after awhile and brings sedation.
Near the end of this ride, however, I witnessed a truly inspiring event. As we approached the city limit in Rio di Janeiro, a traffic jam ensued. Suddenly, out of nowhere, as if people were dropped from spaceships, locals were strolling between cars selling tangerines from huge sacks they slung over their backs, bottles of water in other sacks, toys from China in plastic bags and sandals, among other things. Men, women and children simply snaked between cars making their wares available to trapped travelers. An instant market magically descended upon the highway. I love the survivalist tip on this—making the best of someone else’s bad situation by meeting their needs or quelling their frustrations with the instant gratification of a tangerine or a cool sip of water. I’ll be keeping this brilliant, adaptive response in mind once I’m home from tour and chasing money down.
