Tonight, I have the best seat in the house as far as I´m concerned, for the ADCC 2007 finals. Michelle Nicolini sits beside me at the computer with her hands clasped tightly as I help translate the play-by-play for Robert Drysdale´s last match of the evening. Robert is her boyfriend and long-time training partner. So far, he has won 3rd place in his division, and is now facing world favourite, Marcelo Garcia, in the Absolute finals. The match is over before we are sure it has begun. Robert has defeated Marcelo in under a minute with an Anaconda choke off a takedown attempt. The world of Jiu Jitsu goes crazy, and I´ve never seen a girl so happy before in my life.
This is day 3 of my adventure in Brazil and I am overwhelmed by beauty, kindness and adventure. I will post pictures soon of Michelle´s home and family. They have treated me so well since I´ve been here. Soon, I will also tell you about my very first motorcycle rides, training Jiu Jitsu in Sao Paulo, Ricardo (Baleia) #2, a funny little parrot named Loro and beautiful sunshine and trees. Right now, I am still a little overwhelmed.
