Say What!?
Tuesday, May 16, 2006 • Posted by jcb
So this was supposed to be a johnny-on-the-spot post replete with photos of me posing with Brasilian political VIPs, witty commentary and some accompanying facts. I should have known better when I was headed to a Brasilian political function that the unexpected was expected. The occasion was a press event book signing for former Brasilan President Fernando Henrique Cardoso. When I first walked into the event, unmolested by security with not even an ID check, my hopes were high to come away with a few choice shots. Unfortunately the line to meet the President stretched out the door and he had barricaded himself in a corner. As I was otherwise engaged later in the evening, I resigned myself to score shots of some lesser know paparazzi targets. I thought I had my chance when a gaggle of people began snapping pics with the former first lady of Brasil, a Primeira-Dama as she is known here. Unfortunately for this roving fotog, I was fifth to ask Dama Ruth for a photograph and she was becoming quite steamed at all the attention, so much so that she nearly snapped my head off. It went like this… ME: “Com licença……” DAMA RUTH ” Aieeee!!!!!” glasses shatter and babies start crying… “ME DEIXE EM PAZ… QUERO COMPLETAR UMA PALAVRA COM ELE!!!” I had just been bitch slapped by a first lady for asking for a photo while she was trying to get a word in with some fool handler…. at a press event mind you. Aren’t they supposed to pose for endless pictures and deal with annoying fans at these things? Hey maybe this event wasn’t dead after all. Cool…much better than a photo. Anyway, following my public beheading, my camera broke none too coincidentally so I hit the road short on pictures but long on some sweet memories.
**UPDATE** Thanks for all the emails from people asking about the saftely conditions here in Brasil. Fortunately the violence hasn’t reached Rio de Janeiro and it seems to be quieting down considerably in São Paulo. I’ll keep you all posted.
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I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread. Now I stand accused of the things I've said.