It seems like the longer I live here, the more hesitant I am to write a post. Certainly, during the "honeymoon" phase it was much easier to update because everything was so new and different, and I felt so encouraged to update everyone on my life here. I'm starting to feel more accustomed to everything in Floripa, and I sometimes get the feeling that I don't want to bore anyone with any stories that don't tip the amazing scale. The first year was so unbelievable that as I enter into my second year here I wonder if it can ever be topped. The truth, however, is that it doesn't need to be topped. Like with anything, the beginning of something is always the best whether it be a relationship, a job, a new car, whatever. The sign of something really great is when you pass that honeymoon stage and everything continues to be wonderful. I would say that I'm safely in this zone now. While the first year was full of new adventures, the second year has started off with much of the same only with a slightly different focus. I am still very much enjoying the parties, beaches, friends, and everything else. It's impossible to live here and not enjoy these things. The only change is that now I'm more seriously focused on putting together something that will allow me to stay here for an extended time. Business at Tatsuya continues to be good (we continue to get great feedback regarding the food, drinks, ambience, service and everything else) but as with any business in Floripa, the winter time is very difficult. The tourists are gone, it's a lot colder, and all of the businesses just buckles down into survival mode. By the time summer rolls around, we will be a year old and very well positioned to take advantage of the summer rush. While I'm doing my best to avoid being so cyclical and totally relying on the summer, I must say that, from a business perspective, summer couldn't some soon enough. Thank God Brazil has taught me a lot about patience because December isn't exactly coming tomorrow....
With Tatsuya fairly well in control, I am currently working on my next project with my partner, Dave. We are very close to closing a deal in Iguatemi, the biggest and best mall in Floripa. This is a business that we strongly believe Brazilians will embrace because it's such an obvious void here, and it's something that we both know very well. We have chosen the mall because of the obvious foot traffic that it offers although obviously that comes with a price. It's going to require a lot of work, but we're both up for the challenge and very much looking forward to it. Now, I apologize for being vague on the business, but when the time comes and everything is secure, I will happily describe the details. Until then, I have promised to keep my mouth shut....
Everything else in Floripa has been amazing. It's been awhile since my last post so I'll try to give a quick recap of everything that has happened since then. I had another house party back in May when some friends in LA were in town. It was another incredible party with lots of action, including several celebrities. Marcelo D2 and Seu Jorge, two of Brazil's most popular music artists, showed up to the excitement of everyone. They were in town filming a music video and had heard about the party so they decided to stop by (how cool is that?). It was great having them there and as with any event when celebrities are in the house, the energy always cranks up a bit, which was amazing. Each party keeps getting better so I'm going to have to come up with something extra special next time. Anyone have Justin Timberlake's phone number?
A few weeks ago I went to Curitiba with a group of friends for a legendary costume party. The party has been going on for twelve years, and everyone talks about it like it's the Holy Grail of costume parties. Therefore, I had no choice but to go, right? Well, all I can say is that it lived up to the hype. There were probably 4,000 people there, and it was an absolute show. There was incredible music, strippers (guys and girls), midgets, amazing costumes, and pretty much everything else you can imagine. I have never been to a costume party like that in my life, and I'm pretty sure that I will never see another like it so I'm super glad that I went. Outside of the party aspect, I really enjoyed being in Curitiba. It's known as the most progressive and green city of Brazil. I actually was there last year but only for a day so I didn't get to really see the city. This time we stayed in Batel, which is considered the nicest of the neighborhoods there. The thing that I was really impressed by were the restaurants. We went to this area that has about six super cool places right next to each other each with their own theme: Russian, Mexican, Irish, American, Asian, etc. We went to three of the restaurants and each had at least a 45 minute wait to eat. That would NEVER happen in Floripa. It was just very cool to see that the restaurant business is booming there with lots and lots of people out spending money. Now if only we could get that in Floripa!!!!!
This last weekend in Floripa I had the chance to enjoy Winter Play. Winter Play is basically a three day party up in Jurerê. Literally thousands of people from all over Brazil come here from this thing. It's an expensive party so I decided not to go on Friday, but I did end up going on Saturday. Let me tell you, you've never been to a party (and I realize that I say that a lot!) until you've been to this thing. It would be difficult to explain here. It's essentially just thousands of people all staying in two hotels just going for it the entire weekend. What I can say is that it's worth the trip if you ever make it. For those of you with Facebook, I just posted a few videos so you can get a feel for the vibe by checking them out there. Just don't cry that you missed it. All you can do is make sure that you come next year!
Now that winter has set in here, I am making my annual trip to the U.S. I will be leaving on June 30th and returning to Floripa on July 21st. I will be heading to LA, San Francisco, Scottsdale, and NY. It's always great to get to spend time with family and friends so I'm definitely looking forward to it. The tough part is trying to manage to see everyone in such a short span, but I will do my best as always. The one funny thing is that I always miss Floripa the second that I leave. It's like no other place that I've ever been. So, while I'm very happy to be coming back to the U.S., I know that deep down Floripa will be seducing me back. And what can I do? It's the honeymoon that never stops...
