After a full day tour of several
attractions, a bit tired and concerned that I have been pushing myself a bit
too much, I thought of returning to the hotel. On a second thought, I decided
that it might be a good idea to go to the Se Cathedral since it was on my list of
places to see in Brazil. I was warned that the area around is not the safest. I
was stuck between exhaustion, concern and excitement.
I decided to still go, I mean come on! I have
been around the world by myself. A neighborhood cannot come in my way!
All excited, admiring the graffiti on the
walls, I make my way to the Cathedral and think how blessed I am to have the
nature on my side. It was such a beautiful, sunny day to enjoy the town. The
taxi driver was not talkative, and didn’t look very friendly either. He was
probably laughing inside, thinking I was out of my mind to go to a risky area
with a camera and so many shopping bags in hands. Since I pretty much do what I
feel like, I wasn’t worried. I happily enjoyed the sun cuddling my face and the
new place I was going to explore.
Finally, we arrived in the area and from a
distance I saw a glimpse of the Cathedral. I was absolutely captivated by the
architecture and I couldn’t hide the sigh of admiration. The taxi driver looked
behind to check if I was okay, and then he told me in Portuguese that he needs
to go around. Now don’t think I speak Portuguese; I am lucky to speak a bit of
Spanish and Italian so I kind of figured what he was trying to say.
As I got out of the taxi, the driver
asked if I want him to wait for me, but with confidence I let him go. As a
precaution, I decided to wear my backpack on the front. In one right hand I
held onto the shopping bags and in the other my cellphone. To be very honest, I
never hold my phone so tight. As soon as I got out of the car, a tiny shiver ran
down my spine by just looking at the view in front of me, but the feeling was gone
shortly as I put my head up and saw the breathtaking view of the Cathedral. The
sounds of the street and the way everyone was watching worried me a little.
With my left hand, almost breaking my fingers with the tight grip of my
cellphone, I started filming a video of the small park in front of the
Cathedral. Everything was new to me. I could see a group of beggars sleeping on
the pavement. Others were chilling next to a tree. The entire street was full
of the sounds and songs people were singing.
I carry on while taking pictures and
videos, impressed by the impetuous cathedral. From time to time, I stopped to
find the right angle, which I was calculating in my head. Suddenly, I heard a
sharp scream. I really didn’t understand if it was a scream or a cry for
attention. I looked behind me, just about five meters away, a woman was moving
frantically and pointing towards a bicycle that just passed by. Uh oh! She got
her bag or cell phone snatched. I looked around, nobody blinked. There were so
many people in the piazza that could put the guy down, two police cars a bit
farther down, but nobody moved an inch. In this instance, I got very conscious
about my surroundings and how I was being watched.
Now the funny thing is that even the thieves
must be confused seeing me. They were probably wondering if I was really alone,
if it was worth taking a chance to rob me or if I am an undercover agent
because clearly all my gadgets were out in the open. I was also constantly
moving and bending for the right shot.
Anyway, after the incident, I instantly
stopped taking pictures and put my cell phone and camera away. I quietly climbed
the steps of the Cathedral. I still felt watched and analyzed. Once in front of
the massive wooden gates of the cathedral, I decided to take my electronic
devices out for one last shot of the impetuous Cathedral.
I could breathe once inside, I felt like
I was on a dangerous mission, just like James Bond in his movies. The inside was
as beautiful as the outside and I felt happy that I didn’t go back to the
hotel. The architecture and history is worth to witness.
You might think I am courageous or
unconscious, but honestly I do calculate my risks. And sometimes the best things
in life happen when you take risks.
I would like to share a few advice if
you are travelling to Se Cathedral or any area that may have such risks
involved. Leave your valuables and extra bags at the hotel. Carry a cheap phone
for regular use. Buy a wallet that is for travel purpose only which don’t have
your cards, just small bills. Try dividing the bills in various pockets. Get an
anti-theft bag (wear it in the front) for cameras or expensive phones. Such
bags are designed specifically for travel, made of slash-proof fabric and have
features such as cut-proof, steel-cable-reinforced shoulder straps and locking
zippers. Anti-theft bags are available online on Amazon, Travelon, and other
retailers.
No comments:
Post a Comment