Here's to you, Lisbon

View from the Santa Justa Elevator-Chiado

Lisbon has always been an exciting city. I get to Lisbon and I find a chilly and rainy city, but as the hours go by, the blue skies of Lisbon, so familiar to me, began to open and illuminate my eyes and my spirit. Naturally, the most common topic here is the European crisis, the problems people are having, the cuts in pensions and important social rights long acquired. Other than this, life goes on in Lisbon. Charming, lots of tourists, good food, and a chaotic organization that makes us, Brazilians, envy Lisbon's dwellers. But, I'm here not to copy or mime, but to savor whatever Lisbon offers me. History, new friends, long and wonderful walks around the historical sites which, naturally, take me to the historical Salvador. Lisbon will always be here. Bright and sunny, and usual, even in November, the month of chilly days. Lisbon. Great being here!

Ladies and gentlemen, Magary Lord

My state of Bahia, Brazil, keeps surprising me all the time. In many areas, but arts and music, it seems to be unbeatable in revealing new talents. Our new name "on the block" is Magary Lord. This 36-year-old Afro-Brazilian born and raised in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Salvador has become global. Recently known for the African rhythms, especially Angola's black semba, the man makes us all dance. Magary or Francisco Pereira Chagas, got his artistic name from the character of one of his favorite Japanese series, MacGaren, and the surname Lord given by his father in honor to the lords from England. At least this is what records say. Anyway, I have been to one of his shows and I just loved his dance, his character, his beat, his charisma. He was "the man" last Carnival in Bahia, and now is enjoying a lot of his well-deserved success. A regular partner of Seu Jorge's, the fantastic "carioca" pop star, Magary is one of those great talents that make us believe our sources are indeed infinite. Whether we like him or not, everybody is singing "Billy Jean, Billy Jean, my love", and "Circulou, circulou, circulou, é tão maravilhoso o nosso amor". I confess I was biased, but the guy is good. Live long, Magary. The world is yours!