Friends of friends can become yours too

by Kristina McGhee (Australia)

Making a local connection Costa Rica

I had been to Rio the year before so I wasn't there to do the tourist sights but more so to soak up the local culture and lifestyle I like so much. The Brazilians have a relaxed way about them and never seem rushed which makes Rio such a casual and amicable city. I love to dance so the samba clubs are always high up on my list of things to do. I research dance classes and styles all around the world and combine my passion for dance with the culture of that country. I was wandering around Ipanema market in Rio one Sunday evening when I noticed a large group of people congregated on the corner opposite. There was music playing which is an instant attraction to me. Being a curious soul I crossed the street and went to sticky nose the event. It was a men's gay fashion label parade. The outdoor tables were all full and I looked around and saw a friendly looking couple of men sitting at a table for four. I approached them and asked if I could share their table to watch the show. They were so accommodating and one had been to Australia several times so the conversation flowed over a couple of mojitos. The parade was in the street and the models had matching two piece outfits on that to me looked like summer pajamas. I have since seen the matching two piece outfit around and now know it has taken off. Turns out that one of my new friends knew the fashion label owner and he invited me to the opening party afterwards. At first I was hesitant as I'm not usually a party crasher. but they convinced me that I would be very welcome and that they would love me to go with them. However, first we had to go clothes shopping so I ended up being fashion critic in all the gay men's stores till suitable outfits were acquired. This involved several shirts and mix and match combinations till the right one was found. I loved having the final say as they seemed to respect my opinions and in the end they both looked great. Off to the party and with free flowing champagne and me totally under dressed, I was a novelty. Here I was an Australian middle aged woman in boring clothes at a gay men's fashion label opening party in Rio. Everyone wanted to talk to me which was wonderful because I wanted to talk to them too. It made me think about how diversity in people doesn't mean that we can not get on. A laugh is a laugh and friendship is accepting. No matter where you are or who you are, people appreciate kindness and acceptance and for me that night was one of the highlights of my South American trip. I cant wait for my two new friends to visit me at my home town so I can show them the fun times here as I experienced there, thanks to them letting me sit at their table.