The Wandering Foodie

Part I: In Search of the Redeemer

The train moved slowly up the steep mountain, barely making a sound as the electricity powered it forward. On the left, one could see the trees and underbrush, and to the right, panoramic views of the lake and city horizon stretched out far below. It had only been a few hours since I touched down in Rio and, despite the weariness and jet lag, I bought a ticket to tour the country’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue. I was not in Brazil purely as a tourist. My NYC-based dance studio was hosting a weekend bootcamp in the city, a busy and promising two days with personalized focus on improving our dance skills and refining our technique.

But, that all wouldn’t start until tomorrow. Today, it was time to go see the Redeemer. Completed in 1931, the nearly 100-foot statue of Christ, his arms akimbo, is a tribute to faith and considered one of the seven new wonders of the world. Ironically, looking at the monument from down in the valley, within the city itself, it looks rather tiny. It wasn’t until I stood right under it looking up that I began to marvel. I walked around the back of the statue to discover a small church tucked into the base. Here, a white-robed priest administered the Eucharist to a small group of Catholic tourists. As I stood there respectfully looking on, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ own words when he spake of worship and his own deity. In one place in the Bible, his disciples, having seen an incredible vision high up on a mountain, suggested that they build a tabernacle in Jesus’ honor. He wasn’t too into it. Furthermore more, a verse scripture says: “Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?“

Jesus never needed statues, monuments, or august cathedrals. If we want to truly honor him, we need to follow his example, heed his teachings, touch people the way He did. The best way to show Christ to the world is to be Christlike in our actions and behaviors.

Part II: The Dancer Becomes a Leader

I gripped the metal bar with my hands and slowly rose up high on my tip toes and then lowered my foot back slowly. Flanked on either side by my coaches, I didn’t so much as practice Argentine Tango as I practiced being in tune with my body and feet. It sounds simple, but it was hard work. Over and over again, we practiced, the coaches giving tips and encouragement. It was frustrating at times and felt just giving up and going home. Again and again I went up and down, side to side, always focusing on the feet.

But, I kept going. Not just because this was what I flew thousands of miles for, but because, slowly, I began to see the growth. This became even more evident in the next session as we switched to Bachata. At first, I was hesitating, leaning back, not positioning my body more closely towards my coach as we danced this sensual Latin dance. The other coach took keen note of this.

“Don’t be afraid to lean into her, you won’t hurt her. If you don’t, it throws you both off balance.”

It seems small, but it made a big difference. Soon we were flying across the room, twisting, turning, bending and looking like those sexy couples in an IG story. I was learning and having fun. I was growing and hungry for more. But, it was more than just about suave dance moves. I was learning more deeply about balance, detail, discipline and leadership.

Late in the evening, I joined my fellow students for a ice cold beer (Brazil’s own Original) as we sat on Copacabana beach, the dark waves of the Atlantic lapping up on the sands not far from us. We had worked hard and we were tired. But, the lessons of faith, balance, leadership and Rio’s vibrant, welcoming spirit had been well worth the journey.