Out With the Old, in With the New...Is It, Really?

I'm not being very original, am I? Neither is the rest of the world, it seems. Israel is bombing Gaza and hundreds are dying. Hotels in Rio are at 100% occupancy; two million people are expected in Copacabana Beach tonight. I went to Ipanema yesterday morning and to the Botanical Garden in the afternoon, and can vouch for the presence of hordes of happy tourists in town. If you want to know what else I saw, you must read my post of December 2007, so I don't have to repeat myself (didn't I say "same old, same old?"). On this last day of 2008, I'd like to tell you about one perceptible change that took place about three blocks from where I live; a very tiny one in Rio terms, but quite a significant one nonetheless. There's a small favela (10,000 people) in my neighborhood called Dona Marta; according to recent editions of the local papers it's been finally "liberated" from drug dealers in a new model of occupation by the State: 125 recent graduates of police academies have moved in as a permanent "community unit." This means that working people will no longer be hostages to criminals; that they should be getting regular utilities soon (as opposed to illegal hookups), and other basic services, such as a daycare and a health clinic. Also, no more fireworks at all hours of day or night, announcing the arrival of a new shipment of drugs and, apparently, no more blaring music all night long (to the general delight and relief of residents and neighbors alike). Real estate agents in this area report increased interest in apartment buildings in the vicinity; also, that values have jumped up suddenly (as you can imagine, living practically next door to violence and drugs won't bring you top price for your property). A couple of reporters from O Globo even ventured to spend the night up there. Considering that journalists who make incursions into such areas rarely come out unscathed (or alive, for that matter), this IS news, indeed! If this experiment is successful, there's hope for other favelas and the city yet.

Last night I walked to the edge of the lagoon to meet a couple of friends (we've had a break from the rains, as you may have guessed!). We just stood there in the breeze admiring the floating Christmas Tree. We talked about the numerous birds that are now, we hope, a permanent fixture there. It means there are fish, one friend said. And that means the water is getting cleaner, I added.

As to New Year's Eve, well, it's shaping up nicely, too. I thought I was going to be alone, but I now have two invitations. I ran into my next door neighbor downstairs; she told me she's going to be home and if I wanted to knock on her door around nine or so...Then a friend who lives two buildings away from me called. Her mom is coming over and her cousin and would I be interested in joining them for a glass of champagne? Isn't life so much better when you don't make any plans?

Happy New Year! I wish I could go to sleep and wake up on January 20th, don't you?