My bday started off by relaxing in the lounge watching the UFC, Griffin Vs Jackson, it was a good fight but I always knew Griffin would win. Mj and Gabi came to wish me happy bday, both looking as hungover as eachother from a crazy night out but both up for more!

 

We set up the pool area on the ground floor with chairs and tables. I was very impressed and grateful for all the effort by Gabis family. They organised the whole thing! Heaps of food and heaps of drinks too. I couldnt ask for a better host.

 

Unfortunately Gabi lost her phone the night before and so we wernt sure how many people would still turn up. We ended up with about 20 people which was good, but also kinda strange considering I didnt really know any of them.

 

I cracked open my 1.75 litre bottle of vodka and the day began. Mamma was on the BBQ most of the day cooking up tasty yet salty cuts of meat and some cheese sticks too. Brazilians love their cheese! Almost everything has an option of cheese. 

 

The afternoon was spent eating drinking and chatting like any normal party, and come midnight we had packed up and kicked everyone out. It was time for the Rodeo though I felt like passing out instead.

 

Ive never been to a rodeo so I wasnt too sure what to expect. It was about a 15 minute drive to this small town and the first thing I notcied was that the event was sponsored by the beer brand 'Crystal'. The street lights for about 50 meters were replaced with Crystal signs, and Crystal banners were pinned up everywhere.

 

Inside was just like a carnival and I guess like any rodeo, Food and drink stalls, fairy floss, rides and games. The main arena had some horse riding thing on where the rider had to get the horse around 3 barrels setup in a triangle shape as quickly as possible. We struggled to find a seat in the stands and then when we did, we had people standing in front of us so our view wasnt the best.

 

Randomly fireworks shot off in a huge display from the center of the arena. Well it might not have seemed so random if I had understood what was being shouted over the speakers. After the fireworks started the bull fighting. Its just like on TV, people holding on for the ride while the bull goes mental. I was hoping to see the bull take out a clown or two but they were obviously well trained. After the rider fell off the gate was opened and the bull turned and left.

 

At the end of the show the stadium gates were opened and people poured into the arena and headed to the front where the bulls came out from. While I was trying to figure out what so many people were rushing in to see Mamma and Gabi snuck us into the VIP area. We settled into one of the VIP booths that over looks the arena and bam! A band started up on the stage at the head of the arena with a huge light show and even bigger sound system. The crowd that had now filled the arena went crazy. The rodeo had just turned into a full on concert!

 

Still feeling like a zombie from a full day of drinking I made myself comfortable and enjoyed the show. It was all country music so I couldnt understand the lyrics but just watching the sea of people in the arena was good fun. By now it was about 3am and I thought the night would be over, little did I know... Once the band had finished a dj started playing in the VIP area we were in, and on the other side of the arena I could hear another dj start up too. The rodeo had transformed again, this time into a nightclub!

 

My first Rodeo turned out to be pretty amazing and made for a really good birthday too :)