A Serendipitous Evening at the Circus

On our last night in Paraty, we had one of those kismet experiences. In the early evening, we were walking over to see an old fort in an unexplored part of town. However, we found out it was closed for the day. Instead, we discovered a circus tent and sure enough there was a show that evening. After dinner, we walked back there and found out that it was run by a bunch of artistic hippies who wanted to introduce the art of the circus to people. The cost was pay what you wanted. They said that the show would start later because heavy rains earlier had caused some flooding in the tent that they were cleaning up. So, we walked over to the beach next door, grabbed some chairs and watched the lightning illuminate the bay and its scattered islands. Claire asked us some great questions about what we wanted to do after she and Mad left home, what would be our dream jobs, would we want to live in another country. Between the conversation and the beautiful weather, it was an enchanted moment.

We entered the circus tent, replete with saw dust, a few strings of lights, and rickety chairs. The audience consisted of 20 folks. The circus perfomers consisted of a clown, a fiddler, a drummer, some acrobats, a juggler and a fire tosser. They were energetic, charming and talented. As we were enjoying the show, the rain returned. We noticed that the back stage was flooded. The performers, improv experts that they were, began to wear flippers and goggles. It was cozy being inside while the rain pelted the tent. However, the water lapped into our front row and soon our feet were swimming in a stew of saw dust and water. The only problem was there were electrical cords all around us and I began to be distracted from the show. What would electrocution feel like? What a macabre way to end this earthly life. The stage hands were scrambling to lift at least the connectors from the water and I prayed there were no frayed wires. The show went on! We sloshed our way back to the hotel laughing all the way.