Alto Paraiso - The High Paradise

Even though Anahata and I had pared the luggage down to one large suitcase each, we still required two cars to ferry us and the luggage about. Most Brazilian cars are small, gas savers. We were over the usual 20 kilos allotted in-country airplane travelers but Helouisa had negotiated us a special ministerial dispensation.

Sabira accompanied us on the one hour airplane hop to Brasilia where we were met by Myriangela and her husband. We went to their apartment for a lovely lunch and to trim the luggage even more as we four ladies were driving her small car three hours across the plateau to one of the hidden gems of Brazil. We would return to teach a weekend workshop.

The roads were fairly decent, through rolling farmland, with wide vistas and Myriangela zipped along with determination.

Alto Paraiso is a tiny village at the base of a range of gentle mountains. Under the ground there is a web of crystal. The stones were being harvested by local folk for awhile but the Brazilian government has actually created a National Park to protect the area. There are many rivers and waterfalls and a wide ranging representation of artsy and eccentric type friendly folk.

Sabira had given an introduction to the Tara Dance practice a year and a half ago. The word spread around the community and now there were more than 21 dancing Taras all hoping for further instruction in the practice. They had been meeting once a week for over a year and a half to dance the Qualities. We were to give three evenings of Dancing in the Dharma instruction leaving the days free to explore.

We were driven directly to Nirka's home. She is the leader of the dancing Taras and the red carpet had been rolled out in anticipation of our arrival. A crowd gathered quickly. We were told that we would not be staying in anyone's home, that being deemed unworthy of our status as Tara's reps. We were going to be put in the best posada the area had to offer. Sabira explained to us that a posada was literally translated as a "landing pad". After three hours in Myriangela's tiny tin box on wheels with our luggage heaped around our ears we were ready for a landing pad.

It seemed that there was something very special about where we were going, however. One of the entourage, a Brit named Richard, was especially wry about the proceedings. The whole gang decided to accompany us to "Camelot". Yes indeed, that was what they called it. No one had ever been inside the place so there was a great deal of loud Portuguese speculation and dramatization.

We drove three or four blocks from Nirka's lovely home through a castle like facade. The Pendragon and other Important Banners were flying from imitation turrets. The general motif was distinctly Arthurian. We were shown a photo of the owner and his lady dressed in period costume and informed that the gentleman was a reincarnation of King Arthur. The young Brazilian men who served us however were dressed more like soccer players, gorgeous and charming.

We were led to the room of Hector, one of the more important Knights. Our entire entourage accompanied us to our room. They checked out all the corners, the bathroom, the little fridge, the double bed and when we made suitable sounds of anticipated pleasure we were allowed to see them to the door.

Anahata has a few comments to add: "I became a bit concerned when we passed the more familiar sounding rooms of King Arthur, Guinivere, Parceval and Lancelot. But Hector did seem to be important enough as there was a framed plaque describing his place at the Round Table. He was King Arthur's adoptive father. The room was adorned with appropriate symbols of chivalry and for a moment I thought I was back home in medieval Briton, fully expecting a good cup of tea. One could certainly hope for dreams of pageants, duals and quests in such a place. "

Loquinhas

After a fabulous night and breakfast at Camelot our friends whisked us off for a real adventure. My request had been "nature" and we met our entourage in front of the "Lotus House" a perfect example of some of the magically eccentric architecture in the area.

Richard came with us, which was a real treat. This Englishman was helping to develop eco tourism and had some wonderful stories about some of the different grass roots organizations that were working to preserve the environment and work with both the Tribals and the small communities of once escaped African slaves.

We piled into two little cars and bumped our way through streams and around some very dicey wet mud rocks and ruts to a farmer's shed. We climbed through a fence, skirted a cow pie studded pasture and found ourselves on a path through low bush. The farmer's son was kind enough to guide us about a mile into a more forested area where there was a magnificent wooden path. Our friends explained that the property had recently been bought and the owner was developing it so that eco tourists would be able to enjoy the pools and waterfalls without causing any damage to the environment. We were some of the first to enjoy the half mile of beautifully built steps and bridges.

Our destination was a large pool and waterfall, a mermaid's delight and we all splashed about with abandon. A smaller pool and waterfall on the way had attracted Cida and Sabira to offer songs to Oshun, the Orisha of the rivers. It was the perfect spot for our group to do a meditation and I coaxed them all to sit on a tree that spanned the small waterway. We did a Tara visualization and it was easy to see her laughing and lounging in the greenery.

As everyone scrambled up the steep incline I took the liberty of a solitary swim in the crystal green waters.

On our return to the farmer's shed we found he had pressed fresh sugar cane juice for us. The way back through the bush had been a bit challenging as we lost our way and wandered about. Fortunately the sun was not in full force but the cool, wet, sweet juice brought deep sighs of pleasure.

That evening we met with the circle of Tara Dancers and the dharma flowed as sweetly as the waters we swam in. A truly satisfying day in all ways.

Enjoy.

Prema and Anahata

To view all the photos that accompany this story go to http://photo.epson.com
on the left side you will find on option listed as View Albums
Enter this email identifier travelinglight21@yahoo.com

9 Alto Paraiso