Pilgrims
Vacations

We didn't expect to get two pleasant surprises.

The first surprise was from a tourist who over-appreciated our show. He gave a wad of money that amounted to ten thousand US dollars in Rio when we broke between performances.

We wonder where rich tourists from who give the equivalent of one hundred and fifty million rupiah for just one street art show.

The second surprise was our victory.

After the first day we were very far away from the opposition, unexpectedly after a week we won albeit thinly. In the last days our audience was very much, because the opposing side only showed the same thing in every show so the audience seemed bored.

Our victory is thanks to the services of Rio and Pedro who creatively make a lot of storylines, so our show is not boring.

After the game was over, Jose very knightly acknowledged our superiority, and apologized to us for the deeds of his proteges.

“You don't need to apologize mestre,” Fox said. “Hopefully your humility is exemplified by your proteges.”

“I'll make sure they won't act embarrassing again,” promise mestre Jose.

“Thank you,” Fox said as she pleaded.

***

We gathered at the basecamp afterwards. Fox, Rio, Gabriel, Leon and me, at least. Pedro said goodbye after congratulating us. While the group of musicians brought Gabriel also disappeared somewhere.

The tired but happy we felt after this show was an irreplaceable moment.

“Will we what money this show made?” rio asked confusedly.

“Deliver some, some of us for average,” proposes Gabriel.

Before anyone could respond to Gabriel's proposal, Pedro came with a tall man who was about in his mid-twenties.

“Fox, can I talk to you both?” pinta the man.

“Only here, can?” answer Fox.

“But it's a little personal,” the man said again.

“Here or not at all, Rafael,” firmly Fox.

“Alright, they are your friends you trust,” said the man resignedly.

“Your show is great,” he told us all.

Then he switched to Fox again. “Begini, Fox. You're twenty-one another week old. Have you decided?”

“Ya,” Reply Fox.

“Dan?” ask Rafael.

“And I will take off that academy,” said Fox steadily.

“Although that means resisting the wishes of our father?” ask Rafael again.

“I think Luis' real wish is to reconcile the three of us. All this time I've kept my distance from you. So did you and Ramon who always kept their distance from me. I don't think Luis would mind anyone running that academy, as long as the three of us improve,” Fox replied.

“Well, that's exactly what I'm here for. Indeed, we used to be a bit jealous because I was more concerned with you who were only adopted children. But now that Dad's gone and we have no other family, you're the only one left. We realize it is not good to constantly ignore family members themselves. From now on, will you really consider us your brothers?” pinta Rafael's.

“Sure. I'm sorry if all this time I acted at will,” replied Fox.

Rafael smiled with relief. “Ramon is getting married this weekend, he wants you to come,” Rafael said. “Oh, invite your friends too.”

Rafael left after saying goodbye to all of us. After that, for a moment no one spoke until Gabriel continued the conversation that had been cut off.

“Donated and then divided equally, agree?” Gabriel suddenly made a sound.

Be the decision, the money from the show was donated in part to Greenpeace. The rest were divided equally among all of us, including Pedro and the mysterious musicians.

***

After attending Fox's eldest sister's wedding reception, we all went back to taking time off, and decided to take a trip. All the tension before the game, as well as the training routine that we never stop wanting to relieve with this trip.

Fox led the deliberation, after which we (except Gabriel) marathoned, to determine the destination of our trip.

Rio immediately let out his opinion. “How about we tackle the whole of Central America and South America? The cost is much cheaper than traveling around Europe or North America. We definitely can have a lot of experience.”

“It will take too long and cost too much because the track is too long. You have never even been out of this city,” Fox told Rio. “Maybe there is another opinion?"

Gabriel gave an opinion. “To the ruins of the maya, how? A lot of history, right there? I've been wanting to go there for a long time.”

Fox squinted his forehead. “Which else how?"

Rio spoke up, "I think our trip is not to be a tourist in someone else's country, but to sort of backpack and spend time together. Sorry, Gabriel, I disagree. But if the others agree, I'll follow.”

I raised my hand and spoke to Fox. “Fox seems like it would be difficult for me to travel outside Brazil. His bureaucratic affairs will be long.”

“I can help take care of it,” timpal Gabriel.

Ugh, he's starting again.

“You and Leon don't have to worry. Give me your passports! Let me take care of the visa for you,” continued Gabriel.

Die me. I have a passport. What exactly is his job?

I don't mean to hide my problems from them. I could be honest and tell you right now that what brought me here wasn't a plane but a wormhole. So I don't need a passport to get here. But, it feels so hard to say. I don't know where to start.

Amidst my confusion, it was Leon's words that truly became a savior.

“I have a suggestion, what if we only travel around Brazil? Some of us haven't even been out of town, have we? We can explore the jungle, climb mountains, dive, camp, and explore the corners of Brazil. No need to go out a lot of money, not too far, and most importantly me and Maya do not need to be bothered bureaucratic affairs.”

Gabriel is still standing. “I told you not to bother..”

Fox cut Gabriel's words. “Good idea, Leon. Others agree?”

All but Gabriel simultaneously nodded and said in agreement.

***

I say goodbye to Diego and Maria on the day of departure for my backpacking activities with the others. My little luggage I put in my backpack.

Diego and Maria took turns hugging me. Hugging Diego seemed to hug a lump of meat without emotion. Yeah, nevermind.

Me and the others gathered at basecamp. We're only five. Pedro didn't come, because there was business. We have prepared everything we need.

In addition to personal items, we brought two tents, simple cooking utensils, a large flashlight, a compass, and a map.

We also leave.

***