Through Rain and Resolve

The depth of the forest is unfathomable,

not just because of what you can or cannot see,

but because of its ever-changing nature.

I woke up to the sound of rain, grateful for last night's decision to find a roof. Even though Florianopolis wasn't as cold as Uruguay, the rain amplified the night chill. I awoke to the cold several times during the night, performing push-ups or sit-ups to generate warmth. As dawn broke around 6 AM, I packed up and moved to the nearby gas station. Due to its location within the town, the flow of cars was sparse, most of them local. An attendant suggested that the next gas station, located about 8km away, would be more fruitful for hitchhiking. The distance seemed daunting, especially with the rain showing no signs of letting up. The attendant recommended taking a bus, but I knew I couldn't. At the same time, embarking on a wet march wasn't an enticing prospect either. In truth, ever since my trek across the dunes, I'd contemplated ending this journey. Just return to São Paulo, I'd thought, and then the comforts of capitalism. Had that longing for comfort weakened my spirit?

Despite my determination, my attempts at hitchhiking at the next gas station were also futile. With no other option, I began my long walk back, rain pouring down relentlessly. The downpour obscured my vision, and passing cars sprayed more water on me as they zoomed past. Torn in parts, my raincoat barely covered my torso, and I had to hold it in place as I walked. My hat, pants, and shoes had long been drenched, making a squelch with each step. The path offered no place to sit or rest. A voice inside me chided, taunting cleverness and efficiency. Yet, another voice countered, reminding me that adversity wasn't a punishment but a test. It's not about whether you can overcome it but whether you want to. The destination is reachable on foot; not making those steps is only a mistake. The rain continued its tireless assault, but with each step, my resolve solidified. This wasn't just about reaching a destination but proving that I had a will.

The Silver Lining in Tijucas

Amid the uncertainty,

the universe has its own way

of showing us the path.

I had walked a long way. As the sun descended, the rain eased but its drizzle persisted. On the outer flap of my backpack, I had attached a bicycle rearview mirror, a remnant from long ago. The mirror, I believed, would reflect the lights of vehicles approaching from behind, making me more visible and possibly safer. With this in mind, I continued on the darkening wet road.

After a while, I noticed a sign for a gas station that was only a kilometer away. Soon, I arrived at the outskirts of a quaint city illuminated by the shimmering lights reflecting off the river that flowed through it. I paused on a bridge to take in the picturesque view of the rippling waters and the city lights. Only when I stopped did I realize that the rain had ceased, allowing me to enjoy a moment of peaceful relief.

Rather than stopping at the gas station, I decided to explore the city center in search of shelter. I stumbled upon a sign: "Tijucas." After discovering that there was no established Albergue in the area, I headed to the local fire station to try my luck again. Even though I had been turned away from other places in Brazil before, I felt it was worth a shot.

A man seating at the fire station entrance listened to my plea. He led me to the office of the station chief, who surprisingly accepted my request with little hesitation. A firefighter briefly checked my passport, then showed me to a makeshift sleeping area in their gym, setting up a mattress for me. Moments later, he guided me to the dining area, where a plate of food awaited, still warm from the microwave. The meal was heartwarming and delicious---a much-needed reprieve from the day's hardships. With its abundant hot water, the shower that followed felt heaven-sent. It was as if the universe was rewarding me for my perseverance.

A firefighter named Carlos Eduardo came to see me. He used a Portuguese-English dictionary to ask me questions about my travels. Eventually, he asked me to write his name in Korean. His reason for asking it no longer surprised me: he planned to tattoo it on his shoulder.

Feeling exhausted, I took a moment to reflect on the day. Despite enduring persistent rain and walking approximately 35km, I was surprised that my bare feet, swollen from the damp shoes, were free of blisters. The challenges I faced throughout the day seemed to fade away thanks to the warmth and kindness of Tijucas.