Brazil Part 2 - Hoped for an Interview, Only Got a Picture!

One of the elite forces in the world, the Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (BOPE), based in Rio, Brazil, are a force to be reckoned with. They have a tough selection process similar to that of elite units in the world and they are feared force amongst the organized criminals they target. I first heard of them from Chirs Ryan's elite world cops documentary quite a few years back. They were also popularized by the 'fiction' movie Tropa de Elite, a must see for anyone interested in Brazil, corruption, BOPE and all out action! Based on a book written by a former BOPE member André Batista and Rodrigo Pimentel it journeys through the drug trade in the favellas and the role of BOPE in countering this. It also addresses how corruption is weaved into the system and the years it will take to rid the country of this.

So my travels in the country demanded that I pay homage to the headquarters in Laranjeiras in Rio de Janeiro and see if I could arrange an interview with Lt.Col. René Alonso, commander of BOPE. Preparing my interview questions I wanted to focus on the World Cup 2014 and role of the BOPE in the event. As everyone is most likely familiar with, the crime rate in Brazil is high and the tourists fears need to be alleviated. Its something which worries every visitor to the country. Funnily enough, it wasn't an issue for me at all, maybe because I blended in very easily. Its a good thing to have a look at the dress sense beforehand and try to dress similarly. Everyone was speaking to me in Portuguese! As I headed off to their base, which was on top of a hill, I entered and was greeted by two BOPE guards at the front gate. I presented my media card and asked for Lt Rene Alonso and they radioed in to see if anyone was available for an interview. The problem, which I should have forseen, was there was no one who spoke English and the only person who did, Lt.Col. René Alonso, had literally just driven past me exiting the base! So a lack of preparation on my part. If I had e mailed before hand, I'm sure someone would have been available. So I left empty handed.... but not all was lost! I managed to take a picture of the front gate!!!! (which I'm sure you'll find on the internet) The writing in Portuguese reads, 'Welcome'...'No Sudden Movements'  

Brazil Part 1 - Carioca for a Month

The pope at Copacabana beach, just missed him!

"Neck aches, Caipirinhas and lots of Não Intendos"

Arriving in Rio de Janeiro at the same time as the pope, was a rude awakening. Amazing to see so many people cram onto Copacabana beach. Atmosphere was really buzzing! I didn't get a chance to meet the pope but would have loved to catch up with him. He had a busy schedule and so did I. :)

Stayed in Rio for a month and I opted out of visiting the major backpacking destinations around the country. This meant I had the time to learn the basics of Portuguese and also roll around at different BJJ clubs. I also got the chance to visit the Amazon! Growing up listening to David Attenburugh and and the miracles of the Amazon, it seemed a distant land and one which only the lucky could visit but here I was, in the midst of the mighty Amazon for over 5 days! Praise be to God!

Watch this space for BJJ clubs, Favellas, BOPE and the Amazon....