An Unexpected Friend, Jahud Said

Schedules in Brazil seem to change on a moments notice and I am given the information on Sunday when I wake up, that I will be leaving on a 2pm bus back to Manaus. As usual, I dont ask any questions and Im somewhat relieved. Manaus is sounding like America at this moment :) I pack my bags and find myself on my own for a few hours. I decide to take a walk down a beautiful path with overhanging trees that runs down the main strip of town. A little exercise and a little time-passing.

About six blocks along, I notice a Cyber Cafe. I cross the street and grab for the door - locked. I notice a boy - no more than 18 sitting on his bike and he seems to be waiting. My first thought is who is this bozo. I motion with my watch and speak ^A Che Ora^ then another motion at the Cafe. He says something and I figure he means noon. For a few weird minutes, we have a conversation where he speaks portuguese and I understand him generally with my responses as Si or Eh or even uh Huh. We understand each other until I get annoyed (often around here) since I have been there for 20 minutes past twelve.

I mention Aqua and point to a store. He waits - I buy - I return.

As If we have been friends for a long time - we hang together for another 10 minutes when he motions that he has a laptop in his backpack. I guess he trusts to show it to me. Its an ACER (I think thats cheap in the US). Why do I care that he has a laptop unless he can get internet on it. But why would he be waiting here if he could. He motions to a bench and has me sit down. Upon reving it up to a screen. He motions for me to type. Its a translation software program for english and portuguese.

It was one of the greatest feelings in 2 weeks. I CAN COMMUNICATE! I think he was as overjoyed as I was and we went back and forth for a half hour or so chatting about Obama, family, Itacoatiara, America, School and God. It was an phenomenal moment. After we realized no one was coming to open the Cyber Cafe - he translates through the computer that there is another one on the other block. I yell at him over the computer. ARE YOU NUTS - WHY DIDNT YOU MENTION THIS AN HOUR AGO! He laughs and we walk - I get an email or two out and now I have to go make my 2pm bus.

Outside the Cyber Cafe, he pulls his laptop out one more time.

His final words were ^Thank you for the time, I hope you will be my friend forever^

We exchanged emails as phone numbers are useless and I wave goodbye. I traverse the quiet dirty street alone with the sun beating from its highest peak - probably never to see Jahud Said ever again, but his spirit is with me as I made a close connection and a great experience that will live with me forever.

Its amazing how important language can be...