Vem pra rua, vem!

Monday night was crazy. I went home as fast as I could, threw on old clothes and Thiago's Superman T-shirt. Then we made our way to the train. In the car I was praying. I literally told God I was about to pee in my pants because I was afraid of what was going to happen, but knew I needed to do this. From the train, we went to the subway. We could barely make it on the subway. The station was packed out with people headed towards Faria Lima. And when we finally got to Faria Lima, my heart was beating faster than ever before. Fear, excitement, confusion, and courage filled the air. Anger, hatred, love, and spirit were everywhere. Police were inside and outside the station guiding people and helping things run smoothly. After meeting up with a friend, Thiago and I stepped outside to one of the most beautiful events I have ever seen. A great multitude of people standing up for what rightfully belongs to them: Justice, freedom, and democracy.  Thousands of people in the same spirit. Anger and frustration, but standing up. Telling the government that enough is enough and it's time to stop. It's time to start leading the country as if they loved the people instead of stealing from the people. It was a sea of signs, Brasil flags, chants, and singing. One of the leaders of the protest was leading us in a chant and then we began walking. Walking. Walking. A huge business and commerce avenue was shut down. Shops closed up early and people rushed to get home before we showed up. The whole street was packed with people on both sides. We were all chanting together: telling people to *censor*, calling people from buildings to join us, saying to put your hands up because R$3,20 is a robbery, and many, many other things. My favorite was (translated) "What a coincidence: no police, no violence". It was extremely peaceful. Just walking and shouting. There was even a part when everyone was jumping because of a chant that said, "If you don't jump, then you want the bus fares raised!" Buses, cars, and motorcycles were stuck because of all the people for 2 hours, at least. A big tunnel was shut down. One of newest bridges was overtaken. When we passed the public buses, instead of breaking them or spray-painting them, flowers were given to the bus drivers. Signs of protest were put on the windows. But there absolutely no violence.
People were dancing in the streets. In the buildings, people would wave white sheets and towels to show their support. I got goosebumps because some parts were just amazing. People were everyone. If you looked forward or backward, the parade of people had no end. The news say it was 65 thousand, but I guarantee it was hundreds of thousands.
Today the bus fare was put back down to R$3,00 but this is just the beginning, I hope. Brasil needs to stand up for the education system, for medical care, for good public transportation, for good laws, for safety, and so many other things. Yet the only thing our leaders seem to think about is the billion reais they are putting into a new stadium for the World Cup when they aren't even using the stadiums we already have. They are more concerned with their vacation money than with the hundred of teachers that could be employed with half of that money. I hope to play a bigger part in this huge revolution that is beginning to occur. This is a great first step and I pray that many more are to come.