The idea came from an invitation from friends who were going to exhibit at the Comics Biennial. I confess that, at first, I wasn't considering accepting: I already knew the city, I didn't understand anything about comics, and it was in the middle of the week. As a creative person, I usually make an effort to try new things and avoid repeating places I've been before.
But you know when fate strikes in your favor? The projects were in order, I could work from there, and I'd still have the chance to learn more about the comic book universe, as well as break from the routine in good company.
And the experience was unique!
At the Comics Biennial alone, I saw illustrations ranging from the cutest characters to the darkest and most sensual. The messages were diverse, many charged with emotion, with political and social critiques presented metaphorically or literally. Infinite creativity. I also met comic artists who, regardless of their age, had a youthful and curious spirit: the ultramarathoner who once ran Aconcagua (the highest mountain in Latin America); the art teacher and clown who did a beautiful job bringing joy to hospital patients; and even a comic veteran who introduced us to a sensual Turkish song about leeks, lol.
I also visited several cool cafes and tried the controversial carne de onça (seasoned raw meat in sliced bread) for the first time. We had a class on mate and tereré at a tiny shop on Rua 24 Horas. I ran in Barigui Park with the capybaras. I visited some tourist attractions I'd been to before, but this time with a fresh perspective, noticing details I hadn't seen before. It's the same, but different, you know?
Returning to a place doesn't mean there's no novelty. If I hadn't gone, I wouldn't have learned about comics, mate tea, and tereré, I wouldn't have heard Turkish music, run with capybaras, or tasted jaguar meat. All these experiences were new. Being in a different time, with a different mindset, and different company makes all the difference. That's why my fifth time in Curitiba wasn't the same as the fourth, or the third, or the second, much less the first... In other words, it's always good to see something new again.