During the Boston Harborfest this summer, tall ships entered Boston Harbor from all over the world. They were decorated with flags, and had perfectly immaculate "swabbed decks".

The best part of the festival, for me, was being able to speak--with mediocre Spanish prowess--to the dedicated men and women aboard the boats from Latin America. It made me feel as if I had travelled all the way to Brazil when in fact, Brazil had kindly come all the way to me.
And when I accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up in the sailors' cabins, Brazil kindly told me to exit their bedroom/dance floor/eating quarters.
With a smile and a "gracias por su tiempo", I took my leave.
And the boats marvelled the next thirty-five people in line behind me.

Boston Harborfest June 28th -- July 4th, 2012