Brazilians Offer A Bit Of Samba Before Buddha

[Totster]

FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship

Brazilians offer a bit of samba before Buddha

Brazil sensation Marta prepares to enter the inner sanctum

11 Nov 2004

On a typically hot and steamy Thai day in the northern city of Chiang Mai, one of the favourites to win the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship took time out to relax and take in some of the traditional Buddhist culture at the famous Doi Suthep Temple. It was the first chance for Brazil, victorious over Italy 2-1 in the previous day's match, to let off some steam from the intensity of the tournament, and the Samba Princesses brought a little bit of the Copacabana with them to the land once known as Siam.

With bemused monks, perplexed residents and confused tourists eyeing them all the while, the Seleçao toured the beautiful 14th century mountaintop complex with all of the excitement and friendliness that Brazilians are famous for. Locals say that you have not actually visited Chiang Mai until you have seen Doi Suthep, and if that is the case then the Group B favourites have now settled into the city that is likely to be their launching pad for greater things.

Beating the white elephant

According to legend, the temple is located on the spot where a white elephant carrying holy relics died from exhaustion, and it's no wonder given the steep climb out of the city to reach the site. Rising from 300 to almost 1700 metres above sea level via a long and winding road, the spectacular view of the city and surrounding mountains was the first stop for the young, vibrant South Americans.

Members of the Brazilian team visiting Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai, 11 November 2004

(FIFA.com)

It was a perfect photo op, and many of the visitors took advantage as well. How often do 20 Brazilian teenagers in training kit descend on a holy site in the jungles of northern Thailand?

From there, two rows of massive temple bells drew the attention of the team. Festive but alarming clanging rang out through the area and undoubtedly down to the city itself as the laughing girls took turns yanking on the 'rakhang' as they are known in Thai. It's a safe bet that it was surely one of the oddest moments in the history of this holiest of Thai shrines.

But, if the bells were fun, the smiles were wider still when the young ladies spotted a series of various sized drums. Immediately, the bounding rhythm of the samba became recognisable and then the whistles started. It could not be a Brazilian day out without a little carnival.

Polite dress only please

Because polite dress is required in the strictly Buddhist areas of the temple, the Brazilians were forced to don large swathes of clothing to cover their bare arms and legs. "It's a skirt, like in Scotland," said their Thai guide.

Wrapping up in the baggy pants and robes provided an opportunity for an impromptu dress-up session as well as some light-hearted dancing.

Brazil's U-19 team rocks the beat in Northern Thailand.

(FIFA.com)

"The girls were so anxious to get out of the hotel," said their coach Luiz Ferreira. "They have had jet lag and have been in their rooms trying to sleep when they aren't training. It's good for them to enjoy themselves a little at such an event."

With some ice cream cones consumed and innumerable vendors inspected and rejected, the Brazilians headed down the hallowed 306 steps of the Naga Staircase. Back onto the bus, and after a short detour to check out a souvenir market, they made their way back for some heavy-duty weight training. The heat and humidity of the day had started to wear on the girls, but surely such a chance to recharge their batteries will help them in their trying quest to capture their first women's title.

The Samba Princesses get their tournament back underway on Saturday 13 November against Nigeria, a little calmer and placid perhaps after communing with the Buddhist spirit so tangible in the Doi Suthep.

FIFA.com