We're delighted to get a pretty constant stream of pictures from devoted Real Deal Brazil customers, but now and again, there's one that really stands out. The shot above reached us today from Real Deal Brazil owner Kurt Runkle of King of Prussia, Penn. Even with explanation, it's pretty hysterical.
Here's the note that came with it:
"Your hat helped protect my head from the sun but couldn't protect my face from the foam at Carnaval in Columbia South America. :)"
Kurt means Carnaval de Barranquilla, held this year March 5-8 in Colombia's second-largest city, along its northern stretch of coast. Carnaval de Barranquilla is among the world's largest Carnival celebrations, and one thing they're known for is shooting off these big canisters of foam at members of the crowd, particularly if your obviously not local. Thus the photo ...
We were so intrigued with Kurt's foam-bearded photo that we asked him to tell us a little bit more about his Carnival experiences, and also how he came to own his own Real Deal Brazil recycled-tarp hat.
He writes:
"I bought the hat over a year ago. I can’t remember exactly where I saw/heard of it. Maybe a radio station? I had just seen the movie Zombieland and the ad mentioned Woody’s hat was a RDB. So I looked it up and loved the style and the story behind it. I have given it as a Christmas present for some of my relatives. They loved it too.
As far as Carnaval. I have a friend who does tours in South America. (He loved the hat too and is getting one soon). Starting last year, me and a bunch of my friends made a pact to go visit him once a year in a different county. Last year was Belize. This year he said he was going to be in Baranquilla for Carnaval. Carnaval has always been on my bucket list. So it was a no brainer. I chose Columbia because the opportunity was there, less travel time, less chance of getting in trouble.
I shaved my head last year for charity and have kept it shaved since then. I definitely needed a hat for the South American Sun, and there was none better to take than the RDB. It is tough enough to get crammed in my back pack and pop out ready to go. Plus it looks cool, is water/foam proof and does a great job protecting me from the elements.
As far a foam. They sell 2 foot cans of foam there and anyone who looks like a gringo gets bombed. I guess I didn’t blend. It was all in good fun and we had a huge foam war with the locals. We met up with some guys from Ireland and hung out with them in the stands. So it was team USA (5 of us), team Ireland (4 of them) against team Baranquilla (everyone else). Lots of laughs, lots of drinking, lots of great experiences.
We were in Baranquilla from March 2nd until March 7th, then went to (nearby) Taganga and chilled on the beach until March 10th. It was a great vaca. And no sunburn on my dome thanks to the hat.”
Outstanding stuff! We're thrilled to have made the trip with you, Kurt!
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