The Estrada Real, which passes through Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, is a route desired by many cyclists and those who like to travel by car. That’s why it’s surprising to hear about someone who made this path on foot.
Richard Oliveira (@vidademochila) traveled the stretch between Ouro Preto (MG) and Paraty (RJ) like this, walking. In total, there were 710 km. Some of his journey can be seen in the documentary “A Backpacker on the Royal Road”, on YouTube.
This is the second pilgrimage of Goiás. The first was in your state and was recorded in the documentary “Um Mochileiro no Caminho de Cora Coralina”, which I’ve already talked about here.
With years of practice in recording and editing video, Richard makes good footage, with his drone and cameras stuck in a corner. An unsuspecting spectator may even think that there is a cameraman accompanying the goiano as he leaves along the way.
Whoever thinks that the video only has beautiful images, of green fields and countryside cities, with one or another ox, there are many reflections and testimonies. After all, Richard walked alone for 29 days – another 9 were rest days.
Being without company is heavy. It weighs more than walking 710 km or carrying a backpack (and your house) all the time.
In the most striking testimony, the traveler talks about his style of living, in which he makes decisions quickly to solve problems. And that also influenced how he dealt with grief over his father’s death. More sensitive people will cry along with the bald man.
In addition to his moments of reflection, Richard included in the video a mini-lecture by a history teacher about the Inconfidência Mineira. Important to remember the prominence that the region had centuries ago.
Like the first documentary, this one is also independent. At the end of the video, he explains his reasons and provides data for anyone who wants to contribute.
Notice to passengers 1: My colleague Luiza Pastor has a blog, here at sheet, dedicated to those who like to walk, whether on trails or walks around. I recommend reading It’s Right There
Notice to passengers 2: I recently talked about a documentary series, also independent, “Patagônia”. They are beautiful images and a very acidic text.
