It’s official: Brazilian woman is world’s oldest person

Hi all,

I will get that post of the Leblon jazz festival up as soon as I can. Meanwhile, you might be interested to know that the world’s oldest person is a Brazilian.

Maria Gomes Valentim is 114 years old and, if all goes well, will turn 115 on July 9th.

Sra Valentim was born in 1896. To put things in perspective, in her early years telephones (the fixed kind) were novelties, as were automobiles. Hence there was no need for laws prohibiting people from talking on their cell phones while driving. The Wright brothers had not yet flown (and neither had Santos Dumont, for those who maintain that this Brazilian was the true father of flight). She saw two world wars, not to mention a slew of “conflicts”. She saw the space race, the landing of men on the moon, and the subsequent decline of interest in space. When Sra Valentim was born, the population of the world was well below 2 billion (that a US billion); now it’s almost 7 billion.

Sra Valentim was married for 33 years. She buried her husband in 1946. If she remarried, there are no accounts of it in the press. Smart woman.

Sra Maria was born in the interior of Brazil in the town of Carangola, Minas Gerais, where she still lives.

As is always the case when someone reaches this age, reporters asked Sra Valentim to what she attributes her longevity. She said that she eats bread and fruit for breakfast, and enjoys an occasional glass of wine. Isn’t it funny how often the old folks mention a the occasional drink?

So I say, let’s raise a glass to Sra Valentim and toast her health in Brazilian fashion.

Saúde, Dona Maria!

Até mais, guys,

 

John

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