Edilson Lima is a native of Brazil who works as a samba teacher in Chicago.
Rio or Chicago 2016? Who does he want to win the 2016 Summer Olympics?
"If Chicago gets it, I'll be happy because I live here. I think it's going to be great for the city," said Lima, 40, who has lived in Chicago the last 11 years. "But if Chicago doesn't get it, I'll also be happy because I am from Brazil. I have a Brazilian heart. I am on both sides."
He doesn't think Madrid or Tokyo have a chance. "No. It's going to be Chicago or Rio," said the choreographer of the Samba 1 Dance Group pictured here on the left.
Lima spoke about the strengths of each city. He said on this point they are tied.
He said the friendly people, the architecture and the summer festivals are some of the best things Chicago has to offer.
"The winter is harsh but in the summer the city just becomes alive. I think Chicago in the best city in the (United States,)" Lima said.
He gushed over Rio too. He mentioned the beautiful beaches, beautiful people and of course Carnival.
"Rio is a magic place. It's a beautiful place," Lima said. "People enjoy life whether you have money or you don't have money."
Who would benefit more economically from the games?
Lima said Rio.
"There are a lot of people who have absolutely nothing and they struggle every day to survive (in Rio)," Lima said.
He said that in Chicago there are more jobs available even if they are at McDonald's or as a janitor mopping floors. But he said there are no jobs in Rio and the city is overpopulated.
"Here in Chicago if you want to work, you can work," Lima said.
He said that in Rio some young people have to resort to crime or selling drugs. But that also can happen in Chicago too.
"It's a whole social problem that needs to be addressed," Lima said.
But I had to ask him another not so important question. Who can throw a better party? Chicago or Rio?
"I'm sorry but I'm definitely going to have to say Rio. You feel the energy, the vibe, the Brazilian spirit. They really know to hold a great party," Lima said.
Lima is a man with a heart in both places.
"I love Chicago. It's great place to be. Right now I'm happy in Chicago," he said. "But maybe some day I'll retire and go to Rio."
Read more about the Olympics at the 2016 or Bust blog.
Filed under: Chicago, Latin America, Olympics
Tags: @2016orbustblog, Brazil, Chicago, Edilson Lima, Olympics 2016, Rio, samba, teacher
