I first met Raul when I was still young, at the age of 16. I was still in school, and everyday afterwards I would head down to the Copacabana. Me and my friends would play some football, go for a swim, admire the beautiful girls, and best of all grab some delicious Acarajé from Raul. He had his little stand selling this deep fried patty goodness just where the sands meet the pavement. He never shouted to sell his treats, he would just let the aromas draw in hungry beach goers. He was quite a large man, the type of jolly looking Santa Claus figure, except that he was deep golden brown and had a brushy black mustache instead of a white beard. I never really talked to him, in fact the only reason I think his name is Raul is because his cart had ‘Raul’ painted on the side. I would go up and his friendly face would turn to me and say ‘My friend, how many Acarajé for you today?’