Here’s an e-mail I wanted to share with all SZoners:
+++++
Hi, Craig.
My name is Edmundo de França, I am a Brazilian fan of Sly and a member of the StalloneZone Forum, under the username of “edmfalcao”.
I talked to you some time ago about my blog Stallone Brasil.
I am sending this message to share with you the experience I had in meeting Sly in Rio de Janeiro, during the shooting of The Expendables.
Before that, I have created, along with another fan, Rennan Rebello, the “Sly Squad Fan Club”, that gathered around 200 people on April 4th, when we present Sly with some gifts such as statues, our official fan club T-shirt and one Brazilian soccer club jersey.
On April 10th, I was gathered with other fans from Sly Squad, waiting for Sly near the hotel where he was staying, in Copacabana. After a long wait, around 10pm, many fans left. Just me and 11 more remained. We were all excited, but afraid that Sly wouldn’t give us much attention, after all, he was filming the entire day and, certanly, would arrive very tired.
The night was cold and, in time, some people even slept on the sidewalk. Even so, we remained hopeful. Some fans even came from other states just to try to have a picture taken with with him. Around 1am we spotted the van where Sly was in and, immediately, ran to the hotel’s entrance to welcome him.
At this time, it was possible to see the expression in Sly’s face, watching us late at night. He seemed very surprised. We immediately noticed his tired looks. Our greatest joy and happines was when he left the van and came to us. It was amazing how nice he was with us late at night. We sorrounded him, took pictures and got autographs. Sly signed them slowly, carefully. It was magnificent to see it because, even tired, he treated us with tenderness.
For me and the other group members, that was an unique and unforgettable day. I was already a fan since I was 6 years old and, after this day, I see that all that really worth it. I have travelled more than 600 miles for this. I have been hungry and cold. But the feeling I had by taking a picture with him, was unique. My greatest joy was to notice how simple and nice he is. His attention to his fans. Sly is worthy of all the success he have. He deserves it!!
More details are on Blog Stallone Brasil:
And at Stallone For Ever, by Osmar Daou:
Thanks a lot, Craig!!
+++++