As I type, I see Christo Redentor beautifully lit up right in front of me while I sit on the back porch on our familiar white couch, listening to the very soft sounds of Alto Leblon (compared to Copacabana!!!). Rolf, Evie, Rosie, and I have spent a ton of time out back here this last week, just wanting to soak it all in. I'm going to miss Rio terribly. We've also gone on a walk at sunset on the beach every night, sooo nice.
We got our pictures taken in Lagoa this week, I'll have to put them up. Becki kept saying how well I clean up. Yes... We lingered for a bit after she left at the restaurant and saw that they got a 3rd blue parrot! Just like Blue from Rio! We couldn't pull Evie away. It was such a nice sunset on the dock that night.
Adrianna has babysat for us twice this week, so Rolf and I could get out and enjoy time together alone. Both times we went to the overlook for the Leblon/Ipanema bay that has restaurants that compete with each other and we've just sat and talked and looked over at the ocean. The last time, I saw 3 sting-rays, the water was so clear and turquoise, heading for the shore, where people were swimming! I know they're harmless, but it was still pretty cool. When people finally saw, they got super-close, they just pointed and seemed excited.
After eating lunch, we would walk down to the beach, set up our tent for just the 2 of us, and then jump right into the warm water together. It's hot when you're not wet! We got to ride the waves together and just oogle at views, Dois Irmaos on one side of us and Corcovado to the other side while we're in the water. It's absolute paradise.
Today we took our last walk at Sunset, and stopped at the rocks between Leblon and Ipanema. We watched fisherman and kids play on the rocks, and then walked back in the waves too. No sidewalks for us tonight. The water was so clear, I just loved it. It was tough saying goodbye to our friends at church today, and to Lia. We will miss them terribly. We gave most of our stuff to Lia, I wish I could have given her more.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Last Week in Rio--so sad!
We've really been living life to the fullest our last 2 weeks, I can't believe 1 week already flew by! Every evening (because it's usually too hot/sun-burn-y during the day) we go out to the beach and take a walk around sunset. It's so nice to turn around from Ipanema and head back home, and see Dois Irmaos right in front of us with the blues/reds/oranges from the sky behind them. We'll never have views like this again, and we're lapping it up now!
So to sum up our routine: we hang out and play during the hot day in a nice air-conditioned place, when we want to see the beauty that is Rio we just go out on the porch and see Corcovado right there front nd center and stare in amazement. Around 5-6pm we venture out for our walk, starting at the park right there on the beach on the Leblon corner, and then start our walk to Ipanema. We turn around in Ipanema, wow at the view in front of us, and on the way back we stop at the second park that's fenced in on the sand, where all the kids are and Evie looks like she's in heaven. And we watch her from the steps, with the waves crashing in the background. We make sure to get her some caramel popcorn or a churro from the treat-stand guy next to us. Then, we head back home but make sure to stop and get acai at the localest-looking launchenette here in Leblon (looks a lot like the ones in Copacabana).
We did that all last week, and we're planning to do it this week too! Along with going to Corcovado one last time and getting our pictures taken in Lagoa, and then taking a walk around it afterward.
Last week we also tried flying a kite with Evie, she was so excited about that prospect. I got it up once, but there wasn't enough wind. And then it broke. But it was a nice memory on the beach, and Evie had a blast. We'll try it one more time with Kite #2 this week.
Oh, and we had a crazy rainstorm this week, and just sat on the porch with crazy lightning and watching the street flood as the water rushed downhill. Apparently Christo Redentor got his finger hit by lightning that day. Ouch!
So to sum up our routine: we hang out and play during the hot day in a nice air-conditioned place, when we want to see the beauty that is Rio we just go out on the porch and see Corcovado right there front nd center and stare in amazement. Around 5-6pm we venture out for our walk, starting at the park right there on the beach on the Leblon corner, and then start our walk to Ipanema. We turn around in Ipanema, wow at the view in front of us, and on the way back we stop at the second park that's fenced in on the sand, where all the kids are and Evie looks like she's in heaven. And we watch her from the steps, with the waves crashing in the background. We make sure to get her some caramel popcorn or a churro from the treat-stand guy next to us. Then, we head back home but make sure to stop and get acai at the localest-looking launchenette here in Leblon (looks a lot like the ones in Copacabana).
We did that all last week, and we're planning to do it this week too! Along with going to Corcovado one last time and getting our pictures taken in Lagoa, and then taking a walk around it afterward.
Last week we also tried flying a kite with Evie, she was so excited about that prospect. I got it up once, but there wasn't enough wind. And then it broke. But it was a nice memory on the beach, and Evie had a blast. We'll try it one more time with Kite #2 this week.
Oh, and we had a crazy rainstorm this week, and just sat on the porch with crazy lightning and watching the street flood as the water rushed downhill. Apparently Christo Redentor got his finger hit by lightning that day. Ouch!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Last 2 Weeks in Leblon
It's been paradise in Leblon again, and especially knowing these are our last 2 weeks, we've been trying to savor every moment. We will miss Rio terribly.
When we first got back to Rio, we went to Tijuca national forest and saw lovely waterfalls and views of Pedro de Gavea. We went to the Emperor's Table (where there are great views of Rio from above where the emperor used to take guests), and Vista Chinesa, which has the most amazing view besides Corcovado that I've seen! We stayed for sunset to see the moon come out and the lights come out over the city--amazing!
2 nights ago there was a huge thunderstorm so we all 4 of us sat out on the porch with the beautiful view of Christo Redentor and watched it roll in. The lighting came in right behind the statue, so phenomenal. It was just a really relaxing evening and I felt so grateful for my family and to be here. Evie really got a kick out of the lightning, she'd say "Ooooh! Lightning and thunder! Like fireworks!" And she sat down right next to us in her own chair while Rolf and I and Rosie got the outdoor couch. I'm going to miss that porch and million dollar view.
Last night we went out to Ipanema beach (because it's so hot during the day!) and walked along the shore for awhile. We tried Evie not being in a stroller and she loved just walking next to us. I put Rosie on my back in the Ergo and it was heaven. We played for a while in the beach's playground and watched Evie (it's enclosed), then bought her some popcorn for the walk home at sunset. It was a beautiful one. And then as we were about to leave the moon rose out from the city and it was a full one, so amazing.
Oh, and before I forget, when we first arrived back here we also went to the hippie fair in Ipanema and the elevator up the Cantagalo favela. Some nice police even helped me up with our stroller. It was pretty cool up there.
When we first got back to Rio, we went to Tijuca national forest and saw lovely waterfalls and views of Pedro de Gavea. We went to the Emperor's Table (where there are great views of Rio from above where the emperor used to take guests), and Vista Chinesa, which has the most amazing view besides Corcovado that I've seen! We stayed for sunset to see the moon come out and the lights come out over the city--amazing!
2 nights ago there was a huge thunderstorm so we all 4 of us sat out on the porch with the beautiful view of Christo Redentor and watched it roll in. The lighting came in right behind the statue, so phenomenal. It was just a really relaxing evening and I felt so grateful for my family and to be here. Evie really got a kick out of the lightning, she'd say "Ooooh! Lightning and thunder! Like fireworks!" And she sat down right next to us in her own chair while Rolf and I and Rosie got the outdoor couch. I'm going to miss that porch and million dollar view.
Last night we went out to Ipanema beach (because it's so hot during the day!) and walked along the shore for awhile. We tried Evie not being in a stroller and she loved just walking next to us. I put Rosie on my back in the Ergo and it was heaven. We played for a while in the beach's playground and watched Evie (it's enclosed), then bought her some popcorn for the walk home at sunset. It was a beautiful one. And then as we were about to leave the moon rose out from the city and it was a full one, so amazing.
Oh, and before I forget, when we first arrived back here we also went to the hippie fair in Ipanema and the elevator up the Cantagalo favela. Some nice police even helped me up with our stroller. It was pretty cool up there.
Monday, January 6, 2014
A Week in Angra
After 2 weeks and a day in Barra de Tijuca (i.e. Elysium), we are now in Angra Dos Reis (the green coast). It's beautiful here. Our first day we took a drive up the coast to see a pretty beach in Angra, that had green waters and a little church in the corner. It was really nice, lots of hills, jungle, and run-down roads (reminded us of Jamaica). When we got there, there was an old dock, lots of locals, and Evie was having the time of her life meeting friends. We met a family with 2 boys and a girl that played a lot with her, and the parents said they wanted to take us to an even nicer beach 15 minutes further down the coast. So we followed them in their car, and wow, it was amazing. The water was even greener, it was in a lagoon area with beautiful vistas on all sides and palm trees.
When we got back we watched the sunset in the resort were's staying at's infinity pool right on the water overlooking the little Islands. This resort, Golden Tulip Porto Bali, is pretty sweet. The pools snake around, it's gorgeous, and our place is really nice too. We got an amazing deal too. We just about died when we found out the 1 bedroom apartment here is 1000 R. And the free breakfast is amazing, never seen anything like it at a hotel.
Today we just hung out at the resort and went swimming. Very nice. And tomorrow we're going to take a boat ride to the island, Ilha Grande, and another small island next to it. Should be fun! Evie's having a great time at the pool though, just sitting in the Jacuzzi in the middle of the pool and meeting friends.
When we got back we watched the sunset in the resort were's staying at's infinity pool right on the water overlooking the little Islands. This resort, Golden Tulip Porto Bali, is pretty sweet. The pools snake around, it's gorgeous, and our place is really nice too. We got an amazing deal too. We just about died when we found out the 1 bedroom apartment here is 1000 R. And the free breakfast is amazing, never seen anything like it at a hotel.
Today we just hung out at the resort and went swimming. Very nice. And tomorrow we're going to take a boat ride to the island, Ilha Grande, and another small island next to it. Should be fun! Evie's having a great time at the pool though, just sitting in the Jacuzzi in the middle of the pool and meeting friends.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas!
It's Christmas Day, and I feel silly for lagging behind in writing here but I really didn't want to forget this day! I'll catch up more on Sunday with our last adventures at all the parks in Rio, then to Leblon, and Barra. But right now we are in Barra de Tijuca (arrived Friday) and it is glorious! Last night we watched the Polar Express in Portuguese with Evie snuggling with us absolutely rivited on Christmas Eve, pointing out the tree and presents and very excited we'd be opening presents under our Christmas tree on the porch tomorrow. Then, when we woke up, we opened a few presents, it was a beautiful morning. I just loved to sit on that porch and look at the unobstructed view of the ocean, it's nice to be up high and have a great view!
And then we headed out to the beach. The walk to the beach is so short, yet so beautiful, right next to the golf course and the beautiful flowers. The white, yellow, and pink plumeria trees among the palm trees are my favorites. This community here looks like Elysium, I cannot believe it is real! Such tall and elegant apartments in blues and greens like abalone, I never thought complexes could look pretty but these really do, and so spread out among the golf course, clube, and playyards/gardens/golf course, I've never seen anything like it!
Anyway, when we get to the beach we decide to have lunch first so we eat at a restaurant right on the beach: fries, cheeseburgers, acai and guaravita, yum! Evie and Rosie met 2 friends, sisters exactly their age and they played together in a blow-up pool. After lunch we went down onto the sand and took a few pictures and played around, the water was so clear! Hard to see on the pictures since it was somewhat cloudy earlier in the morning but wow, and the little islands are gorgeous.
On the way home we stopped by the amazing 3 layer pool our the entrance to Golden Green. And we were the only people there! Shocking on Christmas, then again I imagine most of the rich people who live here go elsewhere for the holiday like the US. So we played around, Rosie fell asleep in my arms, and Evie played a bit in the plaground right next to the pool.
We came home and then opened a few more presents on the porch, Evie especially loved the play dough and bubbles! Then we all took naps, and then woke up to open even more presents!!! Evie goes through them slow, but that's ok we enjoyed just spending time together on the porch and watching the sun set. After it set, we went downstairs to play at the playground right next to our building, it was really nice and fun to see all the Christmas lights while they're still up. The babies enjoyed themselves immensely.
We came home and then called family, and now here we are! Such an amazing Christmas, I love my family, I'm a very lucky lady. :) I want to relive this day in heaven.
And then we headed out to the beach. The walk to the beach is so short, yet so beautiful, right next to the golf course and the beautiful flowers. The white, yellow, and pink plumeria trees among the palm trees are my favorites. This community here looks like Elysium, I cannot believe it is real! Such tall and elegant apartments in blues and greens like abalone, I never thought complexes could look pretty but these really do, and so spread out among the golf course, clube, and playyards/gardens/golf course, I've never seen anything like it!
Anyway, when we get to the beach we decide to have lunch first so we eat at a restaurant right on the beach: fries, cheeseburgers, acai and guaravita, yum! Evie and Rosie met 2 friends, sisters exactly their age and they played together in a blow-up pool. After lunch we went down onto the sand and took a few pictures and played around, the water was so clear! Hard to see on the pictures since it was somewhat cloudy earlier in the morning but wow, and the little islands are gorgeous.
On the way home we stopped by the amazing 3 layer pool our the entrance to Golden Green. And we were the only people there! Shocking on Christmas, then again I imagine most of the rich people who live here go elsewhere for the holiday like the US. So we played around, Rosie fell asleep in my arms, and Evie played a bit in the plaground right next to the pool.
We came home and then opened a few more presents on the porch, Evie especially loved the play dough and bubbles! Then we all took naps, and then woke up to open even more presents!!! Evie goes through them slow, but that's ok we enjoyed just spending time together on the porch and watching the sun set. After it set, we went downstairs to play at the playground right next to our building, it was really nice and fun to see all the Christmas lights while they're still up. The babies enjoyed themselves immensely.
We came home and then called family, and now here we are! Such an amazing Christmas, I love my family, I'm a very lucky lady. :) I want to relive this day in heaven.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
November's almost Over
Let's see, what did we do this week?! We went to a lovely hotel (Othon) and went swimming, it was a holiday so the umbrella's below along the entire bay covered almost every bit of sand, it was really cool to see from up high. Evie and Rosie love swimming. Evie says, "I'll swim by myself!" And then she kick her feet in her floaty and does indeed do it!
On thursday we went to the Thursday feira closer to the Leme side and went to the park nearest the beach afterwards. Nothing like stocking up on already-cut pineapple, watermelon, cookies, and then buying pasteis and bringing it all to the park to chow down on.
A Picolet handcart came by so we bought coconut popsicles too, Evie was in heaven. Me too. Come to think of it, I survive off the following here in Rio:
So, this what I subsist on in Brazil: pineapple, watermelon, bananas and acai smoothies, tangerines, granola, small french breads, cheese pasteis, pizza, guaravita, chicken yaki soba, black beans and rice, drinkable yogurt...and chocolate bars with Ovaltine malt flakes, and coconut popsicles.
Today we went to an amazing park in Catete (right off Flamengo Beach) that had watefalls, cranes, palm trees, beautiful buildings, and of course an awesome kids play area. We started off at the beach (interesting view of Sugarloaf from the other side, and Niteroi's hills), and then walked inward.
This Saturday night the annual tree-lighting ceremony of the Christmas Tree in Lago is happening, we'll of course go (we are doggie-sitting Burt Reynolds for 3 days). Should be nice!:
On thursday we went to the Thursday feira closer to the Leme side and went to the park nearest the beach afterwards. Nothing like stocking up on already-cut pineapple, watermelon, cookies, and then buying pasteis and bringing it all to the park to chow down on.
A Picolet handcart came by so we bought coconut popsicles too, Evie was in heaven. Me too. Come to think of it, I survive off the following here in Rio:
So, this what I subsist on in Brazil: pineapple, watermelon, bananas and acai smoothies, tangerines, granola, small french breads, cheese pasteis, pizza, guaravita, chicken yaki soba, black beans and rice, drinkable yogurt...and chocolate bars with Ovaltine malt flakes, and coconut popsicles.
Today we went to an amazing park in Catete (right off Flamengo Beach) that had watefalls, cranes, palm trees, beautiful buildings, and of course an awesome kids play area. We started off at the beach (interesting view of Sugarloaf from the other side, and Niteroi's hills), and then walked inward.
This Saturday night the annual tree-lighting ceremony of the Christmas Tree in Lago is happening, we'll of course go (we are doggie-sitting Burt Reynolds for 3 days). Should be nice!:
Monday, November 18, 2013
It hit 107 degrees this week! It was crazy, and of course I decided to do a bus trip out to the suburbs past Barra that day. I saw that arch and the favela Rocinha up-close (Becki caught it below).
We also spent a day in Ipanema it was nice but warm. It's a good idea to take an A/C'ed bus up there, and then walk home where the view is nice of Copacabana. Rolf and I also took a walk both ways (beach way up, calcadao back down) on Saturday to Arpoador. It was beautiful, and since it was a holiday both beaches were PACKED, just like the postcards. We hiked up the small outcropping of rocks at Arpoador together, and wow, the view was incredible, both of Sugarloaf and the Ipanema mountains. On the way down, some 14 year-old touched my shoulder and said, "beautiful," and I was thinking, dude, I'm twice your age! Are you nuts? It was a fun day anyway. Here's another shot Becki took of corcovado, love her talent:
Evie's new phrases this week are "1, 2, 3, it's my birthday!!!" and "I love love love a lever!!" (Thanks to sesame street teaching her about levers and fulcrums). She stepped on a cheerio the other day and said, "Sorry, cheerio." She's a funny one. Oh, and Rosie's standing up by herself now, for 10 seconds at least and getting up there on her own. My babies are growing up!
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