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.