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!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Evie's favorite things in Rio so far:
1. The buttons where the mist sprays at the beach
2. carmel stuffed-churros and coconut popsicles
3. monkeys
4. going to the park
5. the sand castles on the calcedau, especially if they involve dragons, whales, or Corcovado
6. Jesus: really, this morning her favorite thing was holding the amethist and silver corcovado statue, it reminds her of the real statue, and Rio. We tried to take it away before we went out, but she was insistent: "I want to hold the Jesus!" She was very, very sad, crying a lot be we didn't want it to break. We'll buy her a wooden one tomorrow.
Yesterday we went to Colleens for brunch, and then to the Sheraton for the pools and little beach. It was really fun, I like the Sheraton. The water is so warm, it's so scenic, and Evie loves the kiddie pool with the little balls and rings.
It rained a few days in a row this week so I had a lot of time to write, and wrote a blog post that got 26,000 views and over 4,000 shares on facebook. Kinda weird!
1. The buttons where the mist sprays at the beach
2. carmel stuffed-churros and coconut popsicles
3. monkeys
4. going to the park
5. the sand castles on the calcedau, especially if they involve dragons, whales, or Corcovado
6. Jesus: really, this morning her favorite thing was holding the amethist and silver corcovado statue, it reminds her of the real statue, and Rio. We tried to take it away before we went out, but she was insistent: "I want to hold the Jesus!" She was very, very sad, crying a lot be we didn't want it to break. We'll buy her a wooden one tomorrow.
Yesterday we went to Colleens for brunch, and then to the Sheraton for the pools and little beach. It was really fun, I like the Sheraton. The water is so warm, it's so scenic, and Evie loves the kiddie pool with the little balls and rings.
It rained a few days in a row this week so I had a lot of time to write, and wrote a blog post that got 26,000 views and over 4,000 shares on facebook. Kinda weird!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
New Parks and Justin Beiber
We discovered two new parks this week, one just right behind our house that Rolf found online. The park equipment is the same, but it's very quiet and it doesn't feel like you're in the big city like the other parks around us, it's very jungle-y and nice. Two police officers drove up and went up the hiking trail, and I thought there was something going on, but Rolf asked them, and they said they were just going for a nature walk to relax. Ah, Rio! There were lots of monkeys, so of course Evie loved it. We'll definitely be going back, I'm so happy our closest park is so quiet and right up against the rainforest.
We also went to a park in Largo do Machado with a square that's very beauitful/colonial with an old church in the center. A short walk away was the park with an imperial-looking governor's house inside, waterfalls, and play equipment. Evie definitely (thanks to Dora the Explorer) knows what waterfalls are and was very excited to point to each one and exclaim, "Waterfall! I see it! There!"
Saturday we went to the Copacabana Palace and a walk on the Calcadao because it was closed for the holiday (Day of the Dead). We almost didn't go in because there was this HUGE crowd of people, mostly women, and figured a celebrity was there, but we went anyway because the idea of a pool sounded really nice. Sure enough, it was, not to crowded inside, they fed us fruit cups, the pool was heated, there were other babies for Evie to play with, we liked it! And at the pool we found out Justin Beiber was there. So that's why. As we exited the rotating door, there were hundreds of screams and applause, I'm guessing because we were holding 2 cute American girls and they were hungry for anyone to come out!
Today we showed around Rolf's old friend and spouse from BYU. We would have gone to church earlier but we had to stay home to let in the gas company person as we haven't had hot water for 3 days and that was the only time he could come. Luckily, we have hot water now, yea!!!! Anyway, we took them on the Calcadao walk down to the edge of Leme, the Windsor hotel, and then back here. I can't believe they'll only be in town 3 days, not enough time to see everything! Sounds like they're going to try though.
We also went to a park in Largo do Machado with a square that's very beauitful/colonial with an old church in the center. A short walk away was the park with an imperial-looking governor's house inside, waterfalls, and play equipment. Evie definitely (thanks to Dora the Explorer) knows what waterfalls are and was very excited to point to each one and exclaim, "Waterfall! I see it! There!"
Saturday we went to the Copacabana Palace and a walk on the Calcadao because it was closed for the holiday (Day of the Dead). We almost didn't go in because there was this HUGE crowd of people, mostly women, and figured a celebrity was there, but we went anyway because the idea of a pool sounded really nice. Sure enough, it was, not to crowded inside, they fed us fruit cups, the pool was heated, there were other babies for Evie to play with, we liked it! And at the pool we found out Justin Beiber was there. So that's why. As we exited the rotating door, there were hundreds of screams and applause, I'm guessing because we were holding 2 cute American girls and they were hungry for anyone to come out!
Today we showed around Rolf's old friend and spouse from BYU. We would have gone to church earlier but we had to stay home to let in the gas company person as we haven't had hot water for 3 days and that was the only time he could come. Luckily, we have hot water now, yea!!!! Anyway, we took them on the Calcadao walk down to the edge of Leme, the Windsor hotel, and then back here. I can't believe they'll only be in town 3 days, not enough time to see everything! Sounds like they're going to try though.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Birthday Week!
So I had my birthday on Saturday, 29 and I don't feel old yet (fingers crossed). Rolf watched the kids in the morning and came in with pancakes, music, and flowers. Then we went on a beach walk with the girls to Leme on the Calcadao. Later we went out just the two of us onto the beach, walking all the way to the other end of Copacabana. It was really nice.
We also found out Rolf got short-listed at Wisconsin-Madison, wow. We're planning a trip to Ilha Grande sometime, but in the meantime the weather is nice and it's not to crowded in Rio so life's good. Rosie's golden curly locks are getting in the way of her eyes now so we keep having to pin it back, it's very strange to see an infant with so much perfectly ringletted hair!
I love how Evie's talking in full sentences, and being able to talk to my baby. She knows the entire Go Diego Go song and runs around the apartment pretending to be an adventurer/explorer while singing and dancing.
Last Wednesday we went to the famous colorful-tiled staircase in Lapa, really fun and interesting to look at all the individual tiles on the way up. Saw a couple of Texas ones. And today we went to Santa Teresa again: Parque Ruinas was really scenic, of course, I loved the 360 view. We also went to Chacado sur museum gardens right next to it, for Evie to run around. On the way home we took a set of stairs that last time people told us not to go down, not safe. But we didn't know it, it was broad daylight, and looked safe. We carried the stroller down and noticed some people saying, "how do you say good afternoon in Portuguese?" Rolf responded back in Portuguese, and they laughed, and he said he just wanted to thank us for coming down these stairs without being afraid since it really is quite safe. Everyone had a good laugh.
On the way home we stopped by a huge fountain and park in the center of town, with Flamengo Beach and Sugarloaf in the backdrop, apparently it's a WWII memorial. Evie got to see a Crane up-close and personal. Until next week!
We also found out Rolf got short-listed at Wisconsin-Madison, wow. We're planning a trip to Ilha Grande sometime, but in the meantime the weather is nice and it's not to crowded in Rio so life's good. Rosie's golden curly locks are getting in the way of her eyes now so we keep having to pin it back, it's very strange to see an infant with so much perfectly ringletted hair!
I love how Evie's talking in full sentences, and being able to talk to my baby. She knows the entire Go Diego Go song and runs around the apartment pretending to be an adventurer/explorer while singing and dancing.
Last Wednesday we went to the famous colorful-tiled staircase in Lapa, really fun and interesting to look at all the individual tiles on the way up. Saw a couple of Texas ones. And today we went to Santa Teresa again: Parque Ruinas was really scenic, of course, I loved the 360 view. We also went to Chacado sur museum gardens right next to it, for Evie to run around. On the way home we took a set of stairs that last time people told us not to go down, not safe. But we didn't know it, it was broad daylight, and looked safe. We carried the stroller down and noticed some people saying, "how do you say good afternoon in Portuguese?" Rolf responded back in Portuguese, and they laughed, and he said he just wanted to thank us for coming down these stairs without being afraid since it really is quite safe. Everyone had a good laugh.
On the way home we stopped by a huge fountain and park in the center of town, with Flamengo Beach and Sugarloaf in the backdrop, apparently it's a WWII memorial. Evie got to see a Crane up-close and personal. Until next week!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Ward Lunch
Today our Jardim Botanico ward had a lunch after church, man was it good. Tons of shredded chicken and chopped fruit, yum! It was also the first time I've had ice cream in months, the dessert spread was quite nice too. It's starting to get a little warmer here, and my birthday is next week, so perfect timing eh? It was pretty raining/cloudy this week so we didn't get out too much, but I met up with a friend from the Canadian Embassy in Copa with Rosie, and went to Malynda's in Leblon with the girls. We were going to go to the park just under Corcovado after church, but someone from the ward offered to give us a ride home and I couldn't pass that up. We'll have to go this week.
Evie's quotes for this week are "I wanna draw you!," "Daddy, look!", "I want to take a bath," "Silly goose!," "I like to play with you!" Basically, this brilliant girl talks in full sentences and so she says hundreds of new things. She's very quick. I still find each new thing I hear from her amusing, and it's so fun to have conversations with my baby. She's really developing a voice.
And Rosie--she's definitely coming into her own, I'm loving her playful, cuddly personality. She was just playing a game with me yesterday as I was putting baby clothes into the drawer, she would grab them one by one, throw it back out, and look up at me and laugh, then do it again. She also loves to hang out and be held, and talk (yes, this one's very verbal too), and she's Evie's biggest fan.
Evie's quotes for this week are "I wanna draw you!," "Daddy, look!", "I want to take a bath," "Silly goose!," "I like to play with you!" Basically, this brilliant girl talks in full sentences and so she says hundreds of new things. She's very quick. I still find each new thing I hear from her amusing, and it's so fun to have conversations with my baby. She's really developing a voice.
And Rosie--she's definitely coming into her own, I'm loving her playful, cuddly personality. She was just playing a game with me yesterday as I was putting baby clothes into the drawer, she would grab them one by one, throw it back out, and look up at me and laugh, then do it again. She also loves to hang out and be held, and talk (yes, this one's very verbal too), and she's Evie's biggest fan.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Dog-sitting in Paradise
So, sorry I didn't post last week, it was our LDS general conference and boy were we busy! Elder Uchdorf and Elder Holland were definitely our favorites. We also are house- and doggie- sitting for a friend here in Rio, and boy is this neighborhood beautiful too! We have a gorgeous view of the Christus and mountain on our apartment's patio. I ask Evie at night before bed, "do you want to see Jesus?" and she goes, "OK!!" Then I take her out and hold her and point Him out, and she starts singing the Rio song. We're working on "I am a Child of God," too. She's got her "amen!" s down pat.
The little pup, Burt, is the cutest doggie ever! Now I really want a Yorkshire terrier someday. He's so easygoing and loooooves walks. He and Rosie seem to like each other. Their hair color even matches, supposedly his is "champaigne."
We're living really close to the Sheraton resort, so we've walked there a few times. It's super-nice, just right below Dois Irmaos, and super tropical. It's above a really pretty cove too. You can see Ipanama in the distance, and Sugarloaf even farther out. I'm a big fan of all their pools and jacuzzi, and it's beautiful to be right next to the ocean.
There's also a neighborhood huge play area in the next street down from us (where all the houses are, all gated of course, and all the ambassadors live). There's a huge dollhouse, tons of play equipment, all in this lush garden rainforest-y area. Evie loves the dollhouse most of all and calls it "Papa's house" because it has similar trim.
There's also a ton of play equipment at the beach here, just right there in the sand, and it's enclosed by a mesh gate. Evie loves it, of course, as does Burt. I's interesting to get a different view of the beaches here in Rio, with a different mountainscape and Rochina (a favela) in the distance. I'll post pictures soon but I didn't bring the usb cord for our camera so we'll download them all when we get back home Tuesday.
This apartment is AMAZING. The embassies treat their employees really, really well. It's a 2 bdrm, and the second room doesn't have a bed either, but who cares? I feel like I'm at the grandest hotel in Rio. And it smells SO good everywhere. Like coconut. I'm a big fan of the jacuzzi tub, I won't lie. And the space-y sink designs and built-in cubby above the master bed that's lighted. And of course, the porch!!! Also, Rosie is sleep-trained now, it was incredibly easy. I'll have to remember for the future how easy the transition can be from the yellow bassinet to her own crib/room. I'm really grateful for this opportunity to see more of Rio with my family.
Oh, and update, Evie's favorite phrases this week: "I'll be back!," "Rosie's funny!," Where's Burt?" "Please close door!," "I want to go outside!" and "Thank you!"
The little pup, Burt, is the cutest doggie ever! Now I really want a Yorkshire terrier someday. He's so easygoing and loooooves walks. He and Rosie seem to like each other. Their hair color even matches, supposedly his is "champaigne."
We're living really close to the Sheraton resort, so we've walked there a few times. It's super-nice, just right below Dois Irmaos, and super tropical. It's above a really pretty cove too. You can see Ipanama in the distance, and Sugarloaf even farther out. I'm a big fan of all their pools and jacuzzi, and it's beautiful to be right next to the ocean.
There's also a neighborhood huge play area in the next street down from us (where all the houses are, all gated of course, and all the ambassadors live). There's a huge dollhouse, tons of play equipment, all in this lush garden rainforest-y area. Evie loves the dollhouse most of all and calls it "Papa's house" because it has similar trim.
There's also a ton of play equipment at the beach here, just right there in the sand, and it's enclosed by a mesh gate. Evie loves it, of course, as does Burt. I's interesting to get a different view of the beaches here in Rio, with a different mountainscape and Rochina (a favela) in the distance. I'll post pictures soon but I didn't bring the usb cord for our camera so we'll download them all when we get back home Tuesday.
This apartment is AMAZING. The embassies treat their employees really, really well. It's a 2 bdrm, and the second room doesn't have a bed either, but who cares? I feel like I'm at the grandest hotel in Rio. And it smells SO good everywhere. Like coconut. I'm a big fan of the jacuzzi tub, I won't lie. And the space-y sink designs and built-in cubby above the master bed that's lighted. And of course, the porch!!! Also, Rosie is sleep-trained now, it was incredibly easy. I'll have to remember for the future how easy the transition can be from the yellow bassinet to her own crib/room. I'm really grateful for this opportunity to see more of Rio with my family.
Oh, and update, Evie's favorite phrases this week: "I'll be back!," "Rosie's funny!," Where's Burt?" "Please close door!," "I want to go outside!" and "Thank you!"
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Saara
These are the little monkeys that are in the parks above where Evie plays, and on all our hikes (Sugarloaf, Leme Fort, Jardim Botanico, where Becki took this one, etc). Evie's always asking, "Mon-teys, where are you?" with her hands cupped to her mouth. Other fun phrases of Evie's right now: "I coming...you!" (I'm coming to you--especially when someone is sad or in trouble), "I love you, mommy!" (My favorite), "Dada, Mommy, want Kun-kles!" (Snuggles). "I run fast!," "I want beeeeeach!," "Night-night, Rosie!" "Mommy, Dada, tiss-es" (kisses), "Dada, come (to) me!" (with her hand gesturing wildly to come on over). And "I want apple-cheese!" (Kraft Macaroni and cheese from the US).
We went to the Saara market in Centro this week for the first time, I shopped while Rolf had a meeting, and then he met up with me, only to find that I'd bought 4 huge blue interlocking foam mats for our hard floor and strapped them to the top of the stroller. Then I had Rolf go back and buy 2 more so that we could cover all our floors, he's a good soul. So we took them on the subway, along with 6 balls we also bought for Evie, and got really funny looks. But now our floors are softer for Rosie, she's crawling up a storm, and Evie's room is now her very own ball-room too, wall to wall with foam mats, balls, and perfect for babies.
Today we went to the gigantic cemetery behind our mountain, just a 20 minute walk. It was a cloudy day, Corcovado in the backdrop looking down on all the memorials, and a very sobering/contemplative experience.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
A DATE!
We had a really fun week! Earlier in the week Evie and Rosie went to their second party (birthday party!) here in Rio, for their friend Ellie, Becki's mom. Ellie is such a sweetheart and Evie had a blast. I missed how U.S. cakes taste, yum. And Becki was so kind and took a few pictures of the girls, I'm attaching them here. On Friday we walked (*walked*) to Sugarloaf, it wasn't too bad just 35 minutes away. We had lunch at the a kilo place on the beach (Grandma, you wouldn't have liked it--it was the same food as the a kilo restaurant behind the Copacabana Palace, only twice as expensive). I got really excited because it looked like they were serving free strawberry shakes, so I poured one and luckily took a whiff because...it was alcoholic. Yuck!!!! Dodged that bullet!
Then we spent the day on the beach, remembered how the sand at at little beach looks exactly like coarse brown sugar. Makes sense at the sugarloaf! We saw people kyaking and found out how to do it, so we'll come back by ourselves sometime and kyak together on a date. On the walk home we found a $10 bill on the floor so we took a cab home!
Speaking of dates, we went on our first date since we said goodbye to family, it was SOOO nice. I love this man. We have a lot of fun together.
Then we spent the day on the beach, remembered how the sand at at little beach looks exactly like coarse brown sugar. Makes sense at the sugarloaf! We saw people kyaking and found out how to do it, so we'll come back by ourselves sometime and kyak together on a date. On the walk home we found a $10 bill on the floor so we took a cab home!
Speaking of dates, we went on our first date since we said goodbye to family, it was SOOO nice. I love this man. We have a lot of fun together.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Beach Babies
On Friday I walked home from a friend's place in Ipanema while Rolf did interviews. It was really nice, I love the route home on the beachwalk because the views of sugarloaf are so huge from Ipanama to Copa. Rosie was a little unhappy because it was hot, but Evie loved just cruising in the stroller and disrupting birdies.
Saturday we went to the beach altogether, and little miss Evie was a hit in her hot pink bathing suit and sparking personality, charming all the Cariocas and foreigners alike. She and Rolf dug sandcastles near the waves for awhile while I held Rosie, then Rolf and I switched while I chased Evie (she loves tag!) and begged me to go in the water with her (it's quite warm sometimes!). We hung out where we usually do at the beach, at the closest street to our apartment, but this time I looked back behind me and between two buildings there was the Christo, right there in plain, huge sight! I hadn't noticed it, and I could guess that our magic bullet mountain right behind our apartment window blocks the view of it from our apartment, but I had no idea it was that close or that visible on our street.
On the way home we got $1.25 USD chocolate eclairs from the dessert handcart lady (of course!), and the a kilo place for dinner behind the Copa Palace.
Today (Sunday) we went to our Siguera Campus park right after church (seems to be our tradition) and heard the bells from the church that reminded Evie of Grandma's house again.
Saturday we went to the beach altogether, and little miss Evie was a hit in her hot pink bathing suit and sparking personality, charming all the Cariocas and foreigners alike. She and Rolf dug sandcastles near the waves for awhile while I held Rosie, then Rolf and I switched while I chased Evie (she loves tag!) and begged me to go in the water with her (it's quite warm sometimes!). We hung out where we usually do at the beach, at the closest street to our apartment, but this time I looked back behind me and between two buildings there was the Christo, right there in plain, huge sight! I hadn't noticed it, and I could guess that our magic bullet mountain right behind our apartment window blocks the view of it from our apartment, but I had no idea it was that close or that visible on our street.
On the way home we got $1.25 USD chocolate eclairs from the dessert handcart lady (of course!), and the a kilo place for dinner behind the Copa Palace.
Today (Sunday) we went to our Siguera Campus park right after church (seems to be our tradition) and heard the bells from the church that reminded Evie of Grandma's house again.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Sunday at Jardim Botanico (Botanical Gardens) with Gra-ma
Becki took this the day after we went with Grandma Sharon to the Botanical Gardens after church. It was beautiful. We had a picnic lunch, and then went exploring to the huge fountain (pictured in the middle), then to a lily-pad pond with waterfalls, and 2 gorgeous gazebos. We got lots of beautiful shots with Grandma and the girls.
Now, to back up, Grandma Sharon and our cousin Jane stayed with us for 7 marveous days in Rio, and the put up with our small apartment and salty Brazilian food, we were so glad they came! We miss Pa-Pa already! Here's a brief summary of what we did:
Thursday: Windsor Hotel in Copacabana (highest building in town) for majestic views of sugarloaf, Christo, beach, and Ipanema mountains, and swanky hotel. Walked along famous Copacabana tiled beach sidewalk and toured the historic (and gorgeous) Copacabana Palace.
Friday: Candelaria Cathedral, ornate bank, Old Colonial/historic part of Rio De Janeiro in town (oldest area, looked like Charleston!), Royalty's Imperial Palace, San Sebastian Golden Cathedral (where a nice olf lady gave our babies gifts because she couldn't get over how adorable they were), Confeteria Columbo (dessert shop that is huge and looks like the inside of the titanic, Queen Victoria had tea there), tour of the Rio Opera House, Lapa (arches/aqueduct, famous landmark), famous church that looks like an aztek temple in the center of town.
Saturday: Lazy day with the grandbabies on Copacabana beach!
Sunday: Church in our Jardim Botanico ward, then to the Jardim Botanico, followed by swan boat ride on the Lagoa, cab around the lagoa for all the views, sitting at the Lagoa in a little park and gazing at the beauty.
Monday: Lazy day in Ipanema, and then an a kilo restaurant behind the Copacabana palace for dinner! We first went to a kiosk (restaurant on the beach), but they weren't serving the only food we figured grandma would like at that moment!
Tuesday: Christo Redentor Statue in the morning, complete with train through the Tijuca Natioal Rainforest, samba musicians serenading us on the way up and down. Then Sugarloaf cable car and views in the afternoon. It was a clear day by then but there was a tiny cloud just on the top of the sugarloaf when we got there. We waited it out, saw glimpses of views, and then went down just as the sky turned a deep pink and that little cloud dissipated. Rolf convinced the personnel to let us all go back up, and boy was that sunset amazing!
Wednesday: An all-you-can eat American buffet breakfast on a resturant on the oceanfront, a drive to the edge of the Copacabana beach where the sidewalk ends and you can see views of everything, cheap mani-pedis for me and Grandma, and a quick spagetti dinner and heartfelt goodbyes before a 7pm taxi ride to the airport.
Evie and Rosie got such a kick out of their visit. Evie just loved to hang out in their room, and "kun-kle" (snuggle) with grandma on her small twin bed, and pretend to snore and get her back rubbed.
I'll also never forget watching Grandma and Evie collect shells as the waves lapped againt their feet, while I held Rosie with Rolf in the tent. Or watching Grandma hold Rosie under her Rio umbrella while Rolf and I played tag with Evie and ran along the waves, with the majestic Dois Irmaos mountains in the backdrop.
When we had to say goodbye Wednesday night, as Grandma waved and the cab drove off, Evie got a very concerned look on her face and said, "Uh oh. Pa-pa went away." And then she bawled for quite awhile.
I feel so blessed Evie and Rosie have had a chance to bond with loved ones since their birth, to have real relationships with grandparents (and great-grandparents!) in a very concrete and special way. Just as grandma bonded with me as a baby, she is bonding with my babies, and I can't tell you how wonderful that feels to me.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Gorgeous Rio Shots of our neighborhoods
All this is thanks to our LDS ward friend here, Becki K., for sharing her shots! Above is our Beach, Copacabana, you can see the street we walk to our apartment to on the far right.
The lagoa, with the mountain range in the background that you also see from Ipanema Beach.
Cantagalo Favela, on the other side of the hill from the favela where Rolf is studying. They look very similar though.
Our Ipanema beach walk, the backdrop feels unreal.
Near the Catacumbe Hike in Lagoa area, where we hike for Rolf's birthday.
More Lagoa, looks like a misty morning.
This is the lovely Pao de Azucar and bay from Santa Teresa's park where we went with Grannie and Pop-pop. We took family shots here, and an adorable one with Rosie, but it was sunset when we were there and Becki went on a clear day.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Stay tuned for Rio adventures with adorable babies!
Welcome family and friends! Since I have a hard time remembering what I ate for breakfast, let alone the amazing things our babies did that day, it's high time I kept a blog for our little family. Living in Rio de Janeiro is such a blast, we want to remember it and tell our kids stories of our adventures here. And we want to keep y'all posted too, we love you all, so here it goes! OK, to start, here are some fun things we've been doing the last few months:
-Pão de Açucar, and the lagoon (Praia Vermelha) below it, the water is such a beautiful turquoise here!
-Forte do Leme, which is on the far side of Copacabana beach (it's one bookend, Forte do Copacabana is the other bookend of our beach). It was quite a hike to the top, but well worth it. The rainforest is gorgeous, and Evie loved seeing all the monkeys. Her new phrase whenever she goes to the park is looking up at the trees and saying, "Monkeys, where are you?!!" (With her hands cupped to her mouth)
-Arpoador, which is just a walk past Forte de Copacabana to Ipanema. It bookends Ipanema's beach. The sunsets here are to die for. And Evie loves chasing the waves. Also the view of Dois Irmãos ("Two Brothers," the double-mountain range when you look right from Ipanema beach, seemingly watching over Rio) is a sight to see!
-Calçadão, "The BIG sidewalk," we love to walk all along Copa Beach on the black-and-white Portuguese-designed tiles, it stretches the entire beach. Evie loves to press the buttons on these advertisements that spray a water mist to keep everyone cool. And of course she loves the beach! Rosie loves to be held while I baby-wear her in the Bjorn, fall asleep. And get tons of oooos and aaahhhs about how adorable they both are from just about every.person.walking. that day!
-The Lagoa: "Lagoon" it's *the* lagoon with the Cristo statue behind it, gorgeous views of the mountain ranges here, swan boats, and very cool playgrounds for the kids.
-Feiras or "Street Fairs," the fruit is amazingly fresh and it's such a cool atmosphere with hundreds of people in these outdoor markets, usually with a playground in the middle or nearby. We buy cheese pasteis, watermelon, tangerines, cut pineapple, and guaravita (juice from a yummy fruit here), and chow down on all the fresh foods while Evie plays in the park.
And...
Copacabana Beach, our favorite! Evie always meets new friends and plays for hours, sometimes we walk along the shore, but mostly we set up our tent and play in the water. Evie goes nuts chasing the waves and playing football with other kids, and we enjoy watching her have fun and play with Rosie in the tent, who just wants to be with us and watch the birds. We eat BBQ'ed cheese on a stick, coconut popsicles, açai (yummy fruit here) icees with granola on top, globo chips (they look like air doughnuts, the girls love 'em), and watermelon. I love how venders sell all kinds of local food right there on the beach, they come to you!!!
More to come, stay tuned!
-Pão de Açucar, and the lagoon (Praia Vermelha) below it, the water is such a beautiful turquoise here!
-Forte do Leme, which is on the far side of Copacabana beach (it's one bookend, Forte do Copacabana is the other bookend of our beach). It was quite a hike to the top, but well worth it. The rainforest is gorgeous, and Evie loved seeing all the monkeys. Her new phrase whenever she goes to the park is looking up at the trees and saying, "Monkeys, where are you?!!" (With her hands cupped to her mouth)
-Arpoador, which is just a walk past Forte de Copacabana to Ipanema. It bookends Ipanema's beach. The sunsets here are to die for. And Evie loves chasing the waves. Also the view of Dois Irmãos ("Two Brothers," the double-mountain range when you look right from Ipanema beach, seemingly watching over Rio) is a sight to see!
-Calçadão, "The BIG sidewalk," we love to walk all along Copa Beach on the black-and-white Portuguese-designed tiles, it stretches the entire beach. Evie loves to press the buttons on these advertisements that spray a water mist to keep everyone cool. And of course she loves the beach! Rosie loves to be held while I baby-wear her in the Bjorn, fall asleep. And get tons of oooos and aaahhhs about how adorable they both are from just about every.person.walking. that day!
-The Lagoa: "Lagoon" it's *the* lagoon with the Cristo statue behind it, gorgeous views of the mountain ranges here, swan boats, and very cool playgrounds for the kids.
-Feiras or "Street Fairs," the fruit is amazingly fresh and it's such a cool atmosphere with hundreds of people in these outdoor markets, usually with a playground in the middle or nearby. We buy cheese pasteis, watermelon, tangerines, cut pineapple, and guaravita (juice from a yummy fruit here), and chow down on all the fresh foods while Evie plays in the park.
And...
Copacabana Beach, our favorite! Evie always meets new friends and plays for hours, sometimes we walk along the shore, but mostly we set up our tent and play in the water. Evie goes nuts chasing the waves and playing football with other kids, and we enjoy watching her have fun and play with Rosie in the tent, who just wants to be with us and watch the birds. We eat BBQ'ed cheese on a stick, coconut popsicles, açai (yummy fruit here) icees with granola on top, globo chips (they look like air doughnuts, the girls love 'em), and watermelon. I love how venders sell all kinds of local food right there on the beach, they come to you!!!
More to come, stay tuned!
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