tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851435748747965692024-03-05T06:29:40.422-08:00The Adventures of WanderingElle A travel, food, and culture blog. Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-21071944971361097672016-12-16T13:15:00.000-08:002016-12-16T13:15:19.310-08:00Chichen Itza & You can't say no to a Cenote! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After spending a little more time basking in the sun in Playa Delphine in Cancun, we headed out to see Chichen Itza, named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World (as of 2000). </div>
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It never ceases to amaze me how civilizations from so long ago used pure man power to build these massive structures.</div>
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Likewise, we found ourselves wondering how different peoples of the world come up with the same ideas. Like many, I've always associated pyramids with the Egyptians, I haven't been to Egypt (yet), but according to Wiki,some of the pyramids were built as early as 2630 B.C.! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsipUm2p0q-w74L2NOkGtHKoq8V4EAjX2kefY9Q8hTlViIgVGbCfA6JjslroAo3EGNbQw2AmfslNmA1veC9enRTrLURVgoet73S_VkyG0zBSTdyqEOiz7kcwbJrMe35vvjGExxHlgBd_s/s1600/DSC_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsipUm2p0q-w74L2NOkGtHKoq8V4EAjX2kefY9Q8hTlViIgVGbCfA6JjslroAo3EGNbQw2AmfslNmA1veC9enRTrLURVgoet73S_VkyG0zBSTdyqEOiz7kcwbJrMe35vvjGExxHlgBd_s/s640/DSC_1065.JPG" width="640" /></a> S<span style="text-align: center;">o it was very interesting to find that the Maya constructed very similar structures in 800 A.D. Unfortunately, you're not allowed to climb up the pyramids, probably to better preserve what's left of them. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "messed-up" side </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple of the Warriors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL_Oov_8FGtbmfl5VpN_KuNwI35XypbTSW_guTNFkzd3bsOztDzLf-CQuZx2veMP7ciBC6x3jXNJDYCLgJWLexwogUHF0Y3y3-Uz8mBQRbfmgAMPIz0cugCfBMXeA5n0VKZsuSojNlQg/s1600/DSC_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL_Oov_8FGtbmfl5VpN_KuNwI35XypbTSW_guTNFkzd3bsOztDzLf-CQuZx2veMP7ciBC6x3jXNJDYCLgJWLexwogUHF0Y3y3-Uz8mBQRbfmgAMPIz0cugCfBMXeA5n0VKZsuSojNlQg/s640/DSC_1074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza of a Thousand Columns</td></tr>
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On the east side of the UNESCO World Heritage site is the Temple of Thousand Columns. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the thousand columns</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We couldn't help but reminded of Greek and Roman pillars. Great minds think alike!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Did anyone ever watch "The Road To El Dorado" as a kid? If you did, then you can imagine my excitement when I saw the Great Ball Court in Chichen Itza. El huego de pelota (the Ballgame) has been played since before 1400 B.C. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">The object of the game was to get a rubber ball (that weighed up to 9 lbs.) through your team's stone ring on the wall. The challenge? You can't use your hands. Ouch! </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">To many, it's considered <i>the</i> original basketball game. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Human sacrifice was sometimes combined as an element in the competition of Ball Game. That'll teach you to play soft!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br />After doing my best to haggle in Spanish for souvenirs (Success! Though, I'm sure they got theirs, too -- Salud, everybody wins!), we headed over to Cenote Ik Kil, nearby. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">A cenote (seh-no-teh), according to Wiki, is "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">a natural </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_cave" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Pit cave">pit</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, or </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinkhole" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Sinkhole">sinkhole</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, resulting from the collapse of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limestone" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Limestone">limestone</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span>bedrock<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> that exposes </span>groundwater<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> underneath.</span><span style="text-align: center;">" These were sometimes used by the Maya for sacrificial offerings. </span><br />
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So you <i>know </i>we had to swim in it. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">After paying a $3 entrance, we changed into our bikinis and headed to the cenote. At first I couldn't find it, then I saw a crowd of people standing in a circle and I realized they were standing around, looking down into the cenote. The depth, you ask? 150 feet. (and that's just the water, mind you) </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span> </div>
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The whole idea was scary to me... I mean, you're crawling into a place in the earth that, at some point, collapsed in on itself, to go swimming, of all things! But, sometimes in life, you have to stop thinking and just... jump into a sinkhole.</div>
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And don't you know it, it was the most peaceful sinkhole I ever swam in. </div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0Chichén Itzá, Yuc., Mexico20.6783333 -88.568888799999968-8.5764342000000013 -129.87748279999997 49.9331008 -47.260294799999969tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-28408330907104941082016-12-15T15:05:00.000-08:002016-12-15T15:05:17.631-08:00On-The-Road Challenges in Mexico<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you ever driven in another country? For the most part, it's the same, but some minute details are different. <br />
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Flashback to that one time I was driving in Ottowa and I didn't know what a flashing green light meant, and the Canadians were remarkably nice, patiently waiting and not honking for a <i>really </i>long time, as I figured out that it is the equivalent of a green arrow. Thanks guys!<br />
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In the case of this trip, the driving has been a little less calm. Besides the fact that an automatic car feels much like a manual (you can really feel the car shifting gears as you accelerate), I was terrified mostly because people cross the street whenever and where ever they want!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even in rush hour traffic. Even where it looks more like a highway than a local street. Even if the person is on crutches.</td></tr>
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Oh, good heavens. After picking up the rental that first day, I thought, how hard could this be? And then I panicked a bit at a roundabout. Everyone seemed to know where they were going, while I was looking for the lines to indicate how many lanes there were. <br />
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A few thoughts that crossed my mind:<br />
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Is this a left turn lane?<br />
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Why are there no arrows?<br />
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Where can I make a U-Turn?<br />
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What does a Mexican flashing green light mean!? (It doesn't mean left turn arrow, like in Canada!)<br />
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Should these children be crossing the street here?!<br />
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Most of these mysteries were quickly solved.<br />
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Apparently, the left turn lane is where ever you want it to be, as long as there's a street to receive you.<br />
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You can make a U-Turn where signs read "Retorno." Or you can do as I did the first few days and take very long detours because there are so many one-way streets.<br />
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The flashing green light in Mexico means "Hurry up! I'm going to turn red soon!"<br />
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And yes, everyone can and will cross the street whenever they want to.<br />
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On the up side, the scenery in the Zona Hotelera was pleasant and well-manicured.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quietly freaking out. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico21.161908 -86.85152790000000820.9249175 -87.1742514 21.3988985 -86.528804400000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-64692411111104563142016-12-14T21:47:00.003-08:002016-12-14T21:47:59.073-08:00December in Mexico: Cancun and Isla Mujeres<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The trip has finally come.<br />
All these years, people have asked me, "How have you been to ____ and not to Mexico? It's right there!"<br />
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It is, indeed, right there. And now, I can proudly say I crossed the border... well, on a plane. A few weeks of research and planning and credit card points planned wisely landed us in Cancun for the very first, almost-impromptu time.<br />
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The Cancun international airport has a very small-town feel to it. After picking up the rental car and finding the AirBNB apartment which was... hmm... <i>not as pictured</i>, we only had time for a quick dinner in the Zona Hotelera (the main tourist strip) before heading back for the evening. After all, we lost 3 hours from LA to Cancun.<br />
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But, the next day, we were able to seize the #beachlife. Here are a few highlights thus far:<br />
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First we headed to Isla Mujeres from the newest port, GranPuerto. A few touts tried to talk us into parking on the street for 100 pesos for a full day (Rip!), but we headed to the public parking structure and paid the regular 20 instead. <br />
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To get to Isla Mujeres, you can take a 30-minute ferry by the UltraMar company. Downstairs seating was full so we went above deck for fresh air and live guitar music. <br />
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Isla Mujeres allows cars, golf carts, and scooters, but we decided, like most, to walk over to Playa Norte, which gave us a chance to browse the stalls for souvenirs. </div>
The entire walk from the port to North Beach took about 15 minutes.<br />
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We stopped for some Sol along the way :)</div>
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Needless to say, December is a very popular time for holidays in Mexico.<br />
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I always wondered how some oceans look like that and ours in Los Angeles looks like... well, L.A. Water. The water in the Caribbean Sea was cool, but not cold, and calm, with no waves at all.<br />
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Terrible place for surfing, but good for the rest of us who just wanted to bob around. <br />
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P.S. Sorry to the stingray I accidentally kicked. I really didn't think there were any animals in the water... And then it swam away.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-53051491580208781082016-11-25T00:39:00.002-08:002016-11-25T00:39:36.400-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello friends,<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
New updates coming soon.<br />
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Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/18352979/?claim=35fhjaqjzw4">follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-61604359636350307982015-12-15T13:37:00.000-08:002016-02-05T22:12:08.210-08:00Post Trip Blues: Part II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As you may have noticed, I took a bit of time off to adjust back to life at home. The transition coming from Miami definitely helped, but I still felt like my mind couldn't quite catch up with my body as it adjusted back to LA weather, which has been erratic and fickle as of late.<br />
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Meanwhile, certain things constantly remind me of the different feelings and experiences I had in each of the cities I now know a little more about.<br />
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While I find myself appreciating creature comforts much more (air conditioning, being able to drive, hip hop and hipster hop and as always, having access to a clothes dryer), at first, I was a bit of recluse and didn't take to meeting friends right away or talking much at all, for that matter. I didn't want to hear lyrical music and was stuck on 88.1 FM for a while. <br />
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Music has so much impact on the way that I remember a place. Sometimes there's a bittersweetness, hearing music that I listened to in the places I traveled, whether it was from a playlist I put together, a song played in a club, or even heard over the speaker in a local grocery store.<br />
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Do you know the feeling? Those songs stay with me, forever reminding me of a feeling...<br />
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Needless to say, I'm definitely experiencing <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/saudade" target="_blank">saudade</a> today.<br />
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So today, I want to share with you a few songs from my trip playlist.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-52939880104248670712015-12-08T23:30:00.000-08:002015-12-08T23:30:13.792-08:00North Beach, Pan Con Minuta and Little Havana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusk at South Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Beach at sunset. Being from Los Angeles, I always associate sunsets with the
west. <br />
It was a trip having the sunset behind me as I looked out at the
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After seeing South Beach at dusk, I wanted to experience North Beach. Here are some of the places I visited in no particular order. <br />
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I headed over to La Cameronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market to try the famous Pan Con Minuta (fish sandwich) I'd read so much about.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It doesn't look like much, but this is the best fish sandwich I've ever had.</td></tr>
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The Pan Con Minuta is simple snapper sandwich with fried fish (tail included, based on my own and others' photos), ketchup and chopped onions on a toasted roll. I loved this sandwich! The fish was well-seasoned, crisp, hot and most importantly, fresh. I could not ask for more. (...on second thought, I could've probably ordered another one.) I wish we had seafood like this in LA.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The less crowded, more family-oriented North Beach</td></tr>
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My new apartment host recommended North Beach to me for a quieter and less crowded beach experience. South Beach is full of beautiful people sprawled out on the sand, but I enjoyed the personal space in North Beach. There were a lot more families, including grandparents going for a swim. As corny as it sounds, it was the first time I ever saw a couple in their golden years hold hands and wade into the ocean together. As corny as it sounds, it was a lovely sight.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb0b_-aaO7CqWlxblfTL1jcRzZMiwh0TaECjSAmax8gIHCDHnqVieLCL8wpnMbX_1Wyv0yZk5LAx1gBNZLtOcIo1qaJeAzkxi4IM0QozyyMgoXaA1Jl_9oBTNzCnWksfVMT7cSXuAueg/s1600/20151010_151302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb0b_-aaO7CqWlxblfTL1jcRzZMiwh0TaECjSAmax8gIHCDHnqVieLCL8wpnMbX_1Wyv0yZk5LAx1gBNZLtOcIo1qaJeAzkxi4IM0QozyyMgoXaA1Jl_9oBTNzCnWksfVMT7cSXuAueg/s640/20151010_151302.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEJD7rpdgZeNRbV2T5k2UBjdx4g8CiIb8D4mTKWr4Os4Y_iBgTYANGapwxVyl8zRkMKsz2f9b-yzpq2f3EZMBfPONBmkK2GOF164Tj1t3rbD0id8w_axuxcF_nqNSIjAeB6KriZ42BXM/s1600/20151010_164219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEJD7rpdgZeNRbV2T5k2UBjdx4g8CiIb8D4mTKWr4Os4Y_iBgTYANGapwxVyl8zRkMKsz2f9b-yzpq2f3EZMBfPONBmkK2GOF164Tj1t3rbD0id8w_axuxcF_nqNSIjAeB6KriZ42BXM/s640/20151010_164219.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just had to take a photo of the sky; it's so blue!</td></tr>
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I spent a lot of time driving but really appreciated having a vehicle in Miami, especially after trying public transport for a few hours. It's just so much more efficient to drive in this city. Not to mention that Miami is well-manicured. I didn't see much trash or graffiti, especially driving on the island of Miami Beach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_g9xEGY2NiCwGryQ2iictOt6OCCW8xqnhGwr8DAdHgtq-cpUtHw8jMNWcSSQIAhFkHnb5ZNx-d52siJg-4-Rm6D6UZRl4AX_mXTdEabYEoSAhM_Xgm-WkZrvOlwHKxYBmQKdiPgByho/s1600/20151010_170014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_g9xEGY2NiCwGryQ2iictOt6OCCW8xqnhGwr8DAdHgtq-cpUtHw8jMNWcSSQIAhFkHnb5ZNx-d52siJg-4-Rm6D6UZRl4AX_mXTdEabYEoSAhM_Xgm-WkZrvOlwHKxYBmQKdiPgByho/s640/20151010_170014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising down Alton Road</td></tr>
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I took some time to visit Wynwood, which is something of a new arts district. Similar to the gentrification in Downtown in Los Angeles, a lot of businesses have been moving into Wynwood and many a street artist have covered the Wynwood Walls with new school designs and murals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8LnvVTwi3h3d8leYaGJpQEOuAOVUkhx2K05irKLhx9bDmINLpAIs-5l1KPRTl9Ww4G8NObJTIIYLhE2c21U8LZrDS-B0vlRFCntIKCoLpBgaRGBrdxyM6VIOHYFBOTq7QcPIA0o6AhY/s1600/20151011_141938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8LnvVTwi3h3d8leYaGJpQEOuAOVUkhx2K05irKLhx9bDmINLpAIs-5l1KPRTl9Ww4G8NObJTIIYLhE2c21U8LZrDS-B0vlRFCntIKCoLpBgaRGBrdxyM6VIOHYFBOTq7QcPIA0o6AhY/s640/20151011_141938.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Most of the murals were on the <a href="http://thewynwoodwalls.com/Wynwood-Walls-Artists/" target="_blank">walls</a> of warehouses and new office buildings, but there is an area specifically designated for the smaller scale murals on <a href="http://thewynwoodwalls.com/Wynwood-Doors-Artists/" target="_blank">doors </a>with a pop-up shop, gallery and restaurant open to the public.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6Z5B_AoTZrI7TDyCaaRI9lCWGV6ltm6uKKLeu8fa3oPYLTO7ucBn6IZCa8-7a3vAODqFK_uXvQukrCp8AkI5YxT6Do_aayP9MyO1L669v7nE65qRBhh1RnVDglpQ3jozMxmpjIaZB_Y/s1600/20151011_125304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6Z5B_AoTZrI7TDyCaaRI9lCWGV6ltm6uKKLeu8fa3oPYLTO7ucBn6IZCa8-7a3vAODqFK_uXvQukrCp8AkI5YxT6Do_aayP9MyO1L669v7nE65qRBhh1RnVDglpQ3jozMxmpjIaZB_Y/s640/20151011_125304.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Wynwood Walls" are a private, gated area where smaller murals could be viewed.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SGrBpJmdY3uGcL72sOOGqWQUY8W-NqdXRNqhJLi80glMhcbQNJNygjAd4BdJ4JFJ1s6m0009Z_v2uunhPxKR50C91LV9vj8K0bBtQJrf7g8H8aQLuFtbZ66RzPXaWbyTDeswN_skrqo/s1600/20151011_130424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SGrBpJmdY3uGcL72sOOGqWQUY8W-NqdXRNqhJLi80glMhcbQNJNygjAd4BdJ4JFJ1s6m0009Z_v2uunhPxKR50C91LV9vj8K0bBtQJrf7g8H8aQLuFtbZ66RzPXaWbyTDeswN_skrqo/s640/20151011_130424.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQGwqLiNI5yvMaMLwdwM6aRWzmP5aXea_vO2bkSZAMG2lgTBVLZta_JBKpqJDezunNsS-rDulUD8uuWcWWy-4iMA-nun4Z6ZQ8EHFDWBNCqT_EodBZnChoTPr7_OgTzhbQ8c2MRXgTKU/s1600/20151011_125027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQGwqLiNI5yvMaMLwdwM6aRWzmP5aXea_vO2bkSZAMG2lgTBVLZta_JBKpqJDezunNsS-rDulUD8uuWcWWy-4iMA-nun4Z6ZQ8EHFDWBNCqT_EodBZnChoTPr7_OgTzhbQ8c2MRXgTKU/s400/20151011_125027.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlUHxBRCE8nR9EfiEtw9XxQnWgmVUFAr0H1y3sb8VzsNOia246yZk0yNRLw5GaJp1GviHMoBv1XlgwTBc57ehs9rH8h611u3y5GgQHsdCkYkEt5FvYh5pZitCbwXxnu5FsFp4Pit2hi4/s1600/20151011_125051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlUHxBRCE8nR9EfiEtw9XxQnWgmVUFAr0H1y3sb8VzsNOia246yZk0yNRLw5GaJp1GviHMoBv1XlgwTBc57ehs9rH8h611u3y5GgQHsdCkYkEt5FvYh5pZitCbwXxnu5FsFp4Pit2hi4/s400/20151011_125051.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Though it may not show in photos, these murals were so three-dimensional; </div>
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I couldn't help but get sucked in. </div>
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Later in the day, I headed over to Little Havana, the closest I'd ever come to Cuba. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbkkQjZ57157nrjykjpC4LHvQMajQE7pWpR1B0Al-9T9_K5rF_cyiKRHxwLX-jvYc7HqvHXdaw-QUiV5kTORtJppcvGXuv0PEiauHvj6YtY8ShnLHD15E1lnXbMGkQAAgf2gjgdVoE14/s1600/20151011_180857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbkkQjZ57157nrjykjpC4LHvQMajQE7pWpR1B0Al-9T9_K5rF_cyiKRHxwLX-jvYc7HqvHXdaw-QUiV5kTORtJppcvGXuv0PEiauHvj6YtY8ShnLHD15E1lnXbMGkQAAgf2gjgdVoE14/s640/20151011_180857.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />Cuba's been off limits to Americans for as long as I can remember. It wasn't until Obama changed policies in recent years that Americans are now admitted to Cuba under <a href="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/cuba.html" target="_blank">certain conditions</a>. </div>
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What a dream come true, to experience a place that hasn't been taken over by American capitalism. (Not to mention walk into the iconic old school city scene with the classic cars we've all seen in movies. Quick, let's go to Cuba before the policies change again or before America colonizes it.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpb_GY5ISzU_yeOjEHDQxchC4gI-EqBrPkoubAKLMXlgy62CRCRSmdYRonz5tuuLpdH6ainFnYTcmP0lewoY_gQaF2pP-i6QFTvIZXWLB2lKIeP7rFGLnk9FU7hL4QVzlhOcBKPEZ-E4/s1600/20151011_180436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpb_GY5ISzU_yeOjEHDQxchC4gI-EqBrPkoubAKLMXlgy62CRCRSmdYRonz5tuuLpdH6ainFnYTcmP0lewoY_gQaF2pP-i6QFTvIZXWLB2lKIeP7rFGLnk9FU7hL4QVzlhOcBKPEZ-E4/s640/20151011_180436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE Versailles Restaurant </td></tr>
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Versailles Cuban Cuisine is a legendary restaurant, hyped up both in the news as well as food blogs and Yelp. I was so excited to try the food! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFAHfJ7F5QJufkRGD4UJTFChNEnb-pySYh0GFRh8GcN6VKMZVqh1wtn4cGjZfycjMqhsy8PrVje46AnsgsmbeRymHGa2bNkpTOynEfUeFL2ZQ1iKWd1Hs0tfJimq-luhY4PqYGCGWZtI/s1600/20151011_171833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFAHfJ7F5QJufkRGD4UJTFChNEnb-pySYh0GFRh8GcN6VKMZVqh1wtn4cGjZfycjMqhsy8PrVje46AnsgsmbeRymHGa2bNkpTOynEfUeFL2ZQ1iKWd1Hs0tfJimq-luhY4PqYGCGWZtI/s640/20151011_171833.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Versailles is especially famous for their Ropa Vieja. I ordered the sampler plate to try a bit of everything.</td></tr>
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Maybe the food is really as great as people say. I don't know, but I
think cold food doesn't qualify for my opinion. All I know is that can't be the service
that keeps people coming back. Maybe if they didn't take 40 minutes to bring my food, it would have been warm. Oh well, in the meantime, I'll
be frequenting <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/versailles-restaurant-los-angeles" target="_blank">Versailles Restaurant in LA</a>, which definitely lives up to its rave reviews. I can almost taste the garlic chicken... </div>
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Driving down Calle Ocho, there are a lot of roosters and definitely a different vibe on this block. I noted a lot of cigar shops and many more people hanging out on the street. Some were obviously tourists (like myself) but I could easily spot the Cuban locals by looking at their attire.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WvZZLF0F4RIuhKRueBOEApi9wCsJrUE9Gr5M3OxgBPO-oH7PR5EbAi1cg3mUU8jRhf9QVOP1zhoyzFEmpwmAMSY__y29Zm_hUsUfYUdjJkiCFesO3kESyymMmb6thEoRlC7sUuKt0Mk/s1600/20151011_182235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WvZZLF0F4RIuhKRueBOEApi9wCsJrUE9Gr5M3OxgBPO-oH7PR5EbAi1cg3mUU8jRhf9QVOP1zhoyzFEmpwmAMSY__y29Zm_hUsUfYUdjJkiCFesO3kESyymMmb6thEoRlC7sUuKt0Mk/s640/20151011_182235.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calle Ocho, the main street in Little Havana</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0OqSq4fiRTty16yywroqNYuXwVEmbD4LXaxbLFMjRzvfoitlgEUbB7pFUWXo26YMMts1LORidL7kxbCB-hWkaPlMnyZNZWX3dtr5X_jnHYIyJWUKPML5VvtUx61AYqz8CbfAehGXB-c/s1600/20151011_182006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0OqSq4fiRTty16yywroqNYuXwVEmbD4LXaxbLFMjRzvfoitlgEUbB7pFUWXo26YMMts1LORidL7kxbCB-hWkaPlMnyZNZWX3dtr5X_jnHYIyJWUKPML5VvtUx61AYqz8CbfAehGXB-c/s640/20151011_182006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are many murals in Little Havana, as well. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9Zx8SYUTKLMwnsqRSssIZKdpyDwerhrp_Sny-yRNURx6ltF4tjRvKw-b9ykXjKXNFzGkz-UBmr1BfnZWbrXbcZiutIgUFhkndPKe9u5cA-2vCD1Unj8IdoGeqKki3wTTIzcJmiN4yW4/s1600/20151011_182706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9Zx8SYUTKLMwnsqRSssIZKdpyDwerhrp_Sny-yRNURx6ltF4tjRvKw-b9ykXjKXNFzGkz-UBmr1BfnZWbrXbcZiutIgUFhkndPKe9u5cA-2vCD1Unj8IdoGeqKki3wTTIzcJmiN4yW4/s640/20151011_182706.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous Cubans and sandwiches</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf24FUtuWW84H2zdu-GnL6CGzny_UDGPBFlPRRoc9XGjV7Q6MNcMPH5gSYvS8hqyG931cTuAMlVcQhALA9WRZSoGmuMtHxrTV7G4M-pQLI-30aUGgJb6HtZcmqvY5qwiXISWpG4Y1QtYU/s1600/20151011_183029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf24FUtuWW84H2zdu-GnL6CGzny_UDGPBFlPRRoc9XGjV7Q6MNcMPH5gSYvS8hqyG931cTuAMlVcQhALA9WRZSoGmuMtHxrTV7G4M-pQLI-30aUGgJb6HtZcmqvY5qwiXISWpG4Y1QtYU/s640/20151011_183029.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In memory of the Bay of Pigs</td></tr>
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One of the most interesting things that I noticed in Little Havana (besides the cigar shops) was a particular tree. I'd headed down the street to see some of the historical monuments but I couldn't help but notice this huge tree smack in the middle of the road (right behind the monuments).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceN-7YmHEzqOogt07jnvpEyOKxiltFWq1Y8_ahnT0hfCCSU84iNJRIbBxFBYwKeeEsjOw2NwmJ7Sx67uXcyGCjrES2L02XKCl0Uj5vaS5unPuxBZ7hL1LxD9hoesb3jyPsWaBqHdpmeo/s1600/20151011_183415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceN-7YmHEzqOogt07jnvpEyOKxiltFWq1Y8_ahnT0hfCCSU84iNJRIbBxFBYwKeeEsjOw2NwmJ7Sx67uXcyGCjrES2L02XKCl0Uj5vaS5unPuxBZ7hL1LxD9hoesb3jyPsWaBqHdpmeo/s640/20151011_183415.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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What made the tree so unusual to me was that the trunk was so straight in the middle, but the roots were enormous and so gnarly and high relative to the size of the tree. Also, there were some objects left between the roots and stuck on the low limbs of the tree.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqwqhnZOBIQC0mG0uP8TYFkV2qlLHFjpz3clwTvPXngwEqFr0uj0iAh5KXbOco4M4GYQaZ2dgSuXT1FORcacbl7ZF9DPeKPahcSSGAntUO5baiYTC9-8mSvXc_zbBjP-lr48gPwX2ypE/s1600/20151011_183457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqwqhnZOBIQC0mG0uP8TYFkV2qlLHFjpz3clwTvPXngwEqFr0uj0iAh5KXbOco4M4GYQaZ2dgSuXT1FORcacbl7ZF9DPeKPahcSSGAntUO5baiYTC9-8mSvXc_zbBjP-lr48gPwX2ypE/s640/20151011_183457.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I don't practice Santeria, I ain't go no crystal ball...</td></tr>
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As it turned out, this is a Ceiba tree, which is important in Santeria and other African, Afro-Cuban, and Caribbean religions and is also mystical to Central America and the Mayans (known to them as the "Sacred Tree of Life". It's believed to connect the earth to the spirit world above.</div>
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I don't know much about Santeria, but I am aware of its association with voodoo and spells, which have always been intriguing to me. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL7ZQEnEO1y98OFX7X66klHWKmN1TQz9F4uK-gMXABET9s3tABTHO1lG2On1a7H0GVEQUoLQ3KVb5k714PjfxfMXf5-qlNFYTU0PQdNqGu6lJ53RTUX_9uIZbPXCdGfQqfM-eOdQNFoE/s1600/20151011_183343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL7ZQEnEO1y98OFX7X66klHWKmN1TQz9F4uK-gMXABET9s3tABTHO1lG2On1a7H0GVEQUoLQ3KVb5k714PjfxfMXf5-qlNFYTU0PQdNqGu6lJ53RTUX_9uIZbPXCdGfQqfM-eOdQNFoE/s640/20151011_183343.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Believers often leave offerings of chicken bones, flowers, bundles of
cloth and liquor. <br />A laundry basket on one of the lower branches caught my eye.
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</tbody></table>
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As it turns out, Santeria also has roots in the West African religion, Yoruba (just as <a href="http://wanderingelle.blogspot.com/2015/09/salvador-transportation-gay-pride-and.html" target="_blank">Candomble</a> does). The Ceiba tree is seen as a home to Orixas (deities) in Afro-Cuban religions. It's believed that if you walk around the Ceiba three times and <a href="http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=1975" target="_blank">make a wish</a>, it will come true. Some people drop coins as they walk each round, to give to the spirits.<br />
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You can read more about <a href="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2001-12-03/news/0112030033_1_ceiba-tree-havana-tree-three" target="_blank">Ceibas</a> here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-70689242684743184542015-10-27T12:30:00.004-07:002015-10-27T12:31:54.334-07:00Reservations in South Beach<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-1e38c102-88e4-4cc2-389b-08fbfdcd2bcb"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Public transportation in Miami has a bad rap and despite my determination, I found out for myself after only a few hours in the city. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fortunately, Enterprise Rent-a-Car offers great weekend deals! $9.99 a day for Friday through Sunday?! I'm sold! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, I was sold on the deal, but I didn't actually get the car. This is the thing: Enterprise lets you reserve your own car online free! But, they don't actually reserve a car for you, meaning, they don't hold a car for you. </span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For further clarification, please refer to the following Seinfeld clip.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4T2GmGSNvaM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4T2GmGSNvaM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Basically, Enterprise overbooks their cars. I called in the morning to ask them to pick me up so I could get my car and they told me they had no cars. So I told them to call me back when they got a car and they told me that I was Number 11 in line waiting for a car. Eventually, I decided that I would just take Public transport to the beach. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXKMiq_0E5PGtrqMD35USOMT5Z67RSG422QxgWoqGoaKHPGU91XM5bHPDeUxU4zeMH_qKD7MgJfRoFDGi38z1Ue_aAfdncW-jVKu_e0EpNCsRrQfVQl3zp5UZoVIGxsZykL4j7K-JUoo/s1600/20151009_125144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXKMiq_0E5PGtrqMD35USOMT5Z67RSG422QxgWoqGoaKHPGU91XM5bHPDeUxU4zeMH_qKD7MgJfRoFDGi38z1Ue_aAfdncW-jVKu_e0EpNCsRrQfVQl3zp5UZoVIGxsZykL4j7K-JUoo/s640/20151009_125144.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sunny afternoon in Coral Gables</td></tr>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-1e38c102-88e4-4cc2-389b-08fbfdcd2bcb" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was excited to lay around on the famed South Beach that afternoon and even though</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Coral Gables isn't more than 8 miles from downtown Miami, the transfer from the MetroRail to the MetroMover to get to Bayfront Park Station took almost an hour. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB96vlhoJdH4kKcLG9Esj87Q5cKwuQXzCJKnzzZ3C3EFSkR-MS_FSpGb3VQu9cJSIoni6lUPFEsS13WZirXjAqTpm2F3iK0dEkBolMJh0u3mLfqYx-PDmRbt5zqf-XqPHkubB3jO-bYMk/s1600/20151009_134258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB96vlhoJdH4kKcLG9Esj87Q5cKwuQXzCJKnzzZ3C3EFSkR-MS_FSpGb3VQu9cJSIoni6lUPFEsS13WZirXjAqTpm2F3iK0dEkBolMJh0u3mLfqYx-PDmRbt5zqf-XqPHkubB3jO-bYMk/s640/20151009_134258.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Coconut Grove Metro Station</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was undecided on what to do; should just go to the beach and take forever to get </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">around</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> anywhere in Miami for my entire trip? It would still take another hour to reach South Beach from where I was. Or I could go directly to the rental office. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuVgBo98OVJ3jo8LkVkOxzRXULWPUOh1I5rHtL-RJAsl_pa562IZION8S3pjh1J3xP3t9XGAWSQJda5QVyfLOu9k-HilkWFmad27lbrRQtUU5ODKl8c0OnuKNoC4By194pey_PRcb9O0/s1600/20151009_142538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuVgBo98OVJ3jo8LkVkOxzRXULWPUOh1I5rHtL-RJAsl_pa562IZION8S3pjh1J3xP3t9XGAWSQJda5QVyfLOu9k-HilkWFmad27lbrRQtUU5ODKl8c0OnuKNoC4By194pey_PRcb9O0/s640/20151009_142538.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Back on the Metro People Mover</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Considering that Enterprise would be </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">closing in only a few hours, I decided that I would go down to the office and wait it out. It took more than an hour to transfer three times from the Metro to the People Mover to the free tram to get to that Enterprise office, but I'm glad that I did. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTNLbSl9q1ayeGDPb6DMsn8_puf9pW9E9JEuVvlNmEJXg8GAV8CLGrreNs8c10EjimrkOHVXdiueOgxB-TBLNfSMtfz8brUoBhuP6kVwVIN5jEOZ9In4MYgcYy-twHpTxfI7QJ5QtB9g/s1600/20151009_142503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTNLbSl9q1ayeGDPb6DMsn8_puf9pW9E9JEuVvlNmEJXg8GAV8CLGrreNs8c10EjimrkOHVXdiueOgxB-TBLNfSMtfz8brUoBhuP6kVwVIN5jEOZ9In4MYgcYy-twHpTxfI7QJ5QtB9g/s640/20151009_142503.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bayfront Station Downtown</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Apparently, my sitting and waiting in the empty car rental office seemed to hurry the cars along. After 10 minutes in the office and filling out paperwork, it just so happened that a car was ready for me. Amazing, this was the same rental office that had me as #11 on the waiting list and hadn't called me once in the past 3 hours!</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdiOifff3pEkFc71WyrZRSBcpn_updbTPO6PZGiJeEviztKm_wUknohh6pCmsRslioNqW3kzsJXEDHext-S_AGQ4gN-Q9tfpCyXoElnPTtwMTWf3MA5940Yj3115f3EMnfaP4ZNuTGJ4/s1600/20151009_154652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdiOifff3pEkFc71WyrZRSBcpn_updbTPO6PZGiJeEviztKm_wUknohh6pCmsRslioNqW3kzsJXEDHext-S_AGQ4gN-Q9tfpCyXoElnPTtwMTWf3MA5940Yj3115f3EMnfaP4ZNuTGJ4/s640/20151009_154652.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">They upgraded me to a mid-size Altima</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then I drove off to South Beach just in time for the sunset. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-JAOdAOW_cVOoTWGc6N0kmdkIVAMtQCZ_cIij-OdNMUA2SvUWzrlQLsP-x8l53Vd6AT17oyNdFRHlWBLi6S45073uv4yB6ObOfLExtt8ERk4siBSg7H2u2fcCXKYiFkV60-3VEN4bEM/s1600/20151009_171322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-JAOdAOW_cVOoTWGc6N0kmdkIVAMtQCZ_cIij-OdNMUA2SvUWzrlQLsP-x8l53Vd6AT17oyNdFRHlWBLi6S45073uv4yB6ObOfLExtt8ERk4siBSg7H2u2fcCXKYiFkV60-3VEN4bEM/s640/20151009_171322.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much faster in a car!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPQWieysRHQvpGGwoPsQWDUIKD1LIkgcy0sOyeyghc0NhrvE_p4ujoEuUbafWtSdwoGJ8wCEAde0tcmEtw0Quq9wCOe6Kk1TdFmLe8OfV0-oa_lQe-XDwFlOV4vdUjwMogJazpQ3dnyM/s1600/20151009_183950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPQWieysRHQvpGGwoPsQWDUIKD1LIkgcy0sOyeyghc0NhrvE_p4ujoEuUbafWtSdwoGJ8wCEAde0tcmEtw0Quq9wCOe6Kk1TdFmLe8OfV0-oa_lQe-XDwFlOV4vdUjwMogJazpQ3dnyM/s640/20151009_183950.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along Ocean Drive in South Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ErWYlfKO22WpQDmuJBpZCIYmelnP1qlVNsljQexWlzqAJ9ERrpaTSTKMKzIzb9Og8GbZtHmZ2BrYzz9M5nZNcDS5cRFAPjOMJeUDs13vZdqho8bhieK1FWTMdYUxuuKwQUb5IbhfDXU/s1600/20151009_184811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ErWYlfKO22WpQDmuJBpZCIYmelnP1qlVNsljQexWlzqAJ9ERrpaTSTKMKzIzb9Og8GbZtHmZ2BrYzz9M5nZNcDS5cRFAPjOMJeUDs13vZdqho8bhieK1FWTMdYUxuuKwQUb5IbhfDXU/s640/20151009_184811.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5YiR9kW69D4-fxx3vkMCgoYeNFQ2WeGzPkSLqnn96sL9sdpeU_tqeyw-Prm2SIfJduZLN3tlmDZFk_GAydtS_qy2OKC6eceRnmYAlZ2hLDe22xDPqojtOSNHcDc3ity-0YCIcaqgdIU/s1600/20151009_184855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5YiR9kW69D4-fxx3vkMCgoYeNFQ2WeGzPkSLqnn96sL9sdpeU_tqeyw-Prm2SIfJduZLN3tlmDZFk_GAydtS_qy2OKC6eceRnmYAlZ2hLDe22xDPqojtOSNHcDc3ity-0YCIcaqgdIU/s640/20151009_184855.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun sets in the east over here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoSyEJGrS7cImQbGUKm8YGJu7n3fCFL5ql6ph5pzk4ZEomgGWPqlK5_llMuHilXtvhNjiNJTazsIzw_BprXZ88ySiGOfpA51u2pSLektv6cup3d1CjUvIUMqRZ8jLCLbxpLbkxuaP2aI/s1600/20151009_184942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoSyEJGrS7cImQbGUKm8YGJu7n3fCFL5ql6ph5pzk4ZEomgGWPqlK5_llMuHilXtvhNjiNJTazsIzw_BprXZ88ySiGOfpA51u2pSLektv6cup3d1CjUvIUMqRZ8jLCLbxpLbkxuaP2aI/s640/20151009_184942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The air was balmy and lightly breezy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPmpjZBHEW2kFUYytJSCKXJEbJfV_4A7chZO3Lj5p5Yg6bF_DlFvF01jVj33_dGVbJpj10XM2ue5g-SVI5FQzpAy1IR-ThMmR44Xvd3cd53odiQ9EbPAZsgkAoOJoTw5Q6awyDDdf78k/s1600/20151009_185155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPmpjZBHEW2kFUYytJSCKXJEbJfV_4A7chZO3Lj5p5Yg6bF_DlFvF01jVj33_dGVbJpj10XM2ue5g-SVI5FQzpAy1IR-ThMmR44Xvd3cd53odiQ9EbPAZsgkAoOJoTw5Q6awyDDdf78k/s640/20151009_185155.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama of the Atlantic Ocean<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzHPCCmt86Yn1-jqg6hUNf6T6G1Y22g08DLMt83fqhu0NMJiSTxpiUy9SWShEjH-y5z3SxVtrS7ky36dfOUbg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-34412759062771192512015-10-22T01:35:00.000-07:002015-10-22T01:35:03.353-07:00Post-Trip Blues (Part I)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-1e38c102-8909-1397-67da-5e884eb13792"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-1e38c102-8909-1397-67da-5e884eb13792"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’ve ever traveled for an extended amount of time (especially to a place with very different culture), you may have experienced a mild (or extreme) depression upon returning home.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Post-trip depression is a real thing, but not everyone gets it or believes it exists. Actually, I’ve met some travelers who get homesick and just can’t wait to get home. Not me. I think of my family and friends and dogs and food and convenience of things I have at home, but I never quite feel homesick. Upon returning, I’ve always felt a little blue re-adjusting. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuIpwdFrZLLaxQF3y6ZaxiQ9dzK7c_4p_2OHWH28wpUjaEJiv-BazmcSGMJ_kn2Ki6A9mls56xE02RTr-yWd1h-BgkC3NmI9sqGRD7v808F9KcL3mMZusbowC1BtF5HOw4SE_Hn4ZXYA/s1600/20150822_114727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuIpwdFrZLLaxQF3y6ZaxiQ9dzK7c_4p_2OHWH28wpUjaEJiv-BazmcSGMJ_kn2Ki6A9mls56xE02RTr-yWd1h-BgkC3NmI9sqGRD7v808F9KcL3mMZusbowC1BtF5HOw4SE_Hn4ZXYA/s640/20150822_114727.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How do you go from this to home?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe because it takes time to accustom oneself to a new culture, language, and customs (Did you know Brazilians typically eat pizza and even hamburgers with a fork and knife? Whaaat), changing modes of transportation and sometimes the way you think. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Essentially you change your lifestyle, if only temporarily, but in order to get along in a strange place , you have to accept that you’re going to be very uncomfortable… and then you have to learn how to get comfortable, in a different way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Something about coming home after I’ve learned so much that can’t really be transferred to life at home (depending on where you live) makes me just a little bit sad. I’ve found myself wondering, sometimes, if it was a dream.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">This is real.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Modern transportation is awesome, in that one day I can be in Los Angeles, and the next I can be in Peru. But on the other hand, sometimes my mind doesn’t process the change in location as quickly as the plane can fly.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tipon</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first time I came home after being away for a long time, I remember expecting that things would be so different, and that I'd realize how much I missed out on while I was gone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the contrary, I’d found that nothing much at home had changed. The streets looked more barren because I'd seen how many trees were in the city in Kuala Lumpus. My room looked smaller because I'd been in big places. The air smelled different because, to be honest, I'd probably gotten used to breathing in more pollution. But it </span><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">was me that </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">changed. And the more I learned, the more I realized how little I know. </span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz2Dr8BTMiHlq2yyCWXjJRSXFpuI5kJWMhHn2OnQcz_H5WggU3yezDKq6dIHKFdMeX1W5fAoqxJhDTwhzcYxQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I was aware that I would probably feel this all over again, despite that my trip this time around wasn't as long as the ones that I'd taken in the past. <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But this time, I had an amazing idea to ease the inevitable slump - I’d try something a little bit different. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rather than go straight home from Buenos Aires, I left a little earlier and took a detour (a buffer, if you will) to pad my crash landing in LA.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I thought it would be easier to transition back home by visiting an American city that I’d never visited before. That way, I’d be able to get used to the ways of home without being home just yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After lots of deliberating, considering weather, activities, food, flights, expenses, time, and what attire I had, I decided that I’d go on my own, for the first time, to Miami :o)</span></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-72896661042450141722015-10-21T02:21:00.002-07:002015-10-21T03:55:31.796-07:00Adventures in Buenos Aires Photoblog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn’t know much about Buenos Aires, but had heard from friends that had visited that it’s the “Paris” of South America and that the whole city is a sight in itself. I was looking forward to what little I knew: steak, leather, and Tango. </span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-8ddcfcd2-8932-6b04-8466-8574bb519d78"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We flew into Buenos Aires late at night and moved into the quiet and safe residential neighborhood of Villa Crespo. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After spending some time in the city. I became comfortable, forgetting that it's still a big city and I need to be mindful of my things. Unfortunately, I wasn't mindful enough and was pickpocketed for my phone on a crowded Subte (subway). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we finally got back to the apartment, I used the laptop to track my phone and sure enough, I saw that after we’d exited the Subte, my phone continued onto the next exit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was so bummed! It was bad enough to lose a phone because so much of our lives are contained in such a compact device, but it was even worse that I hadn’t transferred a lot of photos that I’d taken. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the other hand, I've been a lot of places... And this was the first time I'd ever been pickpocketed. I was fortunate that I was not hurt in any way. It was a completely non-violent crime with only the ill intention to steal. Sure, it’s still bad, but I’m glad to be alive and well. Phones can be replaced. Memories can be... remembered, just like in old times. </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a result, I had to revisit a few places… and Stephen let me borrow his phone with some light teasing underway not to get jacked again. So far so good... </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Tree lined streets of Palermo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Cementerio de la Recoleta; many politicians and Presidents were buried here... not to mention Evita!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Sittin on someone's tomb...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The neighborhood of San Telmo</td></tr>
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San Telmo holds a famous flea market every Sunday to sell housewares and especially antique toys, appliances, furniture, some clothing and cookware. They also have a Tango show right in the center of the Square. Steve recognized later that the performers in the square were the same ones that were teaching us Tango lessons later in the week at another location. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9biLs6ORL3QHwTvUy78KaJclb6XgDYMavJY4i1flEvcIHwrPyfYcDRfSCvwze_8HayHl172tH6wc5Z-heOzPMVFmPvi-hpU-bK6s_a5PjGOmn8sxm5Gknk6ukvj9DkHobnNOJ3XrtKAA/s1600/20150925_164236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9biLs6ORL3QHwTvUy78KaJclb6XgDYMavJY4i1flEvcIHwrPyfYcDRfSCvwze_8HayHl172tH6wc5Z-heOzPMVFmPvi-hpU-bK6s_a5PjGOmn8sxm5Gknk6ukvj9DkHobnNOJ3XrtKAA/s640/20150925_164236.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Palermo - the alternative/art district</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrikF0j7iB_XJh_f-Ruq6Ir-X3ekG7E_2UGw9-UdbYPppxlE6t_TlxmFE0Rg75D97ttfKunzIpMIY_GXlGkmTWuSLYarnkrbphCtchMhu1pSNBKDX3CD7fyJmJGANQrhmTgaVALjTo2Q/s1600/20151006_180630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrikF0j7iB_XJh_f-Ruq6Ir-X3ekG7E_2UGw9-UdbYPppxlE6t_TlxmFE0Rg75D97ttfKunzIpMIY_GXlGkmTWuSLYarnkrbphCtchMhu1pSNBKDX3CD7fyJmJGANQrhmTgaVALjTo2Q/s640/20151006_180630.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHMLB4vShC9WAxL0g5V-VgA7nTZV0iOaSSx5lLdjE-iBTEhsVYXZbjYjbkODiYOsufPogAJ8Grn7czoDoFMnT1Bef70BTEDbe9dTEr4eSjg0tYqbHCWQBCMpYpd-xpYnk2Hu1-fscSos/s1600/20151006_180437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHMLB4vShC9WAxL0g5V-VgA7nTZV0iOaSSx5lLdjE-iBTEhsVYXZbjYjbkODiYOsufPogAJ8Grn7czoDoFMnT1Bef70BTEDbe9dTEr4eSjg0tYqbHCWQBCMpYpd-xpYnk2Hu1-fscSos/s640/20151006_180437.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oculus of the church</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIggYG8v2g2i-E-EaTv3STO2EkLZwWbJV3qB7EPPqZi6Dn0NCieUhqRed_TKlZOFnYCfxa59cy8GF6PrLyRBo3PYNdjuu3r2_IFxhlZOnGWpbLGB2tA4lj3p_P1El9tCCR762XMDJ59o/s1600/20150926_174530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIggYG8v2g2i-E-EaTv3STO2EkLZwWbJV3qB7EPPqZi6Dn0NCieUhqRed_TKlZOFnYCfxa59cy8GF6PrLyRBo3PYNdjuu3r2_IFxhlZOnGWpbLGB2tA4lj3p_P1El9tCCR762XMDJ59o/s640/20150926_174530.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Plaza San Martin at the end of Avenida Florida</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZuynNHJnv3XeSZNxIUU_87I0aIziwnAtJu7s9krqYHS0YwPNudaC9NZX16xLjpEhlnKRujEKNeOzINuvGXtPGYO7oZ6MaSIOFeY9ojii4-0Ay03DnZ3vH2BDhIZl8gtL3WRQOZ3r4-Q/s1600/20151007_174656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZuynNHJnv3XeSZNxIUU_87I0aIziwnAtJu7s9krqYHS0YwPNudaC9NZX16xLjpEhlnKRujEKNeOzINuvGXtPGYO7oZ6MaSIOFeY9ojii4-0Ay03DnZ3vH2BDhIZl8gtL3WRQOZ3r4-Q/s640/20151007_174656.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Helados cumpleanos de Freddo</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjurPdZ4lm8K1WTv5MGeTT55YbptjfqzwzJhoK8d_z6SaKjDTVO3g9YAsDmUqJQ6N6i1nnidzpxig9rEL7kKfHVtSqmgYZS5b7EHEDJsZIp0KZHWGFeRTC53SPxAdUajYULdyXp41SNU/s1600/20151006_170917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjurPdZ4lm8K1WTv5MGeTT55YbptjfqzwzJhoK8d_z6SaKjDTVO3g9YAsDmUqJQ6N6i1nnidzpxig9rEL7kKfHVtSqmgYZS5b7EHEDJsZIp0KZHWGFeRTC53SPxAdUajYULdyXp41SNU/s640/20151006_170917.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Barrio Chino - China Town<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In Buenos Aires, there is a big population of Chinese people who immigrated during the 80's and 90's from China and Taiwan. To earn a living, a lot of the Chinese people own supermarkets and gave such fierce competition to the locals that most people go to their markets over the usual chains like Carrefour (the equivalent of a small Walmart grocery). There are so many Chinese family run supermarkets that they are now nicknamed "Chinos" (which means Chinese). We were told by our host the first night that we could "go to the Chinos" to get groceries, since it was closer than the larger market a few blocks down. As we found out, the Chino was cheaper and also had more selection than the Carrefour. </span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7x-k1cOs-X1Qn3rhEAGk51AC7p1hK-4wwtcy3q2HPiamG9MniaoNexi8LClpbjhLOehpdsZxBpBzcaAve_SZqwBLT_O8Y8fvjcCh43DyVjS0GQfBabh1uYDZJtYdqV-G1IIN_77FCVzs/s1600/20151006_171032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7x-k1cOs-X1Qn3rhEAGk51AC7p1hK-4wwtcy3q2HPiamG9MniaoNexi8LClpbjhLOehpdsZxBpBzcaAve_SZqwBLT_O8Y8fvjcCh43DyVjS0GQfBabh1uYDZJtYdqV-G1IIN_77FCVzs/s640/20151006_171032.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: 13px;">it's only 2 blocks long</span><br />
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<tr><td><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdsoMH7UI_CudT28p4TRquJjlMoaKMdPe5E3t_ROBZR1Md7F457l97Nr_fJ65ADdJZqTQN6KozrzRRhWpHjbnY4QaDyyFvWW1ic15QUATQ-Jx60YYNS0_LlmgyjxueYOGDY_PlptNVrQ/s1600/20151006_173705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdsoMH7UI_CudT28p4TRquJjlMoaKMdPe5E3t_ROBZR1Md7F457l97Nr_fJ65ADdJZqTQN6KozrzRRhWpHjbnY4QaDyyFvWW1ic15QUATQ-Jx60YYNS0_LlmgyjxueYOGDY_PlptNVrQ/s640/20151006_173705.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The one and only shop I saw that sells boba and various fried meat sticks. (The tea was terrible)</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmoz4bCKQEkOkWzlKLtuC8q_khaqVph7KDC-LhE2nZ7BR55c4x0jE_6uxNuZ896yZFvjyA8PuFdBEJ4v-BILwtAgyFsuSduCc0_r3uyDCvvbl-4zSWyAzrTtKSszQY3qJLDTDDN3ZE90/s1600/20151006_171111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmoz4bCKQEkOkWzlKLtuC8q_khaqVph7KDC-LhE2nZ7BR55c4x0jE_6uxNuZ896yZFvjyA8PuFdBEJ4v-BILwtAgyFsuSduCc0_r3uyDCvvbl-4zSWyAzrTtKSszQY3qJLDTDDN3ZE90/s640/20151006_171111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Panorama of the main street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdffCGfsCLsQDRdAejFaHBUaw_MOARcl9ZWLNmKcpsiOWeDIhUTHmkZhl7z7W2nVC4w5rmrR43vPL5l_rtyfLYSTdB7BswAZVVt8W2fmMxrvrL9PYdW80NY8flBqVAKmixBWh1zCuyrOc/s1600/20151006_171857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdffCGfsCLsQDRdAejFaHBUaw_MOARcl9ZWLNmKcpsiOWeDIhUTHmkZhl7z7W2nVC4w5rmrR43vPL5l_rtyfLYSTdB7BswAZVVt8W2fmMxrvrL9PYdW80NY8flBqVAKmixBWh1zCuyrOc/s640/20151006_171857.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In many markets in China Town, they sell pre-made sushi rolls that you take home to cut. <br />
These are a very popular cheap meal (52+ pesos or about $4 USD)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcHQagDRHkg1GogEtehwcsCmps7MmeSnyRXkSZulAVHcHAjcfi6xnyQMHhGICCQcz7b3jEk1t5mlEk5QisBs8VV8bVcsHyStaWHHZ3O7S-zltkfiXCNPigzBLhjUb5bbbEfmiapVW4hw/s1600/20151007_182200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcHQagDRHkg1GogEtehwcsCmps7MmeSnyRXkSZulAVHcHAjcfi6xnyQMHhGICCQcz7b3jEk1t5mlEk5QisBs8VV8bVcsHyStaWHHZ3O7S-zltkfiXCNPigzBLhjUb5bbbEfmiapVW4hw/s640/20151007_182200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown; lots of European architecture brought over by the Spanish</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCn9mY3qTu_WJJeezJaHnqBObvEqMQURDBxuYzgZoK3r9wEOo0Jv4PEZHxnL4QdCBGlNUmMkrHu6WG0EdjNr11ysTkaDwKdU0SDyNoJJf9rv6gdy9PrNLn2CnuOgb78lAok3u_iWqCQI/s1600/20150926_201216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCn9mY3qTu_WJJeezJaHnqBObvEqMQURDBxuYzgZoK3r9wEOo0Jv4PEZHxnL4QdCBGlNUmMkrHu6WG0EdjNr11ysTkaDwKdU0SDyNoJJf9rv6gdy9PrNLn2CnuOgb78lAok3u_iWqCQI/s640/20150926_201216.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Argentinian Pizza sold by the slice at El Cuartito! We had a horribly angry waiter who hated his life and didn't bring us what we ordered, but... joke's on him; everything was tasty :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n5iYqJUa-1543LheGqNyfSxCHgYdJ7BREdbg3n7YTtQuM8UWpCKIq5PHnH6CaFL73jm0iL-0iQ6ejNEAmIkN7o4oxYECu1L4j__7PXYRRPcwUnM7UDlh-LkoaAeasXdAGDMoCiJTIjE/s1600/20151006_232345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n5iYqJUa-1543LheGqNyfSxCHgYdJ7BREdbg3n7YTtQuM8UWpCKIq5PHnH6CaFL73jm0iL-0iQ6ejNEAmIkN7o4oxYECu1L4j__7PXYRRPcwUnM7UDlh-LkoaAeasXdAGDMoCiJTIjE/s640/20151006_232345.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floreria Atlantico: from the outside, it looks like a Florist Shop but enter the white door on the left...</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREhYnMk1X3o0yiODzrJW2V99OBwws82ZsT5ii7SGGBUJ8ME4plql0CG6zuNTXeEpUFzpoAeTio56Oprz_VUVgb4mofODqwn7iaANM9wa9vJtnIXten9W5egD3G__jWE-a9HNHEfOEdGI/s1600/20151006_232252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREhYnMk1X3o0yiODzrJW2V99OBwws82ZsT5ii7SGGBUJ8ME4plql0CG6zuNTXeEpUFzpoAeTio56Oprz_VUVgb4mofODqwn7iaANM9wa9vJtnIXten9W5egD3G__jWE-a9HNHEfOEdGI/s640/20151006_232252.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">and go down the stairs and you'll find the hidden bar,</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiqlCl9gYEOTkpvkqPpYF8rk6l65X80uCVC6I0imUWS7Frf7iJjjGdhD2IFBLNbPzlMSZ5qhRPDWF0tSlqIUs_ffymwmMJhVKihy-dY_XDJEslx6KZW39xdWCjv54D42ClllXd9YO2j0/s1600/20151006_231824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiqlCl9gYEOTkpvkqPpYF8rk6l65X80uCVC6I0imUWS7Frf7iJjjGdhD2IFBLNbPzlMSZ5qhRPDWF0tSlqIUs_ffymwmMJhVKihy-dY_XDJEslx6KZW39xdWCjv54D42ClllXd9YO2j0/s640/20151006_231824.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where people drink and eat into the wee hours of the morning (this was on a Tuesday night at 11!)</td></tr>
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<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0VhEDYEN0tLuTyGzdvo53GHK0Qn52oKcqiBANtx_gvV04mvT9ZdzCUnPXDfMLDxPrEOw7eagzvVGe-3ITnGawudEb1YjdL4o3HRXn7qzaPWQ2-OOluvnlVF-VyQiPkuAB6rEUmJUpiU/s1600/20151006_223928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0VhEDYEN0tLuTyGzdvo53GHK0Qn52oKcqiBANtx_gvV04mvT9ZdzCUnPXDfMLDxPrEOw7eagzvVGe-3ITnGawudEb1YjdL4o3HRXn7qzaPWQ2-OOluvnlVF-VyQiPkuAB6rEUmJUpiU/s640/20151006_223928.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad! Pre-birthday cocktails: Fire and Passion. They also make their own tonic here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5VF04L_BUJiE0vDBTlCqvOAOv2OlGX0ulSJoOfWymrJv6SkLppXjtwaiMXoj39xVZ1U23IeCms70g1ACvA3QW5BexfRowIAuM6TlQEOusZOeAqbi75fyoCcqif-Ka7urNQm3-wy5jHY/s1600/20151007_000610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5VF04L_BUJiE0vDBTlCqvOAOv2OlGX0ulSJoOfWymrJv6SkLppXjtwaiMXoj39xVZ1U23IeCms70g1ACvA3QW5BexfRowIAuM6TlQEOusZOeAqbi75fyoCcqif-Ka7urNQm3-wy5jHY/s640/20151007_000610.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avenida 9 de Julio at midnight</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMxuw9Lnj2kxCkGbJ5Qn0SbiIN88HK_bhZyZ6hdpJf7rD90709MQ3sKeYNyt0gs9ygSUb3rMIrV_SyAj6aLI9HqyzobiZ65ahZaXh_Hi5OwVS7uQ8kABJotgTYIJKhsC3S5YaE440rB4/s1600/20150927_190528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMxuw9Lnj2kxCkGbJ5Qn0SbiIN88HK_bhZyZ6hdpJf7rD90709MQ3sKeYNyt0gs9ygSUb3rMIrV_SyAj6aLI9HqyzobiZ65ahZaXh_Hi5OwVS7uQ8kABJotgTYIJKhsC3S5YaE440rB4/s640/20150927_190528.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rio Darsena Sur</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0t1ZA1HA0WVYVFx5fkBgVvk4mADOmt4jo3W6mQ7w9bWvUKf7ms_5gafwR-FBsJS0QqoGcYplthV4Je6su9sEPksChwqKarFmMKllMUR0iuGB-VH8e-EPf93faREJu1IsoCsRb-ywOgs/s1600/20151007_184821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0t1ZA1HA0WVYVFx5fkBgVvk4mADOmt4jo3W6mQ7w9bWvUKf7ms_5gafwR-FBsJS0QqoGcYplthV4Je6su9sEPksChwqKarFmMKllMUR0iuGB-VH8e-EPf93faREJu1IsoCsRb-ywOgs/s640/20151007_184821.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Plaza de Mayo looking west toward Avenida de Mayo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0veuuMuw-xY33Q3I2vqg97yj1HLEkJf3Nziv44PCrd0dPsLpr0TfLbJRN_UkDZ3fBZ6Oxes6edyj_sLvC3fzujZ2XpkVUhdtlVfqO8anfn8dth_euxjX0tlliqaHAEvPLE_L2O4ON-Y/s1600/20151007_192858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0veuuMuw-xY33Q3I2vqg97yj1HLEkJf3Nziv44PCrd0dPsLpr0TfLbJRN_UkDZ3fBZ6Oxes6edyj_sLvC3fzujZ2XpkVUhdtlVfqO8anfn8dth_euxjX0tlliqaHAEvPLE_L2O4ON-Y/s640/20151007_192858.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza de Mayo, in front of Casa Rosada (the President's palace)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbSFgqwBXx6REwUT_ZqZu-CFNjNmfdd81UEh0pdnqrEo2SfTloaplAjLer9fDOK1xqmiuXWvykU4IikTyMi4JvIpU-TeEBSkRsGcf1A9O6NIRG879YxoYr_JsvsgxxCt2RblUYkHIKyM/s1600/20151007_121443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbSFgqwBXx6REwUT_ZqZu-CFNjNmfdd81UEh0pdnqrEo2SfTloaplAjLer9fDOK1xqmiuXWvykU4IikTyMi4JvIpU-TeEBSkRsGcf1A9O6NIRG879YxoYr_JsvsgxxCt2RblUYkHIKyM/s640/20151007_121443.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Medialunas in Buenos Aires at La Pharmacie: getting 3 is cheaper than 2.</td></tr>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-8ddcfcd2-8932-6b04-8466-8574bb519d78"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza Guemes in Palermo; the 2nd neighborhood we stayed in</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGHXDFrNJ1SvEKuyUf05KlUPeV3eiS5oLJp8owGzz-4niguSkvpulDPiKCwwZ8cVSXEjRWKP1Bo59vOda0ygsWd_PdhYIzJqJZEygWPJ9aTZ8jkTfpwdQvtv-NOfhb9yGa_laIhia-vQ/s1600/20151007_233754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGHXDFrNJ1SvEKuyUf05KlUPeV3eiS5oLJp8owGzz-4niguSkvpulDPiKCwwZ8cVSXEjRWKP1Bo59vOda0ygsWd_PdhYIzJqJZEygWPJ9aTZ8jkTfpwdQvtv-NOfhb9yGa_laIhia-vQ/s640/20151007_233754.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">On the bus ride home on my last night in BA</td></tr>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-48260480358640374822015-10-19T14:22:00.003-07:002015-12-07T23:04:42.900-08:00Tchau to Brazil! Crossing to Iguazu Falls, Argentina<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The next morning, it was time to say goodbye to Brazil. After spending a little more than three weeks there, it was time to explore new territories. After changing money, we crossed the border via taxi from Foz Iguazu to Iguazu Falls in Misiones Province in Argentina. <br />
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Taxi drivers may refuse to take you across the border unless you pay them a little more than the standard fare, as they're not guaranteed to a rider to bring back to Brazil upon re-entering the country. <br />
With our Visas ready, crossing the border was no problem and took less than an hour to get from Brazil to Argentina. Our driver parked at the immigration office and waited for us to turn in our paperwork and get our stamps. Then we were off to the main bus station in Puerto Iguacu in ten minutes. From there, we took a bus directly to the Iguacu Falls National Park<br />
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As a note, the National Park does offer large lockers to store luggage; our two carry-ons and one backpack fit one large locker without any problems. Afterward, we entered the park to see the falls from Argentina. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwp1PSxeEEBvA7Lg32aU2bQcXkQlXpNDUNFB0WSbgiqirdymQh0F1ZxaQCYHXSdmm8mY4aycFweMGzmhUNeDhwvbMhaiwWRvd0UdFkaYXcGelLCqP7QIXXsmqcEsCPz9hzyWX8aUiB0g/s1600/20150924_141202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwp1PSxeEEBvA7Lg32aU2bQcXkQlXpNDUNFB0WSbgiqirdymQh0F1ZxaQCYHXSdmm8mY4aycFweMGzmhUNeDhwvbMhaiwWRvd0UdFkaYXcGelLCqP7QIXXsmqcEsCPz9hzyWX8aUiB0g/s400/20150924_141202.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a long train ride and walk from the entrance of the park to the Falls. </td></tr>
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From Argentina, you can see the falls from a bridge and platform at the top of the falls. The viewing deck is very crowded and there is even a park photographer who reserves a section of the platform to sell "official" professionally taken photos. Like everyone else, we passed on these photos and took our own phone photos right outside his "reserved" area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAdB0eQxLtjsMpN-NNBupqZ9LX2WpxYcCyRlt4G8WGZYJzph4J3Dip8-Q7j-tJEsahvgWCWVXtSbZzsxBG-XL3VJKj7zLbPyW8PqanyuEfR04_YgHUHPRs3b18w_bqI38gU8HyonEe-U/s1600/20150924_143502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAdB0eQxLtjsMpN-NNBupqZ9LX2WpxYcCyRlt4G8WGZYJzph4J3Dip8-Q7j-tJEsahvgWCWVXtSbZzsxBG-XL3VJKj7zLbPyW8PqanyuEfR04_YgHUHPRs3b18w_bqI38gU8HyonEe-U/s640/20150924_143502.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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A lot of people ask which side is better to see the Iguazu Falls: Brazil or Argentina? It's all subjective, but here are a few differences I observed:<br />
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Argentina's National Park is larger and more groomed for tourists. It feels more like a theme park, because it costs more and there are long walks between the entrance to its open-air tram/mini-train which transports you to different points of the park. (They really pack this tram, too!) There is also a hotel, many souvenir shops, and a few restaurants, including a Subway inside the park; it definitely felt more touristy and crowded here. There were several student field trips visiting that particular day as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibDNG4YJu60AQAb3RfGdHPZGmn-lzRnzZk4sefdFzAuzaTVA_xijFsZDpSnDcjS3o3EYnHU08igzCGWc4xaA4snc_hdbr7nINeYDym0CtBpbVlD4NLHmedt-BG6_7XrBR24B817_XFDo/s1600/20150924_143259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibDNG4YJu60AQAb3RfGdHPZGmn-lzRnzZk4sefdFzAuzaTVA_xijFsZDpSnDcjS3o3EYnHU08igzCGWc4xaA4snc_hdbr7nINeYDym0CtBpbVlD4NLHmedt-BG6_7XrBR24B817_XFDo/s640/20150924_143259.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photo doesn't do the view justice; there is just so much water!</td></tr>
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On the other hand, you could really feel and especially hear the power of the Falls and the mist in your face, watching the birds diving down into the falls. Here you get a closeup of the falls from the top but don't get much of a view of anything else unless you take the train or a long hike to a different section of the park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi3VXUGfc2-gjhu1dIPbFFT-H45Mwabn9zcVGhws7S0colb4bkJ3AnlvzykzolpIkpPYgWNfsNtW-76GxYrsAcNeQ36BnoSkmUA8o2wcw6Uham0iZfMm8dtlTrNBC0lGxFCfrb6V6GUU/s1600/20150924_144116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi3VXUGfc2-gjhu1dIPbFFT-H45Mwabn9zcVGhws7S0colb4bkJ3AnlvzykzolpIkpPYgWNfsNtW-76GxYrsAcNeQ36BnoSkmUA8o2wcw6Uham0iZfMm8dtlTrNBC0lGxFCfrb6V6GUU/s640/20150924_144116.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drop down isn't as far as I'd imagined it... unless you count the all the waterfalls that follow the first one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLGNgeDt9W0wbJa7618k9TTy_eUK2yzao1cO2pR_9-g-ceOB5a-BL_AsBIJMYbjt6zv2052iLhk-U5_S5OSarlbIW_QrHbYaXjOOWu535a-9ciX9IYsFk4TRJLTHWn7wMaIpBwu_VaIg/s1600/20150924_144226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLGNgeDt9W0wbJa7618k9TTy_eUK2yzao1cO2pR_9-g-ceOB5a-BL_AsBIJMYbjt6zv2052iLhk-U5_S5OSarlbIW_QrHbYaXjOOWu535a-9ciX9IYsFk4TRJLTHWn7wMaIpBwu_VaIg/s640/20150924_144226.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbows are an every day occurrence</td></tr>
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Comparatively, the Brazilian side of Foz Iguazu gives you a panoramic view of the Argentinian falls from the bottom of the first fall, but you aren't as close. There is also quite a long walk from the bus stop to the Falls, but the walk feels much more intimate, as the trail is built into the side of the cliffs and feels more like a nature walk in the shade. On top of that, you can see the falls throughout the entire trail, not to mention more wildlife on the side of the rails. The Brazil side feels more natural and ungroomed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVOR4QsUlQXFrnOoAE7tkZQFkKkBJDTcC8F88btPmImYofyKCMpXWn-P3il_AIrtyYXocgNNfDfxvzhk-Er8UTQ8NuOYn2ppcdPoe3Jjrm7GP88uMr6D-cTXjDOi-c3JYW1V8tOz-WcU/s1600/20150924_144419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVOR4QsUlQXFrnOoAE7tkZQFkKkBJDTcC8F88btPmImYofyKCMpXWn-P3il_AIrtyYXocgNNfDfxvzhk-Er8UTQ8NuOYn2ppcdPoe3Jjrm7GP88uMr6D-cTXjDOi-c3JYW1V8tOz-WcU/s640/20150924_144419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-65907205617387653872015-10-07T22:45:00.004-07:002015-10-07T22:45:45.109-07:00Foz de Iguazu & the Bird Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our last stop in Brazil was Foz de Iguazu, the city where the Iguazu Falls are located. Iguazu Falls actually straddles Brazil and Argentina and are among the greatest waterfalls in the world. We flew to Foz de Iguazu in the evening and were ready to trek the next day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f0ML4xQu88Rh_lnjbr-qQC70NMjOecE2n3BPaXdWSdxme46-ZuXCdt9IwtsclnKCGMfmfkElWsv1L_BzZ3-j82wk2JBcMoIAx7jbLOQ31QRSAXxKfDOToyVLtJOSu3QrzqMCkAzYvAk/s1600/20150923_110755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f0ML4xQu88Rh_lnjbr-qQC70NMjOecE2n3BPaXdWSdxme46-ZuXCdt9IwtsclnKCGMfmfkElWsv1L_BzZ3-j82wk2JBcMoIAx7jbLOQ31QRSAXxKfDOToyVLtJOSu3QrzqMCkAzYvAk/s640/20150923_110755.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to the bus station</td></tr>
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We took a local bus to the Iguazu National Park and paid for another bus ride to Cataratas de Iguazu. It was quite expensive, (around $20 USD for a 15 minute ride) but I read that you can also get into the park for free. I have yet to figure out that way...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvw0QL4pxr1CtC5qGW5_ncNGLkpHRhBU0OYQyTmngOUonSzOeyPnFn3Bsl6pk89dfdszIS0ptrI0sMQPXouOOaB9z4Q8KrLPzYf9FcpLO8eyh4VygtYHPlzOGsxsXjYKOJZuwUs7KS_k/s1600/20150923_121554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvw0QL4pxr1CtC5qGW5_ncNGLkpHRhBU0OYQyTmngOUonSzOeyPnFn3Bsl6pk89dfdszIS0ptrI0sMQPXouOOaB9z4Q8KrLPzYf9FcpLO8eyh4VygtYHPlzOGsxsXjYKOJZuwUs7KS_k/s640/20150923_121554.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admission</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGIDH-j4iFYzGnb1ifkpfP1IjrTgz5qIlBFXAJHcQ0TuNp62waGf2V5_aumKObFpo8Dd6DvXIQhfi2HDvTJnNcmfGYDU-xFTky3X4NKT12uPKtNil9jlBEvcLmF4PJj37Sy7NZvSbp6E/s1600/20150923_122641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGIDH-j4iFYzGnb1ifkpfP1IjrTgz5qIlBFXAJHcQ0TuNp62waGf2V5_aumKObFpo8Dd6DvXIQhfi2HDvTJnNcmfGYDU-xFTky3X4NKT12uPKtNil9jlBEvcLmF4PJj37Sy7NZvSbp6E/s640/20150923_122641.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone chose to ride on the 2nd level of the double decker bus toward the Falls.</td></tr>
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The National Park also offered other side treks, such as boat rides that go under the falls, or bird safaris that take you into the forest, but they are quite expensive, even when sold in a package deal. We headed straight for the trail to the Waterfalls.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxbeoa3Ch7faKXGSmmkXrw7kL71IEBk-7yqcYnApECq2Mu2xs95kNnUbI04P8bFBQT32VEpps69QwnizBqrJnD1wIJiFL8IxVVC_kU3_fURFjV1ERtmJQoYvFJgtmVCwAf6Hljt4FD5c/s1600/20150923_125102_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxbeoa3Ch7faKXGSmmkXrw7kL71IEBk-7yqcYnApECq2Mu2xs95kNnUbI04P8bFBQT32VEpps69QwnizBqrJnD1wIJiFL8IxVVC_kU3_fURFjV1ERtmJQoYvFJgtmVCwAf6Hljt4FD5c/s640/20150923_125102_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first glimpse of the falls on the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3i0DfHVXEZ5jCzSzuaRCOTQYGOHufY2gdDwHpj6GzdVMbILam5DVc1ZxKhdJf9l3QLAftO_f0lga_Sv1eRkv4_y3EGfh8y3pcxBZ5GOIByejQqUfcqQ8piytmD6LR80CdGq_jMulMh0s/s1600/20150923_131452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3i0DfHVXEZ5jCzSzuaRCOTQYGOHufY2gdDwHpj6GzdVMbILam5DVc1ZxKhdJf9l3QLAftO_f0lga_Sv1eRkv4_y3EGfh8y3pcxBZ5GOIByejQqUfcqQ8piytmD6LR80CdGq_jMulMh0s/s640/20150923_131452.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a lot of wildlife, even on the well-paved trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRIWzcoA_HnJNpklsOzDfHKDsdj59wac6ojsgVCazHJcLSkcfg4fTL7NH_-3VVeU9Dk6WGCav3jO67WAek86UoTY_VD-L5JAMl0ogfSM7xTY7wd_EdBbjMXvGIXJcq5PB0jpfIogcJqQ/s1600/20150923_133725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRIWzcoA_HnJNpklsOzDfHKDsdj59wac6ojsgVCazHJcLSkcfg4fTL7NH_-3VVeU9Dk6WGCav3jO67WAek86UoTY_VD-L5JAMl0ogfSM7xTY7wd_EdBbjMXvGIXJcq5PB0jpfIogcJqQ/s640/20150923_133725.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After an easy and leisurely 40 minute walk, we made it to the bridge of the falls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu6jZJNUMuLAPTN8D56VNrxQOyCH9NpwMRJbFDi11pYvK7WZ_toXc04tT0IoD_0yo1uk7ONY-GxdFb8OfMC10jy-A7r9uhVmLsmPw9v3S4irkiSiEP0QVFC0mhfhyQGxFBYJ7FM1hrdc/s1600/20150923_133808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu6jZJNUMuLAPTN8D56VNrxQOyCH9NpwMRJbFDi11pYvK7WZ_toXc04tT0IoD_0yo1uk7ONY-GxdFb8OfMC10jy-A7r9uhVmLsmPw9v3S4irkiSiEP0QVFC0mhfhyQGxFBYJ7FM1hrdc/s640/20150923_133808.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brazil side of Foz Iguazu gives you the panoramic view as you're standing at a viewing point at the bottom of the falls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Undoubtedly, everyone who walked out to the viewing platform got wet; it's very misty and when the wind blows, it can sometimes feel like rain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0TQUiUgRffKrlLCsK-4sm7WOHFwJlIOIwETwZJX7OiIh1FwNDqbjOrzK_nJKxiWKEhq7Nq-NvHT0JLiS2d8wutM6j95RaMIBF6kLO-kbS8Kqw0HVLlCJ-iwHDXShMWa1Rtgjsqk45wU/s1600/20150923_134705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0TQUiUgRffKrlLCsK-4sm7WOHFwJlIOIwETwZJX7OiIh1FwNDqbjOrzK_nJKxiWKEhq7Nq-NvHT0JLiS2d8wutM6j95RaMIBF6kLO-kbS8Kqw0HVLlCJ-iwHDXShMWa1Rtgjsqk45wU/s640/20150923_134705.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw a double rainbow! It's hard to take a picture of both at the same time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqfS_2znlMzBb2fMssyY6-o-lRPRm0cxq1WQjbea3hVKVEwfNEyMOE3n9ARFqYwCc0CZaWB_2UOywrZM4rMbafnRftz9TYuS-VQIv93CrmYjWKqyVVhOawNOp6DpOETHasduy4zAanMw/s1600/20150923_140658_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqfS_2znlMzBb2fMssyY6-o-lRPRm0cxq1WQjbea3hVKVEwfNEyMOE3n9ARFqYwCc0CZaWB_2UOywrZM4rMbafnRftz9TYuS-VQIv93CrmYjWKqyVVhOawNOp6DpOETHasduy4zAanMw/s640/20150923_140658_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture doesn't do the view justice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVlIOxLfFjux1-GnmpiotIL_qE0okkcUu85ZTE16MyS46XuZr_6p5aEGBGXgkXyK-INXIL9un-qhUZBUR0rhnIa0K3EK-jxDuOOIdJDIXUP9hGI52mqBgIaf-a8e0xAKcsAPgCUi00r0/s1600/20150923_144012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVlIOxLfFjux1-GnmpiotIL_qE0okkcUu85ZTE16MyS46XuZr_6p5aEGBGXgkXyK-INXIL9un-qhUZBUR0rhnIa0K3EK-jxDuOOIdJDIXUP9hGI52mqBgIaf-a8e0xAKcsAPgCUi00r0/s640/20150923_144012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the top viewpoint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_za926Ct60Mh-z5hIaiN8oWprH60JtCEYb2DAUgEVl-WbAOmHznjUHVeaGLHryeiISmmRN-Lueh1ypTAkmadfmuvPRz4s6tdF84MRfqvsRERewd_XsPIh5mf2Trj3heXN516eqe2_dNY/s1600/20150923_144135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_za926Ct60Mh-z5hIaiN8oWprH60JtCEYb2DAUgEVl-WbAOmHznjUHVeaGLHryeiISmmRN-Lueh1ypTAkmadfmuvPRz4s6tdF84MRfqvsRERewd_XsPIh5mf2Trj3heXN516eqe2_dNY/s640/20150923_144135.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throughout the walk, we saw a lot of Coatis (short for Coatimundi, related to raccoons) walking around. They are not shy at all to approach anyone with food and even go dumpster diving for bags of chips.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4KvilO3-kgeOD6TAs-rstFUaQBZIg39wKGbgJU8zuzmpSAQPLdUFkP7kjXvRN3UD8lGUkYqNHoOBBKauc2nosyVCebsIYEKmMSlgDhY3wIPsLHQL9nDbuSTR0Wx_8Mx1FR6jwep2iwU/s1600/20150923_145045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4KvilO3-kgeOD6TAs-rstFUaQBZIg39wKGbgJU8zuzmpSAQPLdUFkP7kjXvRN3UD8lGUkYqNHoOBBKauc2nosyVCebsIYEKmMSlgDhY3wIPsLHQL9nDbuSTR0Wx_8Mx1FR6jwep2iwU/s400/20150923_145045.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was only brave enough to get this close </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hmajjHXHChBg_3T00JiY_bgxs2xOECpo6JohmyKLA0E2Ubz8g_hqFnOaf7D7KxIIjE9Ey8kOgq9K0JSViltV8NBkdKOD_q9F_P8xlUL8SjFCdrEvicDO92vD_uNUyoo7fy83AM1d9RM/s1600/20150923_145108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hmajjHXHChBg_3T00JiY_bgxs2xOECpo6JohmyKLA0E2Ubz8g_hqFnOaf7D7KxIIjE9Ey8kOgq9K0JSViltV8NBkdKOD_q9F_P8xlUL8SjFCdrEvicDO92vD_uNUyoo7fy83AM1d9RM/s400/20150923_145108.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">because these were trapped behind class</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: left;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We also saw a lot of butterflies and insects that camouflage well into the plants.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hmajjHXHChBg_3T00JiY_bgxs2xOECpo6JohmyKLA0E2Ubz8g_hqFnOaf7D7KxIIjE9Ey8kOgq9K0JSViltV8NBkdKOD_q9F_P8xlUL8SjFCdrEvicDO92vD_uNUyoo7fy83AM1d9RM/s1600/20150923_145108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was amazed the first time I saw the "number 8 butterfly." I am sure it has a proper name, I just don't know it. Sometimes it looks like "89." I think the trek would have been much more fun if I wasn't terrified of butterflies. When it comes to insects and bugs, I have no prejudices; I hate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
them all.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4KvilO3-kgeOD6TAs-rstFUaQBZIg39wKGbgJU8zuzmpSAQPLdUFkP7kjXvRN3UD8lGUkYqNHoOBBKauc2nosyVCebsIYEKmMSlgDhY3wIPsLHQL9nDbuSTR0Wx_8Mx1FR6jwep2iwU/s1600/20150923_145045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4KvilO3-kgeOD6TAs-rstFUaQBZIg39wKGbgJU8zuzmpSAQPLdUFkP7kjXvRN3UD8lGUkYqNHoOBBKauc2nosyVCebsIYEKmMSlgDhY3wIPsLHQL9nDbuSTR0Wx_8Mx1FR6jwep2iwU/s1600/20150923_145045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
After visiting the Falls, we headed over to the nearby Bird Park. The birds kept here have been saved from illegal trafficking or have been found injured in the wild. It's like a zoo, but for birds and you get to walk into the habitats of a few of them. (The safe ones, of course; not the condors or magpies)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGAeUN1RljRWCAHUgRRfmwaULwxr4jn7NAj4N-nivgG1dgwM86QVcWPAu59LPVQ-kLY3L8U4gbyfI-tMGsIZkbAuzTm7PN-TfwKjcbbI2_13Pg8221NohnQrBIqkujqpkAe8Kk4T2cEI/s1600/20150923_154525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGAeUN1RljRWCAHUgRRfmwaULwxr4jn7NAj4N-nivgG1dgwM86QVcWPAu59LPVQ-kLY3L8U4gbyfI-tMGsIZkbAuzTm7PN-TfwKjcbbI2_13Pg8221NohnQrBIqkujqpkAe8Kk4T2cEI/s400/20150923_154525.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Flamingo was not that pink.<br />
Maybe it hasn't eaten enough shrimp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX6arpe5aaEQss7h2mbI1MAYdlMwxgorV5rTnbiBQCu-kDyBhYzxbW8goaMwZMgH1jdKCnviy0Deqib0L0UHFWflQJ4VQ1YHwmiqi0rEsBevotlHMpo2ao5Ce9yw-jK6btUyrZerYaCE/s1600/20150923_154617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX6arpe5aaEQss7h2mbI1MAYdlMwxgorV5rTnbiBQCu-kDyBhYzxbW8goaMwZMgH1jdKCnviy0Deqib0L0UHFWflQJ4VQ1YHwmiqi0rEsBevotlHMpo2ao5Ce9yw-jK6btUyrZerYaCE/s400/20150923_154617.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's so amazing to see owls turn their <br />
heads almost all the way around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGor48xUhsEG2y3JvDBxXXkvFAPnrN3T9SnctHJDhBsxxgOC3ivpdGv5R9KkuCdWRU7_qnurB90Zl5J6kCeyj3e6mQxhWcmIn7fBx0vV6hHh_sVWrIVPLCidmxwtoSebrmXUVJy_M55I/s1600/20150923_155522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGor48xUhsEG2y3JvDBxXXkvFAPnrN3T9SnctHJDhBsxxgOC3ivpdGv5R9KkuCdWRU7_qnurB90Zl5J6kCeyj3e6mQxhWcmIn7fBx0vV6hHh_sVWrIVPLCidmxwtoSebrmXUVJy_M55I/s640/20150923_155522.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure what these are called;<br />
I just had to take a picture because the top bird would not <br />
get off the bottom one no matter how hard it tried to run away!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgrpjEjjWbDNQgY_23E7v2IfvpwvTP-lJ51KD0QqkDaQegfA0ljYOiLLJEQTTopCZv_J3HTCiMibgbcxBAa_oUMVOyAjTkgILTYtXS2qj4FPDEFHe_Er0YCQhTBbHjpumClQMrcDKwDo/s1600/20150923_160015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgrpjEjjWbDNQgY_23E7v2IfvpwvTP-lJ51KD0QqkDaQegfA0ljYOiLLJEQTTopCZv_J3HTCiMibgbcxBAa_oUMVOyAjTkgILTYtXS2qj4FPDEFHe_Er0YCQhTBbHjpumClQMrcDKwDo/s640/20150923_160015.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toucan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVldZiYeJ0zk66YFUJoFGhpSz09FT4zpYARumIIhgRb1lYNvu3qvIfILqRAyJ83VYGc-XondqSo1XQmFHdAwVy4rlq5_yo_XiKREKxgYR4PDm-tiB5ZczUIHieRUrKs97RSUDY50B7Z0/s1600/20150923_163604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVldZiYeJ0zk66YFUJoFGhpSz09FT4zpYARumIIhgRb1lYNvu3qvIfILqRAyJ83VYGc-XondqSo1XQmFHdAwVy4rlq5_yo_XiKREKxgYR4PDm-tiB5ZczUIHieRUrKs97RSUDY50B7Z0/s640/20150923_163604.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The peacock that woudln't turn around. What a tease</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdA6HIeUQ-UOeQtdBbcLTII_NkVJXrID0Od1rMvooQjOD1utYAU2li2eQECXHuAc-ynz88wjiP-eXC9xhRyv7K3oy42xPgQnXmHhpdazwDI7X8AchIE124cl5K3sode5uMvVQceEKTUk/s1600/20150923_170007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdA6HIeUQ-UOeQtdBbcLTII_NkVJXrID0Od1rMvooQjOD1utYAU2li2eQECXHuAc-ynz88wjiP-eXC9xhRyv7K3oy42xPgQnXmHhpdazwDI7X8AchIE124cl5K3sode5uMvVQceEKTUk/s640/20150923_170007.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Macaw Sanctuary</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsaKis_vIZ4g4S1Q33-i5g-4mio3w-cbeyq-4ZQbLyX96XVMlCy4fkSfIMKVBsDG_gR7g_0NVe3cLO01hB7fT6kzMpDgvdcZgh_ZrbwphwpsOukfjPjj1A_LY10atOAGZ6QARVsBo52g/s1600/20150923_171905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsaKis_vIZ4g4S1Q33-i5g-4mio3w-cbeyq-4ZQbLyX96XVMlCy4fkSfIMKVBsDG_gR7g_0NVe3cLO01hB7fT6kzMpDgvdcZgh_ZrbwphwpsOukfjPjj1A_LY10atOAGZ6QARVsBo52g/s640/20150923_171905.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scariest part for me was the butterfly farm. I never knew this, but they make clicking sounds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1ISAkq2PhmS_0PKWvwhfMsb0rQir1OpjPv3vEtuMOgo3jtoJVpL2KYR0zImNlbTY9qjj7IWX2KhT3jRTh9fbl6jM5rJ7JI80F9m2VN_BrL0R0iraJjMrxaNwNNE4uPsV_ScNb7aFsmw/s1600/20150923_155806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1ISAkq2PhmS_0PKWvwhfMsb0rQir1OpjPv3vEtuMOgo3jtoJVpL2KYR0zImNlbTY9qjj7IWX2KhT3jRTh9fbl6jM5rJ7JI80F9m2VN_BrL0R0iraJjMrxaNwNNE4uPsV_ScNb7aFsmw/s640/20150923_155806.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A toucan eating a grape</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-35711568684090550922015-10-05T22:08:00.004-07:002015-10-05T22:08:41.542-07:00Immigrants and Localization in Liberdade, Sao Paolo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am really interested to learn about the immigrants of each country I visit and how they accustom themselves to their new surroundings. As a first generation kid, I can't imagine how tough it must have been for both my parents to emigrate from their homelands and adjust to an entirely different environment. I imagine that it would be harder to make these adjustments as you get older.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCqdk4Kp8BylCaJFBKuteRbj_5B1Sda0SFXwMWgj3UxwvqouS-mO6OZAJ7PLvws4vbu5zAYLy8Y83K2euCXkIPJmatXdHo2mcFiRAlTF8p-OCPS7YKnGj8XpkRkvtZLr9wSX0bm1Hk_M/s1600/20150919_154615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCqdk4Kp8BylCaJFBKuteRbj_5B1Sda0SFXwMWgj3UxwvqouS-mO6OZAJ7PLvws4vbu5zAYLy8Y83K2euCXkIPJmatXdHo2mcFiRAlTF8p-OCPS7YKnGj8XpkRkvtZLr9wSX0bm1Hk_M/s640/20150919_154615.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">The walk sign is a shinto!</td></tr>
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In Sao Paolo, Liberdade is the Metro stop closest to and practically synonymous of Little Tokyo. A lot of Chinese and Japanese immigrants live and run their businesses here. You can find lots of Asian shops, markets, restaurants, and other businesses. Sao Paolo boasts the largest Japanese community in the world, after Japan itself, not to mention the best Japanese food in South America.</div>
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa3UeUEtEOSfyOOyblLiwpXszwQXik9iBhW2NVihk6z-gBWvNdgOc_yIkLVrz38czyLLfDmV8Tm-qFc1fwimKgl8kYFSyDBWpdvDzafrS3vX30VTPkzX-VjhMAiXzY7fusW9FnSZBRQE/s1600/20150919_162455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa3UeUEtEOSfyOOyblLiwpXszwQXik9iBhW2NVihk6z-gBWvNdgOc_yIkLVrz38czyLLfDmV8Tm-qFc1fwimKgl8kYFSyDBWpdvDzafrS3vX30VTPkzX-VjhMAiXzY7fusW9FnSZBRQE/s320/20150919_162455.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It changes from shinto to lantern to other <br />Asian shape depending on the street in Liberdade<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKYiDS_hAa-xdfVI067BBNIWuTTe31QC7NZzMWo1M5vhIQPUMSaiBMUkxV0HVDVbZiwutzD9ZA-EzU8lq2G-chh82XScUBI9UvnbRQzti6mJ7hn-WRwAIU8jB9Rxe2TLP8uUJ1VEsqus/s1600/20150919_171715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKYiDS_hAa-xdfVI067BBNIWuTTe31QC7NZzMWo1M5vhIQPUMSaiBMUkxV0HVDVbZiwutzD9ZA-EzU8lq2G-chh82XScUBI9UvnbRQzti6mJ7hn-WRwAIU8jB9Rxe2TLP8uUJ1VEsqus/s640/20150919_171715.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weekend Market in Liberdade</td></tr>
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We dropped into to have ramen at <a href="http://www.lamenkazu.com.br/" target="_blank">Lamen Kazu</a> one afternoon. It's called "Lamen" (because "R" makes the traditional "h" sound) and you may or may not know that the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perception_of_English_/r/_and_/l/_by_Japanese_speakers" target="_blank">phoenetic sounds of R's and L's can be hard to differentiate for some Asians learning English as second language</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Traditional Miso Lamen<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbw5LETZl0CKPvTJGpec8fzlUYy2vITEMkoJMsTL5wg6X2Yj_nfhH3Zb-DFVfGDoRNIqEB-etUdfnW_Rc44kFMXW0wlBBS9Q0sabm290eUNWRCwlhqLClInhtCdduqLUMQlAE5RWSffUA/s1600/20150919_161533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbw5LETZl0CKPvTJGpec8fzlUYy2vITEMkoJMsTL5wg6X2Yj_nfhH3Zb-DFVfGDoRNIqEB-etUdfnW_Rc44kFMXW0wlBBS9Q0sabm290eUNWRCwlhqLClInhtCdduqLUMQlAE5RWSffUA/s640/20150919_161533.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We thought the Oriental Garden was an actual garden, but it turned out to be a small outdoor row of food stalls.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJ2PY-Sg7hUJOr67GvL0dJ4sw1cikgatKka3murlO9tDp3k2q8BATOSy4VWjNL8o32QHk9MN7ncduxnc0Jqgdl5ff-Sr8zefC59YUQ-pWGOy2A6vTN8Kr8t7OVGKzayLCopp1TDrGddw/s1600/20150921_151856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJ2PY-Sg7hUJOr67GvL0dJ4sw1cikgatKka3murlO9tDp3k2q8BATOSy4VWjNL8o32QHk9MN7ncduxnc0Jqgdl5ff-Sr8zefC59YUQ-pWGOy2A6vTN8Kr8t7OVGKzayLCopp1TDrGddw/s400/20150921_151856.jpg" width="400" /></a>It was familiar sight, to see some Japanese markets in Liberdade as we have in Little Tokyo in LA. Marukai market sells a lot of the same things that are sold at Nijiya Market at home, which reminded me about how consistent traditional culture and food is, even after they localize certain things for Brasilian tastes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMTeFnFV0EV53X4UcowOABtq-ld_fRFuiuVgBobIOls1DhPxJxVbJ7AjsHtu6ukbOa4BkYUT7z8LNvvJhN1dPQJgNPvk9M1707NjJOFQoPiHWOaLsizeDkpk-CVV1-9g372JNR5d-FSw/s1600/20150921_151811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMTeFnFV0EV53X4UcowOABtq-ld_fRFuiuVgBobIOls1DhPxJxVbJ7AjsHtu6ukbOa4BkYUT7z8LNvvJhN1dPQJgNPvk9M1707NjJOFQoPiHWOaLsizeDkpk-CVV1-9g372JNR5d-FSw/s640/20150921_151811.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The market sells your typical Japanese foods, sauces, and cookware, but I noticed that most of the Brasilians were flocking around the aisles of snacks, cookies and candies </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ24nnE4hx4W8ZJnrvpsBNhGDdOKkyj_hW_eGXsn6lNwEvfUSE0zKvHa0t-el2jPAN6xwTDbExvjYhm9PwKfQJa8vzM0oKkJi1L2seW_HuV5UxKz84DZ-iUvu9QSs8G9fVB0a_nNgU_M/s1600/20150921_151907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ24nnE4hx4W8ZJnrvpsBNhGDdOKkyj_hW_eGXsn6lNwEvfUSE0zKvHa0t-el2jPAN6xwTDbExvjYhm9PwKfQJa8vzM0oKkJi1L2seW_HuV5UxKz84DZ-iUvu9QSs8G9fVB0a_nNgU_M/s640/20150921_151907.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korean Brown Pears also sold here! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_hi3zGKL4wTLpDEksSPNMPM0czlHzwtK2CwSWBF6j4iUIl0DKc5Helu2YJlyPh2U7-bT0NsTqk3yo9oOxuI9rzKY_NfYiLEBruXyfkt_A9zaR1I8kHCKIWyGWhjhjGJZU36SfHPqErM/s1600/20150905_144833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_hi3zGKL4wTLpDEksSPNMPM0czlHzwtK2CwSWBF6j4iUIl0DKc5Helu2YJlyPh2U7-bT0NsTqk3yo9oOxuI9rzKY_NfYiLEBruXyfkt_A9zaR1I8kHCKIWyGWhjhjGJZU36SfHPqErM/s640/20150905_144833.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG, look at the size of this avocado!</td></tr>
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Because Brazilian food contains a lot of seafood, Sushi is very popular everywhere. However, Brasileros change some things to make them appeal more to their culture and tastes. <br />
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For example, they make sushi rolls out of their own meat, like grilled steak and sausages. And rather than using Avocado in a California roll, they use mango, because Avocado is not considered something that goes with savory food in Brasil. Rather, it is typically consumed with sweet seasonings, like in a sweet avocado shake.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">With only a short time left in Brasil, we also visited the Italian neighborhood of Bela Vista, the Museum of Art, Sao Paolo, and Parque Ibirapuera, Sao Paolo's answer to New York's Central Park.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-o8Wi79h7QSE5JB8qH4rnYTeRoDtAZWE1T-n6U-g5JOmvchh5PlsbJKHkSNSlrZtK7NulwhDH6S381e8g33bej8lAQHHN2ddiPo45RNhYL57pBi1QOLVZHxHmg5rrQqa-_cPTHtZt4LM/s1600/20150920_170552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-o8Wi79h7QSE5JB8qH4rnYTeRoDtAZWE1T-n6U-g5JOmvchh5PlsbJKHkSNSlrZtK7NulwhDH6S381e8g33bej8lAQHHN2ddiPo45RNhYL57pBi1QOLVZHxHmg5rrQqa-_cPTHtZt4LM/s640/20150920_170552.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The black and white swans at Ibirapuera Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basketball has a much smaller following than Futbol (soccer) but we saw a few Kobe jerseys (from back when he was #8)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WmMyIL5guJuWYAsMIO19ZQrKHZfuGEHbxrwzMUsSs-ai0F3fvRZU0vIVkSdm2UX2kw4LSrKgsY_hUsBY8ExrQ4QCseV4LpM2D8O0ARYZHhclNz6mYe099dc4D70PJOkLvhgfD3S99bo/s1600/20150921_182003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WmMyIL5guJuWYAsMIO19ZQrKHZfuGEHbxrwzMUsSs-ai0F3fvRZU0vIVkSdm2UX2kw4LSrKgsY_hUsBY8ExrQ4QCseV4LpM2D8O0ARYZHhclNz6mYe099dc4D70PJOkLvhgfD3S99bo/s640/20150921_182003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Residential Neighborhood in Bixiga (Bela Vista)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlk7flkDcUatnue_MYJ1kmNcbNa_kVHFc8t4YeF-6cwcr2c-d1_D2ynqfjspY__50TLkzdFpIP14sP-pIAbeWj7nvlswoCIZgfwFWZ8NkHmYleottC9y_w2nP5qRK9eOLlSqY-ANrEL74/s1600/20150921_182922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlk7flkDcUatnue_MYJ1kmNcbNa_kVHFc8t4YeF-6cwcr2c-d1_D2ynqfjspY__50TLkzdFpIP14sP-pIAbeWj7nvlswoCIZgfwFWZ8NkHmYleottC9y_w2nP5qRK9eOLlSqY-ANrEL74/s640/20150921_182922.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Igreja de Nossa Senhora Chiropita in Bela Vista</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qMBLGef35KZMAxh72gZRBdNknG4LgpYwqoVAbrpdJLCETPCslmcTQdFlBS_zhH-ay71-babT_KntHO85XLOhBqgGQf_yYnKmReoh2U_fn6ymHIPf2Xq5SR00XLbcCobLkC8x12Uxk0M/s1600/20150921_190514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qMBLGef35KZMAxh72gZRBdNknG4LgpYwqoVAbrpdJLCETPCslmcTQdFlBS_zhH-ay71-babT_KntHO85XLOhBqgGQf_yYnKmReoh2U_fn6ymHIPf2Xq5SR00XLbcCobLkC8x12Uxk0M/s320/20150921_190514.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baunilha (Vanilla) Cannoli!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayvKDgFabmY82NZGty8A4gjX0gstjdP03GluLYV_L3-Y5oDxKEq6x_GXdMdPQ7FEI6t5sVMkLCVT-1XnSc3XDjIzjVSfdk11rxtHSnAcPKt1ompy4ZAoZ8Ilz8cbQZT8_Br3MQnOjYdI/s1600/20150922_183634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayvKDgFabmY82NZGty8A4gjX0gstjdP03GluLYV_L3-Y5oDxKEq6x_GXdMdPQ7FEI6t5sVMkLCVT-1XnSc3XDjIzjVSfdk11rxtHSnAcPKt1ompy4ZAoZ8Ilz8cbQZT8_Br3MQnOjYdI/s640/20150922_183634.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite how busy the street looks, Avenida Paulista is unusually quiet; I heard street noise, but not as much chatter or honking.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtvVFFItaY3fV0UeTe4Jzcz2Nd-1CMeG-yUwmAaitzUBRgMdXPLQNnmWN2IaI1Ri4au7JL8KWRGFmH6mZoGPMKc-sBukdr305DS0D1JxTcaWW-C-0SJxjPfpnw71Ne6_mcZW-cnS1HgY/s1600/20150920_173558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtvVFFItaY3fV0UeTe4Jzcz2Nd-1CMeG-yUwmAaitzUBRgMdXPLQNnmWN2IaI1Ri4au7JL8KWRGFmH6mZoGPMKc-sBukdr305DS0D1JxTcaWW-C-0SJxjPfpnw71Ne6_mcZW-cnS1HgY/s640/20150920_173558.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the freeway</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50XjBqp6ogeZDmheRJkbJcsuXPaecr5-sjoIKMASxrS06F_g3GtNJg5QdQSMGART6njb6hWkd-lgcMF8IOZx4A5mlyuOgBGLAIpmlvBJKp_yjrekQ4AdQMeuhBpe4iXBpGevxRVmJffc/s1600/20150920_210052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50XjBqp6ogeZDmheRJkbJcsuXPaecr5-sjoIKMASxrS06F_g3GtNJg5QdQSMGART6njb6hWkd-lgcMF8IOZx4A5mlyuOgBGLAIpmlvBJKp_yjrekQ4AdQMeuhBpe4iXBpGevxRVmJffc/s400/20150920_210052.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you could name a supermarket, what would it be?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2HlaoTNriAh_IJD95pDYgWYc1myHo9PmlNKzKrzMmt0-V418Lj8KrJ1bHb4s7VMXzj6KVnnFDl_so3ylN7Wou_llEc4AQs7QJoHUstMnXMfHhxIOpss3zcj9Pl18IXDtVShCGgdCyOM/s1600/20150922_165259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2HlaoTNriAh_IJD95pDYgWYc1myHo9PmlNKzKrzMmt0-V418Lj8KrJ1bHb4s7VMXzj6KVnnFDl_so3ylN7Wou_llEc4AQs7QJoHUstMnXMfHhxIOpss3zcj9Pl18IXDtVShCGgdCyOM/s640/20150922_165259.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulista Avenue, taken from the 2nd story of MASP</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizZEsTOQ1XLcMFDAg2SxKnV5CGBttAkiXG0OUSaZPErgByzPV9oK_msGeP5r2J7xm3CEcgYVdaGLNcM0rhHnkzb5IIz8q6J9VoFoq7pD5LOd1ehhaP1BYC-pyDJL6mn1YtTunDxaqzjA/s1600/20150921_201947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizZEsTOQ1XLcMFDAg2SxKnV5CGBttAkiXG0OUSaZPErgByzPV9oK_msGeP5r2J7xm3CEcgYVdaGLNcM0rhHnkzb5IIz8q6J9VoFoq7pD5LOd1ehhaP1BYC-pyDJL6mn1YtTunDxaqzjA/s640/20150921_201947.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The city from Jardim Shopping, the most extravagant mall in the city.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0São Paulo - State of São Paulo, Brazil-23.5505199 -46.633309399999973-24.4811409 -47.924202899999976 -22.619898900000003 -45.34241589999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-9779586309409152762015-09-28T23:44:00.001-07:002015-09-28T23:44:19.057-07:00Sao Paolo central market and Feijoada<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The weekend is prime time to shop in Sao Paolo. With so many guidebook and magazine recommendations, I didn't know which one to choose, so we just went with the largest market for Saturday because hustle and bustle was exactly what I wanted to get lost in. It was incredibly crowded especially near Largo Sao Bento and the Municipal Market. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Zk0oSe42il2q3CYr-AmFJGBr1Gi79564zJzYzyQ2oEJlF3vEuhN6sdPp9tgKju7DmwWFKANqO27qKff6GluHrL_3-hYfILPIdl-l1zj64kzXUYgDMVyA_5frEBE8I279dWEcGkt4U0/s1600/20150919_123544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Zk0oSe42il2q3CYr-AmFJGBr1Gi79564zJzYzyQ2oEJlF3vEuhN6sdPp9tgKju7DmwWFKANqO27qKff6GluHrL_3-hYfILPIdl-l1zj64kzXUYgDMVyA_5frEBE8I279dWEcGkt4U0/s640/20150919_123544.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the street was closed off solely for the Saturday market. </td></tr>
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The street was swarming with shoppers, vendors and families on their day out. The market was a lot like a swap meet with vendors selling everything you can think of from clothes to candy and cell phone chargers, "Nike" shoes (who knows, maybe they're real) and iced water bottles in carts, coolers, backpacks and even on cardboard boxes turned upside down as makeshift tables. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus-D0v4kpkVtDi-n-NArB6YZjfCmO3evzMA7lsafPMBrmvQlE4OFHrPy9PinKEl4ShTUNwuxUz1v_GKXS1D85jBa5RZFxufwWQA8qxlwvtYGciHuxvmTKq9d6xjJD7v-smpbk2SMuzXo/s1600/20150919_125309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus-D0v4kpkVtDi-n-NArB6YZjfCmO3evzMA7lsafPMBrmvQlE4OFHrPy9PinKEl4ShTUNwuxUz1v_GKXS1D85jBa5RZFxufwWQA8qxlwvtYGciHuxvmTKq9d6xjJD7v-smpbk2SMuzXo/s640/20150919_125309.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just starting to make our way into the market</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMy9bt-xM0O6UOjUU5YHTPHRA7O_Z_VOql1sUq_p0_b5w7C9jlFIHQu73xWi4CeHdnBibrz1Bp7HWK3JRcbhcjd2XGh1W5AnAtjzxKpM40X-sgeY3fIB5DjxgXC-ci5xRJwMiCMGxeaI/s1600/20150919_125619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMy9bt-xM0O6UOjUU5YHTPHRA7O_Z_VOql1sUq_p0_b5w7C9jlFIHQu73xWi4CeHdnBibrz1Bp7HWK3JRcbhcjd2XGh1W5AnAtjzxKpM40X-sgeY3fIB5DjxgXC-ci5xRJwMiCMGxeaI/s640/20150919_125619.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't help but notice that many of the shop owners spoke Chinese;<br />
it's still such a trip to hear someone change from speaking Chinese to Portuguese in seconds. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWExe2RGzS9SUiAllzROIdWQChG0ygibhP0X8UjXKDst3OuCz6hKZuh7k-5jGWjdGK_vbPqKYFk4nT9iu4Xd4VPGPkb98jCJ9LHVi2o806KinPCEhQLBivaHM8oAP-K77J29qgciVzbA/s1600/20150919_125904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWExe2RGzS9SUiAllzROIdWQChG0ygibhP0X8UjXKDst3OuCz6hKZuh7k-5jGWjdGK_vbPqKYFk4nT9iu4Xd4VPGPkb98jCJ9LHVi2o806KinPCEhQLBivaHM8oAP-K77J29qgciVzbA/s640/20150919_125904.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jabuticaba, the Brazilian Grape, sold in a street cart.</td></tr>
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You don't eat Jabuticabas like grapes; you bite open the skin of the fruit, then squish the inside into your mouth. It's quite a tart fruit; at least the one that I tried!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA63al7zGaiyEoZF7LvOjT0msai5jl3rf-5d5OfHJ5_RaQvDN7ubcR5Z2x7qMQVRayVYDM_YfF0iejkipCvgtCYbtBKTABgM_XTdNmgGIIXlQO6EWLukmq3m5zrMvuy53ZVUnbczgwXCY/s1600/20150919_130000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA63al7zGaiyEoZF7LvOjT0msai5jl3rf-5d5OfHJ5_RaQvDN7ubcR5Z2x7qMQVRayVYDM_YfF0iejkipCvgtCYbtBKTABgM_XTdNmgGIIXlQO6EWLukmq3m5zrMvuy53ZVUnbczgwXCY/s640/20150919_130000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Municipal Market.</td></tr>
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The Municipal Market mostly sells food; produce, deli and fish downstairs and mostly restaurants upstairs. I should have known better than to answer to fruit vendors calling out to me! The fruit vendors grab their produce and cut them open and offer them to you to try. I couldn't resist - I love trying local fruit (with the exception of <a href="http://wanderingelle.blogspot.com.ar/2012/06/durian-for-sale.html" target="_blank">that one time with the Durian...</a>)! Well, they got me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUBqBN9HwjD_Ie2ES0xHHWDokKoxmLO5R52yANAdAEDiavzAe9F71I674lOfHDgdwD_iB-jr7x9to9e0yw1OkNfAR6aH4qcll8zAOJlTLfXy012W-_EJ5sMLF3MGHK5Sr2BLPbecv5JQ/s1600/20150919_133109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUBqBN9HwjD_Ie2ES0xHHWDokKoxmLO5R52yANAdAEDiavzAe9F71I674lOfHDgdwD_iB-jr7x9to9e0yw1OkNfAR6aH4qcll8zAOJlTLfXy012W-_EJ5sMLF3MGHK5Sr2BLPbecv5JQ/s640/20150919_133109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deli section</td></tr>
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They kept cutting open Mango after Cherimoya after Guarana after Caja and then Caju and something that was similar to dragonfruit and offering them to me to try, and of course, I did. After sampling so many fruits, I felt obligated to buy something, so I picked one mango and some spiny fruit called a Kiwano. When I took my fruit to the cashier, he told me that my total was 50 Reais (~$12 USD). <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf95YkyXGvfQERvPCustxRlAbMnGy8O1YDYndj_UTxbxdG7Jrr5E4zXmlnF9YQmbCbxjiWW-zMJ87ArcKZt4BPDV7taFs04NlvpDispTq9tswQkYvIe35d-ivAw3SFhIb7dCQw2iF87w/s1600/20150919_130009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf95YkyXGvfQERvPCustxRlAbMnGy8O1YDYndj_UTxbxdG7Jrr5E4zXmlnF9YQmbCbxjiWW-zMJ87ArcKZt4BPDV7taFs04NlvpDispTq9tswQkYvIe35d-ivAw3SFhIb7dCQw2iF87w/s640/20150919_130009.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I knew they were conning me (especially because they asked me where I was from and I was stupidly honest), but my American manners had me feeling obligated to spend something because they spent time and gave me fruit (even though I knew it would not have cost anything close to what they were trying to charge me), while other smarter shoppers simply walked away without buying anything. <br />
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Why couldn't I have just gorged on their fruit and walked away like the others?! I settled with overpaying for a mango, which I knew I could easily get for 3 Reais a Kilogram at the regular supermarket. Darn my conscience. I was annoyed with myself for perpetuating the stupid rich American stereotype that day... I can't help it! American culture makes you feel guilty for lots of things!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCruNp3fHO60E2rre8isd3_4oKiHO6uQX2hbiKrtl13yVYuDDp5T0kvA4TXBfXThjBCdk7ubFRIAe1jJPcVWZERj41h-qFBg-BZMrTWgnElXTTQclo3cFqerX6CqwAcFbmypqJerV28Y/s1600/20150919_132043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCruNp3fHO60E2rre8isd3_4oKiHO6uQX2hbiKrtl13yVYuDDp5T0kvA4TXBfXThjBCdk7ubFRIAe1jJPcVWZERj41h-qFBg-BZMrTWgnElXTTQclo3cFqerX6CqwAcFbmypqJerV28Y/s640/20150919_132043.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the 2nd floor</td></tr>
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We had a long walk ahead of us to find lunch so we decided to have some Coco Gelado, which means "ice cold coconut". Coconut Gelado is a popular refreshment sold in the street and very economical at only 4 or 5 Reais. Vendors usually have a cart full of ice and coconuts. When you order, they'll pick one out, grab a machete and take 3 hacks off the top forming a small triangle shape and then stick a straw in for you to drink the water directly from the coconut,<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy23iUdgGx-afAnIcHLcwr07IN_uWAl2Iw_WsQx24yQ9oP67JCxPn7kBeGCwFeSP0zPOwacLRkms1CO0NG2rHGQT7pzGEzII4D_WgCtP2SlJailGlD0oBOkLuNsjrKA1Rbz0gOogUzYF0/s1600/20150919_133936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy23iUdgGx-afAnIcHLcwr07IN_uWAl2Iw_WsQx24yQ9oP67JCxPn7kBeGCwFeSP0zPOwacLRkms1CO0NG2rHGQT7pzGEzII4D_WgCtP2SlJailGlD0oBOkLuNsjrKA1Rbz0gOogUzYF0/s640/20150919_133936.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coco Gelados to rehydrate</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbt1W4puLib13p0ayIEMdVP5I1WjdaeLTcVYPNpYXDc0uTnp-1Xr-se1M94A8yGBtV4fIQwJeiz-Exrl9F1tDfoWjiOFx-6m8t7Z-a6dmVvKujDV_9H5mJ8h_nDFdWSUqYl0BWgKQ8XA/s1600/20150919_134246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbt1W4puLib13p0ayIEMdVP5I1WjdaeLTcVYPNpYXDc0uTnp-1Xr-se1M94A8yGBtV4fIQwJeiz-Exrl9F1tDfoWjiOFx-6m8t7Z-a6dmVvKujDV_9H5mJ8h_nDFdWSUqYl0BWgKQ8XA/s400/20150919_134246.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to eat!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVQFVTP3I4xJJsMdbOT-0ilC5DjoEpACr1yKBVl5Zej4HebdpqVa3eEziGOCrdkz1IX-z5Vw3sCTmMD4UPNykMIsVLYI9C8IGNbw-mPJRRgFlFwGy9brRPB6N2ZX7HxleQIZM5ChtiIE/s1600/20150919_135316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVQFVTP3I4xJJsMdbOT-0ilC5DjoEpACr1yKBVl5Zej4HebdpqVa3eEziGOCrdkz1IX-z5Vw3sCTmMD4UPNykMIsVLYI9C8IGNbw-mPJRRgFlFwGy9brRPB6N2ZX7HxleQIZM5ChtiIE/s400/20150919_135316.jpg" width="225" /></a>If you finish your Coco Helado near the stand where you bought it, you can ask the vendor to cut the coconut open in halves with the machete and eat the coconut meat, using a piece of the rind as a scraping apparatus. Note: the more water there is in a coconut, the less meat there will be and vice versa, so if you get a lot of water, sometimes it's not worth it to have them cut it open afterward. On the other hand, if you didn't get much water, you know there's plenty of fruit inside for you to eat. No harm in trying!<br />
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Afterward, we headed over to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g2348649-d3958950-Reviews-Restaurante_Ita-Sao_Paulo_De_Olivenca_State_of_Amazonas.html" target="_blank">Restaurante Ita</a>, a well kept secret among Paulistas for a late lunch. I was on the lookout for Feijoada, a traditional Brazilian comfort food normally served only on Saturdays at lunch time. Feijoada is a stew made of pork, black beans, and rice. Steph read that Restaurante Ita served some of the best Feijoada around so we walked and finally found the obscure, no frills Brazilian diner.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszFeRUfLOJIalhhh7RBwM3DizlF1sorrlmaOQqR6V5Ai0I4a41kGmz5IdWhbMk0hQqC-J5Aeb5YRuDkjQvL2qKPoGXQ6f_-rLDvUDx4_BZ4wawe39bFzWZAiP6ECfrPRIyeEB3TKN5jg/s1600/20150919_142718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszFeRUfLOJIalhhh7RBwM3DizlF1sorrlmaOQqR6V5Ai0I4a41kGmz5IdWhbMk0hQqC-J5Aeb5YRuDkjQvL2qKPoGXQ6f_-rLDvUDx4_BZ4wawe39bFzWZAiP6ECfrPRIyeEB3TKN5jg/s640/20150919_142718.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Such kind service from this humble diner! Things definitely change after a million demanding tourists overrun a place.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWofKJI_ZNEqogEJnBue0i72vsQLKabmp5N_yxXwTPaXTCwdGOuoob5y6oYDm8a9OxLk5bFsoQL0HRvx8OROzlRl-Rdsnf9750T0zihhgk0cVaWVirgl2gxpdURkRKVd4_BruKtTV7VA/s1600/20150919_142714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWofKJI_ZNEqogEJnBue0i72vsQLKabmp5N_yxXwTPaXTCwdGOuoob5y6oYDm8a9OxLk5bFsoQL0HRvx8OROzlRl-Rdsnf9750T0zihhgk0cVaWVirgl2gxpdURkRKVd4_BruKtTV7VA/s640/20150919_142714.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak Paulista - basically a pan fried steak and egg, served with beans and rice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I didn't see Feijoada on the menu so I thought that maybe they didn't serve it that day and instead, ordered Steak Paulista and Passionfruit juice. Halfway through my steak, I noticed that other customers were being served from the clay pots that Feijoada is known to be served in. It was the only Saturday we'd be there so after some gentle urging from Steph, yes, I made like a glutton and ordered my second plate for lunch. <br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRr3PzPKuv2eUcwRih51hQTBaeXzA6MrEhFs559k8itvvYY3B5r741msCelRF3A7uaaD_IGDIK44ITcp17TQle4R5Z-gk3r5P5LEn6vC1RdBgstztupmtUMDtVNTa0Peslb1i72_zM6I/s1600/20150919_143826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRr3PzPKuv2eUcwRih51hQTBaeXzA6MrEhFs559k8itvvYY3B5r741msCelRF3A7uaaD_IGDIK44ITcp17TQle4R5Z-gk3r5P5LEn6vC1RdBgstztupmtUMDtVNTa0Peslb1i72_zM6I/s640/20150919_143826.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Feijoada: stewed pork, sauteed kale, rice, and black beans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was so glad I did; the Feijoada was delicious. The pork was stewed so tenderly that if there was a bone, it would be falling off of it. The beans attained the flavor of the pork and the sauteed kale was the perfect savory complement and contributed depth to the dish with its unique texture. This was my favorite Brazilian food on the trip.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7h_zoxzn_10SThZDnRWpLvVj_XPDx6_YkOa6fdGJioLXD4m97kPiSM_Zd4WPRjySRDOAZGdYCcond__QgPCqjoC17gYMAIUa0Xs4VmTKb-0oPyA-MX7Hg27NjlTzhv_QQ4_tnRDGyPo/s1600/20150919_151303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7h_zoxzn_10SThZDnRWpLvVj_XPDx6_YkOa6fdGJioLXD4m97kPiSM_Zd4WPRjySRDOAZGdYCcond__QgPCqjoC17gYMAIUa0Xs4VmTKb-0oPyA-MX7Hg27NjlTzhv_QQ4_tnRDGyPo/s640/20150919_151303.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pudim de leite </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What could make a meal better than delicious food? Company, of course. We met a new friend, Eddie, during my Feijoada and after chatting a bit, he convinced us that this particular diner served <i>the best</i> Pudim de Leite (milk pudding), "it's better than sex... sometimes!" Laughing, he ordered a Pudim de Leite for us to share. It was a very good, sweet dessert and apparently, Eddie got his free for upselling their dessert to us. Thanks, Eddie! :)<br />
<br />
The best part about eating at local places, in addition to the authenticity, local service, and traditional food is - - the price! Our meal (both of my lunch plates and Steph's and drinks and dessert) came out to about $12 USD. Thank you, Restaurante Ita!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbSeuoTGZjb1PDI56sCSaqXOxiA1zQgpjTAsErbTUgqIeWVro2gkR9eMJUJClOkWFZ0C5soluC_4PVuEhC1LemHdlJhoLJ99J0G0rlU70p0uuWY4VBHLuHCDJ56nx0t0_t_6_7aj3J3w/s1600/20150919_153148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbSeuoTGZjb1PDI56sCSaqXOxiA1zQgpjTAsErbTUgqIeWVro2gkR9eMJUJClOkWFZ0C5soluC_4PVuEhC1LemHdlJhoLJ99J0G0rlU70p0uuWY4VBHLuHCDJ56nx0t0_t_6_7aj3J3w/s640/20150919_153148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Che Bonita, Sao Paolo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-52890698204477341622015-09-27T21:54:00.000-07:002015-09-28T14:01:02.616-07:00Bilhete Unico, Sao Paolo's Metro card<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hzSmrLaiCFnpPENP1v7yFNcYTv2qT24z2rd0-0lAgbHgANfYv4-ZlZm6JkkrlPSpcRRnuul2ixN3JPCKkIoFB-i31PVByAjKG-mVMMtkhuvBss2qAc0r1QsUz2iqQaP-J04wokwpgk4/s1600/20150928_002819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hzSmrLaiCFnpPENP1v7yFNcYTv2qT24z2rd0-0lAgbHgANfYv4-ZlZm6JkkrlPSpcRRnuul2ixN3JPCKkIoFB-i31PVByAjKG-mVMMtkhuvBss2qAc0r1QsUz2iqQaP-J04wokwpgk4/s400/20150928_002819.jpg" width="400" /></a>Just as London has the O<a href="https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do" target="_blank">yster card</a>, and Hong Kong has the <a href="http://www.octopus.com.hk/home/en/index.html" target="_blank">Octopus card</a>, Sao Paolo has <a href="http://bilheteunico.sptrans.com.br/" target="_blank">Bilhete Unico</a>. Like many large metropolitan cities, these subway cards have the same purpose; they are rechargeable value cards so you can swipe your card when entering the subway turnstiles instead of buying a ticket every time you use the subway.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MeBuBe4zI1PiWBhZE-iLB9VB3EEDIHvJLJ85WJdelXlJrVhyphenhyphenC5Tj667HXEi2iTm9ETAvOF7krCVvsYu0jac83IQmKITbIZ_Y-7vr_AktWzW8Q3bhrHHcc96qc9uz67-fHsWsPhC8eGQ/s1600/20150918_170507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MeBuBe4zI1PiWBhZE-iLB9VB3EEDIHvJLJ85WJdelXlJrVhyphenhyphenC5Tj667HXEi2iTm9ETAvOF7krCVvsYu0jac83IQmKITbIZ_Y-7vr_AktWzW8Q3bhrHHcc96qc9uz67-fHsWsPhC8eGQ/s640/20150918_170507.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metro stop Fatima Sumare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, while all other subway cards I've used have convenient machines to buy, add credit, and return cards for a refund, Sao Paolo Metro recharge cards do not and frankly are difficult to access. Bilhete Unico requires you to go to an office (which are not available everywhere) to buy the card and add value. On the other hand, if you do not use Bihlete Unico, you'll spend a lot of time standing in long lines to buy single journey tickets every time you need to use the subway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHzkLEPC5zpL3QFYw9rnp_QIPFhYLJCt80zUBQxWPCAGkABdTcHjWJ7qSjQkLZh69jaDvcr5zzvWGL6TaZ1F6vE3mzrmSRyLJBm4WoZiEE96ppR2MZ5Sfxt9GSkE_wOTSe_XUUmJToQE/s1600/20150921_152909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHzkLEPC5zpL3QFYw9rnp_QIPFhYLJCt80zUBQxWPCAGkABdTcHjWJ7qSjQkLZh69jaDvcr5zzvWGL6TaZ1F6vE3mzrmSRyLJBm4WoZiEE96ppR2MZ5Sfxt9GSkE_wOTSe_XUUmJToQE/s640/20150921_152909.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jabaquara stop, the Metro station of inefficiency</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkEhYR4D2x4WY-HCCgpmke92bowAaTKgaR1dYsGK373LSRI256iuf9QllH7Hsg3suja6P6UQ5AjS830hjEzjSEpmzu9euY_FWlfCrpGuTZ2bKKxpZpmMUqWwNQzZbHbCZSQGAoRSpNs8/s1600/20150922_210258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkEhYR4D2x4WY-HCCgpmke92bowAaTKgaR1dYsGK373LSRI256iuf9QllH7Hsg3suja6P6UQ5AjS830hjEzjSEpmzu9euY_FWlfCrpGuTZ2bKKxpZpmMUqWwNQzZbHbCZSQGAoRSpNs8/s640/20150922_210258.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the subway</td></tr>
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When we ran out of credit on our cards and went to one of the kiosks to add credit, the machine didn't process our credit cards. We didn't have exact cash and the machines do not provide change. With no ATMs in the metro station, we had to find the office to refill our cards. <br />
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For some reason, there are separate offices to add credit to Bilhete Unico cards and to buy regular single journey tickets, and someone decided to put them on opposite ends of the metro station in Jabaquara, our base metro. <br />
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Something that would have taken 2 minutes to do on a machine ended up taking half an hour to wait in lines and walk back and forth between the office and the subway entrance (not to mention speaking "Portuenglish" to the Metro attendants). We found out that many Paulistas (residents of Sao Paolo) including a police officer we spoke with have the same complaints about the Metro cards.<br />
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The only advice I can give to anyone who plans to ride the metro in Sao Paolo:<br />
1. Buy the Bilhete Unico card (it will still save you time, compared to buying individual one-way tickets every time)<br />
2. Fill the card with more value than you expect to use. Note: Each ride costs 3 Reais and 50 centivos (about $0.87 USD).<br />
3. When you must add credit to the card, avoid doing so during high traffic times (such as when people are on their way to or from work).<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-30711085634576731012015-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:002015-09-27T00:00:04.753-07:00Sao Paolo: Photoblog in Vila madalena<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After all the cloudy days and thunderstorms in Floripa, I was ready for the city. I was born and raised in a big city and it's where I feel most comfortable, despite the traffic, pollution, noise, and weirdos that anyone who's lived in a big city is familiar with. <br />
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While most small towns are generally safer, I feel fine walking downtown in big cities. It doesn't make sense for me to say this, especially because the past few cities we've visited have some of the highest crime rates in the world, but I'm used to walking down the street in bustling neighborhoods.<br />
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You can imagine my excitement to visit Sao Paolo, the biggest city in Brazil, full of diversity in people and food, tall buildings, traffic, nightlife, and noise. I had a list of things I wanted to try here and neighborhoods to explore.<br />
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We first went downtown to Avenida Paulista, where we saw there was a demonstration for immigrants. <br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMA4PmN3YtI-S8ROsglY_BULjm9KB9NeKNj5bw7o89C4uEFW0kWfsTj1HXiyTTJzeqYEiz_EvvL7njQhyueBJu1Tp5_Nq5btD-8Hj6RiFs7XV8KkV0_iwt4bHNLSL5xwpHx7uxPFLReQM/s1600/20150918_155953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMA4PmN3YtI-S8ROsglY_BULjm9KB9NeKNj5bw7o89C4uEFW0kWfsTj1HXiyTTJzeqYEiz_EvvL7njQhyueBJu1Tp5_Nq5btD-8Hj6RiFs7XV8KkV0_iwt4bHNLSL5xwpHx7uxPFLReQM/s640/20150918_155953.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The working class has no border; all immigrants are legal!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmLyBoSWaQEsObY0zvGYjPcpzRKe0asFC9-021bscqbyb7JmmUxWvvcqbV8SmkIxsuJLderyGwaL1W0oNLiP6WqoUSiCpE8apKUTdYdbxgUTKj0h3xLX0lz3Di_gGAynBqr4TTZ11RQ8/s1600/20150918_160132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmLyBoSWaQEsObY0zvGYjPcpzRKe0asFC9-021bscqbyb7JmmUxWvvcqbV8SmkIxsuJLderyGwaL1W0oNLiP6WqoUSiCpE8apKUTdYdbxgUTKj0h3xLX0lz3Di_gGAynBqr4TTZ11RQ8/s640/20150918_160132.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down Avenida Paulista</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After having an Acai shake and walking down the street, we took the metro to explore Vila Madalena, which is the hipster/artsy area of Sao Paolo.<br />
Vila Madalena is in a hilly area and has lots of boutiques, pubs, specialty stores, art galleries, and vegan/vegetarian food; it reminded me a lot of Silverlake in Los Angeles. <br />
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<a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/beco-do-batman" target="_blank">Beco do Batman</a> ("Batman Alley) is a well-known spot for street art in Vila Madalena. This alley is amazing; each of the murals are works of art. It didn't seem like anything was tagged carelessly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ3VJTLp1LafeEfFTXtH_xaPVNPLQliB3NKKglKkgIP21iFvQDYFc9_BmwUu5ZPRH-Ea09BEvsOjHHObhlX9xZh3uKoF54fnJdCkyILYHHSuhWgrXdfpzf4s54SxUl5uGtDEWZsUp3sk/s1600/20150918_172710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ3VJTLp1LafeEfFTXtH_xaPVNPLQliB3NKKglKkgIP21iFvQDYFc9_BmwUu5ZPRH-Ea09BEvsOjHHObhlX9xZh3uKoF54fnJdCkyILYHHSuhWgrXdfpzf4s54SxUl5uGtDEWZsUp3sk/s640/20150918_172710.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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After walking around the neighborhood and dropping into a few very expensive boutique shops, we went to Empanadas Bar, the first shop to serve empanadas in Sao Paolo. Empanadas Bar changed my mind about pastels and empanadas. I thought they were tasty, but I didn't realize they could be so much better. Everything I had up until then was cold, bland, dry, or all of the above, but my first carne empanada was so delicious, full of ground beef, spices, green olives, onions, diced tomatoes, and most importantly, served piping hot! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then empanada that changed my mind:<br />
Empanada Carne and Brahma Chopp, the local Brasilian beer. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0Beco do Batman - R. Gonçalo Afonso - Vila Madalena, São Paulo - SP, Brazil-23.5565802 -46.686644099999967-49.7856987 -87.995238099999966 2.6725382999999994 -5.3780500999999674tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-85114403387294420972015-09-26T22:45:00.000-07:002015-09-26T22:45:00.118-07:00Cruising: Photoblog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Growing up, "cruising" was never the thing to do because there was no point to it in my little suburbia town. When we had the car, it was for practical reasons like going to school. Besides, where was there to cruise, and did we really want to show off our jalopy of a family minian? Gas was expensive and we weren't the rich kind of teenagers.<br />
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However, cruising is the thing to do in Floripa - not so much to show off your car, but to explore the island, stop at quiet beaches on islands and cafes for coffee and maybe even oysters, in the right places.<br />
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We knew ahead of time that we definitely need car in FLoripa; even though the island is small, it would be difficult to get around without. Calling a cab seemed troublesome because of the wait and we'd have to call a lot of cabs to explore the island. The solution was obvious: we needed to rent a car. Luckily, car rentals are abundant at and around the Floripa airport and you can get a car for the low price of 70 Reais (or $20 USD) a day for a basic car, including insurance.<br />
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If you've ever driven a bike or a car in another country, you know that the first time can be nervewracking because signs aren't the same (especially if they're in a different language) and while traffic laws are generally universal, they're still a little different everywhere.<br />
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Well, the traffic laws and signs weren't our first concern. Actually, what we were most nervous about was driving a stick shift. It is very uncommon in Brasil to drive an automatic (not to mention more expensive). Both of us first learned to drive automatic cars first and while motorcycles require manual transmissions, it's just not the same! Lastly, very few car rental shops have automatic cars; they're just unpopular and costly to have in general.<br />
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We had only a few options:<br />
1. walk/run/bike<br />
2. call cabs all day, every day<br />
3. Learn to drive a manual transmission car.<br />
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Door number 3 won this one with a very nervous Steph behind the wheel. Both of us had a friend teach us to drive stick shift at some point in our lives (albeit unsuccessfully in my experience as I stalled 3 times in a minute) but Steph was the better driver and also had a better understanding of the mechanics.<br />
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Together, we stood at the car rental counter, pretending that we knew what we were doing. (Pedroca told us later that this is not uncommon with many travelers who come to Floripa!)<br />
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The first day was a challenge, but by the end of our 3 days in Floripa, Steph was a pro, shifting like we were in an automatic. He drove us from the south to the north of the island (on so many windy and steep hills!) and even downtown in rush hour. Thank goodness he learned or else we would have had to figure a way to carry a surfboard on a bicycle to the beach!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excellently driving manually. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading south</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7HN0sW6ZMPdGm1vjx0ZGKHCC8_IdFksVta4BRF0dWTd1zMuAm5EDxa-fpO4TnJj6aXTFX7BGB0w5oDKmqunpeCMmfS13J_uIu34FWk9JYK9m-60LScP6xkA8rQGVAOFqhe6m9P-A-8A/s1600/20150916_131915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7HN0sW6ZMPdGm1vjx0ZGKHCC8_IdFksVta4BRF0dWTd1zMuAm5EDxa-fpO4TnJj6aXTFX7BGB0w5oDKmqunpeCMmfS13J_uIu34FWk9JYK9m-60LScP6xkA8rQGVAOFqhe6m9P-A-8A/s640/20150916_131915.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantano do Sol </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFFeH4J4H9bsrtufwOiSeZn9CkxdEC1YoH8MyMADb8TFSeJUfWES32krS32b5z2WvgJoGAuHg_99tsvccOpM8MSRoVYTCY6gOcGorgGYuQEJpLIhcg3HV1K1JcsqHqGfeE-q9wDdLKxo/s1600/20150916_132557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFFeH4J4H9bsrtufwOiSeZn9CkxdEC1YoH8MyMADb8TFSeJUfWES32krS32b5z2WvgJoGAuHg_99tsvccOpM8MSRoVYTCY6gOcGorgGYuQEJpLIhcg3HV1K1JcsqHqGfeE-q9wDdLKxo/s640/20150916_132557.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm in a boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantano do Sol is a fishing village</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stray beach dogs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praia Armacao</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the way to Praia do Matadeiro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyuccPvInWyPH0CDY_Zj8XmWsLJ_y3wQ0aww63Tm8eAFPCEUDh657mQPOaMatGVcWRPgxdo1TJAxzna3HARUQDNVEH4UcJuMo45f58a3mAieAPh0X-X1V9TCiplU8f2dbHYCDDtYQDd8/s1600/20150916_151204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyuccPvInWyPH0CDY_Zj8XmWsLJ_y3wQ0aww63Tm8eAFPCEUDh657mQPOaMatGVcWRPgxdo1TJAxzna3HARUQDNVEH4UcJuMo45f58a3mAieAPh0X-X1V9TCiplU8f2dbHYCDDtYQDd8/s640/20150916_151204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Teenagers come here to smoke weed</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hKWpOPfjY9xagoTbLv7I9MFl7O2VUljoEZsj8SNQ-NLGRPGfkv0YFsnUZgQ4MEcgS38v7JyYu1GMvuP-QNsnhRUhOoKDss9Xen4GKXFppqywzMgQiy-_xH9325WHPchndKTxdsjZmPU/s1600/20150916_150615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hKWpOPfjY9xagoTbLv7I9MFl7O2VUljoEZsj8SNQ-NLGRPGfkv0YFsnUZgQ4MEcgS38v7JyYu1GMvuP-QNsnhRUhOoKDss9Xen4GKXFppqywzMgQiy-_xH9325WHPchndKTxdsjZmPU/s640/20150916_150615.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A popular surf spot in Praia Matadeiro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHat-WBjBlWJSv8nrkA7Nx2FFasFWEANuYsN9TyjKXh0o-ljN-uQR7lDKhXEnLAiB0pgBOM5yiGjNbWn-aTahmI38TX0DzFfhpk-riflC4rmhHn7YbjEgc2o2-1pEO_pUg_NV8kWAYwM/s1600/20150916_151837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHat-WBjBlWJSv8nrkA7Nx2FFasFWEANuYsN9TyjKXh0o-ljN-uQR7lDKhXEnLAiB0pgBOM5yiGjNbWn-aTahmI38TX0DzFfhpk-riflC4rmhHn7YbjEgc2o2-1pEO_pUg_NV8kWAYwM/s640/20150916_151837.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fog rolled in</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOKsqJxXMChFxcVa3NqKdzbQTnGq0PegUw67YcoKeD0vu4sTCeNhqzpCqkP4zMjELCFlbFulSt__WRh_g-O-N3KNr01r7N4X5novfCmHKDGnfNtpCE7JUyUIDxzTrZyWQdrlLMbNTq1k/s1600/20150916_155202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOKsqJxXMChFxcVa3NqKdzbQTnGq0PegUw67YcoKeD0vu4sTCeNhqzpCqkP4zMjELCFlbFulSt__WRh_g-O-N3KNr01r7N4X5novfCmHKDGnfNtpCE7JUyUIDxzTrZyWQdrlLMbNTq1k/s640/20150916_155202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking photos...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GY_tfepGeu_Ya1sYO4Fub-Gk48UvlmjHyqkprRbN1a_zUDztvL4tfGcAWvOrIqVkbtuO4VFeabycIe8upv6F1hzheffUb9Xv-yXeWuRk4dfWrjugvzNwSg7eB2PPC8xf3fSZxQVHXK4/s1600/20150916_155227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GY_tfepGeu_Ya1sYO4Fub-Gk48UvlmjHyqkprRbN1a_zUDztvL4tfGcAWvOrIqVkbtuO4VFeabycIe8upv6F1hzheffUb9Xv-yXeWuRk4dfWrjugvzNwSg7eB2PPC8xf3fSZxQVHXK4/s640/20150916_155227.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of this. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tBjH7eDPqeI_tS7bEa9hpS9n9L7qHZthzypsO_IT5L5Q9Yv8FJ42D7TiKkIKVynHhebbTWTL4H-M9KehfthrJRt3cSzpDR_8W_-vSFYJpjW50RVLCoCGVcDheYkQJCY9hx53Qlmocjk/s1600/20150916_154053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tBjH7eDPqeI_tS7bEa9hpS9n9L7qHZthzypsO_IT5L5Q9Yv8FJ42D7TiKkIKVynHhebbTWTL4H-M9KehfthrJRt3cSzpDR_8W_-vSFYJpjW50RVLCoCGVcDheYkQJCY9hx53Qlmocjk/s640/20150916_154053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vultures feeding on dead fish on the beach</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1n6sEHU0tkI7RcLGav3bCwszNwS3ni7DF5A57CW4tiPvaLicX_p9mJJx2O-E2eSxmdOM3fLtPKzPYTFELevf2rGB36DPVAwdHU3IcBvkpeQu69CxQJOA4vOxYQtAzItLrhbQwdMraCc/s1600/20150916_155428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1n6sEHU0tkI7RcLGav3bCwszNwS3ni7DF5A57CW4tiPvaLicX_p9mJJx2O-E2eSxmdOM3fLtPKzPYTFELevf2rGB36DPVAwdHU3IcBvkpeQu69CxQJOA4vOxYQtAzItLrhbQwdMraCc/s640/20150916_155428.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We crossed the bridge over to Ponta das Campanhas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFHrItn_S5_1Uli2rEvLonUYwl2PkrJxleM3QSHjboruSw7ble4UZHeoQs1U58Ek_yRW5BCKyuVWgqXlixZi2ZBZ3tfhZ8sNI1MC_1PEjZa_WCi13InOuq7_iSxXUTfktvLkCLLUFy7s/s1600/20150916_160305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFHrItn_S5_1Uli2rEvLonUYwl2PkrJxleM3QSHjboruSw7ble4UZHeoQs1U58Ek_yRW5BCKyuVWgqXlixZi2ZBZ3tfhZ8sNI1MC_1PEjZa_WCi13InOuq7_iSxXUTfktvLkCLLUFy7s/s640/20150916_160305.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building boats...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABkvdI630DIlSIB6KI3yTkHrXWTg7POEXIRpdsTOe_a3XyV9e5I-drkSQhba7VvZKpwFdFOJWNPEFJ0752KO2XmTAJ8W_p2Tdk2_UfRQe-y4LtaUBVNNl435-AsIKrEMQNM9E9R5mWxI/s1600/20150916_163451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABkvdI630DIlSIB6KI3yTkHrXWTg7POEXIRpdsTOe_a3XyV9e5I-drkSQhba7VvZKpwFdFOJWNPEFJ0752KO2XmTAJ8W_p2Tdk2_UfRQe-y4LtaUBVNNl435-AsIKrEMQNM9E9R5mWxI/s640/20150916_163451.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children don't feel the cold.<br />
The calm before the storm at 5 p.m. in Praia Campeche.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Campheche - a lovely beach with silky sand, and a long shoreline.</div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTLGoRuQZIOG0seuDD1ELOwvOzAxI_FU6K0GkzazxAVnQRo8Ebczu-fBFbZGDL7x4mdb0DytactevaoghPBpUQJ86CaicO16NkOuAzpww3LffJ3mfZV6G5VGlkBlg-NFcFqelzDRxF0E/s1600/20150916_171510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTLGoRuQZIOG0seuDD1ELOwvOzAxI_FU6K0GkzazxAVnQRo8Ebczu-fBFbZGDL7x4mdb0DytactevaoghPBpUQJ86CaicO16NkOuAzpww3LffJ3mfZV6G5VGlkBlg-NFcFqelzDRxF0E/s640/20150916_171510.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun setting at Praia Campeche</td></tr>
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There were quite a few storms on our last day in Floripa; the rain would come down very hard; so much that it hurt if I was hit directly! On the other hand, the storms wouldn't last long. Most people would continue doing what they were doing or just wait it out in a nearby cafe or market before going about their day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5G959jky3udO9SrwR6q3EW8tELQ6pS4eQKZtVOf2vWHRLX3sclJesZmRL0iaYlehTC-NlHBPDQs730icq8V5CnWmWC74m45_5YFdIBA-cbmH1ffq2fSier5FH07XrnqL5n13Lr6EDFY/s1600/20150916_173352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5G959jky3udO9SrwR6q3EW8tELQ6pS4eQKZtVOf2vWHRLX3sclJesZmRL0iaYlehTC-NlHBPDQs730icq8V5CnWmWC74m45_5YFdIBA-cbmH1ffq2fSier5FH07XrnqL5n13Lr6EDFY/s640/20150916_173352.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before the thunderstorm</td></tr>
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Ostradamus - where I tried the island's specialties - oysters! A fun restaurant with ship-themed decor and staff in sailor duds.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwFWW2NS9ULRt9KvWQMNiZI9C1pzuVYHoYPnFNliVyEQ683BTwlo1H9qA4F3AnAAbK0vISpx3_MGrh03GVzVWcmdS2SZPxrcz2vJaylFq9t3m6eYNGyMOK1KwTsKJoMkKsn8hAmy2jMg/s1600/20150916_183148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwFWW2NS9ULRt9KvWQMNiZI9C1pzuVYHoYPnFNliVyEQ683BTwlo1H9qA4F3AnAAbK0vISpx3_MGrh03GVzVWcmdS2SZPxrcz2vJaylFq9t3m6eYNGyMOK1KwTsKJoMkKsn8hAmy2jMg/s400/20150916_183148.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oysters at <a href="http://www.ostradamus.com.br/" target="_blank">Ostradamus</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQpQ1ifqc6WZrXaiL0wlhu4Z0mHsFS5z1bg8RyT42-r1xuLcH-cIeTvnuCpDuOoslEFsH_pwqcvpj6q2gEyOuz8Sjbw5Y4AYHL1Dy2gtjMNDDQFUkzL_yZRaYARHVxc1ipoT7sX2YON8/s1600/20150916_183157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQpQ1ifqc6WZrXaiL0wlhu4Z0mHsFS5z1bg8RyT42-r1xuLcH-cIeTvnuCpDuOoslEFsH_pwqcvpj6q2gEyOuz8Sjbw5Y4AYHL1Dy2gtjMNDDQFUkzL_yZRaYARHVxc1ipoT7sX2YON8/s400/20150916_183157.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep fried oysters with catupiry & parmasao</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DuYrc_VoPGjwRigJVVz-c311KSUVrI5sA4TuSqH1tCSuZZyp0MVJBLWWKTHtgT0yp-XUe16F5ZfIVLO8LndU_RjqRun43OzuD28t-WysFb-XHFN7KdZOyq8DGt4Mj_FcVPWvJy-v0b4/s1600/20150916_191851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DuYrc_VoPGjwRigJVVz-c311KSUVrI5sA4TuSqH1tCSuZZyp0MVJBLWWKTHtgT0yp-XUe16F5ZfIVLO8LndU_RjqRun43OzuD28t-WysFb-XHFN7KdZOyq8DGt4Mj_FcVPWvJy-v0b4/s640/20150916_191851.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo was taken between 2 thunderstorms in Ribeirao da Ilha on the east side of Santa Catarina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Oy2XeeIiFNTaQRcS_j0tiBcLZqbSTf3BDgKGU1lY2Z1Gb1Zr4XyIMHFQIjrPwWK4fOOsW9wRRUedntPgxgAXCjQbOO5aMAsH2ggUx-EXkASonWr6eze5j4FEMQMeMa0d6qwGUMaUqzA/s1600/20150917_123141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Oy2XeeIiFNTaQRcS_j0tiBcLZqbSTf3BDgKGU1lY2Z1Gb1Zr4XyIMHFQIjrPwWK4fOOsW9wRRUedntPgxgAXCjQbOO5aMAsH2ggUx-EXkASonWr6eze5j4FEMQMeMa0d6qwGUMaUqzA/s640/20150917_123141.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praia Mole, the best beach for beginner surfers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezdMM4hRKJFl1wCGVtCEtJu5zuWT4R9wJoZKtdIAqVcDXczpciW4pNeKATziTDDJ06yM-24HS3wH5lSEuvTO_pzZYA7jaAAHSzwF2bCuok5tRUECeyKaztwTPYYmbUlsz6Q-_DVWi1PQ/s1600/20150917_165204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezdMM4hRKJFl1wCGVtCEtJu5zuWT4R9wJoZKtdIAqVcDXczpciW4pNeKATziTDDJ06yM-24HS3wH5lSEuvTO_pzZYA7jaAAHSzwF2bCuok5tRUECeyKaztwTPYYmbUlsz6Q-_DVWi1PQ/s640/20150917_165204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from Fortaleza da Sao Jose in Jurere (the Beverly Hills of Floripa)</td></tr>
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Another storm came so we took shelter in the car. By the time we walked up to the Fort, they wouldn't let us in because it was 4:58 and they closed the doors at 5 p.m. Darn it, we had 2 minutes!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x4WSllDb2PYUoLpDBRRjmt8JCpo2GIpxhs7qRaYf4a8z6UgQLRDrWqRbFLFffCIOnPYbVMwOW2SvGPN8Zi4vX3wLdx3Go95QmNl9HiVcq5b3pN9jRXxN3_6BqO2qNRNMkw8SaNfexto/s1600/20150917_165724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x4WSllDb2PYUoLpDBRRjmt8JCpo2GIpxhs7qRaYf4a8z6UgQLRDrWqRbFLFffCIOnPYbVMwOW2SvGPN8Zi4vX3wLdx3Go95QmNl9HiVcq5b3pN9jRXxN3_6BqO2qNRNMkw8SaNfexto/s640/20150917_165724.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of the outside of the fort, in our <a href="http://www.daisojapan.com/" target="_blank">Daiso </a>ponchos. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikq4unJwa2qlMnWSrZBeDFp8ggJ-ax-E8_JyrrNU2Q7Z9cryt3cCvSYEnIUAA7GUEhXLvgitWu4odhEmd-e09Bgr_ZVorfXHbsp_xtVVlLX5PkKuo-Pkl-BI2jhuuLOKVAVs5XPQAFsQY/s1600/20150917_175524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikq4unJwa2qlMnWSrZBeDFp8ggJ-ax-E8_JyrrNU2Q7Z9cryt3cCvSYEnIUAA7GUEhXLvgitWu4odhEmd-e09Bgr_ZVorfXHbsp_xtVVlLX5PkKuo-Pkl-BI2jhuuLOKVAVs5XPQAFsQY/s640/20150917_175524.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Floripa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A painting <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">by </span><a href="http://adrivolpi.blogspot.com.ar/" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Adri Volpi</a> in the gallery in <a href="http://www.shoppingbeiramar.com.br/" target="_blank">Beiramar</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boa Noite, Floripa</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0Florianópolis - State of Santa Catarina, Brazil-27.5953778 -48.548049900000024-28.045627800000002 -49.193496900000021 -27.1451278 -47.902602900000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-56441849918963510972015-09-25T22:48:00.002-07:002015-09-25T22:48:47.943-07:00Surfing (kind of) in Florianopolis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Florianopolis (or "Floripa," as the locals call it) wasn't what I expected it to be. I'd read and heard so that it is the best city in Brazil to live in because of its natural scenery, safety, and high quality of life. In my head, I pictured a big city because it's the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. The district right besides Florianopolis is Lagoa (Lake) Conceicao, an island with a small beach-town feel. Lake Conceicao is the lake on the east side of the island, which makes for interesting terrain; you get the beach, the lake, sand dunes, and farmland, all in one. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How convenient, a hammock inside the living room :)</td></tr>
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In order to save time and money commuting, we booked a place on the island; I was hoping we could surf every day, weather permitting. As it turned out, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/803872" target="_blank">the inn</a> was very close to nature. (So close, that I found a frog on the sofa one night after a thunderstorm). On the up side, we were also very close to the beaches, only a half mile walk from our place. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petting Lua and hoping she could telepathically transmit my pettings to Sadie and Kohl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A windy day in Lagoa Conceicao; we stayed between the lake and the (Atlantic) Ocean. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Joaquina Beach</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4lf13F5ZMBw4i6fD013zHHUDoeomLKQ2-zg6rBWYS40TUfgSH9q-d9HdyRwldDsMQcewelnA5-bkjEx7GUkX0BdgxbUZ7-Pk9UXvWDYM7dP-izcgB11ieJvpSsF2FkEBopxdxrO_UtA/s1600/20150915_160820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4lf13F5ZMBw4i6fD013zHHUDoeomLKQ2-zg6rBWYS40TUfgSH9q-d9HdyRwldDsMQcewelnA5-bkjEx7GUkX0BdgxbUZ7-Pk9UXvWDYM7dP-izcgB11ieJvpSsF2FkEBopxdxrO_UtA/s320/20150915_160820.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJABB9mrWu8cgnaBy8wkx7mPB_SEQSOVCCFKwARmq5VGoQu0wSPaMkTae8R8MmiLkHQxZ8EWFzYDtn8TfJh71VnydrN8x-NqwpMFp-BRV0kzEheqVvHFaGYF_YhqEkjr9p6lMClDAniDY/s1600/20150915_162136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a>Floripa is known for some of the best surfing spots in the world and has 42 beaches. Surfing conditions weren't ideal while we visited (in the sense that it wasn't sunny), but in Floripa, people will even surf in the rain. <br />
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In California, surfers start in the morning because the water is calmer; by afternoon, the waves can get choppy and strong and the tide comes in (which I am not ready for!).</div>
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According to our innkeeper/surf instructor/yoga instructor Pedroca, Joaquina Beach was ideal for that day's winds in the afternoon. There were a decent amount of surfers out in the water when we arrived with our wetsuits, long board and fun board, and tried to ride a wave. at 4 p.m. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we go!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waxing on</td></tr>
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Surfing in Joaquina was nothing as I remembered our first experience in Bali; the waves start stronger, closer to the shore, and aren't as consistent rolling in, but we did our best.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhTuFHCUvTx2zilIYBBFIVs3vxw6fgy_ONNwEcUcxcv-ALWnb5QYbed6CM2Grzdn3f-KmWu8OZ-_YdD0UOuBRC5oF77d2fcotOf340EaUjr3r2AKPPEjrfYVdjWeRiYlBvukgZ_5g3iM/s1600/20150915_173317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhTuFHCUvTx2zilIYBBFIVs3vxw6fgy_ONNwEcUcxcv-ALWnb5QYbed6CM2Grzdn3f-KmWu8OZ-_YdD0UOuBRC5oF77d2fcotOf340EaUjr3r2AKPPEjrfYVdjWeRiYlBvukgZ_5g3iM/s400/20150915_173317.jpg" width="400" /></a>It was my first time surfing with a wetsuit on and though I was grateful for the warmth it provided, I couldn't help but feel that the suit was constricting. <br />
I had the hardest time standing up and the few times I was successful, I didn't last very long before I fell back in.<br />
After about an hour, we were spent and ready to leave another experience for another day. That's how pro we are!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to be a pro at dinner!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-58115670836356916282015-09-25T00:00:00.000-07:002015-09-25T00:00:06.735-07:00Salvador: Transportation, Gay pride, and Candomble<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our host couple, George and Naiara took us around town to show us the various areas of Salvador. Because public transport isn't efficient, a car is required if you want to make the most of your time in Salvador. George and Nai drove us around Praia Barra (Barra Beach), Faro da Barra (the Barra lighthouse), Forte Barra (Barra Fort), <a href="http://www.santuariosenhordobonfim.com/" target="_blank">Igrejia de Bonfim</a> (Bonfim Church), and all around city to show us the different districts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They weren't ready for the picture, but they both seem to be doing the Robot...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praia de Barra</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGL0RIPgEXvVQ2jBRne86eJKM8jdwitzZ2LdpvT6nOILdMyg0GmTgFVWGXYHRo6VJDdSyxFlR6hTEznuEFCEgRef63k8DSSwJx3qOzyhqRISl-rMwSOSga9sslx7ud1FnvRLDx1_vHy4/s1600/20150912_160126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGL0RIPgEXvVQ2jBRne86eJKM8jdwitzZ2LdpvT6nOILdMyg0GmTgFVWGXYHRo6VJDdSyxFlR6hTEznuEFCEgRef63k8DSSwJx3qOzyhqRISl-rMwSOSga9sslx7ud1FnvRLDx1_vHy4/s640/20150912_160126.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naiara at the Falow (lighthouse) de Barra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One day we waited for a public bus (that never came) for about half an hour. That was when we realized that if we valued our time, we would have to take cabs everywhere.<br />
<br />
We often used the app, 99Taxis to ensure we would get an honest, metered taxi that we could request even in an obscure area.<br />
<br />
The 99 Taxis app works much like Uber; you can use GPS, drop a pin on your location, request a cab, see where they are coming from, communicate with them to ensure that they find you, and also pay them through the app using a code when you arrive to your destination. Also, if you pay with credit card or PayPal on the app, you save 20% off your fare! More about 99 Taxis <a href="http://www.99taxis.com/en/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
Get your first ride free when you download the app!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazeexLFMuNJImKzBUn2SgsvokozlJtqt9POQ3aDp6Yo3qypHqBuhjMISw9HBqNsftxx1SlsHmRDewLdPogQKP3s6a0kkspOnXQCb4EIXyc7wKIupWTN0Hs5zDxPprFRlmR_6GMWWyhj0/s1600/20150912_165004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazeexLFMuNJImKzBUn2SgsvokozlJtqt9POQ3aDp6Yo3qypHqBuhjMISw9HBqNsftxx1SlsHmRDewLdPogQKP3s6a0kkspOnXQCb4EIXyc7wKIupWTN0Hs5zDxPprFRlmR_6GMWWyhj0/s640/20150912_165004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.santuariosenhordobonfim.com/" target="_blank">Basilico Santuario do Senhor do Bonfim</a>, built in the 18th century</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroOwSsdJdGgJoNyYtHJg-NFhBnxdcrymO4TZDcR_ysyxMlpiMeQTmh0vL-O0UXs-qL_RI2WHElWnh6U6Nkzs0v9tg9gqnHaSdZvQvqgKIEpHu2ophUGBoYyZ6XbLxOMlxcHY0XYukcUo/s1600/20150912_170008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroOwSsdJdGgJoNyYtHJg-NFhBnxdcrymO4TZDcR_ysyxMlpiMeQTmh0vL-O0UXs-qL_RI2WHElWnh6U6Nkzs0v9tg9gqnHaSdZvQvqgKIEpHu2ophUGBoYyZ6XbLxOMlxcHY0XYukcUo/s320/20150912_170008.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking into the Sala de Milagros, you can see the <br />
fitas tied onto the gate on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
George and Nai took us to the Church of Bonfim, the most famous Catholic church in Salvador.<br />
<br />
If you look closely, you'll see colored ribbons tied onto the gate of the church. These are called <a href="http://brazilianwishbracelet.com/about.html" target="_blank">fitas</a>, and are a popular souvenir and also the symbol of Bahia. They are sold everywhere, especially in tourist areas. <br />
<br />
Tie a fita on your wrist with 3 knots and make a wish for each of the knots. It's believed that all 3 of your wishes will come true by the time the fita wears out and falls off.<br />
<br />
The Church of Bonfim is believed to have healing powers. Some people even make a pilgrimage to come here to pray for their ailments and leave letters, photos, or <i>ex votos, </i>or wax replicas of the body parts that they want healed, or that have miraculously been cured. They hang these in the room on the right of the church in the Sala dos Milagros (Room of Miracles). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6Ur1oIFnpMn_e0B2Y_jD5qrvkBzLZAqBZkSRPjRQPYiuXYHFXgti2bK7dhZaVtTLax1ufgBkZLL0xp7wpc77pZ8mYiEOgpJGJKzM-p4ONZb2quc0NKH6XEtcp2Orra-bZwMnvXqyDqw/s1600/20150912_170043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6Ur1oIFnpMn_e0B2Y_jD5qrvkBzLZAqBZkSRPjRQPYiuXYHFXgti2bK7dhZaVtTLax1ufgBkZLL0xp7wpc77pZ8mYiEOgpJGJKzM-p4ONZb2quc0NKH6XEtcp2Orra-bZwMnvXqyDqw/s640/20150912_170043.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A site of religious devotion, many Catholics make a pilgrimage to Bonfim church and <br />
leave <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2013-08-16/salvador-bahia-brazil-bonfim-church-postcard" target="_blank">a replica of their body part that they want cured</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next day, we met Jeferson again and he showed us his residence at the University and introduced us to some of his friends.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRIONJ4jCb_EFIPLah8aQmmJkhVVTW-qwTm92nBk2IeoWNDS-8RbqI4WaQ6RpEO7xWtXJGDFGjO1eXYlw3ta5OGKpsOEeiYnAtp861nvYkxZR2i14-Q8nRbudBG26Faa6soNUei4TrvU/s1600/20150913_150544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRIONJ4jCb_EFIPLah8aQmmJkhVVTW-qwTm92nBk2IeoWNDS-8RbqI4WaQ6RpEO7xWtXJGDFGjO1eXYlw3ta5OGKpsOEeiYnAtp861nvYkxZR2i14-Q8nRbudBG26Faa6soNUei4TrvU/s640/20150913_150544.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the residence of the University</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Afterward, we went to Gracai, an ice cream and acai shop right across the street from <a href="http://www.palacetedasartes.ba.gov.br/" target="_blank">Palacete das Artes</a> (Palace of the Arts) and had a big bowl of acai, my newest favorite snack!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UkyRlUrucl32ER_B7VEEnTjZYLx1EmjTT4eA6nkKSeP08y9GvFp3FRXc7MvU9OEbERHTHyb2pzZJoJO6pImsknu9HvSJt3BB9vjPXaTInhMnSA-tVjZ1rK9-9OMacQv8Sd6s4H4Suzs/s1600/20150913_153033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UkyRlUrucl32ER_B7VEEnTjZYLx1EmjTT4eA6nkKSeP08y9GvFp3FRXc7MvU9OEbERHTHyb2pzZJoJO6pImsknu9HvSJt3BB9vjPXaTInhMnSA-tVjZ1rK9-9OMacQv8Sd6s4H4Suzs/s640/20150913_153033.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed a bowl of Acai blended with strawberries, with granola and sliced bananas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then took a stroll down the richest neighborhood in Salvador, <a href="https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vit%C3%B3ria_(Salvador)" target="_blank">Vitoria</a>, on the way to Campo Grande for the Gay Pride street party. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8Iin3E4k6x0jxZrzBqfe05KKFUqw1r96wtjtwWSpKskqjMSkatVg9fT0R0nNncWuYZoTeDiLJM-98Z-Zuxk9Ky6_Z0WZmOkam6FeKou3nEqmcW8_fZiPLqmwzeDYDSDeHDT1OvwSQgE/s1600/20150913_164338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8Iin3E4k6x0jxZrzBqfe05KKFUqw1r96wtjtwWSpKskqjMSkatVg9fT0R0nNncWuYZoTeDiLJM-98Z-Zuxk9Ky6_Z0WZmOkam6FeKou3nEqmcW8_fZiPLqmwzeDYDSDeHDT1OvwSQgE/s640/20150913_164338.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
It was a boisterous affair with lots of street food, drinking, live performances, drag queens parading around, and dancing in the street. Salvador is a very open place to the LGBT community and this was the 14th annual Gay Pride parade.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7ddz6ZC35sEUwTH_e0zfBQtabb2d32kMZwy2lYVqJFQYOyzeh_R7OtRU4jmeIzPw9RcZgtLh1g1BRGnPJZItjpjcDqzdqE1AAYcBMGOpvX8O_B0SgmhJOd-bRiHfGLNH4y4DrpCbl40/s1600/20150913_170929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7ddz6ZC35sEUwTH_e0zfBQtabb2d32kMZwy2lYVqJFQYOyzeh_R7OtRU4jmeIzPw9RcZgtLh1g1BRGnPJZItjpjcDqzdqE1AAYcBMGOpvX8O_B0SgmhJOd-bRiHfGLNH4y4DrpCbl40/s640/20150913_170929.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dude looks like a lady</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmmYHS8cwGyv49i9qkAVprhScMqAOla7HPD3KKEx8G97Rfnqc8TxyOvBKeUKmGg01DlJpEBBOAOgRk1Ze2kXcMFaulJ6XdSp4IyYWA5zVPUmCHbJJIlR8AYl5W5ll2ffzYrhWYGd5TKw/s1600/20150913_185305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmmYHS8cwGyv49i9qkAVprhScMqAOla7HPD3KKEx8G97Rfnqc8TxyOvBKeUKmGg01DlJpEBBOAOgRk1Ze2kXcMFaulJ6XdSp4IyYWA5zVPUmCHbJJIlR8AYl5W5ll2ffzYrhWYGd5TKw/s640/20150913_185305.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most people in Salvador don't speak any English, but somehow, they knew the words to Lady Gaga's <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I" target="_blank">Bad Romance</a></i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later, Jeferson led us to Dique Tororo, a dam in the middle of Salvador, where there are 12 statues of Candomble gods. Jef was raised Candomble and he remembered going to Candomble ceremonies when he was young.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZdhvqkI19zbwcVeCdMM25x_drz9j1-6x1N979acIRXaLr2CHkMb8nj5NhOjbOLLXC-H72fl6B283OnV_qfJRfsGXKYKwK9jFFTcDlfJ-8nCpmrTC4QFYzMTsCPIOw6Qy2EG37aO-e_A/s1600/20150913_174209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZdhvqkI19zbwcVeCdMM25x_drz9j1-6x1N979acIRXaLr2CHkMb8nj5NhOjbOLLXC-H72fl6B283OnV_qfJRfsGXKYKwK9jFFTcDlfJ-8nCpmrTC4QFYzMTsCPIOw6Qy2EG37aO-e_A/s640/20150913_174209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dique Tororo is a dam in the middle of Salvador. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Around and in the center of the dam are statues of the Orixas (Candomble deities):<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUpe5uoU38_4vv3WKFp1tBoYeJk7WBVzwj08PsPtdDo2x556j3DJaWVqvwKA9euFs5pitOQMvSvwe1UuppRhGCtareN3yHG6BfqfGc2U_JlGpIM0uGpcov9rOtXHmHpkqqi890hZihl8/s1600/20150913_174628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUpe5uoU38_4vv3WKFp1tBoYeJk7WBVzwj08PsPtdDo2x556j3DJaWVqvwKA9euFs5pitOQMvSvwe1UuppRhGCtareN3yHG6BfqfGc2U_JlGpIM0uGpcov9rOtXHmHpkqqi890hZihl8/s320/20150913_174628.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LL5UDQoh-QEDAnExED9JlBxOXIgvgaFg5wMJVEGVb2imWy6S76tQ-uOrxYmnwtC-mGxoxRzMDJupno0kzsEV0rXkf-f9-48aw8u3C0aJFQ6Egi_wRXT4In0B34wlQe_mhHHb0GjPp84/s1600/20150913_174836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LL5UDQoh-QEDAnExED9JlBxOXIgvgaFg5wMJVEGVb2imWy6S76tQ-uOrxYmnwtC-mGxoxRzMDJupno0kzsEV0rXkf-f9-48aw8u3C0aJFQ6Egi_wRXT4In0B34wlQe_mhHHb0GjPp84/s320/20150913_174836.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-C-mSXquKPYLZh0_sXalaEtk_mUg8MLZE1xdzOE2M97W1NvCnO6aL_rrJwk0MRqjATarYDxFxyey_U-Z6rlWems-NwqhYP9imajSVFJqHXYgPfUJ7wQCHegrXnsrFz-TlJckE0WgrjU/s1600/20150913_175000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-C-mSXquKPYLZh0_sXalaEtk_mUg8MLZE1xdzOE2M97W1NvCnO6aL_rrJwk0MRqjATarYDxFxyey_U-Z6rlWems-NwqhYP9imajSVFJqHXYgPfUJ7wQCHegrXnsrFz-TlJckE0WgrjU/s320/20150913_175000.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
There are many deities in Candomble but Catholicism is a monotheistic religion. The Portuguese tried to convert the believers of Candomble to Catholicism and persecute those who refused; as a result, the Candomble believers renamed their deities with Saints' names, but still secretly maintained their own practices and religion. These days, <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2013/09/16/216890587/brazilian-believers-of-hidden-religion-step-out-of-shadows" target="_blank">Candomble believers are much more open</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdIWBCoq9TghT2FRraTaMES-ce8oI9EDn-9d_ggbGPsmk-SBqE7ioKE9i9xMZEprcBjkqTNMH_fL1M_dx0AIbrBxJ4YPcnOQSs0-X05gDplMJs0-xh9HAg0Klr5c4TlEGtpQxp0CuO7M/s1600/20150913_180235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdIWBCoq9TghT2FRraTaMES-ce8oI9EDn-9d_ggbGPsmk-SBqE7ioKE9i9xMZEprcBjkqTNMH_fL1M_dx0AIbrBxJ4YPcnOQSs0-X05gDplMJs0-xh9HAg0Klr5c4TlEGtpQxp0CuO7M/s640/20150913_180235.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dique Tororo at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Based on what I read and Jeferson's experiences, a Candomble ceremony, in short, consists of praying, singing, dancing, food/animal sacrifices for the gods, possession (usually of a female or a young child), and at the end, a feast. <br />
<br />
Jef remembered being scared during the ceremonies when he was a young boy, "I saw screaming, possession, dancing, crying and I was scared because I didn't understand what was happening. But when I got older, I started to know why they did it and I was not scared any more." Jeferson stopped attending the ceremonies as he grew older and no longer believes but he shared about the orixas and some of the history of Candomble. It was a very enlightening experience to hang out again with Jef. Click <a href="http://www.typesofreligion.com/candomble.html" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more about Candomble and other religions of the world.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-78137959726162411602015-09-24T07:00:00.000-07:002015-09-24T07:00:00.356-07:00Salvador, history, and Samba<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHPdDoRy3JQvUbp5oEmk5EvUrOq8Y7PeaTdkvGZIBTmn4Vy5tJautsK7IgEI988PYLIeB0QqXX9iRj5aIJ9I8VUJIPHts1PL0eI0J_bk1QZDDsnenkPZmuIGD61launFUGteV666XA38/s1600/20150910_171301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHPdDoRy3JQvUbp5oEmk5EvUrOq8Y7PeaTdkvGZIBTmn4Vy5tJautsK7IgEI988PYLIeB0QqXX9iRj5aIJ9I8VUJIPHts1PL0eI0J_bk1QZDDsnenkPZmuIGD61launFUGteV666XA38/s640/20150910_171301.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying into Salvador; what a view!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia, and also known as the "capital of happiness" in Brasil because it has so many street parties and the largest carnival in the world. It is the 3rd largest city in Brasil and home to many African-Brasilians. <br />
<br />
A little bit of history:<br />
Like North America, South America was also colonized by another country. As the Peruvians were colonized by the Spanish, Brazil was likewise colonized by the Portuguese. When the Portuguese arrived, they also brought slaves from Africa.<br />
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The Atlantic Slave Trade from the 16th to 18th century brought many more African slaves to South America than North America. By the 1800s, Brazil had the largest population of African and Creole slaves in any colony in the Americas. Slavery was abolished in Brazil in 1888.<br />
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Speaking with our hosts in Salvador, we learned that calling someone "preto" (the Portuguese word for black) is as offensive as calling a Black American the N-word. On the other hand, according to <a href="http://newsone.com/3025677/afro-brazilian-racism/" target="_blank">this article</a>, calling someone (the N-word) isn't offensive as calling them black.<br />
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The correct term would be calling an African-Brasilian "Afro" or even "negro," (which also means the color black in Portuguese) depending on the way that it is said. Certainly, saying anything with the wrong tone can be offensive. I didn't have many reasons to use these terms, but was cautious nonetheless. You can never be too careful in a language you don't know.<br />
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Today, only 5% of Brasilians identify themselves as African. The others identify themselves as mixed or "brown." <br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5A9X3UdE3NT4kGVTZ6nvSOPDEqQoI7ubU-5Nt3ENTECxi2w6Cmiz61k7Tg9oO_tqiRPeHdiOmIgjZ5M3UzeJi8kpJ0PH2ILLcpLw7KMdQ2IcmFjgnKpcthblLkkUMNG9Do4WjU30xws/s1600/20150911_144829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5A9X3UdE3NT4kGVTZ6nvSOPDEqQoI7ubU-5Nt3ENTECxi2w6Cmiz61k7Tg9oO_tqiRPeHdiOmIgjZ5M3UzeJi8kpJ0PH2ILLcpLw7KMdQ2IcmFjgnKpcthblLkkUMNG9Do4WjU30xws/s640/20150911_144829.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Largo de Cruzeiro de Sao Francisco<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Bd17q2NcSTvlJubzfq1TlKZRWC5eNt6Lx_od9rAKt-mQO3CosPvwiVCLj7is0bEThxzhP-3nKFMXuwDHgHH1Kkh3d-SFGVUrJEetS8ng5iQnlA82PkqmV3L-CtzRwU6bbL9Xlmje0ow/s1600/20150911_144941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Bd17q2NcSTvlJubzfq1TlKZRWC5eNt6Lx_od9rAKt-mQO3CosPvwiVCLj7is0bEThxzhP-3nKFMXuwDHgHH1Kkh3d-SFGVUrJEetS8ng5iQnlA82PkqmV3L-CtzRwU6bbL9Xlmje0ow/s640/20150911_144941.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sao Francisco Monastery</td></tr>
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I was intrigued by Salvador because of the rich Afro-Brasilian history, culture and religion. In addition to the different local foods, I was curious to learn about <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/candomble/" target="_blank">Candomble</a>, an African syncretic religion. <br />
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Syncretic religions combine many elements of different religions. Candomble combines the African religions Bantu, Fon, and Yoruba and later, was influenced by Catholicism (brought over by the Portuguese) as well. <br />
Candomble is believed to have elements of Black Magic. This topic seemed to make some Brazilian Protestants I spoke with uneasy, which only piqued my interest further. Leave it to me to make people uncomfortable when asking questions about local culture...<br />
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While Salvador is much warmer than Rio, it was still a little rainy on our first full day in town. We visited the 18th century Sao Francisco Church and Convent, which, like many European churches, is lavishly decorated inside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsMJWiMRMeW-YyGfFFXLocCZc8e_gax5uf2Mw7UfQSkiLm7W5Cupz3ecRNBuS9Sd8D9FpbUsStCqj8_qmxkiDlv19MD3CmiF3vm9dwkr_ea6pibxjrH926-RFPD4TuP8m4hyphenhyphen9-GNyQTg/s1600/20150911_142633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsMJWiMRMeW-YyGfFFXLocCZc8e_gax5uf2Mw7UfQSkiLm7W5Cupz3ecRNBuS9Sd8D9FpbUsStCqj8_qmxkiDlv19MD3CmiF3vm9dwkr_ea6pibxjrH926-RFPD4TuP8m4hyphenhyphen9-GNyQTg/s640/20150911_142633.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gold everything!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22axg9M3AEJp2eZeEKewiCofgzYx6YkJm-nZVknt-U6mH1SbrXflqIdZckAy3pndQadfcGk8ObaR7QYQ5_WTGEeWC9PzIlAKapqUF0u6MV271po1OXyzuyZhni-vMahCiTsfvIc5xArE/s1600/20150911_141534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22axg9M3AEJp2eZeEKewiCofgzYx6YkJm-nZVknt-U6mH1SbrXflqIdZckAy3pndQadfcGk8ObaR7QYQ5_WTGEeWC9PzIlAKapqUF0u6MV271po1OXyzuyZhni-vMahCiTsfvIc5xArE/s640/20150911_141534.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The courtyard in the Monastery, covered with murals of virtues<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2nWYhIiaIxd91Gp70clCTRncJIKkFeRC5dUvb3PuwNAVxKJUYvwMJdFqUjNb0I7QA3NhyphenhyphenHLCu8JCDG9zEq02r_iDd0uIWRTm8__iwao9WU5_v7YcA7Hf3qLRrWoeEkvCjn3sjlR7qR8/s1600/20150911_141212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2nWYhIiaIxd91Gp70clCTRncJIKkFeRC5dUvb3PuwNAVxKJUYvwMJdFqUjNb0I7QA3NhyphenhyphenHLCu8JCDG9zEq02r_iDd0uIWRTm8__iwao9WU5_v7YcA7Hf3qLRrWoeEkvCjn3sjlR7qR8/s640/20150911_141212.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fear of Death</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwOxuPtG6WeuIxCKmVE1lhKw3jtamVwf7X5Al0e8aRpunrcoWEMrzD3arraE3ErOQxixAzeZG9i8cTim-t-Di2OOIM_W62PxnLxAYAlTxpNRcJKuAHfv4hZEFcIlqiqby-LhvUWdlrHk/s1600/20150911_144012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwOxuPtG6WeuIxCKmVE1lhKw3jtamVwf7X5Al0e8aRpunrcoWEMrzD3arraE3ErOQxixAzeZG9i8cTim-t-Di2OOIM_W62PxnLxAYAlTxpNRcJKuAHfv4hZEFcIlqiqby-LhvUWdlrHk/s640/20150911_144012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops, Steph spotted a typo on the year for Jazigo's tomb... the church wasn't built until the early 1700s.<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></td></tr>
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Afterward, we walked through the neighborhood of Pelourinho to Mercado Modelo and the Lacerda Elevator toward the central historical district. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH8DJ40-kGDBnaNRerlfGQxae7ECVtkAMjkbs_v12xyXNK5wbLlNyDucH32kxINcl3gwfelkPui_uHFqBGIpwojP6vb7rMiGDFqTuz1JD706EzlKUnNWDHm9MKQvwwZckrpi_ir5n2yw/s1600/20150911_145402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH8DJ40-kGDBnaNRerlfGQxae7ECVtkAMjkbs_v12xyXNK5wbLlNyDucH32kxINcl3gwfelkPui_uHFqBGIpwojP6vb7rMiGDFqTuz1JD706EzlKUnNWDHm9MKQvwwZckrpi_ir5n2yw/s640/20150911_145402.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Colonial buildings in Pelourinho</td></tr>
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Even though these sites were all located in the touristy historical center of Salvador, we weren't confident enough to wander into unknown territory, as there are many favelas in Salvador (just like every large city in Brasil) and it isn't safe. Maybe it's because it's winter, or because of the rain, but there were very few people in the tourist areas, which made us all the more wary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgRzLJ6EFS2yz-kKfMNrrgP2WQjDKALAhOVntKZ6IuRdvPTjSW6j2oZ7sekI6Sll7lbp6j_G_xhSL_BMvN8cWN0eMCpTPbRXsRjMvjsjT6hRGvR6I55YrZCQO5Q8mCVw1gMRAymPuqsI/s1600/20150911_145653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgRzLJ6EFS2yz-kKfMNrrgP2WQjDKALAhOVntKZ6IuRdvPTjSW6j2oZ7sekI6Sll7lbp6j_G_xhSL_BMvN8cWN0eMCpTPbRXsRjMvjsjT6hRGvR6I55YrZCQO5Q8mCVw1gMRAymPuqsI/s640/20150911_145653.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelourinho</td></tr>
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It's said that if you're going to get mugged, you're most likely to be mugged in Salvador. I was even more cautious in Salvador than in Rio because it didn't feel like a big city, the way I am used to and was more difficult to navigate with fewer modes of public transportation. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fsqeMzDAdk5_tVI2SVZDyy4Dcrapq36U-pdhJqimVr6HsENUBsaVB_HakpFLB7se-9w8dudCXrOnzPz3-2cVZUP0R381MVLW6FjQW0eKdBq_CSIHEuw0-C3qiJoNGXQeKW6sybr9Ucg/s1600/20150911_165803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fsqeMzDAdk5_tVI2SVZDyy4Dcrapq36U-pdhJqimVr6HsENUBsaVB_HakpFLB7se-9w8dudCXrOnzPz3-2cVZUP0R381MVLW6FjQW0eKdBq_CSIHEuw0-C3qiJoNGXQeKW6sybr9Ucg/s640/20150911_165803.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevador Lacerda: 15 Centivos to ride up or down!</td></tr>
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There's is no Metro in Salvador and the public bus is unreliable, so we had to take a taxi if we wanted to go anywhere because the city is so spread out. Also, Salvador has many more small alleys and fewer public places to meet in. We were even warned not to walk around after certain hours at night in neighborhoods that were perfectly safe in the day time. We decidedly both traveled light and kept our belongings close. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-zPSaBng8IZuFAQjf-JaPv9s4a0BuMd3bI-w_28HzOKFZaJ0X531NdD1o5o6FxaK68xIGW0FJ2fUz-obrz1a5GEqvuDPwBj1kn6azfdFjRum8947NritEfVKtzzkZdPgwcT6E0gkGRM/s1600/20150911_150905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-zPSaBng8IZuFAQjf-JaPv9s4a0BuMd3bI-w_28HzOKFZaJ0X531NdD1o5o6FxaK68xIGW0FJ2fUz-obrz1a5GEqvuDPwBj1kn6azfdFjRum8947NritEfVKtzzkZdPgwcT6E0gkGRM/s640/20150911_150905.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out into the port</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJeu6A_qT5_8lY8S_RhOiDyuyMGxIzzBMU1qS8TRTLF2IYgVvtOH7lFiiX9tUmJIaxUKFTHjwNOFjjegsJu95HheHOKHlExiOPpgJj6LO11SjSNEVgxFF1VTncYyfl1zt0GUzyNQxgOY/s1600/20150911_205356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJeu6A_qT5_8lY8S_RhOiDyuyMGxIzzBMU1qS8TRTLF2IYgVvtOH7lFiiX9tUmJIaxUKFTHjwNOFjjegsJu95HheHOKHlExiOPpgJj6LO11SjSNEVgxFF1VTncYyfl1zt0GUzyNQxgOY/s320/20150911_205356.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking in Pelourinho at night</td></tr>
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Later that evening, we met a new friend, Jeferson, who showed us around the city. He was born and lived in Salvador for most of his life. Jeferson is studying to become a mechanical engineer at the Federal University of Bahia in Salvador. He was so kind to speak to us in English, even though I believe I've been studying Portuguese longer than he's been studying English. He still beat me, though! I have yet to figure out all the alphabet sounds and rules for when to use each. My problems: H is silent, R makes the "h" sound, T makes the "ch" sound, and CH makes the "sh" sound, but only sometimes. I still can't figure it out. Portuguese is the most difficult language I've attempted to learn, even if only for basics.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nZuf1IyXNBvBVtiStNl_dc8c33UYaHK-owZVBRKjQ0FoCyu4iuTXVCw0pZ4W4PwqAWMTirVn9WkTBPugB9AyUtYHao6wOdfhRwDUW2TXjAUOi3z2rrUH-NBdM5VKXnSdgQ7J6ucyhK4/s1600/20150911_210653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nZuf1IyXNBvBVtiStNl_dc8c33UYaHK-owZVBRKjQ0FoCyu4iuTXVCw0pZ4W4PwqAWMTirVn9WkTBPugB9AyUtYHao6wOdfhRwDUW2TXjAUOi3z2rrUH-NBdM5VKXnSdgQ7J6ucyhK4/s400/20150911_210653.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acaraje - messy to eat!</td></tr>
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Jef invited us to our first Samba. We happily met his friends who were drinking in the plaza of Pelourinho. We couldn't believe it - Just a few hours earlier, the neighborhood was empty. Now, it was bustling with young people everywhere, going to bars and restaurants, listening to music and dancing to Samba in the street. <br />
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Jeferson led us to have Acaraje, a Bahian specialty made of mashed beans, shrimp (optional), onions, tomatoes, and chilis (optional). It was like a sandwich, except with deep-fried, mashed bean patties for buns, similar to the texture of Polenta. What I found strange was that the shrimp was cold while everything else was hot. Not bad; definitely something I'd like to try again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHQhAN9dFc3rk6pZKRyed6fKE3fYbtmPOQxE_WxyPz_aCwXgkHs4UXfiV8_BzuEFeCdyu8pfzwwNx5jpF1iPDLXSozSjjglftDhqT7uqN8eqBldilCRglASAsO6j1G4NsUrhDJO-kazs/s1600/20150911_210659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHQhAN9dFc3rk6pZKRyed6fKE3fYbtmPOQxE_WxyPz_aCwXgkHs4UXfiV8_BzuEFeCdyu8pfzwwNx5jpF1iPDLXSozSjjglftDhqT7uqN8eqBldilCRglASAsO6j1G4NsUrhDJO-kazs/s640/20150911_210659.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acaraje Stand; these are all over the street in Salvador</td></tr>
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After walking the streets and trying a local liquor with some new friends, we headed to Igreja (Church) San Antonio and paid 13 Reais each to enter the back patio of the church for the Samba.<br />
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We had no idea what to expect, if it was a Samba lesson or a night club or a performance, but it turned out to be a dance in a backyard BBQ setting. A table was set in the middle of the courtyard behind the church and the Samba players sat around it with their instruments. They played and sang Samba music while everyone swayed, danced, clapped, drank, smoked, or just stood and watched, chatting with friends. The atmosphere was very relaxed and casual as Jeferson taught us how to Samba.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxPD7eTjTI_RIIe2iJSVE_S1YhKjWQO9ij0CNreYWg9kAkf8Wb8tfPHNyA9e4fNy97m_Oc9fcx247s1QBkIovXuAfEn4MErZSQXjCywIJkHq4bNJkEE2vzIwCMLh6RrNQio4AiUvyqgI/s1600/20150911_230017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxPD7eTjTI_RIIe2iJSVE_S1YhKjWQO9ij0CNreYWg9kAkf8Wb8tfPHNyA9e4fNy97m_Oc9fcx247s1QBkIovXuAfEn4MErZSQXjCywIJkHq4bNJkEE2vzIwCMLh6RrNQio4AiUvyqgI/s640/20150911_230017.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I'd always heard that Samba is the sexiest of dances. At first I just felt it was very fast (especially for your feet!) and rhythmic, but after watching a few others, I could see how it earned its reputation.<br />
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Just in case you were interested, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xo6qr1olfw" target="_blank">here's a basic Samba lesson</a> for your learning pleasure.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0Salvador - State of Bahia, Brazil-12.9730401 -38.502303999999981-13.2206846 -38.825027499999983 -12.7253956 -38.179580499999979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-74504090241454592852015-09-23T23:59:00.000-07:002015-09-23T23:59:00.355-07:00Relaxing in Buzios: Photoblog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was really looking forward to spending time in the sun in Buzios, but the weather was similar to that of Rio: most of the time there were clouds in they sky and even when the sun came out, it wasn't really warm enough to go for a swim or sunbathe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cSFETmooGkqNbP7kkA_M89N85d7qUEDMDF0vGH8lWO-X38lc_WV2Y9gwDZ-UBDI1P4xoLJRw_gJ9HfVig7Sj77swBe6uQnffjtiR80KbXiqBoNMMS1SqG97ItK-PU3U_CHALqZ6XTII/s1600/20150908_171105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cSFETmooGkqNbP7kkA_M89N85d7qUEDMDF0vGH8lWO-X38lc_WV2Y9gwDZ-UBDI1P4xoLJRw_gJ9HfVig7Sj77swBe6uQnffjtiR80KbXiqBoNMMS1SqG97ItK-PU3U_CHALqZ6XTII/s640/20150908_171105.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach in Downtown Buzios</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6mCD_1-KJK0-yDKY1jfEt0YFb83LGaUVj6zYTtyeSIR1AR-SDPsWVI_SpzGDUjhU8wmMEpFF0yfSOSH6UcW_17bIBu9Hv2Dfo4gMBg-u-GAtntP-Qsi0z67LgaALePZX-GdEaRmhm1k/s1600/20150908_172614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6mCD_1-KJK0-yDKY1jfEt0YFb83LGaUVj6zYTtyeSIR1AR-SDPsWVI_SpzGDUjhU8wmMEpFF0yfSOSH6UcW_17bIBu9Hv2Dfo4gMBg-u-GAtntP-Qsi0z67LgaALePZX-GdEaRmhm1k/s640/20150908_172614.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rua das Pedras</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvhdGNcrGHBCb8MGqQ0eD3vYJKhtEZwxghgeZPr0Gf6iW_PmUjGRLB1DYwzOTZTK_8ZKB6pEKumCF1VlmDZDJOL-Y2rb6TWWtqIqRklOwRAhUGSHy8ifWRlJcWrwirhyTv_SFD8fd_OU/s1600/20150908_173315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvhdGNcrGHBCb8MGqQ0eD3vYJKhtEZwxghgeZPr0Gf6iW_PmUjGRLB1DYwzOTZTK_8ZKB6pEKumCF1VlmDZDJOL-Y2rb6TWWtqIqRklOwRAhUGSHy8ifWRlJcWrwirhyTv_SFD8fd_OU/s640/20150908_173315.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourism is Buzios' main source of revenue so most of the shops on the main street are fancy boutiques and restaurants.</td></tr>
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We spent most of our time walking around the cobblestone streets of downtown Buzios, and the rest of the time exploring the local beaches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdyTje8vkfT9X9jbOIsxQd6Stt9E1lqS41fnIhw3oRaZqm25ZJJoRZKAlnB0wSNT3FgVkZICyAnGuRCo9bEDh_EKZFbZ9wWkaR-XK3f9NTKudIzhrQT7PywKq7kAJ-TIYMcIwmL_KQIM/s1600/20150908_171110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdyTje8vkfT9X9jbOIsxQd6Stt9E1lqS41fnIhw3oRaZqm25ZJJoRZKAlnB0wSNT3FgVkZICyAnGuRCo9bEDh_EKZFbZ9wWkaR-XK3f9NTKudIzhrQT7PywKq7kAJ-TIYMcIwmL_KQIM/s640/20150908_171110.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS63HfJe5GEraUUksvnqqaOrzLuApncTHpr4rgi8_g4UwvpftM9xJbh2PeRWfwIQsOqnza2z_1IY5YLW91J49PLqfuzLytmCjSs70EnH-KBvf43P0Ya05JRa95CZaxTgqxn9p2MlLZsKs/s1600/20150909_140627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS63HfJe5GEraUUksvnqqaOrzLuApncTHpr4rgi8_g4UwvpftM9xJbh2PeRWfwIQsOqnza2z_1IY5YLW91J49PLqfuzLytmCjSs70EnH-KBvf43P0Ya05JRa95CZaxTgqxn9p2MlLZsKs/s640/20150909_140627.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very windy at Praia Geriba</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMbdBqVGACp0DvP4t_O9X7Iv62GxRUK7o5qFHAsRNIsIyw-H0hzU6RpuFlj-au0ITU-kQaBLTDpuitUX2HBFc1ViIpxjxB2kaa3IXAUnsJM07vA_SieEJ-py0vvkE-fZtGgoM408A_4I/s1600/20150908_171132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMbdBqVGACp0DvP4t_O9X7Iv62GxRUK7o5qFHAsRNIsIyw-H0hzU6RpuFlj-au0ITU-kQaBLTDpuitUX2HBFc1ViIpxjxB2kaa3IXAUnsJM07vA_SieEJ-py0vvkE-fZtGgoM408A_4I/s640/20150908_171132.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fishing port</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNEXCwTCRIeWF_fk8IFxorINvhQqD9ZFo0WsO0oxKt1kuDG7RsJH8PdcCrBY9J6t17l4hC6S-b6-qKoFyVSAtV8dx6CDNFIm-3mfxOYkhJ8D4zbN7csoiq6XC9XSG3Z2VrqVYFALirzY/s1600/20150908_191952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNEXCwTCRIeWF_fk8IFxorINvhQqD9ZFo0WsO0oxKt1kuDG7RsJH8PdcCrBY9J6t17l4hC6S-b6-qKoFyVSAtV8dx6CDNFIm-3mfxOYkhJ8D4zbN7csoiq6XC9XSG3Z2VrqVYFALirzY/s640/20150908_191952.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Langostines, less everything else, please.</td></tr>
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We had our first meal at Taverne 67; the host called to us and showed their menu, which had a good selection of seafood. He was very convincing and I was excited to try their seafood grill. <br />
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Eveything would have been great, if only the seafood was cooked to order. I had a suspicion that most of the seafood was cooked the day before and reheated. How else could shrimp be so dry and fish so tough? <br />
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The saving grace was the langostines (or, small lobsters, as the host explained), but it wasn't enough to make me want to return. If I order anything from the sea, it better be fresh!<br />
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Oftentimes when trying local food, I realize that I have high expectations simply because I've heard that I'm in the place where a particular dish originated, or that city is well known for making a food item very well. But taste is subjective, and just because locals like it doesn't mean that I will. Sometimes it's hard to figure out where to eat because of this, and other times, even if you go to a 4 star restaurant, it still doesn't guarantee that they won't have an off-night. In this case, I thought it was really careless of the cook. All you had to do was grill it to order! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp0UBJd-7zKoZV-F2rKj7OxJjhZDbfzd5PyVovO_DlZUO6k0HIHHJNGTP-_SfqTlMIRh5uqWmmqHO782wN5OiO3siWG2dF4rCIdR05gPpsJVy1c1-VWO5h_4_uVHqiroGaRYva5xf4d4/s1600/20150909_135134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp0UBJd-7zKoZV-F2rKj7OxJjhZDbfzd5PyVovO_DlZUO6k0HIHHJNGTP-_SfqTlMIRh5uqWmmqHO782wN5OiO3siWG2dF4rCIdR05gPpsJVy1c1-VWO5h_4_uVHqiroGaRYva5xf4d4/s640/20150909_135134.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praia da Ferradurhina</td></tr>
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The highlight of food that I enjoyed in Buzios was Acai. If you're into health food, you've probaly heard of it. It's an energy boosting fruit. Brasilians eat it blended with ice and sometimes sugar, served in a cup (like ice cream) and commonly topped with peanuts, granola, farina, banana or mini malt balls. My favorite way to have it is with crushed peanuts. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqexVpgUz4XrL85zeHqkuDjnukXrr5E9fTZYzNSLdvKcGSnZ3YrNpCzn_UbfStFR-nL5nV-HzsJ77fZ-kiNoSqiaSQzagUv6tf9ucRI50UWjZ9LhAtkzf9L0YQxdcRZsN02e7I7U4QAJo/s1600/20150908_170703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqexVpgUz4XrL85zeHqkuDjnukXrr5E9fTZYzNSLdvKcGSnZ3YrNpCzn_UbfStFR-nL5nV-HzsJ77fZ-kiNoSqiaSQzagUv6tf9ucRI50UWjZ9LhAtkzf9L0YQxdcRZsN02e7I7U4QAJo/s320/20150908_170703.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a great photo; I was too excited it eat it. </td></tr>
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This is a hundred times better than the Acai smoothies I've tried at Jamba Juice in the States.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAhUfhPaZwwMrP7-86UHDKtf17pzta4MPhbWzk7nDSEbYdK5UXOMBM_Up8lpqJLIjR33uZc0HZmu4OcnyZn7RAv8zIfLByW_4dVs9TusrKDT4-K3dZLY9SEvxm3irut9yK8UtwCYgoAM/s1600/20150909_160824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAhUfhPaZwwMrP7-86UHDKtf17pzta4MPhbWzk7nDSEbYdK5UXOMBM_Up8lpqJLIjR33uZc0HZmu4OcnyZn7RAv8zIfLByW_4dVs9TusrKDT4-K3dZLY9SEvxm3irut9yK8UtwCYgoAM/s640/20150909_160824.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-cLCaJDNMwO11fatBi5FIVzzUunoVGgGMwcCgDwH9lPxfUdToG1Y1wBMPHV5evM2jcYDm8TZGE_S-bKnLHrLV3GOO-Eb38Au9aEbRQnZwat7ykhpgT7fFL2zJYs6uSOP64tpuw_m6kM/s1600/20150909_162041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-cLCaJDNMwO11fatBi5FIVzzUunoVGgGMwcCgDwH9lPxfUdToG1Y1wBMPHV5evM2jcYDm8TZGE_S-bKnLHrLV3GOO-Eb38Au9aEbRQnZwat7ykhpgT7fFL2zJYs6uSOP64tpuw_m6kM/s640/20150909_162041.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fisherman making their nets</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBrKcDYztvXgP2zI-402ZrqkKuityfnEgdylUCyoJowBIFtfZfO_uRXz29cuLh3IJg6lzGqx-78JfgNR9CkSunWr3BkqnPzMNLwf055I9WPdBe_H3mmRHkHddxhj6rZrCIQA_OKlrHPA/s1600/20150909_160612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBrKcDYztvXgP2zI-402ZrqkKuityfnEgdylUCyoJowBIFtfZfO_uRXz29cuLh3IJg6lzGqx-78JfgNR9CkSunWr3BkqnPzMNLwf055I9WPdBe_H3mmRHkHddxhj6rZrCIQA_OKlrHPA/s640/20150909_160612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Just a couple of days later, we were back on the 1001 bus to Rio to leave the state and fly into Bahia.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0Armação dos Búzios, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-22.7564299 -41.889050499999996-22.9906844 -42.211774 -22.522175400000002 -41.566326999999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-36628031931713404872015-09-22T12:00:00.000-07:002015-09-22T12:00:01.144-07:00The bus from Rio to Buzios<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Buzios is a beach resort town just 3 hours away from Rio De Janeiro. <br />
It's a common spot for Cariocas (Rio residents) to go for weekend getaways and short holidays.<br />
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To get there, we took the <a href="http://www.autoviacao1001.com.br/web/en/negocios/aluguelonibus/" target="_blank">1001</a> (Mil e Um) bus - not a hard decision, since it's the only bus to and from Buzios. A one way ticket costs 37 Real but when we bought our tickets, there was a special promotion for first time users to get 20 Real off. Ask at the window or check online before you buy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH61o7vePEaIL6ysdOnHWfOaDuGWN_xE8fEZLRacfk7w_M1IVQCycVcHRRQ69cVnhncK41QGlMWuLZbLq2YxH3DfABYB5xM3yShX2UISzC95Lh7llfCYrJyHv8JKOOPvcWkLDRQMKmMis/s1600/20150910_114825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH61o7vePEaIL6ysdOnHWfOaDuGWN_xE8fEZLRacfk7w_M1IVQCycVcHRRQ69cVnhncK41QGlMWuLZbLq2YxH3DfABYB5xM3yShX2UISzC95Lh7llfCYrJyHv8JKOOPvcWkLDRQMKmMis/s640/20150910_114825.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1001 office inside Rio's central Bus Station</td></tr>
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Because it's the only bus that goes there, the 1001 bus fills up quickly and it's best to buy tickets in advance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMYVMC130HLEEe5NZ0OVSebZT4qlrTPCb1Hmgjh2cPbWDIUnFVMrWqJjnj3ehU-dxzFhwgUs0poWA7_YMGzsQxMaVhTJzV7PVpYFw-A8a1kKt2XBCOF8l036pCnmyVZ4sq80i80IAmj0/s1600/20150910_114611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMYVMC130HLEEe5NZ0OVSebZT4qlrTPCb1Hmgjh2cPbWDIUnFVMrWqJjnj3ehU-dxzFhwgUs0poWA7_YMGzsQxMaVhTJzV7PVpYFw-A8a1kKt2XBCOF8l036pCnmyVZ4sq80i80IAmj0/s640/20150910_114611.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luggage storage included in ticket price.</td></tr>
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The bus has reclining seats, curtains, and a toilet. It was a pleasant ride, but was an hour late to depart and arrived even later into Buzios than expected because of traffic in Rio.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8byRl699_1PtqnAXODC7-7UDIzW0kKYxS9khFezZGNjBbggDMdyy8BNn0TODEZQ5_d1ocIF5cmWXKHbheHalFmyrUipNacxbhkXrAQTv5uMSdTa08ILiLaGnCmZkR7iBVXyGLMle4F4A/s1600/20150910_114627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8byRl699_1PtqnAXODC7-7UDIzW0kKYxS9khFezZGNjBbggDMdyy8BNn0TODEZQ5_d1ocIF5cmWXKHbheHalFmyrUipNacxbhkXrAQTv5uMSdTa08ILiLaGnCmZkR7iBVXyGLMle4F4A/s640/20150910_114627.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A random couple that smiled for my picture. Thanks, guys!</td></tr>
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Tip: avoid choosing seats in the back of the bus; while the bathroom is fairly clean, it is not odorless!<br />
All in all, the 1001 bus is a comfortable ride and an easy way to get to Buzios.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0Terminal Rodoviária Novo Rio-22.9207034 -43.225007600000026-51.654905400000004 -84.533601600000026 5.8134985999999991 -1.9164136000000269tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-78182830265383683502015-09-21T23:06:00.000-07:002015-09-21T23:06:33.213-07:00Copacabana Beach & Sugarloaf Mountain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We had cloudy weather almost every day in Rio...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Just another cloudy Saturday... but you'll still find Cariocas at the beach</td></tr>
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But on our last full day, the sun decided to grace us with its presence for just a few hours. All of the sudden, the beach was bustling.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">It was hotter than it looks! I got a sunburn.</td></tr>
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We had a few hours before visiting Pao Acucar so we decided to lay around for a while at Copacabana Beach just a block in front of our apartment. Very few people actually went into the water, but it was nice to see the sun, if only for a short time. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Neighborhood of Copacabana</td></tr>
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We planned to go to <a href="http://gobrazil.about.com/od/riodejaneiro/ss/sugarloafcablecar.htm" target="_blank">Pao Acucar</a> (also known as Sugarloaf Mountain) just in time for the sunset, so that we could see Rio's transition from day to night. I highly recommend going at dusk so you can get the best of both views!<br />
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A short and economical public bus ride later (2 Reais/person), we bought our tickets (Note: student IDs are accepted for this site) and waited in line for the ride up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each car holds up to 65 passengers</td></tr>
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Th ride up is separated into 2 cable car rides; the first goes from Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) to Morro de Urca (Urca Hill) and the second goes from Morro Urca to Pao Acucar. Both rides last 3 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried to get a space by the window to no avail, but... there it is!</td></tr>
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After walking around Morro Urca and snapping a few pictures, we took the second car up to Pao Acucar, took more photos and then waited for the sun to set.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They also offer helicopter tours, which we watched from Morro Urca </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Morro Urca</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The southside view from Pao Acucar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Northside view from Pao Acucar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just waiting for sunset...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rio started lighting up</td></tr>
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Rio twinkles like a gem as it lights up. While I appreciate natural places and stars coming out in the expanse of dark sky, there's also something beautiful about watching the illumination of city lights across a great stretch of land. I felt so small thinking of all the different people in that city below.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Dusk</td></tr>
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It was a beautiful sunset and an even more beautiful night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This photo doesn't do the view justice </td></tr>
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<br /><br />After descending from Pao Acucar, Stephen had the capital idea of pizza for dinner so we took a taxi over to Pizzaria Braz.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half Soppressata and half Margherita.<br />This photo is dedicated to anyone who loves looking at at eating pizzas, especially those made in wood-burning ovens.</td></tr>
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Best pizza so far! A perfect ending to our last day in Rio. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0Sugarloaf Mountain - Urca, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-22.9492586 -43.154575700000009-51.6834626 -84.463169700000009 5.784945399999998 -1.84598170000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-81246645208309405322015-09-21T12:00:00.000-07:002015-09-21T12:00:01.318-07:00Christ the Redeemer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We couldn't miss the giant Jesus on the hill.<br />
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We had a quick breakfast of lanches (<i>LAN-shees</i>) at the local corner shop before we left. Lanches technically means "snacks" in Portuguese, but eating lanches implies eating fast food. Many of these fast restaurants have ready made and heated (or unheated) pastels and sandwiches. They also offer coffee, fresh juice, and croissants and sometimes have a full kitchen in the back taking orders for burgers and hot sandwiches. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcfC0CaI-UbfTsJTTWiyFwhi8XeD9riefkNE_vDvcdsWCIsaMAOflLntAkgXbsqK6mBdghQaW10JZnu_1xMMGvuUGV801PAgtcZQrcpu4BVZTd610QHHkt1G7UKwO4KbleH_CfzUhyphenhyphenQc/s1600/20150903_123652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcfC0CaI-UbfTsJTTWiyFwhi8XeD9riefkNE_vDvcdsWCIsaMAOflLntAkgXbsqK6mBdghQaW10JZnu_1xMMGvuUGV801PAgtcZQrcpu4BVZTd610QHHkt1G7UKwO4KbleH_CfzUhyphenhyphenQc/s400/20150903_123652.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caprese - stuffed with mozzerella and tomatoes inside</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPHuOMut27S4xscVvYfYo8DWmH-8-bM_6JWl_zyEOvXaNwOWcZV24APAQL8Lt2bbhOJgeGfQmg1G5DDsP-oTx6pnQOh1UjvF_5Av6ClYJm1KVl-DAttWB-YQIesbabo98TtflrpPJVag/s1600/20150903_123656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPHuOMut27S4xscVvYfYo8DWmH-8-bM_6JWl_zyEOvXaNwOWcZV24APAQL8Lt2bbhOJgeGfQmg1G5DDsP-oTx6pnQOh1UjvF_5Av6ClYJm1KVl-DAttWB-YQIesbabo98TtflrpPJVag/s400/20150903_123656.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never though I'd say this, but there's too much cheese! </td></tr>
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Getting to <a href="http://global.britannica.com/topic/Christ-the-Redeemer" target="_blank">Christ the Redeemer</a> from our neighborhood in Flamengo was direct. We took a local bus to the bottom of the hill of the Christ. Unlike buses in America, the driver does not take your fare. Instead, there is a specified person to do this and he or she sits toward the front of the bus, next to a turnstile to ensure that you've paid your fare before getting on. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjLam2FRenVyRapgaPV0BFt8EONfgfDARn028whcNfUHxAXsXhfB_jWTPGW75Kiz6oZAjpE0g3KNmenZ2MvMSsL8pOmlh7bjnSjwBMrBFalfrEKTaNFrFnNhwuhdqzVYWPzS3fcKUjec/s1600/20150903_130012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjLam2FRenVyRapgaPV0BFt8EONfgfDARn028whcNfUHxAXsXhfB_jWTPGW75Kiz6oZAjpE0g3KNmenZ2MvMSsL8pOmlh7bjnSjwBMrBFalfrEKTaNFrFnNhwuhdqzVYWPzS3fcKUjec/s640/20150903_130012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not easy to steal rides on buses in Brazil!</td></tr>
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After arriving, we paid admission for a round trip tram ride and walked the rest of the way up. If you can't speak Portuguese, there are plenty of tourist guides who will help translate or answer questions in your language.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfDO5CdYDwK3oMid6BiZkRuvQ6i63MFZqJ7d3Ga2AXDQaGDP6M6QGxWcZ4Um5NInAIP7WkC_HCj910r6Wv44cRsAUbvOLoYx-o1A2YTjXsJlQdvkiTX2Vs7mneuVMxrXR93KcCn9t8eY/s1600/20150903_131659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfDO5CdYDwK3oMid6BiZkRuvQ6i63MFZqJ7d3Ga2AXDQaGDP6M6QGxWcZ4Um5NInAIP7WkC_HCj910r6Wv44cRsAUbvOLoYx-o1A2YTjXsJlQdvkiTX2Vs7mneuVMxrXR93KcCn9t8eY/s640/20150903_131659.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waiting area for the tram</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tram ride up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aWnrOVuI8TxpkoMUikqdrsOMKMTWRRCg_ow1nat6EtVp4FPFoHW8Agbk20LTozqEYGISckk6SXN2TgC3C82Z_hE8oTJj-I_zv3mxiavcHvVI5mIZnEh72CTdrM8hLLbcK5BA8FCW51g/s1600/20150903_134453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aWnrOVuI8TxpkoMUikqdrsOMKMTWRRCg_ow1nat6EtVp4FPFoHW8Agbk20LTozqEYGISckk6SXN2TgC3C82Z_hE8oTJj-I_zv3mxiavcHvVI5mIZnEh72CTdrM8hLLbcK5BA8FCW51g/s640/20150903_134453.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking up from the tram stop we could already see how high up we were over the city</td></tr>
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Christ the Redeemer was voted one of the <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/new-seven-wonders/13/" target="_blank">New</a> seven wonders of the world in 2013. (It didn't hurt that the Brazilian government allowed votes cast via text to be free of charge.) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus stands at 38 meters tall with open arms,</td></tr>
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You may recognize the Christ from such movies as Fast and Furious 6, which was shot in Rio, or in Romeo and Juliet (1996, staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes).<br />
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Christ the Redeemer overlooks Rio and gives a spectacular view of the city. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI7E2QgGIJYrmktBHxUCPnxqnaGLNu5NiKg9OwoKMFPz5htEPcXAcLygRBw7OXnAgvH-3iIHD_YdJpXY9-uWIhXNIuEeIDi7k6dZ5dK9Joo8phFDjRp9XYpZxod93pNlv4b_DLjseGeo/s1600/20150903_135917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI7E2QgGIJYrmktBHxUCPnxqnaGLNu5NiKg9OwoKMFPz5htEPcXAcLygRBw7OXnAgvH-3iIHD_YdJpXY9-uWIhXNIuEeIDi7k6dZ5dK9Joo8phFDjRp9XYpZxod93pNlv4b_DLjseGeo/s640/20150903_135917.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We were lucky to get there in the morning sun and spend as much time as we did in decent weather. After about an hour, the clouds started rolling in, obstructing the panoramas of the city and creating a very mystical ambiance. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fog rolling in...</td></tr>
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Shortly after, it started pouring rain! So we took off and spent the rest of the day under awning of various cafes, waiting for the rain to pass, and lastly in Shopping Leblon, a large mall in one of the wealthier neighborhoods.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many times we stopped for leisurely pastries while waiting for rain to pass.<br />:)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-22.9068467 -43.172896499999979-23.3748742 -43.818343499999976 -22.438819199999998 -42.527449499999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-50758321348716059982015-09-20T22:22:00.001-07:002015-09-20T22:22:08.246-07:00Rio's scene at Scenarium<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lapa is the famous nightlife area in downtown Rio and I was determined to experience a club on a Saturday night since we were finally in a big city during a weekend. It had been raining that evening, but a little rain never stopped a party for the strong-willed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1jw7MjzeJGA7rNHD4QNuEierH4VYJG46q8Nt5vioMANOkb8et_tHH9v2QKulSTQ5FHcULh6V-orpxJqtYydj8JEKZHtBIpMPMdT39ZHeFJJyzHyFnjzyqgK7pTIQ_Nhg-qva6LZ59do/s1600/20150904_221721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1jw7MjzeJGA7rNHD4QNuEierH4VYJG46q8Nt5vioMANOkb8et_tHH9v2QKulSTQ5FHcULh6V-orpxJqtYydj8JEKZHtBIpMPMdT39ZHeFJJyzHyFnjzyqgK7pTIQ_Nhg-qva6LZ59do/s640/20150904_221721.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Arches of Lapa and some of the food and drink stands open for business</td></tr>
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Lapa is known for food, drink and dancing in the street, as well as plentiful bars and clubs playing all varieties of music down the strip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_AE1DjhUWjD9xN10PbFn5Zy8PdrTRGsMpcYUK21QpNrQfJHVHM991xlwufzpvnm3dYomxYtyd2_43FzrsDmxgOsnTqu5yRC9OXDgYkzGQZioZenz1pH0tuJ52a_ozMP73sXfuCyn9zs/s1600/20150904_222441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_AE1DjhUWjD9xN10PbFn5Zy8PdrTRGsMpcYUK21QpNrQfJHVHM991xlwufzpvnm3dYomxYtyd2_43FzrsDmxgOsnTqu5yRC9OXDgYkzGQZioZenz1pH0tuJ52a_ozMP73sXfuCyn9zs/s640/20150904_222441.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Avenida Mem de Sá</td></tr>
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After making a round up and down the semi-bustling Avenida Mem de Sá, we popped into <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g303506-d1583385-Reviews-Boteco_Belmonte-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html" target="_blank">Boteco Belmont</a>. It was crowded but we managed to find a seat inside among the mix of Brasileras and some tourists. Many ladies were drinking Caipirinhas. I know better than to take a chance on cocktails in foreign countries, as we don't all have the same standards for taste, so I decided to play it safe and get what they're known for.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caipirinha and Empada Camarao (shrimp) and Catupiry </td></tr>
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A Caipirinha (kai-peer-EE-na) is Brazil's national cocktail. It is made of Cachaca (a liquor made from sugarcane, similar to rum), lime juice, and sugar over ice. <br />
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I found out why all the girls were ordering Caipirinhas here. It was like drinking pure Cachaca. Even though I could see wedges of lime floating around the glass, I could taste very little else besides Cachaca in the cocktail.<br />
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On the up side, you certainly get your money's worth of liquor, if nothing else. I slowly began to notice that ladies were drinking their cocktails VERY slowly and their guys were helping them out in between sips of Skol (one of Brazil's local beer). It was definitely not a pleasant tasting, let alone a balanced cocktail, but I don't think that was the point, anyway.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empanada:Argentina as Pastel:Brazil</td></tr>
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We ordered a few pastels with our drinks. Pastels are not only meant as lanches (snacks) on the go, but here, they are the Brazilian equivalent of bar food. Instead of chicken wings and fries, they serve miniature shrimp and Capituary (a creamy cheese) pies and Pastels, which look like small hot pockets stuffed with meat. Stop a bypassing waiter with a tray and tell him what you'd like; he'll checkmark the paper menu at your table and drop off the pie on a plate with silverware.<br />
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After finally finishing the Caipirinha and a few pastels, we walked down the street to see the varieties of bars. Promoters handed out flyers, offering all-you-can-drink promotions and streams of Samba, Latin, and Reggae music came from every which way. Lapa was alive at midnight and many bars beckoned to us; some overtly trying to attract foreigners like ourselves and others just trying to fill the place with anyone who would pay cover. The smell of various smokes floated out on the street and friends met outside sharing drinks and cigarettes, even in the sprinkling rain. A few outdoor music venues were enticing with plenty of dancers swaying and shakin' it on the patio.<br />
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Steph had mentioned earlier about a place called <a href="http://www.rioscenarium.com.br/novo/" target="_blank">Scenarium</a>, supposedly Rio's hottest club and one of the top nightclubs in the world according to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2006/nov/28/bars" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> (years ago). I wanted to take a look before we decided where to go. Scenarium was a few blocks away but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Nestled in the center of colonial buildings and murals, we saw a very long line out the door. I decided we ought to give it a go and was especially grateful for the open dress code. The line moved quickly and cover charge was 40 Reais (about $10 USD), though I'm sure locals get a discount as we saw many showing coupons or emails on their phones.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The clock wall and various lighting schemes</td></tr>
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Scenarium has 3 floors altogether and you are asked to show ID upon entry, and then given a slip of paper with your name and a menu of everything they serve printed on it. You are marked for what you eat and drink in the club and pay at the end of the night on your way out. (Don't lose that paper!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7vGA1fICN_6HxMGJcIx6DDH1y-wBe_cOmgx-p5rc00Y5B7NQGtygHH8g81IEUhkZ_XJHXwlRq7GO9EjvGlvMvqGND8VO7wzJOf1DkpnBgoB-76PJRz9tLKcKsVc4s5SO2gg7cmYeaGU/s1600/20150905_012517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7vGA1fICN_6HxMGJcIx6DDH1y-wBe_cOmgx-p5rc00Y5B7NQGtygHH8g81IEUhkZ_XJHXwlRq7GO9EjvGlvMvqGND8VO7wzJOf1DkpnBgoB-76PJRz9tLKcKsVc4s5SO2gg7cmYeaGU/s640/20150905_012517.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antique instruments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The decor was fun; Scenarium is an antique museum-turned-club with vibrant color schemes and art deco. It was easily one of the best club experiences I've ever had. Awesome, easy going vibe, friendly people and lots of dancing. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSq0GXGJbSiM8eiGbdLTwSfvfH6ZL0yTLwy6U4C88oeQBy933zxJJRrslxZMok5wu_wX_Rtmi1sgnBUzKNS3i0x-Ob0azUy9jnv41k97_viFN0vFopCwxD36QPzBK9s0_HZnxk6jkKY0/s1600/20150905_011948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSq0GXGJbSiM8eiGbdLTwSfvfH6ZL0yTLwy6U4C88oeQBy933zxJJRrslxZMok5wu_wX_Rtmi1sgnBUzKNS3i0x-Ob0azUy9jnv41k97_viFN0vFopCwxD36QPzBK9s0_HZnxk6jkKY0/s640/20150905_011948.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Last Supper in stained glass<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While I do enjoy dressing up, there was no pressure to dress to the 9's (or scantily clad) to enter, and people were dressed differently, from casual to semi-formal to formal.<br />
No one was turned away for not being attractive enough (ahem, LA) or not having enough girl:guy ratio (cough, Vegas). The range of patrons wasn't limited; everyone between college students (maybe high school students with money?) to older folks were welcome.<br />
<br />
Unlike some clubs where you can't see three feet in front of you without waiting for a strobe to shine your way, Scenarium is well-lit in dining areas and intimately dim on dance floors (but you can still see who you're looking at). <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVZI8CylCQfhkFW6JWzpYb5143fPOTSKm88Dsx6pNjYCFcwo2HGUDZbpj8wMVkLqD4QBfrO_c1-mxR31x-zYbe4XlTDv9PjrWq24mABtV6kVhbLFrIenLEFAE3M4J_TbPdG7yK1-Vz6Q/s1600/20150905_011944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVZI8CylCQfhkFW6JWzpYb5143fPOTSKm88Dsx6pNjYCFcwo2HGUDZbpj8wMVkLqD4QBfrO_c1-mxR31x-zYbe4XlTDv9PjrWq24mABtV6kVhbLFrIenLEFAE3M4J_TbPdG7yK1-Vz6Q/s640/20150905_011944.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Free tables for eating, drinking, chatting, and resting pleasure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can sit where ever you find a seat (no obligation to pay for bottle service) or stand and watch or dance the night away.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyye4EHCsB90W6TNMut_M5B9NcN75AHPn78ONU7g99Jmz65QEaQYTicBBI96GI-AGeYpAV467MLUgZJvDo7TCWlY1gXNmq-_BZXRU9Ic_ptfHKC13XnAP7-UAUwdR56tkvMZJ2Cv3p24/s1600/20150905_015727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyye4EHCsB90W6TNMut_M5B9NcN75AHPn78ONU7g99Jmz65QEaQYTicBBI96GI-AGeYpAV467MLUgZJvDo7TCWlY1gXNmq-_BZXRU9Ic_ptfHKC13XnAP7-UAUwdR56tkvMZJ2Cv3p24/s640/20150905_015727.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Food and drinks were inexpensive (for us at least) and tasty; a well-made Mojito and French fries came out to about $6 USD. It didn't seem like the place was out to price gouge as some clubs do.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Scenarium's ambiance was warm and friendly and there was so much dancing. Guys didn't seem self-conscious at all about dancing which only improves the vibe, right ladies? I frankly expected oversexualized dancing because of what I'd heard about Brasileras and their openness, but this crowd kept it classy. Even those making out while dancing closely seemed to maintain a rhythm. There was plenty of flirting and singing, and much less selfie-taking and staring at cellphones than I am used to.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwWqUguysEah3QBFgXh8KPP02cupv_BFwGo7B3QFpnUfi0-JljK2dhhlPQ0xeWf5yxO407qfYa02Ix0AgBmAajZe46g4VnYoJaEd1FATUY5N1vyVolBVLAfXq-p0KFnTRHug-w3o639w/s1600/20150905_011603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwWqUguysEah3QBFgXh8KPP02cupv_BFwGo7B3QFpnUfi0-JljK2dhhlPQ0xeWf5yxO407qfYa02Ix0AgBmAajZe46g4VnYoJaEd1FATUY5N1vyVolBVLAfXq-p0KFnTRHug-w3o639w/s640/20150905_011603.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird's view of the band from the 2nd floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Downstairs, a live band played Samba and Reggae while the DJ on the 2nd floor played something reminiscent of smooth Portuguese R&B, rock, and popular songs that everyone seemed to know the words to. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM0ElfsYFxC0wif3q2M40NxoRivat-b4OqlFMXGIk7ZPv_qirvzEW921fG2EcDGAt7jr0_JPTgqhIgYrqga_YnKl1zqdgIbuftEDIXCM3t_wH84reREOaJwdL_5GQcGZ044sGPUm_4Es/s1600/20150905_012452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM0ElfsYFxC0wif3q2M40NxoRivat-b4OqlFMXGIk7ZPv_qirvzEW921fG2EcDGAt7jr0_JPTgqhIgYrqga_YnKl1zqdgIbuftEDIXCM3t_wH84reREOaJwdL_5GQcGZ044sGPUm_4Es/s640/20150905_012452.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird's view from the 3rd story</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1ulHhJQQaTwMmWQ3Gl1lEXfn4iiFOXvEPfh0LzpVmwln0AKT4m89vLT3ffBJfo7KnS_2okJ7Fh7364iSVpKra0Ks4XLiNCfbdwPLFUJxJuhhZJ2jJjzAZFQgfAn68ZanWWH3Gwb1X2k/s1600/20150905_012523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1ulHhJQQaTwMmWQ3Gl1lEXfn4iiFOXvEPfh0LzpVmwln0AKT4m89vLT3ffBJfo7KnS_2okJ7Fh7364iSVpKra0Ks4XLiNCfbdwPLFUJxJuhhZJ2jJjzAZFQgfAn68ZanWWH3Gwb1X2k/s640/20150905_012523.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another dining area. PDAs welcome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was eclectic but tasteful and classy while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. It was a fun-filled night spent in a beautiful place with a cool crowd and relaxed vibe. If you're ever down in Rio, I highly recommend spending one of your Saturdays at Scenarium.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY38KyjufGp7Uob7jdVYsrHMAFLLR7nnwxTsxSslx-rS3cnuh2DWmcNp7FPyby6OdxLqQyV_7GNmlNQtXQNV_Qi22Pb41vFGgzo6MCci8T6VY92zSQzpIfLMbyME3pzad03ZSnwnfRikA/s1600/20150905_012214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY38KyjufGp7Uob7jdVYsrHMAFLLR7nnwxTsxSslx-rS3cnuh2DWmcNp7FPyby6OdxLqQyV_7GNmlNQtXQNV_Qi22Pb41vFGgzo6MCci8T6VY92zSQzpIfLMbyME3pzad03ZSnwnfRikA/s200/20150905_012214.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485143574874796569.post-61093360518650091012015-09-18T12:00:00.000-07:002015-09-18T12:00:01.530-07:00Bucket list: Hanggliding in Rio<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hanggliding had been on my bucket list for a long time. I always thought it looked so exciting to fly - not in a plane, but like a bird. It is the closest thing I can imagine to flying so when Steph asked me what I wanted to do in Rio, of course it was the first thing I blurted out, knowing that there was a popular spot over the Tijuca Forest.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4p8bk5THHd7ncEaxUUkgW6yBs7y2wujHuiC_Fi5vJb4lyBtK4MveRia5l5Al6hiwN4JfiejaxPsEl-LcO77EK7AqPJCqFpxlz7s9IOxGDDAu0te3k7LAkWNjxH4AR2aIetAbmum0etY/s1600/20150907_075129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4p8bk5THHd7ncEaxUUkgW6yBs7y2wujHuiC_Fi5vJb4lyBtK4MveRia5l5Al6hiwN4JfiejaxPsEl-LcO77EK7AqPJCqFpxlz7s9IOxGDDAu0te3k7LAkWNjxH4AR2aIetAbmum0etY/s640/20150907_075129.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Jeep and hang gliders strapped on top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And so, it was. Steph arranged our hanggliding with a company called <a href="http://www.voodeasadeltariodejaneiro.com/" target="_blank">Eu Voei</a> (I fly, in Portuguese). Because the weather conditions have to be just right, we had to delay our flight several days because it was too cold, windy, cloudy, or rainy on several mornings; on top of that, you don't want to go hanggliding when you're not well-rested or or just not amped to do it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HBhJI1V1jqjeRLNli0_u5R6rDQAsf5rS4u51__q4f-j8IM-bGPeaETKUL9yhqclGOpXmFwvMx4WEOU8DZZL4hDhyLFiF6YxbNGax1SJbp8GNC9JYjM5Fo3PsW3uTghxm5PT9MQyNipg/s1600/20150907_075330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HBhJI1V1jqjeRLNli0_u5R6rDQAsf5rS4u51__q4f-j8IM-bGPeaETKUL9yhqclGOpXmFwvMx4WEOU8DZZL4hDhyLFiF6YxbNGax1SJbp8GNC9JYjM5Fo3PsW3uTghxm5PT9MQyNipg/s400/20150907_075330.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to sign <strike>my life away</strike> insurance papers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the morning of, we checked in with the company to ensure that conditions were fair; the air was calm and although a bit cloudy, it wasn't rainy. That was a go. At 7 a.m., we took a cab out to EuVoei's office, filled out paperwork, insurance forms, and headed up the mountain over the Tijuca Forest in a jeep. Our hang glide was rolled up and strapped to the roof as we enjoyed a bumpy and fast ride up. I felt the cold wind in my face and nervousness in my stomach. I was glad we didn't eat anything that morning.<br />
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<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7x_6pueb6juAfvTokyZVedl2kP0I3buY0W_ZzBbLJ9yw61UnXjW2jLXcPvtaseGxSp4UQMeNH9qzqTTCRS2eM-t09hR6bxIItN6W2eFSgDSNCjoERqlw7srYBedokdvZEOE1mhargz0/s1600/20150907_080104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7x_6pueb6juAfvTokyZVedl2kP0I3buY0W_ZzBbLJ9yw61UnXjW2jLXcPvtaseGxSp4UQMeNH9qzqTTCRS2eM-t09hR6bxIItN6W2eFSgDSNCjoERqlw7srYBedokdvZEOE1mhargz0/s640/20150907_080104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My instructor, Beto, (right) and the man who assembled my hang glide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we arrived at the takeoff point, the staff began to assemble our hangglides and each of our instructors paired up with us and began going over instructions and helping us into our gear. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DQQaPldlSLzsydhkzz-r340t4jMpuW9dlXA1nrUXy99T2YEe-7wy4Ooha2zMBWlhIin3XLidH_VUCz4ItAEPZ3ejSjxR9Ty-GIgYTdBmmn2V4aR8mRDDkL3DhlU2yUOWWWaMNnBPIw4/s1600/20150907_081755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DQQaPldlSLzsydhkzz-r340t4jMpuW9dlXA1nrUXy99T2YEe-7wy4Ooha2zMBWlhIin3XLidH_VUCz4ItAEPZ3ejSjxR9Ty-GIgYTdBmmn2V4aR8mRDDkL3DhlU2yUOWWWaMNnBPIw4/s640/20150907_081755.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembling the hang glide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfyOwShAAX1myDDrEVDgMkvJcS3Aol4kRJeQtOWu32GYgWQMVtr1pMoY5A2nJNlfJNLXkjUapsH_1Wpkd12E7VsUVyNESP6HSWfpQb6gU2okzJKqEyQE61nsvAjrbjLEs8tgoPp8gp_Y/s1600/20150907_081148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfyOwShAAX1myDDrEVDgMkvJcS3Aol4kRJeQtOWu32GYgWQMVtr1pMoY5A2nJNlfJNLXkjUapsH_1Wpkd12E7VsUVyNESP6HSWfpQb6gU2okzJKqEyQE61nsvAjrbjLEs8tgoPp8gp_Y/s640/20150907_081148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The take-off platform</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Beto, my instructor, strapped me into a sturdy, full body vest and told me in accented English: "You have to run. When we get to the end of the platform, do not stop running. Keep running, okay?"<br />
<br />
"Okay." <br />
<br />
<br />
Beto stood on my left and told me to hold onto his left shoulder with my left hand and a strap attached to the hang glide between us with my right hand. We then practiced running full speed together 2 or 3 around the takeoff platform.<br />
<br />
And that concluded my "training".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJJP0g4jCDrSrEyZYVHYUjlFfbg5tNKBBiBWXVbUUNYI_6JD3TKZbOH_uGr6lfy7TpP7xOYo9Yt075ugtecWgXQpslWwNf9i1gqk_iGL9fgCChjwljKARpskY9NFOwK_vTIoBbmZOL1A/s1600/G0022841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJJP0g4jCDrSrEyZYVHYUjlFfbg5tNKBBiBWXVbUUNYI_6JD3TKZbOH_uGr6lfy7TpP7xOYo9Yt075ugtecWgXQpslWwNf9i1gqk_iGL9fgCChjwljKARpskY9NFOwK_vTIoBbmZOL1A/s640/G0022841.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a trip, knowing that the only thing holding me onto the hang glide is a bungee clip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After testing the bungee clips and adjusting the length of the straps that held me onto the hangglide, Beto asked me "Okay, are you ready?"<br />
<br />
"No."<br />
<br />
"Okay, I'll wait." Ten seconds passed, "Now, are you ready?"<br />
<br />
I took a few breaths, "Ok." It didn't matter; I was as ready as I'd be.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUUVmZzz1xHiaN2Za5_pHtbPDJqduyUzk4ugqkcqkwY1wJgi5nuTHTjr0G4JJAa9ekFlyCvP4pD23_ono7ooybhpoTtNeE1SXOVU4jb8l5k_-wSaNk5Wz92E5tqlNjeDenxRNnTM2QsI/s1600/20150907_081204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUUVmZzz1xHiaN2Za5_pHtbPDJqduyUzk4ugqkcqkwY1wJgi5nuTHTjr0G4JJAa9ekFlyCvP4pD23_ono7ooybhpoTtNeE1SXOVU4jb8l5k_-wSaNk5Wz92E5tqlNjeDenxRNnTM2QsI/s640/20150907_081204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The platform right before we ran off it<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Beto counted "Um..... Dois.... Tres!" and we began to run, full speed off the platform. I heard the thumps of our shoes on the wooden planks and when we got to the end, I gasped and felt the full force of my stomach dropping, lungs shakily expanding, I couldn't make a sound. <br />
<br />
The ground dropped off beneath us and I felt the way I used to when I was a kid, in dreams when you're falling, falling... and then, everything was quiet. <br />
<br />
There was no more chatter in the background, just a puff of air that caught our hang glide and then quiet. We were soaring. I felt weightless, almost as though we were rising, though I'm certain we were slowly descending. <br />
<br />
People like to scream, cheer, "WOOOOOOOOOO!" <br />
But I was in such shock, I could not speak. <br />
<br />
Beto asked me if I was alright. <br />
"Yes."<br />
There wasn't much I could think to say.<br />
Small talk didn't seem to fit the bill. I may have made Beto uncomfortable because of my silence, but I couldn't believe it. <br />
This is what it feels like to fly. <br />
<br />
Below us, a dense carpet of hundreds of giant jungle trees of the Tijuca forest, buildings that scraped the sky but were nowhere near our height, waves breaking onto the shores of the beaches as I've only ever seen from airplane window seats.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyjB1INjbqT9IWBtNs2ITn3pRyofOTOUNCIkRzYK3dysNSq0tLBt5ansO5C6O3irQAHpFF_7MMQka9n5aOXpOPnLnSx_BbDzH9eQgVeBEKStbHbi4HkPonPzzBtVVaT_l89lT_PzpuXY/s1600/G0012726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyjB1INjbqT9IWBtNs2ITn3pRyofOTOUNCIkRzYK3dysNSq0tLBt5ansO5C6O3irQAHpFF_7MMQka9n5aOXpOPnLnSx_BbDzH9eQgVeBEKStbHbi4HkPonPzzBtVVaT_l89lT_PzpuXY/s640/G0012726.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Beto told me where to place my hands as he let go of the bar; I was so afraid to move and I didn't realize he put his life in my hands when he gave me the bar to steer, even if it was only a few seconds. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggRW7Zs3oAiwRP5idhJLaZu7QVmq8etU__EBWirTqRrPSWmfKIJ6S6wc-r5OpFtVO_0o0CsvAoYapDyDMdkjVVZgO6eVLCPdPao_zb6_XpRfZaFdPXaIfqr_SMugvswugmfQgFJAYakw/s1600/G0022866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggRW7Zs3oAiwRP5idhJLaZu7QVmq8etU__EBWirTqRrPSWmfKIJ6S6wc-r5OpFtVO_0o0CsvAoYapDyDMdkjVVZgO6eVLCPdPao_zb6_XpRfZaFdPXaIfqr_SMugvswugmfQgFJAYakw/s640/G0022866.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Here, hold this; I'm going to take a nap."<br />"Noooo! Wake up!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Beto pointed out a mansion with a swimming pool as he joked "Hey, there's my house!"<br />
"Really?"<br />
"No, actually, I live in the biggest favela in Rio, over there," he motioned with a free hand into the huge cluster of small houses inland.<br />
If we were on land, I would have asked many questions about his life in the favela, but we were flying, and I could only manage to nod and stare at the ground beneath us as we slowly began our descend toward the beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
;<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYdGYv6C9Cnk5ovNAvJuVJC6C_7wQEQlKcA8XHeaFVRPWqaj5rn1xD519ObSMKdLWVRL_BEy-0cFH5Dim5ITvYrER_-Xg7vML0ikevbmZmzBKXC9gXyAHUUCWIqobSTtKPZ_Nj6XCAqQ/s1600/G0012772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYdGYv6C9Cnk5ovNAvJuVJC6C_7wQEQlKcA8XHeaFVRPWqaj5rn1xD519ObSMKdLWVRL_BEy-0cFH5Dim5ITvYrER_-Xg7vML0ikevbmZmzBKXC9gXyAHUUCWIqobSTtKPZ_Nj6XCAqQ/s640/G0012772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was only a minute of our flight, but I have to say - there is something so amazing about flying over the deep blue ocean right beneath you. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtxDgOuVKmZMCuqy1ESU2blgDD2lJT6f3Ea6iw2MJXbuYSokQnBjJNRFpimMI7Nzh2WLnR0Ls239srtM-hif8Xg9JwTJJ1iGj7sE8x9pSNP_r_NhJtD3L4PqmEcnABvSSVlAFcliuV5c/s1600/G0012775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtxDgOuVKmZMCuqy1ESU2blgDD2lJT6f3Ea6iw2MJXbuYSokQnBjJNRFpimMI7Nzh2WLnR0Ls239srtM-hif8Xg9JwTJJ1iGj7sE8x9pSNP_r_NhJtD3L4PqmEcnABvSSVlAFcliuV5c/s640/G0012775.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
"When I tell you, start running, okay?"<br />
Ok!<br />
<br />
Beto unclasped our legs from the hangglide and the balance changed as we descended faster and faster toward the beach. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuljm6D1KGxvV8m-lfQv7eGdTHazyUsHpvWsapnTS2ZuNYD803QHfmc8n71VI3KgwdSOxw0h_HBl3z7B_v2RxDnbbBWIPIVbfMTowtKBEWXbs0mTUIHjemdcNg52IaGgOAr4Aze_burQ/s1600/G0012780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuljm6D1KGxvV8m-lfQv7eGdTHazyUsHpvWsapnTS2ZuNYD803QHfmc8n71VI3KgwdSOxw0h_HBl3z7B_v2RxDnbbBWIPIVbfMTowtKBEWXbs0mTUIHjemdcNg52IaGgOAr4Aze_burQ/s640/G0012780.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
On instinct, I began running, but there was no need. We stopped so quickly and gracefully and in one big hop, the way that birds land, on the far west side of Sao Conrado Beach (west of Ipanema) .<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8gmrs7MMBt5_tXeWZeQaHDlYHohJy9LjbgbUKudvi9_B1rOFL0Jw4aoJpzFNspilb9G7VUVYePoWZBKFvHyruhTuMmy8cuU1LjWX3PbeaDrymNd1o4coMQC5qttTF9M5rgnFEo5qexI/s1600/G0012784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8gmrs7MMBt5_tXeWZeQaHDlYHohJy9LjbgbUKudvi9_B1rOFL0Jw4aoJpzFNspilb9G7VUVYePoWZBKFvHyruhTuMmy8cuU1LjWX3PbeaDrymNd1o4coMQC5qttTF9M5rgnFEo5qexI/s320/G0012784.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still alive!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then it was over; one of the most amazing experiences I've had in my life.<br />
8 minutes of sheer wonder.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until later that Steph told me that as soon as we'd reached the end of the platform, I just stopped running. I was surprised; I thought I had been running; I told my legs to run and I guess they didn't listen. <br />
<br />
I guess it's human instinct not to run off cliffs --<br />
an instinct I'll have to overcome.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/57/5ADA3A79235517BC2DDEEEFBF7EF43E4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00387880889357601752noreply@blogger.com0São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-22.9986548 -43.269414100000006-23.027889300000002 -43.309754600000005 -22.9694203 -43.229073600000007