March 12: Staying in "The Moment"

Hold up. I never said I'd come up with all the content for this blog myself... besides I could not have said this any better (so why reinvent the wheel) and I thought this was funny.

Maybe it's just me, and the fact that I have known for awhile that I'd be moving here, but references to Brazil seem to be everywhere these days in mainstream North American media... both books I read on the way down unexpectedly had references to Brazil, and now one of my favorite blogs. Below you will find a March 10th entry from a blog I like, "The Moment" -  a daily blog on fashion, design, food and travel. 

Help Desk | Attractive People

By Jeffries Blackerby

(Romano Cagnoni/Getty)

In the Help Desk column, the editors of T: The New York Times Style Magazine answer questions from readers. Submit your queries on fashion, travel, design and entertaining to The Moment.

Question: I like to go to places known for having the most beautiful people. I’m just back from Budapest and often go to Brazil, but I find the most attractive people seem to be on the plane during the journey, not in evidence when I arrive. Why on Earth does this happen?

Answered by: Jeffries Blackerby, T travel features editor.

I’ll spare you the old beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder line and take this question at, er, face value. On my first trip to Rio, I’ll admit I had internalized so much Brazilian mythology that I expected the entire city to be one giant Mario Testino shoot. So I was surprised to see among the bronzed, butt-flossed beauties in Ipanema more than a few beached whales. I quickly came to realize that Brazil was full — full — of regular people. And you know what? I’ve noticed those same pesky normal folks in Budapest too! Can’t countries have a stricter door policy? Where’s the bouncer from Bungalow 8 when you need him? You may detect a note of sarcasm here. Forgive me. The enjoyment of looking at attractive people, places, and things is certainly nothing to feel bad about — indeed, it’s at the heart of the travel experience for many people. But what also drives most of us to explore the world is the desire for experiences beyond our own little lives, however steeped in gorgeous fabulosity they may be. Try it sometime.