March 24 - Weekend in Angra Wrap-up

We had a FABULOUS time in Angra dos Reis and can't wait to go back and take some of our friends and family with us when they come visit.  We saw some spectacular scenery and relaxed, snorkelled, kayaked and went boating.  Our resort was a pleasant surprise - we booked last minute and were not sure what to expect but everything was fantastic.  The drive home was killer - 6 hrs (should have been more like 2... and we still are not sure why we were at basically a deadlock for about 20 km... ) driving into Rio at night was more than a little bit sketchy. We planned to be home before dark, but, well... it's all an experience that is for sure.

I started my Portuguese lessons today and my instructor is super cute (about 65, full of life - lifts weights in her spare time, happy woman) and my classmates seem great.  I plan to walk to and from every day unless it rains - it's about 40 minutes each way.  So that should keep me out of trouble...

Today I had two reminders of some of the thoughtful little items people sent down for us today (books and momentos of home - thanks!)... the first is Easter related...

The second was finding out that Paulo Coelho, the author of "The Alchemist"  among other books, lives on our street in Ipanema!  Ironically we were given "The Alchemist" as a bon voyage gift... how appropo indeed.

I cannot possibly end this post without commenting on my husband's new swimwear.  Yes, he bought a speedo.  And he likes it!  To quote directly from the source he says his speedo makes him feel "liberated yet confined..."

I applaud his willingness to embrace the culture, no baby steps here… you may also notice that he went straight for the full on speedo, not first to the “boy short” style ones as I predicted. (Although as he points out, he could have gone for a more skimpy style… yes, I suppose that’s true.) By the way he has also taken to wearing his speedo while hiking and, um, to the gym. I kid you not. 

Comments

[Ana]

hola como estan.