I will admit I was terrified and excited when
my husband purchased our plane tickets for Brazil. We had spent months trying
to pick an international vacation destination for our long overdue honeymoon. We
discussed vacationing in Japan, Spain, France, and even Thailand. We slaved
over literature and travel reviews of the best international places to visit
(i.e. Trip Advisor). But at the end of the day, there was something enchanting and
mysterious that attracted us to Brazil. Maybe it was the history or maybe it was the rich culture. For
whatever reason, the country’s hypnotic grasp had a tight hold and would not
let go. It was Brazil or bust. The trip abroad would ultimately be split
between 2 cities – Rio de Janeiro and Porto
de Galinhas (I challenge
anyone to find that city on a map without using Google).
From the moment we arrived on the doorstep to
Brazil’s sandy beaches, we were immediately immersed in a diverse culture of
music, food, history, and fruit suco. The city of Rio glowed from the warm ocean
waters all the way to the mountainside where Christ the Redeemer himself (one
of the new 7 wonders of the world) welcomed us with open arms. The first couple of days, we absorbed the
intoxicating sights and sounds that continue to attract thousands of international
tourists to Rio every single year. We visited Copacabana beach (and sang the
song made famous by Berry Manilow), the botanical gardens, and Tijuca National Park. I gained about 5 pounds eating some amazing authentic Brazilian
dishes. I then lost the 5 pounds by exploring the city by foot. Needless to
say, I was sad and exhausted when it was time to leave the city.
We then traveled to the beach town of Port de
Galinhas (English translation – Port of the Chickens). I will say this was the
most relaxing part of the trip. We were miles away from any major city and
there was no WiFi. Yes, vacations can exist without the Internet. And yes, it
is amazing! Our days here were spent walking the beaches hand-in-hand,
exploring the town, laying by the pool, and sitting on the patio to our
bungalow watching storms roll through. We didn’t speak Portuguese so the language
barrier was comical at times, but we made do with what little words we knew
(ola, obrigado, and banheiro were especially good to know).
My love affair with Brazil continues even to
this day. I’ve traveled to other amazing places since this vacation. I will
always have a soft spot for Brazil. And it wasn’t just the sights and food that
made the country so special; it was also the people.
A featured International
Vacation Home Exchange property (#1110) is in this You Tube travel videohere. For a selection of other IVHE.com
listings in Brazil, please visit
these great properties.
Thank you to our guest blogger Carla
Roberts Pruitt @crobscarla arla.
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