By design, the Bossa Travelers decided to finish the world tour in Brasil, where we would visit my family. The interesting part is that for the kids the trip really finished in London. They both mentioned that Brasil is like our second home, so they wouldn’t count as part of the world trip. Regardless of the emotional tie with the country, it was a really nice visit, filled with wonderful food and quality time with family and friends.
We were fortunate to have good weather in June (winter) and there were some awesome beach days in Rio. It has been 3 years since our last visit, way too long. Everyone was craving some rice and beans. Chris and I also went to our favorite meat restaurant in Rio – Plataforma – which never fails to impress us. We visited my best friend Karina, who lives in Petropolis, and spent a very nice weekend with her family, enjoying the mountains and playing volleyball.
Karina, Filipa, Leti & Louisa
Our Welcome to Brasil feast!
Chris and I had a side trip thanks to my parents. It was our first time to Iguaçu Falls, boarding Argentina. We stayed at the fantastic Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, located right inside the National Park. Wow, it was so special, we felt we were in our honeymoon. Incredible nature surrounding us, these massive falls in the middle of a jungle! It certainly made me realize how big Brasil is with so much beauty from North to South. The National Park is very well conserved and clean. We went on early morning hikes, where we were face-to-face with the falls, just the 2 of us and pure nature. We also did 2 recommended activities: the Macuco Safari, which is a boat tour that goes under the falls, and the helicopter tour, taking it all in a 360º view of the park and falls (Brasil and Argentina sides). Iguaçu Falls was certainly one of the highlights of our world tour and we are very glad we got to visit this special place.
We also had Christmas in June as my parents showered us with bags of gifts from Christmas and a number of birthdays – yes, all together. We caught up with several friends that we have not seen for many years. Rio is always special to visit, despite a chaotic traffic, it continues to be the Cidade Maravilhosa for us!
Next stop – back home to Florida
Familia Cabral
Cousins in Rio
Copacabana Beach