More than ever, on this trip I realized that God is so wise & awesome for giving me a man that shares a love for travel just as much as me. I think our common passion for seeing the world will bring us to many places; this being our very first international adventure was the perfect way to start off.
Saturday
Our three year, leather anniversary gift came in handy sooner than we imagined it would! G's has his initials engraved which fittingly are "GO" and mine says "adventure"
After two delayed connecting flights we were on our way to Rio!
Sunday:
Look at that happy face! When we landed we were both relieved. We sat with FIVE whining, crying babies all around our seats. It was the worst flight we've both ever been on, but of course it was worth it once we saw those mountains.
Monday
A quick breakfast stop before our beach day. It's true, there's nothing like fresh bread & mango juice in Brasil.
How charming is this beach?
After exploring Prainha (including G making me hold a couple fresh fish these men brought in!), we decided we had to stay. For it's natural charm, mountains & adorable town - this was my favorite beach by far.
G's uncle, Josue was looking for more adventure, so we deiced to climb up the huge mountain (you can see in a couple photos above) and encountered a few friends.
You know we jumped in that water after our climb! I wore this band instead of my wedding rings to keep them safe while traveling. I remember taking this picture & thinking, I just love this man.
Tuesday
This is the view from our room at Tias house, one I absolutely loved.
Although overcast, the day was gorgeous. We explored downtime Tijuca and roamed the streets G grew up on. I'll probably keep repeating myself when I say, it was amazing! I could definitely see where his love for city life came from.
Lunch at the Leblon beach. The food was just as good as the views
Later that evening we went to visit some friends that are more like family to G growing up. Quickly, they became mine too.
We spent some time on Facetime with my mother in love Denize! It was her birthday and she was so happy to see everyone together.
Wednesday
By morning, we visited old friends. By afternoon, we drove up the largest urban forest in the world. By night, we (me & Tia) braced ourselves and g (super excitedly) went to watch Flamengo play!
As you can probably tell, it was an intense game.
But we won! And it was the most fun live sport I have ever seen in my life! Dale Dale Dale Dale Oh, Mengao do meu coracao!! (borrowed this one from Tia Gils insta!)
Thursday
We didn't have a car on Thursday, so we traveled through the city by bus (which is as crazy as G described) and spent time with more family
Afterwards we headed to the Centro da Cidade to do some shopping! We arrived during my favorite time of day, golden hour. I could not be happier.
This is the view from the therapy office Tia Gil does her consultations right downtown. It is the very same office G's grandfather practiced law decades ago. It felt so special being there.
Friday
Was one of the most special days.
Cristo Rendentor
Visiting this monument again was a dream.
Simone found 55 reais on the ground as we were leaving! It ended up paying for the best food I've ever eaten on the beach.
Sao Conrado. The beach that's known for it's paragliding off the mountain and onto the sand. G & I almost did it, but it was pretty expensive. Maybe next time we'll plan on it. Maybe.
& then the sun began to set. Swoon.
We ended the night eating some delicious Brasilian style pizza with our dear friend, Gui and his sweet fiance. Next August we hope to be returning to Rio for this lovely couples wedding!
Saturday
After an early morning breakfast we headed to......(can you guess?) another beach! Multiple beach days may or may not have been my idea. ;)
Praia de Grumari
Meeting G's grandma was another one of those very special moments. She was so happy to see us, she went right to her piano and started to play her favorite hymns. We were all singing together, I was holding back tears; it was beautiful.
Sunday:
The church G's parents were married in over 30 years ago.
Vovó made us a banquet! We really had multiple ones that week. She was so excited to see us she cried & prayed with us as soon as we walked in the door. It was a moment I will never forget.
Vovôs law school graduation photo when he was 40 years old.
And a final airport selfie goodbye!
timer cammmmm
There was some major anxiety passing through immigration because I accidentally left my Brasilian passport in my checked luggage. Worst mistake ever. But after waiting for about 20 minutes, the officer let us in & we made it to our gate just in time! We were thanking our Lord Jesus that we made it AND that our flight home was empty! So, when those doors closed we ran to the back of the plane and had the last 4 rows (the left, middle and right sides) all to ourselves because they were blocked off! There were no crying babies & people talking away, but extra blankets & tons of sleep. It was the polar opposite of our flight to Brasil & the best ending to our trip.
Ser carioca é muito bom. ;)
& in conclusion, my favorite photo captured in Rio.
August 17th - 25th, 2014
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