This past week we learned the answer to the perplexing question, why do brazilians get brazilians? To put it frankly, less is much, much more here on the beach and if your butt cheeks aren't hanging out you are the exception to the rule. After a week in Barra da Lagoa (near Florianopolis in Brazil) we have torn ourselves away from our second home at the backpackers share house in order to come to Rio de Janiero for Christmas with the one and only Jimmy Hayden.
In Barra da Lagoa the days quickly mesh together and it is easy to understand how someone can come for 3 days and stay 3 months. The beaches (and people) are gorgeous, everyone is friendly, and you feel like you have accomplished some great feat by laying on the beach all day. In attempt to save some money we (scratch that, Jess doesn't cook...she just complains) made 2 huge vats of chili surprise (SURPRISE, it's not chili!) and chicken noodle soup to feed us for 10 days. On our most active day we took a hike from our hostel to a nearby beach. We were ill-informed by an Australian named Karl and wore our flip flops and skirts to hike through a rocky trail filled with cacti. Once we arrived we were greated by naked men enjoying their day on the sand and swimming in the ocean. We nearly sprinted past that beach to get to the next and found some relief when the men there at least had speedos. Thanks Karl.
The days following we spent lounging around the hostel and spending countless hours with our new counterpart, Rose. She tried to teach us some of her many talents, including juggling and surfing (if you want to call it that). We thought we were getting better as the days went on, but I think our memory might have been skewed by our fabulous creation of tropical goodness. Although she attracted stray dogs and slowed us down because she sprained her ankle falling down 2 flights of stairs, we still love her dearly and life is not the same without her.
Although we cried the whole way, after 18 hours on the bus we are happy to be in Rio to celebrate Christmas with Mr. Hayden.
10 comments:
Liebe Manda,
I am sure Mr. Hayden will provide much entertainment during his stay. He is of course family and a good friend and that is good around this holiday time. Perhaps you can get him to introduce the locals to the art of tailgating.
Ich liebe euch,
Dad
XXXXX
Anxiously awaiting those speedo pictures! ;-)
Okay...now I have logged off of Brooke's account, and finally created my own.
Tropical goodness! I'll need that recipe to go with your other "goodness recipes". Perhaps a cookbook can come out of this trip. And what exactly is an "expection" to the rule? Is that something Brazilians get?
We need more pictures. Missed our trip for the tree this year Manda. Are there any signs of Santa in South America?
Bought my ticket this morning to Australia. Yippee! Little hard to press that confirm button
hahaha speedos.
Unlke Brooke I think I could skip the speedo pics, as I have seen more speedos than anyone ever should (of course once is more than anyone should) I'm freezing so it is great reading about the beach especially the part without the naked men.
I'm sorry to say this will be the last year with our heirloom Christmas tree, 34+ years is about all we can seem to get out of it. Your cousins are all beside themselves as they do dearly love this tree. The banter about the Christmas Pole or that it makes the Charlie Brown trees (or your Mother's trees) look great, is all just a front. And even though they are jumping up and down with what appears to be happiness over a new tree, I know that on the inside the are crying large tears. Don't tell them but I have been sweeping up the plastic needles falling on the floor each day and putting them aside so next year they can each get a piece of our "heirloom"
You two stay well and uninjured and as alway eat plenty of fiber
Love,
Aunt Anne
Big Jimmy and the girls!!! OK it is sure to be a blast. Where are the pictures? Make sure Big Jimmy keeps his pretty face out of the sun ladies!!!!!
We miss ya Big Jimmy! Girls have a great Christmas!!!!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1707768139
merry christmas from your favorite hayden siblings.. miss you xo
Merry Christmas!
Its a little bit lonely here without you.
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