Brasil Recap

There were no school children to teach, no reports to write or research to conduct, no condoms to distribute (*this is valid), no youth centers to visit, no apartment buildings to tract, and no one to answer to at the end of the day but myself. There was but one goal this time around: live it up and do it all. Three weeks, seven plane rides, and 5o some flying hours later.... I think I have finally gotten it out of my system. I've shaken off the travel bug (at least for the time being). And of course, I've made some invaluable discoveries about myself and the world. Are you ready for the brief recap? (to be followed by my in-depth travel journal, not for the faint of heart)

It all began in Rio de Janeiro. Blessed, blessed little Rio de Janeiro. A land of endless beaches, where high-fashion contrasts the sweeping hillside slums, and where it's socially acceptable to ride a bike in a string bikini (is this even healthy?) I love it already.
It was here that I discovered: a) I can't stand tourists, and I'm one of them; b) Tourist-laden beaches that pack people in like sardines, are the worst; c) On any given day, I can get passed off for being German, Spanish, or Portuguese-take your pick; and d) I love hang-gliding.

And then it was time to travel across the country to Manaus and the Amazon jungle. I felt nothing but pure freedom here in this secluded corner of the world. It was here that I discovered: a) I can watch monkeys for hours and be perfectly content; b)roasted bananas, fried bananas, baked bananas, and grilled bananas are all very different foods; and c) I'm dang good at piranha fishing.

And then it was off to Recife, to soak up the flavors of the Northeast. Here I learned: a) I navigate foreign cities well because I smile excessively and ask a lot of questions; b) I love public transport. Despite the smells, the crowds, and the general unreliability, there's really no better or more authentic way to get to know a people or a city; c) a room with a great view and a balcony is 10x better than a room with a bed and a toilet; and d) I can still be mistaken for a sister missionary.

But the trip doesn't end there my friends. Don't fade on me now. I flew down to beautiful Salvador, to get a lively mixture of Brazilian, Portuguese, and African cultures all wrapped up into one. I was in my element.

In Salvador, I discovered: a) I really do have a passion for Reggae music. There's no getting around it. I've got "islander blood" running through my veins; b) overly-friendly men and boys are out there. You don't need to return the favor; and c) If I could, I'd marry a Capoeira dancer-- I've never seen greater perfection.

Next stop, Foz de Iguassu, to witness the grandeur of these spectacular waterfalls. It suffices me to say that I was left without words. I have never witnessed a greater, natural wonder than this.

Finally my friends, it was back up north to the breathtaking tropical paradise of Buzios, where I learned that: a) after the burn has peeled and healed, my skin will still remain white, end of discussion; b) I don't like boat rides, I never have, and I never will. I've been fooling myself all these years (although I did appreciate whale watching this time) ; c) shedding one's clothing and one's inhibitions right along with it, is a great thing to do once in a while; and d) Obama is officially more popular here than Michael Jackson, Gandhi, or Brangelina... combined.

(the bathing suit was completely appropriate, as was the burn line)

It was a magical time. It was a tiresome adventure. It was just enough to wet my appetite and make me long for more.... and just enough to make me want to throw in the towel, and say, "I'm done." Bring on routine. Bring on normalcy and predictability. And winter coats instead of backless and strapless T-shirts. I'm ready for pasty skin and short winter days. Throw a little sleep into the mixture, and you've got one heck of a combination to look forward to...