Diary/Photo Journal
Long Week July 06 - July 17, 2014
Our last week and then some in Brasil included a lot of visiting family and friends. We were fortunate enough to stay with Cassio, a long-time friend of Gerson's and what a place to stay! Cassio lives within a forested reserve (or so it seems) and we felt quite at peace within his sanctuary.
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The view from our bedroom window |
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Cassio's newest baby - 1971 VW Van |
The first order of business was to go to the Curitiba fair and take in a beautiful day among the Curitibanos. We wandered through the boulevard of classic cars, sought out a quick breakfast of Pastel's (a fried "pastry" with meat, chicken, shrimp or cheese inside) and meandered through the hundreds of kiosks.
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The making of the Pastel:
Lay out the dough, stuff |
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Boulevard of Classic Cars
Harleys and similar motorcycles |
Whenever we are in Curitiba, going to the fair is a must do, just as having BBQ's and eating lunch and dinner with family and friends. We did not deviate from our routine and spent time with Renato and Cinthia (celebratory birthday BBQ for daughter Laura).
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Renato was our Master Chef Picanha ready to go |
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Renato, Gerson, Renato's brother,
Jacyr, Cassio and Cinthia Laura with Nico and Bella Nico knows that good things come |
The week was filled with taking care of many little things and as was, is and always will be typical in Brasil, the little things take the most time to get accomplished. However, we always find time to enjoy Gerson's family and with the World Cup winding down, to definitely find the time to watch the remaining games.
Unfortunately, we witnessed Brasil's breakdown and ultimate thrashing by Team Germany in a 7-1 rout that left Brazilians stunned (at the score, but perhaps not so surprised at the loss) and the rest of the soccer world thinking they were grateful it did not happen to their team.
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Lunch with La Familia: Tio Sebastiao, Gerson, Tia Marilda, Cousins Bruno, Cleide, Celso, Bernardo, and Edson Tio
Sebastiao played goalkeeper for |
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Our car in full support of Team Brasil Watching Brasil vs.
Germany I think this picture says it all |
It took a day or so for Brasil to recover and lick their wounds after their loss at the feet of Germany and Curitiba was a bit quieter the next day. But life went on and that meant more visits with family and friends and more great food.
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A dinner of cod fish (bacalhau)
with friends Mauricio, Andrea, Lauro, Julio, Wilma, Tere and Paulo (sorry, no picture, just a great time and great food) |
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Vinicio and Gerson in Vinicio's
sweet shop and restaurant. |
No trip to Curitiba is complete without a day or two at Lake Capivari with Tere and Paulo. Although it was winter in Curitiba, the weather gods were very considerate and we were blessed with almost summer-like conditions while at the lake. We had a couple of days there to unwind, solve the world's problems and enjoy the company of good people.
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View from our bedroom window View to the house from the pool deck |
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Tere stirring our lunch (so good!)
Gerson with "Turko" (caretaker for the The ramp was a bit too steep for a |
Lake Capivari and especially Tere and Paulo's place is quite special to me. It is an unpretentious place and the home creates the perfect environment for how time at a lake should be spent - eating, laughing, swimming, eating, fishing, boating, eating, playing...
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What I like to do at the lake - relax and read in the sun One of my
favorite treats - |
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A beautiful Pinheiro tree Glorious Jacaranda trees in bloom |
Due to a few loose ends that needed to be tied up, we decided that I was to go home as scheduled and Gerson was to stay in Brasil for a couple more weeks. We decided this because I was to start a work assignment upon my return and Gerson could best take care of Brasil business while in Brasil. So goodbyes were said around Curitiba and we enjoyed a last supper with good friends and great laughter.
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Last supper with Vilma and Julio, Tere and Paulo Delicious Moqueca (wonderful shrimp stew) |
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Flying from Curitiba to Sao Paulo nice view to local Islands (I believe, Isla do Mel) |
I made it home safe and sound after a long 24 hours in transit. Looking back, this trip was one of the best we have had and made all the better by all the wonderful people we spent time with, the World Cup and of course, those whales! It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime trip and I am looking forward to 2018 when Team USA makes us even more proud!