Brazil

[ddyke]

No real problems so far. Like Americans they hate their government.

[midmoslts]

Check out Leblon. It is the up and coming area. Was the Copa, then Ipanema, now Leblon. Take the train (incline railway) up to Corcovado too. See the sun set from Sugar Loaf Mtn. Try the steaks at the Barril 1800. You can't skip the Porcão. It is at... Rua Barão da Torre 218, Ipanema (Phone, 21 3389 8989). Dinner there is an experience you wont forget. Rio is an awesome place. Not far away is, Barra Da Tijuca. If you notice all the cool stuf made from rocks while wondering around, it can all be found there for much less. Sorry if my Brazilian spelling is bad. I can speak the language, but cant spell it to save my life. We spent 5 months living in Ipanema and loved every minute of it. Enjoy.

[waaytoomuchintothis]

Midmo, you nearly quote one of the great scholars of So. American literature when you say that. Portuguese is very difficult to master, or even squawk understandably- fortunately, they are very good natured and sweet about our useless attempts. A guy I was in seminary with (a missionary kid, wouldn't you know it), was married to a lovely Brazilan girl, Zongela, who made me a whole plate of flan every time she made some for three years running, because I love it so much. I got a hug every time I saw her at church. When my 5 year old had experimental surgery for 12 hours in Louisville, KY, he was by our side, bringing us food and praying with us all the time. Zongela had a plate of flan waiting for me when we came home, midday the next day. Sweetest flan of all time.

[midmoslts]

It is a great place and I hope to return some day. The culture of the country and the friendliness of the people is second to none. It's the only place I have ever been that shows no racial indifference what so ever. They could care less.

I almost forgot, try to take in a hippie fair (flee market). Lots of hand made items for great prices and just a cool experience. They normally love to haggle on pricing and are willing to do a little better. We would go every week just to walk around, drink the many different beers and take in the environment.

Damn, I'm almost a poet and didn't even know it.

[waaytoomuchintothis]

Today, its hard to believe, but in two years in Venezuela '87-'88), the experience was exactly the same with the people. I loved them, and they loved me, and the language was a thousand times easier! And the same was true about the racial mix. Mestizos, Negritos (decendents of slaves escaped from the Carribean), Estrangeri (Italian), Amazona, Tovari (Germans, from the late 1800s), or Llanosi (plainsmen), everybody was like one family. Except Colombians... everybody hates Colombians and can spot them accurately from far away- I never got that.

[midmoslts]

I think it may be the most equal place I have ever been. As a Navy guy I have been to lots of places, but few have left such an impression. In fact I would not move to any of the others, but I think I could be quite happy in Rio.

[ddyke]

We are in Campinas with my daughter. Her husband works for P&G. She just talked about wanting to go to the hippie market today. I went to Iguassu Falls before coming here.

[ddyke]

It is several miles long with 270 falls.

[midmoslts]

Beautiful.

[MrAdept]

gorgeous view - thanks for sharing

Mark

[ddyke]

We start our trip home tomorrow. Had a great time visiting my grandkids.

[ddyke]

I am back and safe.