2006: A Wrohan Odyssey

Frolicking with Fireflies

Well, as of last week, Chris and I are officially one step closer to our goal of experiencing first hand the 7 Wonders of the New World. Last weekend we spent the day visiting Christ the Redeemer which sits 700m above sea level and casts an ever present shadow over the city of Rio. I have to say that being in such close proximity to such an icon was overwhelming and it was clear to me why the statue is held with such high regard.

While on our visit atop the mountain we also met up with a lovely couple from Texas who proved to be our partners in crime for the weekend. Together the four of us took on Rio as we Sambaed the night away under the influence of cheap beer and Caipirinhas. Although Chris and I seemed to have two left feet, we managed to fit in quite nicely after a few lessons from some locals who took pity on us.

The next day we took in a soccer game at the Maracana stadium which is the largest soccer stadium in the world. For the record, Brazilians are CRAZY when it comes to supporting their local team. We chanted and waved flags and sang songs and did pretty much anything we could think of to psych out the opposing supporters across the stadium. Luckily the end resulted in a tie so the chaotic riot at that followed didn´t last as long as it apparently could have. It was INSANE!

Cheering for Brazil!

So after such an intensely fun-filled weekend, Chris and I jetted off to Brazil´s third largest island called the Ilha Grande for a little R&R. The island was surrounded by crystal clear waters and our hostel on the beach provided the perfect setting to watch the sun set with a Capirinha in hand.

We did however manage to explore a bit of the island on a couple of occasions, with the most amazing being our all day SCUBA trip with a local dive instructor. He took us out to a ship wreck from the 70´s and then along the coast to check out some local marine life. The waters were filled with hundreds of fish and Chris and I even stumbled upon a lonely seahorse relaxing on the hull of the ship and welcoming us to his underwater palace--amazing!

All ready for our dive.

The island was breathtaking and my favorite memory would have to be trekking down the side of a hill after a local had taken us in for some espresso and good conversation and seeing the lush forest illuminate with hundreds of tiny fireflies who guided us back to our hostel. I don´t doubt it when they say the island is one of the hidden gems of Brazil...it took my breath away.

So now we have landed in Peru and are about to hit the town. I hope this message finds everyone happy and healthy and loving life.

Till the next adventure report...

Posted by bex at September 12, 2008 7:46 AM